The Caribbean’s Most Underrated Islands
When it comes to the Caribbean, there’s a temptation to just head to whichever island is easiest to get to. After all, they’re all just beaches and cocktails, yes? But sometimes it pays to look beyond the usual suspects, island destinations such as the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. A connecting flight to one of the smaller, less-visited islands can pay dividends for those prepared to spend a little longer in the air. And amongst the more interesting options are these four.
Underrated in the Caribbean: Anguilla
Massage hut at Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
In recent years, the tiny British territory has become something of a celebrity magnet. Some seriously high-end resorts and villas have attracted the likes of Robert De Niro, the Clintons and anyone who’s anyone in the world of hip-hop. Arrive on the island and you’ll soon plug into the gossip mill. Has Beyonce arrived on a private jet? Will Brad Pitt take Angelina to island he used to go to with Jennifer Aniston?
But the reason that the stars love Anguilla so much is that they can go there without being hassled. The locals are friendly, but reserved, and willing to treat everyone equally. There’s no star-struck hounding for autographs and paparazzi intrusion is minimal. As a result of CEOs, sports stars and entertainment industry bigwigs pouring in, the accommodation and dining options on Anguilla are seriously impressive. But it is possible for the ordinary mortal to visit without having to file for bankruptcy.
The Lloyds guesthouse offers a character-packed accommodation at very reasonable prices, while there are a selection of very good locally-run restaurants that go easy on the wallet. Tasty’s is a case in point: the goat curry and the cheesecake are top class.
But the island’s real draw cards are free. Anguilla has some of the best beaches in the world – covered in dazzling white sand and merging into clear Caribbean waters. Arguably the best are Rendezvous Bay and Shoal Bay East, but the eel-like island is ringed with them.
Many visitors come over on a ferry day trip from St Martin, but it’s worth staying a little longer to understand why the big names love it.
Underrated in the Caribbean: Dominica
Dominica is the one that just doesn’t fit the mould. It does have beaches, but they’re generally unspectacular. It does have resorts, but they’re generally budget affairs aimed at divers and eco-tourists. People don’t go to Dominica for the stereotypical Caribbean holiday though – they go for the nature, the walking and the sense of adventure.
Hot pool on Boiling Lake walk in Dominica
It’s a steep, mountainous island and much of it is covered by rainforest. There are many excellent walking trails, of which the daddy is the Boiling Lake hike. It’s a pretty brutal six hour return trek that goes up and down mountains, through valleys of volcanic springs and vents, past hot pools and to the second largest boiling lake in the world.
There’s also a cultural aspect to Dominica that isn’t shared by other islands. It is the last remaining (substantial) home of the Carib people that the Caribbean is named after. Within Dominica’s Carib Territory, there are a number of villages in which traditional systems are maintained.
Those wanting to get a deeper understanding of the Carib way of life should head to the Kalinago Barana Aute (or Carib Model Village). It employs weavers, dancers, tour guides and craftspeople, and visitors can discover the people’s sad history. The main joy of the island is how undeveloped it is – everything is awe-inspiringly green, and the sound of a trickling river or stream is never too far away.
