The Bahamas
Weekends in The Bahamas are made for spending time on and in the water. My husband's restored vintage wooden boat,
Schooner Queen, is the perfect vessel for heading to my favourite beaches, Clifton Bay and Ben Bay in Eleuthera. I adore Easter and Christmas, and love to source handmade local gifts from the straw market and Bahama Hand Prints, which are then exchanged with friends and family at our hilltop veranda.
- Amanda Lindroth, Founder of Lindroth Design
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
I love to hike, and St. John has an amazing selection of trails. My favourite trek is up Peace Hill, where at the end of the headland separating Hawksnest and Denis Bays, there is a spectacular view of the north coast of St. John. After working up an appetite, I like to head to Ideal Roti in St. Thomas for a delicious roti made with curry, potatoes and chickpeas.
- Lauren Bannon-Gaspard, Owner of SwittSwoo
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
As a rugby fan and Dad to a four ("and a half daddy") year old son, I like to kick off my weekend with a stop in at the family-friendly Cayman Islands Rugby Club. Then the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is usually our next destination to see the endangered local Blue Iguanas that roam freely around the park. While in the Eastern districts, I have to stop at Over the Edge Restaurant for delicious – when in season – marinated conch, and other incredible local seafood.
- James Gibb, Researcher for the Cayman Islands Department of Environment and Owner of Pirate Divers
St. Lucia
Many natural wonders can be found while exploring St. Lucia. The landmark Pitons are über popular, as are the rain forests and Soufrière Volcano, the only drive-in volcano in the world. After your Mother Nature-fix, seek out local artists, such as Jallim Eudovic at Eudovic's Art Studio in Goodlands, Castries. His sculptures captivate and beg to be taken home. The Pink Plantation is home to another renowned island artist, Michelle Elliot, whose one-of-a-kind hand-painted pottery is exquisite.
- Nina Zapala, Director of Zapala Consulting