St. Martin Real Estate
28.1.08

Welkom, bienvenue, welcome!

Did you know that Saint Martin is the smallest island in the world that has been divided between two sovereign states? This island has been split between the French and the Dutch, and the two cultures co-exist peacefully in their 350-year existence. With a total area of 37 square miles, St. Martin (French) or St. Marten (Dutch) has just over 35,000 inhabitants on each side of the island, while it has served as a haven for tourists since many years. The French capital is called Marigot, while it’s Dutch counterpart is Philipsburg.

Attractions and Activities

With 37 beaches and many secluded areas and coves, St. Martin is a beach goer’s paradise. The St. Martin real estate is much in demand due to the beauty surrounding this island. The tourists enjoy various kinds of water sports that include jet skiing to get a real thrill, scuba diving in to the deep waters of the Caribbean Sea which is so rich with aquatic life, windsurfing in wide open seas, sailing the peaceful waters while soaking in the sights, and snorkeling to explore the numerous treasures of a beautiful marine ecosystem.

The tropical climate and vivid landscapes of St. Martin make it perfect for many recreational activities and sports as well. This is another reason why St. Martin real estate is so sought after now a days. You can enjoy horseback riding through well-manicured lawns, or explore the abundance of flora and fauna on a nature walk, or play golf at the exclusive and luxurious resorts that are equipped with all modern amenities for your comfort. Since, the island is fairly small a bike trip to cover the island’s many virgin areas makes for an exhilarating experience.

Both sides of the islands have an excellent nightlife. Casinos in St. Marten, and nightclubs, bars, pubs, and dance bars make for a thoroughly enjoyable time in this gorgeous Caribbean Island.

Stunning St. Martin

The French part of St. Martin is quite different from the Dutch side. The St. Martin real estate is the finest real estate in the entire Caribbean that make for highly profitable investment options as well.

Sparkling Azure waters, tropical breezes ruffling your hair, stunning vistas, and beautiful whitewashed Caribbean style villas all translate into a slice of Paradise. The beach properties are a fantastic option for a second home, or for vacation rentals. New property developments such as the Coral Beach Club, located on the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern side of St. Martin, offers villas and condos right on the beach or on the lagoon side of Oyster Pond. The properties are overlooking the nearby St. Bart's Island and the Atlantic Ocean. This prime piece of St. Martin real estate costs between $7, 00,000 to $2,000,000.

The property investment in St. Martin also makes great business sense as the governments of the island are promoting tourism and foreign investments by offering many concessions to the foreigners. You do not have to be a citizen of the island to own real estate. Buying real estate in St. Martin’s has never been this easy, act now and enjoy long-lasting benefits of a sunny life here!

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posted by admin @ 11:05 PM, ,


St Thomas: No Passport Required
24.1.08

ffective January 2007, all travelers to Latin America and the Caribbean will need a U.S. passport for air travel. The change comes as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security attempts to alleviate travel concerns about border security under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Unlike previous years when passports were not required for travel to the Caribbean, this upcoming travel season may provide headaches for many. As plenty of tourists may have planned family vacations or scheduled weddings unaware of the new passport rules, many analysts foresee a rush on new passport applications at the beginning of the year. Also, because this program will be in its first tourism season, there exists a strong possibility for delays beyond the outlined timeframes for passport applications. However, if you want to travel to the Caribbean quickly or without a passport, there is still a destination for you.

If you are still hoping to plan a spur-of-the-moment Caribbean getaway, say hello to St. Thomas. Regarding the newly-effective Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, the U.S. Government recently announced that the legislation will not affect travel to U.S. territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. As the heart of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas remains an excellent Caribbean destination, but also gains the honor of being one of the few destinations

As might be expected, the U.S. Virgin Islands are certainly pleased that American tourists will be able to visit anytime, without the formality of a passport. Pamela Richards, the Commissioner of Tourism for the islands, states that it is important to retain a “welcoming position as America’s Caribbean.” The welcome extends beyond St. Thomas, as well. The agreement allowing U.S. citizens to travel to St. Thomas, as if they were not leaving the country, also includes St. Thomas’ sister islands, St. Croix and St. John.

This news is certainly as important to business travelers as it is to tourists. The decision to treat the U.S. Virgin Islands as a domestic location under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will ensure that important business relationships aren’t hindered by the difficulties of international travel or the need to acquire passports.

When planning your quick getaway to St. Thomas, you will probably want to spend some time duty-free shopping in Charlotte Amalie. The capital of the island, Charlotte Amalie is a charming colonial town filled with exquisite restaurants and luxury stores. You will also find a number of museums and historic sites scattered throughout the capital, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich Caribbean past.

For the traveler hoping to interact with aquatic life, the Coral World Ocean Park has been a longtime favorite. With over five acres of aquariums featuring the Caribbean’s most vibrant sea life and plenty of interactive programs, the Coral World Ocean Park is a great destination for families or any adventurous tourist. Another great activity for a quick getaway to St. Thomas is a ride on the Atlantis XV, a submarine allowing you to view pristine underwater habitats up close. To catch an aerial view you will never experience at home, venture to either Bluebeard’s Castle – a colonial watchtower overlooking the Caribbean – or St. Peter Mountain, both the highest peak in St. Thomas and another great area for shopping and dining.

If you are looking to get away, especially during these harsh winter months, why not try something a little different? Because if you are looking to visit the Caribbean on short notice – whether for business or a spur-of-the-moment vacation - St. Thomas now promises all the exotic allure of the Caribbean without the hassle of international travel.

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posted by admin @ 5:17 PM, ,


Carribean Fishing Report-What You Need To Know Before Your Carribean Trip
21.1.08

Here is a Caribbean fishing report to help you to find the best places to go fishing on your next Caribbean vacation. Very simply, they Caribbean is one of the most popular places to go fishing in the world. It offers some of the most incredible deep sea fishing experiences you can ever imagine.

Obviously, the reason for this is that the Caribbean is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and therefore there has many fish available. Since it offers year-round great weather and many great vacation spots, Caribbean fishing has really caught on around the world. This Caribbean fishing report will give you some great places to help you find the best locations to go fishing.

First of all, the Bahamas are certainly one of the most popular resorts in the Caribbean to go fishing. In the Caribbean Sea, you can catch a lot of different fish, including Marlon, selfish, King Fish, red snapper, etc. There is literally an endless amount of fish you can go after on your Bahams Fishing Vacation, and which one you decide to go after is really just up to you and your personal preferences.

Also, when staying in the Caribbean, there are many great lodges to choose from, and there is no shortages of places a you can stay. The best way to find out which place to stay is to simply going Internet and find out which places are within your budget. There are many reviews and websites today that will show you the best places to go fishing in the Caribbean, and finding these really is not hard.

If you do plan on going fishing in the Bahamas, your trip would certainly not be complete without targeting the island's most famous fish: the bonefish. This is one of the most exciting fish to go after, it is certainly could be could be considered a national sport.

Even though the fish doesn't generally get very big, it is still one of the most popular fish to go after. Usually, the heaviest ones weigh in at about just over 10 pounds, and generally they are only between three and 5 pounds.

However, the thing that makes it so exciting to go after is that they are a fighter finished; they are very hard to bring in, and it will take all your strength and effort in order to do so. Therefore, whether you are beginning fishermen are more Vance, your skills was surely be put to the test with this Caribbean fish.

Also, keep in mind the Blowfish generally prefer shallower waters. They usually migrate from the deeper waters to go toward the Caribbean islands in order to feed. Generally speaking, the best way to catch it is to simply go out on a smaller boat between the keys and catch them with a fly day.

When the water is as clear and shallow as it is around the Caribbean, this certainly makes fishing for these catfish challenging and very fun. Hopefully this Caribbean fishing report will help you find the best places to go fishing in the Caribbean, and help you decide which fish to target for your next Caribbean vacation.

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posted by admin @ 9:46 PM, ,


Curacao - "Holland In Miniature"
19.1.08

When asked about Caribbean architecture, many tourists might think of small, colorful houses and grass huts. In Curacao, however, the architecture is inextricably linked to the colonial past. Despite the sparkling Caribbean Sea and dry climate, much of Curacao resembles the great Dutch city of Amsterdam more than the picture book version of the region. Under control of the Netherlands since the 17th century, Curacao was constructed as a home away from home for colonizers. Throughout the years, the pervasive Dutch architecture adopted many Caribbean traits. The additions of such things as porches, verandas and bright exterior colors created the spectacular sites on view for today’s visitors. Though many call the island “Holland in miniature,” you will be greeted by a world that is uniquely Curacao.

Curacao was originally discovered by the Spanish expedition of Amerigo Vespucci and Alonso de Ojeda in 1499. After gaining control of the island and ousting the native Arawak population, the Spanish ruled the island for over a century. However, in 1634, the Dutch invaded Curacao and quickly turned the island into a Caribbean version of Holland. Under the rule of Pieter Stuyvesant, the Dutch fought off invasion attempts by the British and French with the help of several forts along the coastline. Though many of these forts remain today – some of which have been converted into resorts and restaurants – the true architectural allure of Curacao came from everyday life.

The capital city of Willemstad dates to the Dutch invasion of 1634 and the outlines of its fortifying walls can still be seen. Following the signing of a peace treaty with Spain, the Dutch began constructing numerous houses and businesses throughout the island. The focus of Curacao and its Dutch rulers quickly turned from defense and fortification to the rapidly expanding trade market. By the early 18th century, nearly 200 homes and business had been constructed within the walls of Willemstad, each in the quaint Dutch style of the era.

In Willemstad, the best example of the “Holland in miniature” concept is the district known as Otrobanda. Constructed upon a winding grid of alleyways and narrow streets, this neighborhood most closely resembles the archetypal 17th century Dutch town. As the city developed throughout the centuries, Otrobanda eventually became the island’s cultural hotbed in the early 20th century. In fact, most of Curacao’s most recognized politicians, artists and musicians grew up in this truly unique part of the capital city. Today, Otrobanda continues to display both strong ethnic and cultural diversity – a trait seen inside local businesses and amongst the residents that stroll the maze-like streets.

Within the capital city, it is also recommended to walk through the areas known as Punda – also referred to as “old Willemstad” and known for its imposing fort – and Pietermaai – a neighborhood just outside of central Willemstad know for its colonial mansions. Perhaps the most interesting fact about Punda is that the first buildings constructed here were, in fact, perfect replicas of the homes and businesses that border the canals of Amsterdam. Today, Punda features architecture from several different eras of European design with each building painstakingly preserved. The neighborhood of Pietermaai dates to the early 18th century and marked the first residential expansion beyond the walls of Willemstad. Many of these stately European homes have since been converted into businesses, while others remain in their original state.

If you venture outside of Willemstad to the arid landscape of the island’s interior, you will most likely spot a number of plantation homes and Dutch windmills. Like many of the structures in Willemstad, most of the plantations date to the 18th century. While many plantation homes and their surrounding buildings have been reduced to rubble, some of the estates have been preserved as museums. If you are interested in how these people lived during colonial times, visit the Sorghum Stalk House Museum.

Many of the island’s most popular tours visit the most interesting architectural sites and several museums in Willemstad document the unique history of this Caribbean treasure. Even if you aren’t usually moved by architecture, it will be hard to avoid the charm of Curacao.

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posted by admin @ 7:04 PM, ,