Caribbean Archives - Page 2 of 18 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

It was a familiar keep out sign in the UK but it’s different in Montserrat where it’s know blacks, know Irish.

And where they’re already getting things in hand for their ten-day annual celebration for St Patrick’s Day next month.

The Gaels have an enduring footprint in the West Indies.

Where Irish and Scots servants were exploited after wars of freedom back home.

On the face of it the St Patrick’s Day festivities sound like a coming together then.

Of two disenfranchised peoples, the Gaels and black West Indians.

Rebels’ yell

But its origins are diametrically opposite as the imported African slaves used the opportunity of St Patrick’s Day, 1768.

To rise up against their overlords, many of them Irish, who they knew would be partying that day.

Alas, for the locals their plans were said to have been overheard by an Irish woman who told the British.

And nine of the ringleaders were executed while another 30 were exiled.

And so it is Cudjoe and his rebels that the good people of Montserrat commemorate every March 17.

Hands across the ocean

Though surprisingly their sacrifice only started to be acknowledged in 1971 when researchers began to publicise it.

While it was not until 1985 that the savvy and very forgiving Montserrat government decided.

To tie in their day with St Paddy’s Day.

All of which makes this year, the 40th anniversary of that initiative, even more anticipated.

Greening up

Now our Caribbean chums have been sharing what they have in store for this year.

Including Leprechaun’s Revenge, a thrilling night of music and revelry with a Caribbean twist.

And Chess Entertainment‘s Boozey Brunch, a sophisticated mix of gourmet flavors and great vibes.

Now if it’s soca you want, and the answer is yes, always then it’s in abundance with KISS Montserrat and STRATIFY.

The festival also showcases heritage tours, J’ouvert (dancing on the street), National Heroes Day, the Emerald Brunch.

And the stand-out event, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Heritage Feast.

Win Winair

Now you’ll fly through either the US, Boston, New York, Miami with our Montserrat mates recommending Winair.

Or from the other Caribbean islands with St Kitts the closest but our favourite Barbados too, giving us an excuse.

Travellers are encouraged to book accommodation early

For more updates, follow Montserrat Festivals or island of Montserrat on social media.

We imagine you’ll have your own green suits and ginger beards.

But there will be shortage on Montserrat where it’s know blacks, know Irish.

Caribbean, Countries, UK

Hotmanay away from chilly Scotland

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And because the big Edinburgh party is cancelled we’re looking longingly at Hotmanay away from chilly Scotland.

The diaspora will be digging out their black bun (cake), coins, whisky and shortbread.

For health, wealth and happiness.

The greater Scottish family

Whether on a beach or lakeside the greater Scottish family will be expressing their good will.

And saying: ‘Seas between us braid hae roar’d sin auld lang syne.

‘And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere! And gie’s a hand o’ thine!

‘And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught, for auld lang syne.’

Then wonder what the heck we’re saying.

Although by then we’ve taken more than enough ‘cups of kindness yet’ for it not to matter.

Canadian Caledonians

Now while many of us will know that it was Scottish Bard Robert Burns who popularised the song in the 18th century.

But few will give a nod to Canadian bandleader Guy Lombardo around midnight tonight.

For making it the international New Year’s anthem it is today.

After he and his Royal Canadian Big Band played it on a New Year’s Eve broadcast in New York in 1929.

A song he had taken with him from Scottish western Ontario.

And whose nostalgia embodied the diaspora experience.

Burns in the Caribbean

Burns himself was no doubt entertaining such thoughts when he was planning to relocate to the Caribbean.

And who could blame him, particularly when you can find all our fave customs embraced.

With pipe bands, ceilidhs, Scottish food and drink mixed in with Caribbean cheer.

All of which is surely drawing us back in ‘25.

And, of course, in Barbados you won’t have to wait for Hotmanay away from chilly Scotland.

You can overdose on tartan at their Barbados Celtic Festival in May.

And back to Scotland and here’s a wee treat from the best Burns singer around, the inimitable Eddi Reader.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE AND MEET YOU ON THE ROAD

America, Caribbean, Countries

If you like Pina Colada and Puerto Rico

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Now with apologies to Randy Newman… if you like Pina Colada and Puerto Rico come with me and escape.

The creamy pineapple juice and rum cocktail shouts the tropics but few of us could identify its island of origin.

Naturally though Puerto Ricans promote their island under the cocktail umbrella of their famous party drink.

Whose modern iteration is 60 years old this year.

Which, of course, we celebrated on their stand at the American travel fair, IPW, in Los Angeles.

Cream of the Caribbean

The Puerto Ricans, of course, mark the Pina Colada with its own festival held every July.

When get this, you can salsa, sing and party and get silly at $4 a cocktail in any one of 40 bars and restaurants in old San Juan.

In truth our Puerto Ricans have been getting silly as far back as the 19th century.

When Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresí concocted the brew to boost the morale of his crew,

We pick up the pina colada timeline again in 1924 when National Geographic magazine, reported from the island

And mentioned a pineapple juice and crushed ice beverage, known locally as piña fría (cold pineapple).

Dumped on

And so how did we get here and why today?

Well because unprovoked the good people of Puerto Rico have only been thrust into the American presidential race.

When one of Donald Trump’s warm-up acts at his Madison Square Garden showpiece rubbished Puerto Rico as an island of garbage.

And all this going on when Puerto Rico is readying itself for another of its popular annual fests.

Festival of fun

The Festival Nacional Indigena which does what it says on el tin and runs from November 15-17.

When we dare say there will be an influx of visitors from the US to what is after all an American territory.

Worth an escape we think you’d agree if you like Pina Colada and Puerto Rico.

Caribbean, Countries, Oceania

Malta’s republic a jewel in Britain’s crown

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It’s the model for the future Commonwealth which has worked for 50 years, Malta’s republic a jewel in Britain’s crown.

Malta is this year marking two big milestones in its 8,000 years history.

With the bigger emphasis currently on its independence 60 years ago.

Independence, many might imagine is still dependence if you’re still run by another’s head of state.

And that most anglophile of former colonies Malta set the tone when they moved from a monarch to their own president in December 1974.

Which is what another of our favourite islands Barbados struck out for three years ago.

Republics in a Commonwealth

It may surprise to see that 36 of the 56 member states in what is now the Commonwealth of Nations are republics.

Although for now Australia where King Charles III is in the eye of the storm from an aboriginal activist senator retains the monarch as their head of state.

The lesson of Malta, Barbados, Australia or anywhere on whom the sun never set is that Britain leaves behind their towel wherever they go.

Malta has taken that to heart with its George Cross award, right-hand roads and red post and telephone boxes.

Which I took back to the motherland in the shape of a telephone box pencil sharpener, or parer.

Britain’s island in the sun

Going for a swim: Malta fan Queen Elizabeth

Of course, it is these reminders of Britannia which has made Malta so popular with limey tourists, Britain’s Med island in the sun.

Ourselves included, over 60 years.

Including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who was stationed here as a naval officer after World War II.

And his successor as Duke of Edinburgh, their youngest Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, the Duchess.

Come back America and Ireland

As a postscript while there is a movement away from monarchy there are others who want in.

The republics of South Sudan, Sudan and Suriname have formally made applications to join the Commonwealth.

The eligibility rules are to entertain those with ‘a historic constitutional association with an existing Commonwealth member, save in exceptional circumstances.’

And making that topical the ‘exceptional circumstances’ were cited to bring in former Belgian colony Rwanda.

Which was then proposed as a dumping ground by Britain for illegal immigrants.

Britain, of course, always keen to keep all their options open have held the door open to some old colonies.

Meaning the US (Thirteen Colonies), Israel (Mandate for Palestine), Republic of Ireland (Irish Free State), and the Persian Gulf states.

Hold the towel

But while they wait for the telegram, or email as it is today.

Britain, with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh holding the towel, will continue to celebrate.

Malta’s republic a jewel in Britain’s crown.

Asia, Caribbean, Countries, Deals, Europe

Are the world’s best hotels the world’s best for you?

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Congrats Capella Bangkok, voted best place to stay, which triggers a question are the world’s best hotels the world’s best for you?

Now, I’m usually content with a three-rolls bed, a power shower and a hearty breakfast.

But I can be won over by bells and whistles too and a killer view.

Ah, Capella

All of which Thailand’s jewel, the Capella, has in spades in its 101 suites and villas.

Described as an award-winning new-age sanctuary perched along the meandering bends of the Chao Phraya River.

With a two-night reservation at the Best Available Rate in any room category to receive a complimentary third night.

So what other special features separates the Capella Bangkok from the rest?

The Capella helpfully offers daily breakfast for two guests, a bottle of house Champagne and daily sunrise yoga by the river.

Daily complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar.

And here’s the real kicker… complimentary pressing of up to five pieces of clothing per stay!

All for TBH 75,300, or 1,712 of your Earth pounds.

Sandals in the swim

Now no vista can be replicated but those special features can and we’ve enjoyed them around the world at other hotels.

And dare we say… better.

So, let’s start with sunrise in Sandals Barbados.

Where you can be greeted with your very own Bim bird who will perch on your hot tub as you soak.

With glass of Champagne in hand from your complimentary daily bottle.

Other drinks are available obviously from your complimentary alcohol maxi-bar.

Now should you struggle to get through that bottle by yourself you can always share with your pals down in the pool.

Or have cocktails in the island pool bar before swimming up to your room.

And if you’ve forgotten anything your personal butler will have seen to it for you.

Your inner Robinson Crusoe

Thumbs-up: Porridge and Janelle at Castara Retreats in Tobago

Now should you think someone of your standing shouldn’t be asked to share your pool then Kuramathi in the Maldives obliges.

With your own secluded pool outside your bedroom with views of the Indian Ocean obviously.

While if you’re looking for something even more exotic and authentic why not go for what we’ll call the Robinson Crusoe upgrade.

Sleep in your very own hammock on the balcony at ‘Porridge’ and Janelle’s Castara Retreats in Tobago.

And for a morning stretch allow your yoga specialist to lead you through some gentle moves.

Porridge in the morning: With Janelle and ‘Porridge’

All of which goes to show that luxury can be just around the corner which is, in fact, the Tobagonian pledge,

Your hotel, your stay

And if it looks like they don’t have a hotel near you on the World’s 50 Best Hotels here.

There could well be an alternative, just as good, or better, on your doorstep or a quick flight away.

Which is why we would never dream of staying anywhere else than George and Amal’s favourite stop-off, the Dylan in Amsterdam.

Yes, we can have passed down a list but are the world’s best hotels the world’s best for you?

And so as we see that the Gleneagles in Perthshire, Scotland makes the list.

We prefer to recommend Andy Murray’s more intimate and welcoming pad, the time capsule Cromlix House, near by, in Stirlingshire.

Game, set and match to us.

Caribbean, Countries, Deals

Bring on the multi-gen holiday in Saint Lucia

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Globetrotting doesn’t come cost-free with Daddy’s Little Girl prising promises out of me to take her with her next time… bring on the multi-gen holiday in Saint Lucia.

It’s no exaggeration to say the Caribbean changed me.

I went out to Barbados tone deaf, with two left feet and drinking the ‘wrong’ rum but came back Bim Jim, a Soca Warrior.

And a superhero, aka Bandanaman.

And it was as a rebranded West Indian, and credit here to my old Scots/Bajan pal Jevan, that I turned DLG into an honorary Nutty Girl.

All of which focuses our mind on the Multi-Gen market which gives you fun for all the family.

Caribbean family fun

We’ve been here before with Tropical Sky when they invited us out to Club Barbados, a couples hotel.

Only for me left to go it alone as Chez Murty and a pressing shed paint took precedence.

Of course, this being the Caribbean, the locals took me under my wing proving three isn’t always a crowd.

And following on from that then four is more… and when it comes to a 2+2 getaway then Tropical Sky is all over it.

It’s a rap: With Saint Lucian, Jerry The Big Rapper

If Barbados is the Caribbean island that always draws me back and Tobago, like Robinson Crusoe, where I’d stay washed up for ever.

Then Saint Lucia where we had a runway stopover is the isle that has got away.

And my interest has only been pricked since partying with Saint Lucia’s favourite son The Big Rapper in the Red Sea, Petra and the Jordan desert.

Saint Lucia for Harmony and a Splash

Caribbean green: And blues at the Coconut Beach

So it’ll be somewhere fresh and fun for all the family and maybe that would silence Daddy’s Little Girl.

The Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is situated along the exotic Savannes Bay on St. Lucia’s undiscovered south coast.

This 250-room resort is divided into two wings.

Harmony, an intimate adults-only section ideal for relaxation with the serene St Lucian weather.

And Splash,’ a family-friendly area featuring CocoLand, Saint Lucia’s largest water park, and the Kidz Klub.

The resort’s layout allows older relatives to enjoy peaceful moments away from the children thanks to the Harmony area.

Additionally, the resort offers spacious family rooms, including popular two-bedroom interconnecting options.

Which accommodate up to two adults and four children, making it a versatile choice for families.

Kids, Creole and a Coconut

A seven-night stay at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, arriving 12 August 2025 on the island of Creole will fulfil all your needs.

And comes in at from £6,156 total for two adults and two children (aged between two and 11).

In a Deluxe Garden View Splash Room on an all-inclusive basis, with flights and transfers.
And if you book by the end of Tuesday, January 30, you can avail of exceptional savings with Tropical Sky’s flash sale.

So bring on the multi-gen holiday in Saint Lucia.

Caribbean, Countries, Music

Antigua for the Caribbean Soca Showdown

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The West Indies are on a roll so ready, steady, go, it’s a hop, skip and a jump to Antigua for The Caribbean Soca Showdown.

Our favourite set of islands in the sun are beloved for their laid-back lifestyle.

But they do, of course, punch above their weight too on the sporting field as they continue to show at the Paris Olympics.

Jamaican flyers Usain Bolt, Don Quarry, Merlene Ottey, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce have led the way over the years.

As have cricketing royalty Sir Garfield Sobers (Barbados) and Sir Viv Richards (Antigua).

And my Foreday Morning mate Brian Lara and his footie pal Dwight Yorke from Trinidad & Tobago among many, many more.

Add to that new Olympic heroes from Paris 2024 in pride of St Lucia in 200m women’s champ Julien Alfred, their first-ever medal winner.

And the island looks like it will never stop partying since the weekend win.

While triple jumper Thea LaFond worked the same magic for Dominica.

Soca not soccer

Of course all eyes are on the Olympics right now but for many of us attention will switch back, and has already started with the resumption of Scottish league football, on soccer.

Soccer has its place in the Caribbean, but in truth, if you ask about it, you’re more likely to be taken to a big field for a Mas (party) and a festival of Soca, or So Calypyso music.

Where there is no tribal rivalry, only peace, love, rhythm and rum.

There will be good-natured island competition across 12 islands on Saturday it is true.

But that just adds to the carnival when the Kari Soca Caribbean Soca Monarch Showdown.

Take to the stage

Empress will proudly represent Antigua and Barbuda, while D Phillip Blackest will showcase talent from the US Virgin Islands.

Christy D will sing for Barbados, and Rae will fly the Trinidad and Tobago flag.

Dominica will have two representatives, Mr Gwada and Benji.

Montserrat have sent Lyrikal, Riggy is flying in from Grenada, and Eazi from Nevis.

Imran Nerdy is St Lucia’s pride and joy, TR Shine represents Belize, and Ras Kelly is St Kitts’ contestant.

None of the names there that I’ve come across and Biggie Irie, King Bubba and his pals will no doubt be jumping at Crop Over in Barbados just now.

So that means new names and friends to jump alongside.

So for a celebration of life and music get out to Antigua for the Caribbean Soca Showdown.

Africa, America, Asia, Canada, Caribbean, Countries, Europe, Oceania, UK

Your train is early after 200 years

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What’s this… your train is early after 200 years?

Yes, the Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham has only stolen a march on the birth of the railways.

By announcing that 2024 should be the year to mark the bicentenary of the first train journey.

On account of the creation of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Company.

Do the Locomotion

Only that it was not until the next year, 1825, that the first passenger train took off.

When George Stephenson’s steam-powered Locomotion No. 1 travelled 26 miles between Shildon, Darlington and Stockton.

Which is what Railway 200 have begun planning.

It is no exaggeration to say that trains transformed Britain.

And that makes it all the more galling to see the state the service is in today.

So it is understandable that Mayor Burnham should want to claim the genesis of railways.

And push for a 35-minute super train journey between Manchester and Liverpool.

On the right track

Steamin’ ahead: Channel your Casey Jones

For the full story of how Britain’s trains used to work then the train has moved on from Darlington south to York.

And so should you to the National Railway Museum, a wonderland for all Casey Joneses and their train-spotting daughters.

If trains could connect this island and expanded our work and early travel horizons.

Just think what they could on a larger scale in the US, in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

America we know was built on the backs of Irish navvies.

And north, south, east and west there are towns and states celebrating how railroads were at the heart of their story.

Station to station

We all have our own romantic visions from cowboy movies of train tracks snaking through the Wild West.

All of which I saw for myself at the Colorado Railroad Museum with a nod to a far more patriarchal time.

Trains tell us so much about a society and we all have pictures in our mind of Indians hanging off trains.

Japanese crammed into theirs and eastern Europeans and mid-Asians making palaces.

Those, and the great train journeys of the world are in safe hands with, erm, oul’ Casey Jones’s recommendation, Great Rail Journeys.

Now whether you make rail journeys your centrepiece and tick off an Orient Express…

The Lake Titicaca in Peru, the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, the Darjeeling Train in India, the Indian Pacific in Australia.

Or just get your tickets stamped on the way.

Whether it is up the highest rail route in Europe, the Jungfraujoch, a Bajan steam train, up the Norwegian fjords, or Amtrak it around New England.

Stephenson’s train on time

Enjoy and remember it all started in Old England with Robert Stephenson.

When 550 passengers were transported , making this the world’s first steam-powered passenger railway.

Put your back into it: A bit of fun in Barbados

From Shildon, Darlington to Stockton.

Although the opportunistic Mayor Burnham would like to assure you that your train is early after 200 years.

Caribbean, Countries, Flying

Chop, chop, get out to Saint Lucia

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You’ve flown over one of the jewels of the Caribbean and have had to stop for a deep clean when all you want to hear is… chop, chop, let’s explore Saint Lucia.

Of course, the best way to first see Saint Lucia and its stand-out Piton Mountains is in a bird’s view.

And how much closer can you get than by chopper as we found out over Barcelona and the Grand Canyon.

So if you had your head turned down the first time you saw a copter, say in Magnum PI, or now I’m A Celebrity, read on.

Because luxury boutique resort & spa, Cap Maison in Saint Lucia has raised the bar with its ‘Fly & Save’ offer.

Giving guests the chance to kickstart their summer getaway with a VIP arrival in a helicopter.

From Hewanorra International Airport to George F.L Charles Airport in the north

Where a private car will take them on the remainder of their journey to clifftop billet Cap Maison in the exclusive Cap Estate.

Mud, glorious mud

You’ll get to enjoy the Sulphur Mud Baths, horse-riding along a beach, a coco ‘Bean to Bar’ experience and a Rainforest Zip Line Adventure.

Some of which we’ve enjoyed elsewhere in Barbados and Tobago and would obviously like to repeat.

While Saint Lucia boasts the only Drive-in volcano in the Caribbean (grilled burger please!!).

Nothing to worry about here… do like the islanders and just go with the flow.

Cap Maison offers newly refurbished hacienda-inspired fully fitted and furnished rooms.

Two to three-bedroom suites are available, as are smaller one-bedroom suites with roll away beds in various living spaces.

All suites feature a private pool.

Water thrill

The well-situated beach is set within a shallow cove and features its own water sports centre.

If you only like to dip your foot into the choppy waves of water sports.

Then Hobie Cat sailboats, like Bubba’s on Barbados maybe, are probably more you than kayaks, snorkelling and windsurfing but I’ll let you make up your own mind on that.

And the two on-site award-winning restaurants The Cliff at Cap and The Naked Fisherman and the beach restaurant The Naked Fisherman.

And who knows it might do what it says on the tin, if it was tinned, but, of course, it’s straight out of the sea.

Maison about on Saint Lucia

Cap Maison’s Fly & Save package is the stay in a Oceanview Suite with Pool or Oceanview Suite with Pool & Roof Terrace.

Where you can enjoy not only Cap Maison’s Linger Longer offer but also a VIP Cap Maison arrival via copter.

Taking in the Pitons vista.

*Minimum stay 5 nights, If the helicopter is unable to fly a luxury car transfer or a water ferry will be offered in its place.

Helicopter valid for up to two passengers, any additional passengers can be added at a cost – Helicopter is a shared transfer with other travellers.

The Linger Longer deal is on all Junior Suites and One Bedroom Villas Suites.

Travel between January 3rd to December 19th for the best rates with Daily Breakfast or All-Inclusive Meal Plan included.

Available on stays from four nights. For stays of eight nights or longer, guests will receive a greater discount on their stay.

So, what are you doing? Get busy.

And chop, chop, get out to Saint Lucia.

With British Airways flying from London Gatwick return for a sample five days from £809.

Caribbean, Countries, Sport

Scots bowled ’em over in Barbados

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As the countdown begins for a cricket clash of the Auld Enemies a cry of freedom from when us Scots bowled ’em over in Barbados.

My old Aberdeen buddy Jevan is a proud Trini-Scot.

So he doubly delights in any victories over the Engerlush.

West-Indian born with a birthright to love cricket he is something of a fixture in around the Oval.

With his dapper dandy schtick while he is also wont to take on a fancy dress mask.

On the occasion he took me along to the Oval it was India who were in opposition on the first day of a Test match.

Howzat for a day out?

When if memory serves me well only three wickets fell all day.

The rum though tumbled all day from the moment we got into our box.

And the host looked quizzically at me when I said I would start slowly with a coffee.

And they turned to Jevan and asked ‘who’s this joker, get him a Mount Gay’.

Watching cricket with West Indians is an education,

Winning a maiden over

Everybody on Barbados has an opinion and an expertise.

And the charming, beautiful woman in our company opined.

On the selectors, the tactics and Bajan, American and British politics without missing a beat.

All the time remaining sharp of mind and style.

While my senses dulled through good rum and my body swelled from the fishes of the Caribbean and the staple Mac’n’cheese.

Holding out for a hero

By the time they called stumps I had had a lesson in life and cricket which to West Indians is much the same.

My charming West Indies cricket fan colleague had relayed to me the joy of a particular roasting an England legend had endured on this ground.

When Michael Holding had Geoffrey Boycott jumping around in his crease before getting done all ends up.

For yesterday’s Boycott, read today’s Joe Root, and a fast-bowling Scot.

And a fast-living, sharp-dressing Trini-Scot cheering on his mother’sland.

Remember too that this is an island with Scotland at its heart, the region named after the Scots who went out there.

And maybe thinking on when me and him, two proud Scots bowled ’em over in Barbados.

Twenty Twenty vision

The World T20 Cup runs through June in the West Indies and the US.

With my own Scotland playing England at the Kensington Oval, Barbados on June 20.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both fly nine hours to Bridgetown.

And, of course, you can go high-end at Sandals or Turtle Beach.

Or even take your significant other to a couples hotel at Club Barbados.