Western Caribbean & Central America

La Romana is the Dominican Republic’s 7th largest city and one of the country’s top holiday destinations, boasting gorgeous beaches bathed in tropical sunshine, fantastic scuba-diving hotspots rich in marine fauna and flora, and luxury resorts such as Casa de Campo, famous for its world-class golf courses and the artists’ village of Altos de Chavón. 

Situated on the Caribbean coast, La Romana is also an ideal place from which to embark on Caribbean cruises,[ReadMoreMob] thanks to the city’s convenient proximity to the stunning islands found just a short sail southeast from the Dominican.

La Romana is the Dominican Republic’s 7th largest city and one of the country’s top holiday destinations, boasting gorgeous beaches bathed in tropical sunshine, fantastic scuba-diving hotspots rich in marine fauna and flora, and luxury resorts such as Casa de Campo, famous for its world-class golf courses and the artists’ village of Altos de Chavón. 

Situated on the Caribbean coast, La Romana is also an ideal place from which to embark on Caribbean cruises,[ReadMoreMob] thanks to the city’s convenient proximity to the stunning islands found just a short sail southeast from the Dominican.

Discovered by Columbus in 1496, Santo Domingo is the New World’s oldest colonial city. A beautiful place to simply walk around, the cobbled streets of Santo Domingo are lined with 15^th & 16^th century buildings that remind you of the city’s unique history.

Among the historic buildings you will also find modern creature comforts such as shopping malls, restaurants, bars and cafes. Events and festivals often take place and visitors are encouraged to get involved and experience the Dominican’s exciting, vibrant atmosphere. Be sure to explore the Colonial Zone and the Malecon. These are the most pedestrian friendly areas in the city and are home to the finest architecture, the best places to visit and finest cuisine.

For those who wish to simply lie back, relax and soak up incredible weather, there are several beautiful beaches within easy reach.

Cozumel, is famed for its Mayan history, coral reefs and scuba diving. Lying off the Yucatan coast, the island has over 40 shrines to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the moon, the sea and fertility. Many are carved from coral – the island is part of the Great Maya Barrier Reef – and archaeologists regularly find the small clay dolls, which were offerings to the goddess. 

The eco-park, Chankanaab, is the number one attraction in Cozumel; a lagoon with underwater caverns, and home to dolphins, manatees, iguanas and sea turtles.[ReadMoreMob] The relaxing haven of the National Marine Park boasts stunning beaches and beautiful botanical gardens. The popular diving spot around a section of the Mesoamerican Reef is the location of the amazing submerged sculptures of Museo Subacuático de Arte.

Museo de la Isla de Cozumel, in the small town of San Miguel, has interesting exhibits about the island, its flora and fauna, and the formation of the coral reef. There are also Mayan artefacts and various items from its time as a Spanish colony, including cannons, swords and armour.

Belize City is an intriguingly beautiful jumble of narrow streets and canals to explore, the perfect destination for those who love a little adventure. Largely surrounded by water, the city has a vast maritime history and was formerly a pirate base before the British turned Belize into an important timber city. 

Among the paths and water ways you will find beautiful architecture that harks back to Belize City’s past.[ReadMoreMob] Old Belize is a living museum with entertaining and interesting exhibits that showcase the history of the nation, while the Museum of Belize, a former prison, is filled with a vast collection of archaeological finds and documents. The Eco-museum - a living museum that showcases some of Belize's finest treasures is also well worth a visit.

Although the harbour was not built until 1870 – to export Costa Rican bananas and grain – Puerto Limon is one of the oldest cities in Latin America. It was established in 1502 by Christopher Columbus and that long history has given the place some fascinating architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. The open-air market in the centre of town is a must-see, the place to buy anything from local handicrafts to clothes and household goods. In the side streets are interesting little bars and cafés: cashew nuts are an important crop locally, and the cashew wine is a speciality.

With enough time, it is fun to take a trip in a panga – a motorboat – along the Tortuguero Canal, which runs parallel with the coast for about 200km.[ReadMoreMob] Even during a short trip it is possible to see many unusual birds, as well as alligators, turtles and bats.
 

At the Atlantic end of the Panama Canal on the Caribbean Sea, lies the country’s second city, Colón. Initially established as the terminus of the Panama Railroad, the town was originally called Aspinwall, after Railroad’s promoter, William Aspinwall. It was built to provide a fast overland route to California and the gold rush, but the local Hispanic population soon renamed it in honour of Christopher Columbus. 

Outside the city port are several reminders of Panama’s rich history, including the Canal’s impressive Gatún Locks and Gatún Dam.[ReadMoreMob] Fort San Lorenzo, built by the Spanish to guard the strategically important Chagres River, is a well-preserved colonial military structure.The vast Colón Free Trade Zone offers tax-free shopping.

An enthralling and staggeringly beautiful city, Cartagena is one of Colombia's true gems bursting with Spanish heritage. Dominated by the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the captivating city of Cartagena is also home to the wonderful Santo Domingo Plaza, Palacio de la Inquisicion and its 16th century cathedral.  

Taking time out to relax at one of Cartagena's many open-air cafés is a popular pastime;[ReadMoreMob] perfect for watching the parade of horse-drawn carriages, fashionable locals and romantic street life. From one of its many beaches, many take the opportunity to mingle with the sea life on a Cartegena snorkelling trip, passing San Jose and San Ferna en route.

UNESCO-protected Willemstad on Curaçao has narrow-gabled, 18th century houses in cool pastel shades, juxtaposed with intense yellows and royal blues. It’s akin to a carbon copy of Amsterdam, but with the gorgeous Caribbean climate thrown in.

The town has a number of intriguing museums worth visiting: the Curaçao Museum, the Maritime Museum and Kura Hulanda, which tells the history of the local slave trade.[ReadMoreMob] At Scharlooweg 77 is the house known as the 'Wedding Cake', a near perfect example of Dutch colonial architecture.

Willemstad is actually divided into two sections, Otrobanda and Punda, and both boast a rich, cultural heritage. They are connected by the Queen Emma Bridge, also known as the Swinging Old Lady, a floating, pontoon bridge powered by diesel, which swings open daily to allow ships in and out of the harbour.

Situated not far from the waterfront, the crowded streets of Punda are packed with smart galleries and shops, while nearby Pietermaai is alive with cool restaurants, bars and clubs. The island’s fantastic beaches are a true delight, with Santa Barbara Beach probably the pick of them all.

With its balmy climate, buzzing atmosphere, glorious azure waters and incredible beaches, Bridgetown is a tropical city that epitomises paradise. There is rarely a dull day in the capital and largest city of Barbados. 

This very British Caribbean island is a favourite with tourists; the city’s streets are lined with shops, boutiques, street vendors, bars and places to eat – there is always something to do.[ReadMoreMob] Broad Street, the main street of Bridgetown is often packed with welcoming locals. It's easy to see why Barbados is known as Little England given Bridgetown’s Georgian houses, the horse-racing track, Parliament Square, and a statue of Nelson.

The entire downtown area of Bridgetown and the 17th century Garrison were named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012 in recognition of their historical significance. Near the central National Heroes Square, which fringes Constitution River, the Nidhe Israel Synagogue and museum explore Barbados' Jewish history. [ReadMoreDesk]

For a change of pace, the shore and the glorious sands offer a haven from the bustling centre. Carlisle Bay is home to six shipwreck dive sites, while a catamaran ride on the Caribbean Sea may offer the chance to swim with the once endangered Hawksbill and Green Turtles. The wonder of the impressive stalactites and stalagmites in Harrison’s Cave is another experience that will linger in the memory.