Unspoiled Hidden Treasures

By

Maryellen Iobst, CTC

Gene and I had an invitation to attend a National Travel Conference in the Bahamas. The plan was for 4 days of intense training and camaraderie including some golf and then we were to choose one of the Bahama "Out Islands" for a few days of "detoxing". We had no idea the scope of the adventure we were about to take.

Our friends, Jack and Ann were going to the conference also. We collaborated on which island we should choose for our detoxing and came up with South Andros.

Everything went according to plan. The conference was good, with plenty of information. The parties were extravagant and the golf, well the golf was golf.

We headed to the local airport for our small plane and short hop to South Andros. We arrived at the very small terminal with luggage that practically filled the terminal. You see we had party clothes, business clothes, and golf clothes (not to mention the golf clubs). In all 8 pieces of luggage, 4 carry ons and 4 sets of golf clubs! I believe the person behind the counter said something like "you are going where?" The plane holds 8 people. Each person is allowed 25 pounds. Oh my gosh! Ann and I looked at each other. We then looked at Gene and Jack. We then broke out in hilarious laughter, sat down on the floor and proceeded to move dirty laundry and non – essentials into all the "other bags". Gene and Jack talked the guy behind the counter into storing our golf bags in the employees lunch room. (we would not need them in South Andros). Would we see them when we returned???We then hauled the rest of the luggage to the main terminal where there were lockers. Whew! What a project.

OK, we are all set. Load ourselves and what is left of our luggage into our tiny plane. We shared the plane with 3 other people. Stowed my purse in the wing! Our cabin mates were going bone fishing. We learned that South Andros is famous for bone fishing. Bone fishing, I never heard of bone fishing before!

In the air the Caribbean was beautiful! We marveled at the clear water dotted with tiny islands. The plane started a decent. Couldn't understand why, because there was nothing to land on and then as if by magic a landing strip came into view with a really small cinder block building at the end of it. OOOK! The building is the terminal! Thank goodness a van from the hotel was waiting for us. Did not look like rental cars were anywhere near this island.

We had a friendly conversation with our lady driver who doubles as the front desk clerk, waitress and maid. Our accommodations were clean, oak four poster beds, air conditioned and comfortable. Meals were different every night and you could always order steak (it was frozen) Great pool right on the beach. This was the smooth part. Now we decided to "explore" this really small part of paradise. We struck a deal with the maintenance man to rent his pick up for the day!. Only two seats, so Ann and I decked out in our bathing suits sat on plastic lawn chairs in the bed of the pick up and off we go exploring! Now picture this, two very white women in the bed of a pick up truck on a very black person island. Adventure???? It was actually awesome. We stopped at a small inn for lunch. Now this local spot had card tables and folding chairs and a kitchen that was surround cooking. One room, one stove, one fryer, 6 tables and enough chairs to accommodate the most discerning customer. The guys ordered fish and chips! Touted as the specialty of the house it sounded safe. We were a little surprised when the cook, waiter brought the boys the front half of the fish!

We truly hated to leave that lovely island. It was much more than we ever imagined and our Golf Clubs were right where we left them!

Contrary to popular belief, relatively uncharted territory in the Caribbean is not a paradox. Untapped islands like Cuba's Isla de la Juventud offer the lax tropical environment for which the region is known, sans eyesores like piercing parlors and tacky T-shirt shacks that litter its more popular neighbors. Other lesser-known chains near South America have yet to be touched by the onslaught of cruise ship passengers.

The Windward Islands (home to Dominica and Grenada), are not as popular as destinations like the Bahamas, Caymans and Virgin Islands. These may take longer to get to from the mainland U.S., but the reward is a more intimate experience.

Major airlines from the U.S. may not go there direct but this also allows for fewer people and sometimes less expensive lodging. Getting to secluded Les Saintes, for example, is not simple but it is perfectly manageable: Three flights–from New York City to San Juan, San Juan to Guadeloupe, Guadeloupe to Les Saintes–and you find yourself in the lap of luxury.

Another way to avoid lots of tourists is to plan your trip around the Caribbean's high season — December through April — when the fares are lower and the crowds fewer.

 

Grenada Tourism A major source of nutmeg, cinnamon, cocoa and cloves, Grenada — dubbed "the Spice Island" — has more spices per square mile than anywhere else in the world. It's also one of the Caribbean's most lush islands, with its mountainous interior and volcanic origins. "Grenada has it all: nice people, sandy beaches, good snorkeling and beautiful nature trails that wind through a colorful jungle," William Travis, editor of Frommer's Caribbean guide, says. "It's a very mellow, relaxing spot."

If you are in search of a thrill-seeking vacation try Virgin Gorda, Tobago or a shark mecca like Andros (unlike South Andros) where provided is a rush splashing around with bloodthirsty marine monsters.

Désirade and Les Saintes, with their wide varieties of animal and plant species, appeal to those looking for eco-tourism during their time away. Similarly, islands like Grenada are extremely friendly places for nature lovers of all walks of life for their lush, leafy, green foliage, and likewise, tourist operators are starting to take note.

 

 

St. Kitts Tourism Saint Kitts the larger of the two islands that composes this sea-locked state has, unfortunately, turned into a stop on several cruise routes. It probably will turn into the next household name of Caribbean Islands. Nevertheless, this tropical locale has maintained the hip, unassuming air that helped it gain popularity in the first place

At the moment, Grenada is popular with Europeans but less so with Americans because of a lack of direct flights. That will probably change as international developers and resort companies move in. You can expect more convenient and more frequent airlift from the United States as this evolves. If you want to sample the traditional charm of these islands, the time to go is now."