Insider Info, Sustainability, Tours & Activities
Article written by Mark Stevens.
While I’m a beach bum at heart, I’ve recently come to realize that a visit to the Caribbean that includes nothing but sun, sea and sand is like visiting Paris and missing the Eiffel Tower.
To quote the tourism motto of one Caribbean country, “the beach is just the beginning.”
Nowadays tourism professionals and visitors alike increasingly focus on the effects of tourism on the environment; visitors increasingly choose both environment-friendly options and more active experiences.
In short, eco-adventure comprises one of the fastest growing tourist sectors.
While opportunities for eco-adventures abound across the Caribbean, if your dream vacation includes a desire to pair your love for nature with your thirst for adrenaline, consider one of these must-do Caribbean destinations.
THIS IS NATURE ISLAND (Dominica)
With 40% of the island embraced by rainforest, Dominica really is ‘The Nature Island’. Photo courtesy of the Dominica Tourism Authority
Dominica is known as “The Nature Island.” I call it “An Eco-adventurer’s Paradise.” Do the math and you’ll get it.
Think an area of a mere 750 square kilometres, 40% of which are embraced by rainforest. Think 1000 species of flowering plants, 172 different bird species.
Take a hike past active sulphur springs and climb nearly a thousand metres on your ascent of Morne aux Diables. Translation’s all too apt: “Devil’s Hill.”
Ratchet up the intensity with a full day on the trail, making for Bolive, Dominica’s most remote waterfalls.
Visit a world heritage site called Morne Trois Pitons and explore great stands of primary growth rainforest and some of the Caribbean’s best examples of montane forest.
Pit your own skills against the Waitukubuli Trail with a length of nearly 200 kilometres, the Caribbean’s longest.
Visitors seeking eco-adventure activities can also bond with nature under the sea.
Explore an underwater volcanic crater at Soufrière Bay, snorkel the underwater hot springs of “Champagne”.
Just last year BBC Travel selected Dominica as one of the world’s Top Ten Sustainable Travel Destinations.
This is “Nature Island.”
Boasting delights ranging from amazing flora to a wealth of trails and waterfalls, St. Vincent and The Grenadines should be on every eco-adventurer’s bucket list. Photo courtesy of Sharon Matthews-Stevens
Mere hours into the second day of my first of four visits to St. Vincent, crown jewel of the Grenadines, I’d decided that this island was a veritable heaven for eco-adventurers.
St. Vincent and The Grenadines boasts an unspoiled interior blessed by waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and deep valleys almost devoid of human habitation.
On that morning we’d risen before dawn to embark on a quest for the endangered Vinci Parrot.
No parrots but still a fabulous adventure, offering the ultimate in forest-bathing along the Vermont Nature Trail.
Last time here we explored the west coast, strolling along an easy trail to a delightful oasis called Dark View Falls.
Just before turning off the main road toward the falls we spotted a sign as our guide indicated the towering peaks to our north. “Trail to the volcano,” he said. “Quite the hike.”
The prospect of a 7-kilometre challenging trek to the volcano summit made our Vermont Trail efforts seem tame in comparison but it did reinforce two things in my mind. St. Vincent is a must-do for adventurers and it’s equally appealing to mere ecotourists like me.
No surprise it was recognized at the World Travel Awards as “Caribbean’s Leading Nature Destination.” No surprise that just this year the Pacific Travel Writers’ Association honoured SVG with the title of “Destination of the Year” in the ecotourism category.
Welcome to SVG – a must-do destination for the hardiest eco-adventurer.
FROM CAIMAN TO HARPIES (Guyana)
From fascinating wildlife to protected reserves, from forest trails to natural savannah, Guyana will delight visitors, no matter how they define paradise. Black Caiman, Rain Forest Iwokrama Reserve; photo courtesy of the Guyana Tourism Authority
Twilight on the Essaquibo River, somewhere in Guyana.
Our battered aluminum boat shifts into neutral, a low growl accompanied by the occasional shriek of a howler monkey in the canopy high overhead. Our Amerindian guide kills the engine. pointing at bubbles crisscrossing the river’s surface. “Caiman.”
He starts the engine, we travel upstream.
Our guide points at a cow grazing on the riverbank. “Jaguar got a cow there last week.”
As dusk fades into night his companion turns on a spotlight. Now the water’s festooned with diamonds.
Not diamonds. The glittering eyes of caiman.
We soon bond all too closely with several of these cousins to the alligator, partaking in an ecological project, capturing several reptile specimens, dragging them ashore, weighing and measuring them, releasing them.
This is no Caribbean all-inclusive.Next day we take a hike on a quest for the Harpy, the Americas’ biggest eagle. As we exit the forest my guide hollers. A metre-long green snake occupies the trail less than a metre from me.
One night, before the generator in our eco-lodge goes off, plunging us into the blackest night in creation, we clear a bat from our room.
Until I visited Guyana I self-identified as an ecotourist as opposed to an eco-adventurer.
Back in civilization, reflecting on those experiences, I give myself a promotion.
Having experienced Guyana’s interior – from caiman to harpies – I am now officially an eco-adventurer.
ONE MORE STELLAR PERFORMER (Saint Lucia)
The rainforest aerial tram is just one opportunity for visitors to experience the natural wonders of Saint Lucia. Photo courtesy of the Rainforest Adventures Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia offers a multitude of attractions and activities guaranteed to appeal to ecotourists and eco-adventurers alike.
One of my favourite island excursions is the Rainforest Adventures Aerial Tram Tour, located in an ecological park in the Saint Lucia Forest Reserve.
Climb aboard an open-air gondola, soaring above the forest floor, exploring the canopy up close, entertained by flitting hummingbirds. Stop en route, suspended in the sky, and absorb the sounds of the forest.
It is a strangely moving experience.
With 31,000 acres of rainforest (more than 70% of the island is forested) along with breath-taking scenery, Saint Lucia is the ideal destination for travellers who love nature.
Negotiate a backcountry trail then spend the night in one of several island eco-lodges.
One, a Green Globe property situated in a still-working 19th-century cocoa plantation, is the perfect place to rest up for tomorrow’s challenge: scaling the Pitons.
In the interest of full disclosure, I opt instead to hike the nearby Tet Paul Trail. Not as challenging; just as gorgeous.
Gazing toward the Pitons at the end of a trail called, appropriately, “Stairway to Heaven”, I consider the challenge of conquering those slopes, I consider the appeal of this island for both environmentally-sensitive tourists and adventure seekers.
Saint Lucia is one more stellar performer in a celestial quartet that together comprises a veritable eco-adventurer’s paradise.
Article written by Mark Stevens. Photography by Sharon Matthews-StevensFor twenty-five years the writing/photography team of Mark Stevens and Sharon Matthews-Stevens has provided editorial and photographic Caribbean content to a multitude of publications.
They’ve worked with newspapers from The Washington Post to The Globe and Mail, magazines from Travellife to Caribbean Business and Travel, and online publications from ATasteforTravel.ca to VacayNetwork.com. They have hiked the rainforests of St. Vincent in search of the Vinci parrot, sailed the waters off countless islands and traversed Jamaica in search of the world’s best jerk.
In addition to numerous other writing and photography awards, they have been recognized for their writing and photography fifteen times by the Caribbean Tourism Organization during their Canadian Media Awards events. Mark and Sharon are true Caribbean specialists.
Insider Info, Sustainability, Wellness & Spa Vacations
Article by Theresa Storm.
Do you care what your dollars support when you take a Caribbean holiday? For travellers who do, choosing accommodation — a hefty part of your travel spend — is key. What should you look for?
Of late, the term “regenerative tourism” is buzzing around, yet another travel trend. But what does it mean? Regenerative travel aims to leave a destination in a better state than it was found, actively working to restore and rejuvenate local communities and the environment. Some say It goes beyond “sustainable tourism,” which mitigates negative impacts on ecosystems and communities. But others, like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, says its members focus on increasing positive impacts alongside reducing negative ones.
In the former camp, Regenerative Travel is an organization that says it is redefining tourism through ecological stewardship, cultural celebration and guest experiences that give more than they take. It recently held a Caribbean Showcase webinar featuring eco-luxury hotel partners that don’t just minimize harm — they actively give back, showing how travel can restore, uplift and transform both guests and local environments. The hotels have projects to protect, conserve and regenerate ecosystems and communities and offer mindful guest experiences that can trigger transformation, proving that hospitality can be a force for renewal.
For tips on what to look for when choosing “regenerative, sustainable or eco” accommodations — whatever moniker you prefer, here we highlight a few things that three small, independent Caribbean properties are doing beyond typical green measures (like LED bulbs, reusing towels and recycling) and what they offer guests that makes them a solid choice: one each in Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Aruba.
Jamaica Inn – Jamaica
Chef Maurice finds inspiration in the vibrant flavours of local ingredients — follow along as he shops nearby markets, then guides you in creating unforgettable dishes. Photo courtesy of Jamaica Inn.
This iconic hotel in Ocho Rios, Green Globe certified since 2012 and Jamaica’s first resort to install EV charging stations, the Jamaica Inn pledges to be carbon neutral next year.
Family-run since 1958, the Morrow family established the non-profit Jamaica Inn Foundation to assist the local community with youth education and wellbeing, preserve the marine environs, and support several charities. Following are examples of the foundation’s work and how guests can participate.
The hawksbill turtle conservation program runs during nesting season, July to November. Guests can book a session with the turtle concierge to learn about the endangered species, including witnessing turtles coming ashore to lay eggs or helping the tiny hatchlings to the sea.
The White River Fish Sanctuary, largely funded and facilitated by the foundation in collaboration with fisherman, hired wardens to protect regional waters. Since coral has depleted 85% since the 1970s, leading to a decrease in fish by 600%, the sanctuary is running a five-year coral restoration program, training three wardens as coral gardeners. Guests can take a glass-bottom boat tour to learn about the sanctuary’s work.
Other ‘Travel with a Purpose’ initiatives allowing eco-conscious travellers to preserve Jamaica and give back to the community include the:
Farm-to-skin foraging spa experience,
Spice & fruit tour,
Shop & cook with Chef Maurice at the local market,
Dinner at a locally-owned restaurant,
‘Pack for a Purpose’, which encourages guests to bring needed items for community sports, a school and the fish sanctuary.
Jade Mountain – Saint Lucia
More than a hotel — a living project in sustainability and thoughtful design, Jade Mountain is the recipient of multiple international awards including landing in 3rd spot in the top 25 favourite resorts in the Caribbean for 2025 (as voted by Travel + Leisure Readers). Photo courtesy of Jade Mountain.
The first Caribbean hotel to earn LEED Gold, Jade Mountain was designed with environmental consciousness by St. Lucian architect/co-owner Nick Troubetzkoy and built in harmony with Caribbean nature from locally-sourced materials by Saint Lucian tradesmen and artisans (rather than foreign workers), up-skilling locals for enhanced future employment.
And to make Jade Mountain’s potable water supply independent from the nearby community of Soufrière, a long abandoned reservoir was restored to serve as a water catchment that is then purified to directly supply the resort, just one of the measures that show Jade’s commitment to the environment, sustainability, best practices and community efforts.
“Build it locally or buy it locally” is the resort’s mantra, including all furniture and furnishings, intentionally keeping much of the economic benefit in the region. Most of the gross revenues from Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet (her sister property) remain in the local community. With a 99% local workforce numbering 500+, together the resorts are one of the most important employers in the island’s southwest.
On a wider Caribbean scale, co-founder Karolin Troubetzkoy is instrumental in creating change through working with multiple hospitality and conservation associations to promote more sustainable tourism models. And Nick was the instigator of the Soufrière Foundation, an NGO to benefit the Soufrière community, including beautifying the town square and creating a museum, a spa at Sulphur Springs, and a crafts market.
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel – Aruba
A quiet place to recharge — surrounded by greenery, built with care for the planet. Jeff Herron Photography, Inc.
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel’s colourful casitas are an adult-only hideaway steps from Palm Beach. Family-run by Aruban twin sisters, it is Travelife Certified for its green hotel operations. In 2018, 32 casitas were added. All are Green buildings 100% powered by solar and constructed with Insulated concrete form walls, double-glazed aluminum windows and doors, insulated floor slabs and panel roofs.
Guests are inspired to get involved and give back to the island with Boardwalk’s growing Do-Good program. Activities include drinking tap water; walking, adopting or transporting a stray; “meditate to donate” with proceeds funding upkeep of the Butterfly Farm; donating non-perishable food and hygiene items to the food bank or donating a crate (baby, hygiene or food) by adding it to the room bill; adopting a donkey; cleaning up beaches; or visiting Arikok National Park, where the visitor admission fee contributes to Aruba’s nature conservation. Boardwalk also encourages guests to pack with a purpose, bringing school supplies, books, toys or treats to place under the giving tree in the lobby or the year-round donation box.
Another way guests support the community and learn about Aruba’s culture and heritage is by exploring with Boardwalk’s signature treasure maps, themed for discovering romance, culture or doing-good while exploring the isle. Visitors are urged to purchase from local sources, including locally-made artworks and products in the hotel’s lobby shop and guest room pieces by the Artesano Foundation to rehabilitate prisoners.
Article and photography Theresa Storm.
A four-month-long solo island-hopping adventure through the Caribbean 28 years ago ignited Theresa’s passion for the tropics, culture, nature and trying new adventures.
Back home in Calgary, her increasingly restless, itchy feet soon led to a career writing about travel worldwide. She loves escaping winter for warmer climes, especially to the Caribbean, which has long felt like her real home.
As an award-winning travel writer and photographer, she’s penned scores of articles for magazines, newspapers and e-zines, and contributed to books including Caribbean Escapes and the first edition of DK Eyewitness Caribbean.
Her articles and photographs have been published in magazines including Bon Vivant, Extraordinary Experiences and Vacations (Ensemble Travel Group), Wanderlust (U.K.), Avenue Calgary, WestJet (WestJet Airline’s in-flight), Morning Calm (Korean Air’s in-flight), LUXE Magazine Canada, AAA publications, Cruise & Travel Lifestyles, Dreamscapes and Today’s Parent.
She is a two-time winner of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Canadian Travel Writer of the Year award and twice won CTO’s best photograph with a feature article and best online feature. She also was honoured with the Travel Media Association of Canada’s excellence in Caribbean travel writing award.
Insider Info, Sustainability, Tours & Activities
Article written by Mark Stevens. Photos by Sharon Matthews-Stevens.
Time for a confession. I don’t like people.
Compared to me, Robinson Crusoe’s a regular social butterfly. Consider me a sort of tropical Ebenezer Scrooge. Having said that, I do have one more confession.
I may not be a people person, but I do love beaches. Passionately.
For those who don’t like crowds…there are many beaches in the Caribbean where you’ll find peace and tranquility.
Sadly, I’ve visited innumerable beaches that have stolen my heart, only to return to find them occupied, by, well, people.
But there is good news: you too can experience swathes of sand far from the madding crowd. Just check out one – or all – of these five Caribbean beaches for people who don’t like people.
La Sagesse (Grenada)
Paradise found on La Sagesse, Grenada
Make your way to the most southeasterly reaches of Grenada, past the cricket pitch, down a rudimentary road, until you come out to a gorgeous hardwood restaurant and a former plantation great house.
This charming property played a key role in more modern Grenada history, but today the boutique hotel is as idyllic as it’s isolated.
But it’s all about the beach – one of my Caribbean favourites. No accident U.K’s Telegraph newspaper rated it in the Caribbean’s top ten.
Nowadays Six Senses La Sagesse Grenada claims part of the beach but that doesn’t detract from the solitude and sheer beauty.
Still a great beach for people who don’t like people.
Baradel Island, Tobago Cays (St. Vincent and The Grenadines)
You’d be alone if not for those turtles. Baradel Island, Tobago Cays
If you like sea turtles, iguanas and the abundant life populating the surrounding reefs more than you like people, then Tobago Cays, snugged down in a secluded St. Vincent and The Grenadines (SVG) corner, were made for you.
Most secluded beach in this archipelago? Baradel, home to a tiny spit of sand in its furthest corner. The sand is blindingly white. Snorkel here and share the waters with a fleet of sea turtles.
Do a beach barbecue on a nearby island: fresh lobster. Climb the trail on Baradel and see forever. Only thing missing is the crowd.
Sandy Island (Anguilla)
Freshest lunch ever! And away from it all; Sandy Island, Anguilla
Board a bespoke boat called “Euphoria” and make for Sandy Island just a kilometre off Anguilla’s north coast. Step ashore here and euphoria’s exactly what you’ll feel.
Unless you’re hoping for a crowd.
Circumnavigate the island by foot in roughly ten-minutes, checking out the coral formations on the windward side, alabaster sand on the leeward side. Basically one building here – sporting a turquoise roof, covered bar and picnic tables. Go for the catch of the day washed down by a signature cocktail. Then back to the sand.
This time around I’ve brought some friends and family. Two other couples share the beach.
Sorry about the crowd.
Tintamarre Island (St. Martin)
Tintamarre Island is part of La Reserve Naturelle, a national park, St. Martin
During past St. Martin sailing trips I often passed this tiny island roughly three kilometres off that delectable island’s northeast coast several times. Last time here I determined to stop here, dropping the anchor for an overnight stop, hitting the beach first thing in the morning.
A small amber sand beach is dominated by a pumpkin-coloured cliff at one end and rock formations at the other. The undulating hills of St. Martin hover above sapphire seas to the west.
Almost nobody here but you should plan to arrive early.
Or brush up on your people skills.
Frenchman’s Cove (Jamaica)
You don’t have to be Tom Cruise to enjoy a Cocktail on this beach; Frenchman’s Cove, Jamaica
Spread your blanket on the sand here and look around. Foliage-clad hills and rock outcroppings protect this sheltered cove, decorated by a gentle stream crossing one end of the beach, swaying palms offering welcome shade.
Now look more closely. May look familiar. Frenchman’s Cove was the filming location for “Cocktail,” that iconic Tom Cruise tropical treat.
Furthermore, the fact that Forbes magazine has rated Frenchman’s Cove Jamaica’s best beach, makes it tough to consider this as a prime beach for people who don’t like people, but its location a hundred kilometres east of Ocho Rios does earn it a place on this bucket list.
Let’s keep it our little secret.
Article written by Mark Stevens. Photography by Sharon Matthews-StevensFor twenty-five years the writing/photography team of Mark Stevens and Sharon Matthews-Stevens has provided editorial and photographic Caribbean content to a multitude of publications.
They’ve worked with newspapers from The Washington Post to The Globe and Mail, magazines from Travellife to Caribbean Business and Travel, and online publications from ATasteforTravel.ca to VacayNetwork.com. They have hiked the rainforests of St. Vincent in search of the Vinci parrot, sailed the waters off countless islands and traversed Jamaica in search of the world’s best jerk.
In addition to numerous other writing and photography awards, they have been recognized for their writing and photography fifteen times by the Caribbean Tourism Organization during their Canadian Media Awards events. Mark and Sharon are true Caribbean specialists.
