A small island with a great heritage
Carriacou, Grenada‘s sister island, lies in the heart of the Grenadines, between the main island and St. Vincent. With just 13,000 inhabitants, it embodies a more intimate Caribbean, far removed from the mass tourism logics that mark other territories. Its name, inherited from the Amerindian populations, means “island of reefs”, in reference to the richness of its seabed. This identity, both geographical and symbolic, sums up what Carriacou is all about: a territory where nature, culture and history intertwine to offer a singular vision of the region.
A living cultural heritage
One of Carriacou’s most remarkable features is its attachment to its cultural traditions. Big Drum Dance and music inherited from African ancestors, remains at the heart of community gatherings. Each rhythm, each dance step, tells the story of the people who came from Africa and settled on the island over the centuries. This intangible heritage is a direct link to the island’s Caribbean and African roots, resonating with the region’s collective memory.
But this is not the only cultural expression on the island. Its carnival, marked by the Shakespeare Mas is a singularity unique in the world. Inhabitants, dressed in traditional costumes, declaim Shakespeare’s verses in the streets. This practice, inherited from the British colonial period, bears witness to the creative appropriation of a European heritage by a Caribbean society. It illustrates the ability of the islands to transform influences from elsewhere into deeply rooted local traditions.
Shipbuilding, a distinctive expertise
Carriacou is also known for its tradition of wooden boat building. This know-how, handed down from generation to generation, remains a pillar of local identity. Artisanal shipyards still produce sturdy boats, used for fishing and sometimes even for inter-island transport. This practice, which combines ancestral knowledge with adaptation to contemporary needs, reflects the ingenuity and resilience of the local people.
Beyond the economy, shipbuilding is a cultural symbol. Each boat launched is celebrated as a community event, bringing families and neighbors together in an atmosphere of solidarity. This ritual gives the island a unique dimension in the Caribbean, where few territories have maintained such an attachment to this type of tradition.
Unspoilt nature
The beauty of the island’s natural landscapes is another attraction. Beaches such as Paradise Beach or Anse La Roche. These are peaceful settings where tranquillity takes precedence over the influx of visitors. Nearby, the Sandy Island is an ecological jewel. Accessible by boat, this small islet is a protected reserve, rich in coral and marine species. Carriacou demonstrates its commitment to preserving its environment, an essential condition for maintaining the balance between human activities and biodiversity.
The island’s relief, less rugged than that of other Caribbean territories, also allows for small-scale agriculture. Manioc, yams, sweet potatoes and tropical fruits make up a diet that remains linked to the land. This agricultural dimension, often invisible to visitors, nonetheless contributes to the island’s food self-sufficiency and the maintenance of traditional practices.
Authenticity with a difference
Unlike other more high-profile destinations, Carriacou has chosen a more measured path to development. Tourism structures do exist, but on a smaller scale: guesthouses, family-run restaurants, excursions led by locals. This approach limits the impact of tourism on the environment and allows economic benefits to circulate more widely within the community.
This model reflects a vision of tourism that is in tune with the island’s values: preservation, respect for traditions and a focus on local identity. It attracts a public interested in culture, history and direct contact with the local population, rather than standardized leisure consumption.
Carriacou in Caribbean history
Carriacou’s importance goes beyond its small size. Like many islands in the region, it has been marked by colonization, the slave trade and the struggle for influence between European powers. The first inhabitants, the Amerindians, left an imprint that is still perceptible in the toponym and certain traditions. African populations, who arrived by force, brought with them the knowledge and cultural expressions that today form the basis of the island’s identity.
In its own way, the island illustrates the overall history of the Caribbean: that of an area shaped by human movement, cultural resistance and constant adaptation. This historical role, often overlooked, deserves to be highlighted in any reflection on the region.
A Caribbean with a human face
Highlighting Carriacou is a way of showing a different Caribbean, where proximity to the inhabitants and respect for traditions take precedence over the quest for fast consumption. It’s also a reminder that a small island can carry a powerful message: that of a society capable of preserving its heritage while adapting to the realities of the present.
Carriacou, with its small size and ability to maintain ancient practices, demonstrates that authenticity is still possible in the contemporary Caribbean. The island is not content to exist in Grenada’s shadow: it is asserting its singularity, and its attachment to an identity that combines African heritage, colonial influences and local know-how.
Some places are meant to be shared. Others you want to keep all to yourself. Anguilla Great House belongs to both. Tucked along the powder-white sands of Rendezvous Bay, this hidden gem invites you to breathe deeper, move slower, and connect — with the land, the people, and yourself. Forget towering resorts or over-the-top amenities. Here, Caribbean-style cottages nestle into tropical gardens just steps from the sea, kissed by ocean breeze and island sun. What matters most? That unmistakable feeling of being exactly where you belong.g.
A Legacy of Local Vision
Anguilla Great House is not just another hotel. It’s the fruit of a quiet, visionary act of resistance. Its founder, Conrad Walton Flemming, architect and builder, set out to prove that Anguillians could be the architects of their own tourism future. On his grandfather’s land, he built this place in the 1980s using local resources and a human-centered approach to hospitality. Step by step, by training and empowering a local workforce, he brought to life a destination that still today proudly upholds its 100% Anguillian roots.
No one ends up at Anguilla Great House by accident. Those who book a stay often return — year after year, with friends, with family, and with memories that keep growing.
Here, hospitality feels real. Smiles are genuine, voices carry the local rhythm, and the warmth you feel isn’t trained — it’s passed down.
The luxury of slowing down
From your private bungalow, just steps from the sea, the sound of the waves becomes a comforting melody. Rendezvous Bay stretches out before you — vast, almost untouched, and utterly hypnotic. You walk. You breathe. You unplug. At Anguilla Great House, everything is done with heart — even the art of doing nothing.
Rooms are airy, restful, and designed for real comfort. You’ll sleep deeply, eat joyfully, and raise a glass to the kind of moments that don’t need filters. Think handcrafted cocktails, generous plates of island cuisine, and quiet joy at every turn. Here, luxury isn’t measured in stars, but in precious moments. Like watching your mother chat with strangers, beyond language barriers, in a family-style atmosphere that makes distance disappear.
I came here with work in mind. But what I found was something far more precious: a rare moment between mother and daughter, shaped by warm sand, slow days, and the joy of unexpected encounters. (Yes, Yoyo came with me!)
Where Caribbean Hospitality Comes to Life
What you feel here — what you experience — isn’t accidental. It’s the result of a clear vision: a Caribbean hospitality rooted in its land, yet open to the world. A vision where every guest is welcomed like someone coming home. The team, mostly local, is trained with care, skill, and heartfelt pride.
Their mission?
To make you feel at home, even if it’s your first time. And they do… And it works — 80% of guests return. A number that speaks of connection, not marketing.
Yes, the beach is breathtaking. Yes, the palms sway like a slow-motion postcard. But what you’ll remember is how it made you feel: unrushed, unbothered, and fully present.
Anguilla Great House is more than a hotel – it’s a pause, a breath of fresh air, a family. Maybe that’s what travel is really about: feeling alive, at home, and far from the noise.
Ready to press pause?
A little-known island in the heart of the Caribbean
Isla de Providencia remains one of the most unique territories in the Caribbean. Located nearly 700 kilometers from the Colombian coast and just 200 kilometers from Nicaragua, it stands out for its geographical isolation and deep-rooted cultural identity. Far from the mass tourism that shapes the image of many Caribbean islands, it embodies a model of authenticity and preservation.
Its history has long been marked by piracy and smuggling. In the XVIIᵉ century, the island served as a strategic base for English privateers, notably Henry Morgan, who planned several attacks against the Spanish colonies. These tales have forged a collective memory that is still vivid, and give Isla de Providencia a special aura in the Caribbean imagination.
An exceptional natural heritage
The island is surrounded by the third largest coral reef in the world, classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2000. This ecological wealth makes Isla de Providencia a sanctuary for marine fauna and a key territory in the fight to protect Caribbean biodiversity. The landscapes alternate between verdant mountains, golden sandy beaches and mangroves, forming a rare balance between nature and culture.
The presence of coral reefs, lagoons and endemic species is a reminder of the island’s importance in regulating marine ecosystems. For researchers and environmentalists, the island is a living laboratory of ecological resilience in the Caribbean. The conservation efforts made by the local population reinforce the island’s reputation as a place where nature is not just a backdrop, but a vital resource.
A plural cultural identity
The history of Isla de Providencia bears witness to the multiple influences that have shaped it. A former stronghold of the English colonists, marked by the presence of Africans and now part of Colombia, the island retains a lively English Creole language alongside Spanish. Traditional music, blending African rhythms, British tunes and Caribbean sounds, illustrates this unique cultural hybridity.
The island’s gastronomy is based on seafood and coconut milk. The black crab, an endemic species on the island, has become a culinary and identity symbol. Its fishing is governed by strict community rules to preserve the resource, demonstrating how local culture integrates sustainable practices. This collective management is an example of successful community governance, where tradition and modernity come together to serve the common good.
Resilience in the face of hardship
In November 2020, Isla de Providencia was hit by Hurricane Iota, the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the area. Nearly 98% of the island’s infrastructure was destroyed, including schools, hospitals, homes and energy networks. In the face of this disaster, the island has embarked on a gradual reconstruction, with the support of the diaspora, NGOs and the Colombian government.
This resilience illustrates the ability of island communities to overcome disasters while affirming their determination to protect their natural and cultural heritage. Inhabitants have opted for environmentally-friendly reconstruction, using more resistant materials and infrastructures designed to limit the impact of future cyclones. Today, despite the difficulties, the island is a model of rebirth in the Caribbean.
Confidential, sustainable tourism
Unlike its neighbor San Andrés, Isla de Providencia has opted for limited tourism development. A handful of family-run hotels and guesthouses welcome visitors, in a spirit of respect for social and environmental balance. The locals, who are very involved in the organization of hospitality, make tourism a complementary activity rather than a dominant industry.
This strategic orientation protects the island from the excesses of mass tourism and ensures a better distribution of income within the community. It also positions the island as a benchmark for responsible tourism in the Caribbean, attracting a public in search of authenticity and meaning. This measured approach helps to maintain a close bond between the island’s inhabitants and their territory, avoiding the excesses seen elsewhere.
Historical and strategic roots
Isla de Providencia ‘s importance extends beyond its island setting. During colonization, it was a strategic point for European powers in the Caribbean Sea. Spanish attempts to recapture the island from English colonists bear witness to its geopolitical value. Today, this memory is reflected in the ruins, oral histories and traditions that remind us that the Caribbean was a place of confrontation, but also of cross-fertilization.
This historical heritage, far from being static, is mobilized by the inhabitants as a lever of identity and tourism. Isla de Providencia is more than just a landscape; it’s also a place where history is embodied in everyday life, through language, music and social practices.
A Caribbean off the beaten track
Isla de Providencia illustrates another facet of the Caribbean: a discreet island, driven by its history, marked by climatic challenges, but determined to preserve what makes it unique. With its past as a land of privateers, its rich natural heritage and its resilience in the face of disasters, it symbolizes a Caribbean that looks to the future without denying its roots.
Highlighting the island shows that there are territories in the region that successfully combine cultural identity, historical memory and sustainable strategies. It embodies a more intimate Caribbean, where the balance between man and nature is not a slogan but a lived reality.
A singular island
Union Island embodies the image of a Caribbean that is both authentic and confidential. Located in the south of the Grenadines archipelago, this small 8 km² island attracts travelers looking for an intimate getaway. Unlike the big beach destinations, Union Island offers an experience where nature, culture and local traditions intertwine in a fragile but preserved harmony. Its reputation has been forged around its beaches, its exceptional marine environment and its gateway to the Tobago Cays, a unique ecological sanctuary in the region.
A land shaped by the sea
Union Island’s identity is intimately linked to the ocean. Clifton, the main village and harbor, is alive with fishermen, yachtsmen and water sports enthusiasts. Kitesurfing has become a flagship activity, attracting an international community that contributes to the local economy while raising the island’s profile. But beyond the sport, there’s a whole maritime culture at work here, from the lively fish market to the colorful boats lining the coastline. The island’s close proximity to the Tobago Cays, protected by a marine park, accentuates this vital link with the sea, offering visitors privileged access to one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the Caribbean.
The richness of a preserved heritage
If Union Island is seductive for its landscapes, it is also captivating for its cultural heritage. The island retains a strong identity marked by Creole traditions, gastronomy based on local produce and popular festivities. Each event, however modest, takes on a collective dimension that bears witness to the inhabitants’ attachment to their land. Visitors discover a territory where hospitality remains a cardinal value, in an atmosphere that contrasts with the more effervescent pace of neighboring islands. This authenticity is a major asset for a new generation of travelers keen to experience the realities of local communities.
A fragile ecosystem to be enhanced
Union Island also faces crucial environmental challenges. As in the rest of the archipelago, climate change, rising sea levels and tourist pressure are major challenges. However, local initiatives are emerging to protect this territory. Associations and community players are committed to preserving beaches, coral reefs and mangroves. These actions, which often receive little media coverage, are helping to build an image of the island as a responsible destination, where tourism is part of a sustainable approach. For travellers, this means the opportunity to participate in holidays that have a direct positive impact on the environment and local society.
A timeless experience
What sets Union Island apart is the feeling of being in a place where time flows differently. Visitors enjoy a slower pace, direct contact with the locals and a natural setting of rare beauty. Far from the big hotel complexes, accommodation is mainly in small family-run structures and charming villas, allowing for a personalized stay. This unique atmosphere attracts both sailing enthusiasts and couples seeking privacy, as well as nature lovers wishing to discover an unspoilt Caribbean.
5 things to do on Union Island
- Climb Fort Hill : for a panoramic view of the Grenadines and to appreciate the island’s strategic importance.
- Swimming at Chatham Bay : an unspoilt beach, ideal for relaxation and snorkelling.
- Stroll through Clifton Market : A lively place where Creole flavours mingle with local people.
- Take an excursion to the Tobago Cays : just a few nautical miles away, a true marine paradise classified as a protected reserve.
- Taste the local cuisine : fresh grilled fish, spicy dishes and traditional drinks that reflect the soul of the island.
August 15, 2025 will go down as a milestone in the history of regional connectivity. Caribbean Airlines inaugurated its new direct service between Dominica and Puerto Rico, creating a strategic bridge between two complementary territories: one recognized as the Caribbean’s “nature island”, the other as an essential air hub for North American travellers.
This long-awaited launch meets growing demand from regional and international travellers, and confirms Caribbean Airlines’ role as a key player in Caribbean air transport.
A launch celebrated on both sides of the sea
Inaugural flights BW296 and BW297 set the tone for a new stage in Caribbean mobility. At Douglas-Charles airport in Dominica, the aircraft was greeted by a traditional water salute, a powerful symbol of the importance of this opening. On the other hand, in San Juan, a cultural ceremony highlighted the historical and human links that already unite the two territories.
For Garvin Medera, CEO of Caribbean Airlines, this new route is part of a wider strategy: “These schedule improvements are a direct response to market demand and feedback from our customers.” With this announcement, the company reaffirms its commitment to offering a more fluid and accessible air network in the Caribbean region.
Air services tailored to today's needs
Caribbean Airlines is now offering up to three weekly flights between San Juan and Dominica. Flight BW297 departs Puerto Rico at 4:00 pm, landing in Dominica at 5:50 pm, while return flight BW296 leaves Douglas-Charles at 10:25 am for San Juan at 12:15 pm.
With a flight time of around 1h50, the trip is quick and comfortable. Fares start from 363 US dollars round-trip, a price that further opens up the destination to a regional audience while attracting North American travelers.
In addition to this route, Caribbean Airlines is also strengthening its connections between Dominica and Trinidad, facilitating connections to New York and other international destinations via Port-of-Spain. The airline is thus positioning itself as a facilitator of multi-destination travel, particularly popular with tourists wishing to combine several islands in a single holiday.
Dominica, a preserved natural treasure
With this new connection, Caribbean Airlines is putting the spotlight on a little-known territory: Dominica. Situated between Guadeloupe and Martinique, this English-speaking island of around 66,000 inhabitants attracts visitors with its authenticity and commitment to the environment.
Nicknamed the “Nature Island”, Dominica is famous for its Boiling Lake, countless rivers, spectacular waterfalls and Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Trafalgar Falls, Middleham Falls and Emerald Pool are must-sees for lovers of unspoilt scenery.
Visitors can hike the 185-kilometer Waitukubuli National Trail, which crosses the island from one end to the other, or meet the Kalinago community, custodians of an ancestral Caribbean culture. Add to this a pioneering environmental policy – Dominica has banned single-use plastics from 2019 – and the island emerges as a model of sustainable tourism.
Puerto Rico, the ideal gateway
Opposite this unspoiled jewel, Puerto Rico presents itself as a modern and practical hub. For American travelers, it requires no passport, making it a true gateway to the Lesser Antilles.
San Juan is known for its colorful historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as for its urban and festive atmosphere. The island also offers natural treasures such as the El Yunque rainforest and unique beaches like Mosquito Bay in Vieques, world-famous for its bioluminescence.
For Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite, Dominica’s Acting Minister of Tourism, “this new service brings incredible convenience, especially for travelers from the United States. With less congestion than major hubs like Miami or New York, visitors reach Dominica faster and with less stress.”
Economic and tourism benefits
In addition to its practical benefits, this direct service provided by Caribbean Airlines represents a major economic lever. It encourages the development of multi-island tourism, combining the modernity of Puerto Rico with the ecological adventure of Dominica.
For Willianette Robles Cancel, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, “the tourism industry is a pillar of the Caribbean economy. These alliances that increase air access are essential to encourage growth and offer varied experiences.”
The Dominican authorities are anticipating a significant increase in tourist arrivals, particularly from the United States. This increase should support the local economy while preserving the island’s authentic charm.
With this new route, Caribbean Airlines is not content to simply open an air route. It offers a new way to travel in the Caribbean, combining efficiency, comfort and cultural diversity.
Dominica gains in accessibility without sacrificing its authenticity, while Puerto Rico strengthens its role as a strategic hub. For travelers and economic players alike, this air route represents much more than just a journey: it is a link between preserved nature and modernity, between authenticity and connectivity.
Dominica offers the most spectacular adventure in the Lesser Antilles: the hike to the Valley of Desolation and the Boiling Lake. On a 13-kilometre round trip loop, with almost 900 metres of ascent and descent, hikers enter a world shaped by the power of volcanoes. Smokers, bubbling springs and lunar landscapes make for a unique Caribbean experience.
An exceptional volcanic heritage
Located in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, the Vallée de la Désolation and Boiling Lake are two of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. are at the heart of a volcanic territory of rare intensity. Dominica, with its nine active volcanic centers, is one of the most volcanic islands in the West Indies. Its 751 km² surface is the result of millions of years of eruptions linked to the subduction of the Atlantic plate beneath the Caribbean plate, at a rate of around 2 centimetres per year.
The island is dominated by steep slopes and dense forests. The Morne Trois Pitons, culminating at 1,387 meters, gives the park its name. Its rocks, mainly andesitic and dacitic, feed fertile soils covered with lush tropical vegetation. But in the heart of the Valley of Desolation, underground heat and volcanic gases prevent all life from developing.
The Valley of Desolation: a timeless landscape
The Valley of Desolation is a volcanic amphitheatre created by the collapse of several craters. In this mineral terrain, geothermal activity is omnipresent: mud pots, hissing fumaroles, hot springs sometimes exceeding 100°C. The gases, a mixture of water vapour, sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide, give off a characteristic rotten-egg smell and create an environment where vegetation is absent.
The scenery is striking: yellow and orange deposits of sulfur and iron oxides, boiling sludge that seems to breathe, plumes of steam rising from the ground. Guides like to demonstrate the power of nature by cooking an egg directly in the boiling water…
Boiling Lake: a unique phenomenon
After crossing the Valley of Desolation, the hike leads to Boiling Lake. the world’s second-largest boiling lake after New Zealand’s Frying Pan Lake. Located at an altitude of around 800 metres, it measures almost 60 metres in diameter and over 59 metres in depth. Its blue-grey water is constantly stirred by the heat of volcanic gases rising from underground.
Temperatures at the edges reach between 82 and 91°C. The permanently boiling center remains impossible to measure. Discovered in 1870 by Edmund Watt and Henry Nicholls, the Boiling Lake has fascinated scientists since it was first studied in 1875. Since then, it has undergone spectacular variations: in 1880 and 2005, phreatic eruptions temporarily emptied the lake before it filled up again.
A demanding hike
The trail begins at Titou Gorge, near Laudat, at an altitude of 480 metres. After a gradual climb through the rainforest, hikers reach Breakfast River, the first stop before climbing Morne Nicholls, some 965 metres high. The descent that follows leads to the Valley of Desolation, over steep and often slippery terrain. Some sections can be equipped with ropes to secure the passage.
The final stretch crosses the geothermal valley before climbing to the viewpoint overlooking Boiling Lake. . In all, the route requires between 6 and 8 hours’ walking, in sometimes difficult conditions. Good physical preparation is essential, as the effort is well worth the reward: a breathtaking panorama over the Boiling Lake.
When to go?
The best time to visit is from January to April, during the dry season. Rainfall is less frequent, especially on the coast, and temperatures hover around 28°C. In the mountains, the climate remains humid all year round, but the trails are more practicable in the dry season. Conversely, the hurricane season, from June to November (with a peak between August and October), makes hiking more risky and less enjoyable.
Preserving a fragile site
The Valley of Desolation and Boiling Lake are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is forbidden to pick up stones, leave garbage or go off the marked trails. These simple gestures avoid weakening an ecosystem already subject to extreme conditions. Visitors must also respect the local fauna, including the Sisserou parrot, an endemic species and emblem of Dominica.
Mythical hike across the Valley of Desolation to Boiling Lake is more than a sporting challenge: it’s an immersion in the raw power of the Earth. The landscapes, between lush forests and sulfur-burnt lands, reveal Dominica’s dual identity as an island of greenery and volcanoes. Venturing along this trail, accompanied by a guide, visitors enjoy a rare experience in the Caribbean: walking above the bowels of the planet, in a setting that few other places in the world can offer.
Between Macouria and Montsinéry-Tonnegrande, the French Guiana Zoo has established itself as a unique site of its kind. Far from being just a place to observe wildlife, it plays a central role in the conservation, care and rehabilitation of local species that are often threatened. The park, which is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), is part of an approach that combines welcoming the public with scientific preservation missions, in a territory where the Amazon occupies more than 90% of the land.
From singular origins to a strengthened mission
The history of the French Guiana Zoo began in 1983, under the name of Fauna Flora Amazonicaa center specializing in hummingbird breeding. The site soon broadened its scope to become a wildlife park, home to various species emblematic of the Amazon region. Closed in 2007 for safety and modernization reasons, it was reopened in 2008 by Franck and Angélique Chaulet, already owners of the “Zoo de Guadeloupe” and Jardin de Balata.
Since then, the site has undergone complete restructuring and the addition of major infrastructures, including a vast aviary inaugurated in 2014, paying tribute to Eugène Bellony, a pioneering figure in wildlife parks in French Guiana.
Why create such a refuge?
The creation of French Guiana Zoo was a response to a dual need: to provide a safe space for endangered species, and to raise public awareness of the richness and fragility of Guiana’s biodiversity. This Amazonian department is home to an exceptional natural heritage, but is subject to multiple pressures: deforestation, illegal hunting, animal trafficking and habitat destruction. In this context, the structure has become an essential link in the fight for the survival of certain emblematic species, such as the jaguar or the ferocious harpy, which are experiencing a progressive reduction in their vital space.
A scientific and environmental mission. Pic ©zoo de Guyane
At the heart of its actions, the Zoo runs breeding programs under the EEP (European Endangered Species Programme), concerning more than a dozen endangered species housed on the site. These initiatives make it possible to maintain viable populations in captivity, while providing for their reintroduction into their natural habitat whenever possible.
At the same time, the Zoo is working with the association SOS Faune Sauvage, a care center for injured, sick or poached animals. After rehabilitation, some specimens are returned to the Amazon rainforest, completing a rescue cycle that goes beyond the scope of a conventional zoo. This collaboration gives rise to concrete actions in the field, ranging from veterinary follow-up to the release of animals such as sloths and toucans, which are sometimes nursed for several months.
A space designed for animal welfare
French Guiana Zoo extends over several hectares of forest, with spacious enclosures designed to reproduce the natural environment of each species as closely as possible. The tour follows forest trails and suspended walkways, offering visitors a respectful immersion in the Amazonian environment. The canopy bridges, almost 400 metres long, allow visitors to observe the animals in close-to-natural conditions. Jaguars, pumas, fierce harpies, red-faced spider monkeys, caimans, tapirs, red ibises and margays are among the permanent residents.
Each facility is designed to encourage natural behavior: ponds for aquatic species, high perches for birds, wooded areas for felines. The site’s caretakers and veterinarians work daily to enrich the animals’ environment, in order to stimulate their instincts and well-being.
Added value for local tourism
In addition to its ecological role, the Zoo has become the department’s second most popular tourist attraction, behind only the Isles of Salut. It attracts both residents and travelers seeking a better understanding of Amazonian wildlife. Economic spin-offs include the creation of direct jobs, the training of specialized personnel and the stimulation of related activities, such as hotels and restaurants. The site is also integrated into wider discovery circuits, linking natural and cultural heritage.
A lasting commitment. Pic ©Zoo de Guyane
The existence of the French Guiana Zoo illustrates how tourism and the environment can complement each other. By showcasing local species and playing an active part in their preservation, the park embodies a form of responsible tourism, focused on imparting knowledge and protecting natural heritage. This model proves that a public establishment can become a key player in conservation, while remaining a major asset for the local economy.
SOTIC 2025, an acronym for State of the Tourism Industry Conference, represents a crucial moment for all those involved in tourism in the Caribbean. Scheduled from September 30 to October 3, 2025 at the Hilton Barbados Resort, this flagship conference, organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), places at the heart of its debates the importance of an approach based on research and relevance in order to forge a stable and buoyant future for the sector.
An essential event for the region's tourism sector
SOTIC 2025 brings together ministers, business leaders, international experts, media and young leaders to discuss current and future issues affecting the region. These high-level exchanges, essential for fine-tuning regional strategies, aim to boost economic competitiveness while promoting sustainable, inclusive tourism.
The central theme and its strategic implications
Under the official title : “Reinventing Caribbean tourism: research, relevance and the way forward”, the event highlights the need to use reliable data to guide tourism policies and actions. This approach ensures that the initiatives adopted correspond to the changing expectations of visitors, while consolidating the islands’ economic and environmental foundations.
The importance of reliable data to guide tourism policies
SOTIC 2025 advocates the rigorous use of research to adapt supply to global trends and the specific characteristics of the Caribbean. The work presented will focus on tourism flows, visitor satisfaction and economic spin-offs, providing decision-makers with precise information to develop effective strategies.
Emerging tourism markets to diversify our offering
Among the key themes, SOTIC 2025 will highlight the growth segments of sports tourism, medical tourism and health and wellness tourism. These expanding sectors are essential levers for diversifying the region’s economy, boosting its attractiveness and offering more resilient alternatives to fluctuations in traditional markets.
Sports, medical and wellness tourism: levers for economic growth
Sports tourism benefits from the development of attractive infrastructures and events, while medical tourism meets growing demand for specialized care in pleasant surroundings. Wellness tourism, meanwhile, meets today’s expectations for escape and revitalization, promoting sustainable, quality tourism.
The role of young leaders in transforming the sector
The Regional Youth Congress, scheduled for October 2, 2025, will provide an opportunity for the region’s talented young people, known as “Junior Ministers of Tourism”, to present their ideas. This initiative reinforces the commitment of new generations to innovative, socially responsible and environmentally-friendly tourism.
Barbados, a committed host and a regional model
Barbados, headquarters of the CTO and a reference in the region, offers an exemplary setting for the SOTIC 2025 debates. The event is being organized in close collaboration with the local Ministry of Tourism and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, affirming a shared commitment to promoting integrated, sustainable and forward-looking tourism.
The program and highlights of SOTIC 2025
SOTIC 2025 kicks off on September 30 with the CTO’s internal work, with ministerial and board meetings focusing on tourism governance and regional cooperation. From October 1-3, the conference will come alive with panel discussions highlighting innovative research, collaborative workshops and presentations of recent industry data.
Among the highlights, the Regional Youth Congress on October 2 will give the floor to young ministers, bringing a new dimension to the debates. Specialized sessions will address the challenges of sports, medical and wellness tourism. Practical workshops and conferences will also enable experts and decision-makers to exchange views on best practices and emerging projects.
This edition of SOTIC 2025 will foster strategic partnerships in tourism innovation, while consolidating a more inclusive and sustainable model for the region.
SOTIC 2025 is set to be a milestone in charting the course of Caribbean tourism. With a focus on rigorous research, relevant action and collaboration between young people and experts, the conference promises to redefine the contours of a sector capable of meeting economic, social and environmental challenges. Barbados, as host, symbolizes this desire for a stronger, more attractive regional tourism future.
Willemstad stands like an architectural jewel in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, where Dutch colonial history meets tropical exuberance. The capital of Curaçao and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the city’s multicolored facades and its multicultural heritage, enriched over nearly four centuries, are a delight to behold.
A unique architectural heritage in the heart of the Caribbean
Fort Amsterdam: the birth of a capital
The history of Willemstad began in 1634, when Dutch admiral Johan van Walbeeck and his 200 soldiers took possession of the island, then in Spanish hands. In 1635, construction began on Fort Amsterdam on the eastern shore of Sint Anna Bay. Built of coral stone with walls up to three meters thick, it became the headquarters of the Dutch West India Company. Today, it is still the seat of Curaçao’s government.
The four historic districts
Willemstad is structured around four districts that trace three centuries of urban development. Punda, the oldest, was built in the 17th century according to Dutch urban planning principles, with its narrow streets and triangular gabled houses. Otrobanda, Pietermaai and Scharloo were developed in the 18th century, each with its own architectural character.
Colored heritage: a tradition since 1817
Governor Kikkert’s decree and local legend
In 1817, Governor Albert Kikkert banned the exclusive use of white facades, citing the need to reduce glare under the tropical sun. Popular tradition has it that this decision was also intended to relieve his migraines, but this explanation remains the stuff of legend. This measure gave rise to the colorful palette for which the company is renowned today. Willemstad: deep reds, luminous ochres, varied blues and greens.
A Caribbean architectural kaleidoscope
More than 700 protected historic buildings – around half of the downtown area – make up the urban landscape. Each façade contributes to the visual identity of Willemstad, offering a lively reading of its history.
Punda and Otrobanda: two shores, one town
Queen Emma Bridge
Since 1888, the Queen Emma floating bridge has linked Punda and Otrobanda across Sint Anna Bay. Nicknamed the “Swinging Old Lady”, it swings sideways using two diesel engines and perpendicular propellers to let ships pass. This masterpiece of engineering remains a powerful symbol of Willemstad.
The Handelskade, a showcase for world heritage
Punda’s waterfront, the Handelskade, lines up a series of colorful 18th-century buildings, comparable to Amsterdam canal houses but in tropical latitudes. Among them, the Penha building, dating from 1708, exemplifies Dutch commercial style with its distinctive curved gable.
Pietermaai and Scharloo: colonial elegance and cultural renewal
Curaçao’s Baroque style
The 18th century saw the development of an architectural style unique to Curaçao: “Curaçao Baroque”, recognizable by its curved gables, sculpted facades and sunshade galleries. Pietermaai and Scharloo are home to a number of luxurious residences representative of this style.
Neighborhood renaissance
Pietermaai, once a residential and then a business center, has undergone a profound transformation with the opening of boutique hotels, cafés and galleries. Scharloo is following a similar dynamic and is now home to start-ups, restaurants and cultural venues. These reconversions give Willemstad renewed vitality.
The Mikvé Israel-Emanuel synagogue: an exceptional landmark
Four centuries of history
In the heart of Punda, the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel synagogue, consecrated in 1732, is the oldest in continuous use in the Americas. Its congregation, established in 1651 by Sephardic Jews from the Netherlands and Brazil, illustrates the cultural diversity of Punda. Willemstad.
A sandy soil with multiple meanings
The interior is distinguished by a floor covered in white sand. This rare tradition, found in only a few historic synagogues, evokes the wanderings of the Jewish people in the desert, the discretion required for prayer during the Inquisition, and a practical legacy of the Dutch-Portuguese communities.
Willemstad is much more than a capital city: it’s a cultural crossroads, blending Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, African and Caribbean influences. Its four historic districts, colorful facades and architectural heritage make it a veritable open-air history book. Between tradition and renewal, Willemstad continues to embody a unique identity in the Caribbean and fully deserves its place among the world’s heritage treasures.
Every summer, the island of Saba celebrates its carnival with a rare intensity. From July 28 to August 3, 2025, the Saba Carnival returns for a new edition, blending Caribbean traditions, community spirit and cultural richness in an exceptional natural setting.
A long-standing tradition since 1975
Saba Carnival doesn’t follow the pre-Lenten calendar like traditional carnivals. It is held in July, to enable Saban students living abroad to participate. First held in 1975, this summer festival has become an integral part of the identity of the island’s 1,500 inhabitants. It reflects the history of Saba, colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century, where African, European and Caribbean cultures have intermingled over the centuries.
In its fifty years of existence, Carnival has grown from a local celebration to an event recognized throughout the region. Today, it mobilizes all generations, in a society where family and community ties remain strong.
A rich, structured program
The official 2025 program, released by the local authorities, includes seven days of festivities punctuated by popular events.
Monday, July 28 opens the festivities with a ceremony at The Bottom, the island’s capital. On Tuesday, July 29, it’s time for Bouyon Night, an energetic evening dedicated to the Bouyon musical genre, originally from Dominica. On Wednesday July 30, the Calypso and Road March competition will showcase local artists in two emblematic Caribbean musical styles.
Thursday, July 31, is the Big Jam, an evening of music with an international flavour. On Friday August 1, the International Flag Fest will fly Caribbean banners in the streets of The Bottom and Windwardside, in a festive and colorful atmosphere.
The weekend marks the climax of the carnival. Saturday August 2 kicks off at dawn with the traditional Jouvert Morning, a morning procession typical of Caribbean carnivals. The Grand Parade follows during the day, with its decorated floats, flamboyant costumes and musical performances.
Finally, on Sunday August 3, the Second Parade, also known as the Last Lap, is the last major parade before the festival closes.
A unique island of nature and heritage
Saba is a 13-square-kilometer volcanic island dominated by Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands at 887 meters above sea level. Since 2010, together with Bonaire and St. Eustatius, it has been a special municipality of the Netherlands. This administrative status provides logistical support without compromising its Caribbean identity.
Divided into four villages – The Bottom, Windwardside, Hell’s Gate and St. Johns – the island cultivates a peaceful, communal way of life. This intimate setting gives the carnival a warm, almost family feel.
A strong commitment to the environment
True to its nickname of “Unspoiled Queen”, Saba is renowned for its conservation efforts. Its marine park, created in 1987, protects 1,300 hectares around the island, offering exceptional underwater biodiversity. Thirty dive sites are listed, with visibility of up to 90 meters.
The island also boasts a network of hiking trails traversing several ecosystems, from tropical rainforest to tidal pools. Although a number of renewable energy initiatives have been launched, no official source confirms that the electricity grid has been predominantly solar-powered since 2019.
An essential economic and cultural lever
Carnival is Saba’s annual tourist peak. Its accommodations, mostly small hotels and cottages, are fully booked during the week. This is of direct benefit to restaurateurs, craftsmen, musicians, costume designers and service providers.
Far from mass tourism, Saba focuses on authenticity. The carnival is part of this strategy, offering an immersive, sincere experience in a preserved environment. According to the Association of Caribbean States, island carnivals are powerful vectors of revenue and identity for small territories.
A pillar of cultural transmission
The Saba Carnival is much more than a tourist event. It embodies the island’s living memory. By showcasing local music, dance and traditional costumes, it strengthens the bond between young people and their heritage.
Preparations take several months and involve all generations. This collective organization weaves local solidarity and perpetuates the values of sharing and unity. What’s more, the growing recognition of carnival on a regional scale is helping to put Saba on the Caribbean cultural map.
A 2025 edition to match history
For its 50th edition, Saba Carnival 2025 promises a structured, festive and inclusive program. While certain traditions, such as the cremation of King Momo, are not on the program this year, other strong rituals, such as the Jouvert Morning and the Grand Parade, will be maintained.
In a Caribbean context where many islands are rethinking their tourism models, Saba remains true to its approach: focusing on quality, identity and the preservation of its natural and cultural resources.
Saba Carnival 2025 proves once again that a small territory can produce a large-scale event without denying its authenticity. From July 28 to August 3, this extraordinary island will make the heart of the Caribbean beat to the rhythm of its music, traditions and deep attachment to its culture. More than a festival, it’s the expression of a people and a territory proud of their roots and resolutely looking to the future.
