When sinking in life’s unyielding wave of technology, disconnect from the rush and slip into island-time. Cast off with The Moorings, let your worries melt away, remember how to live in the moment—one nautical mile at a time.
Spend your vacation on this beautiful, peaceful island
BY
ANDREW MARSHALLFind your perfect vacation spot among these amazing destinations
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BY RUSS WALSH
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BY
KAITLIN NARCISOVisit Barbados for the biggest festivals in the Caribbean
BY: JACOB TREMBLAY
While more visitors, are choosing to vacation on Anguilla’s dreamy shores, this small leeward island has maintained its mystique of seclusion and sophistication. Rather than an inexplicable feat of mysticism, the preservation of this reputation can be traced to the exemplary quality of Anguilla’s 33 beaches, its region-leading assortment of luxury properties, and its incomparably laid-back vibe. As compelling as the island’s cultural, experiential, and culinary identity has historically been, COVID-19 was as existential a threat, as any destination has ever faced. With the peak of the pandemic now behind us and vacations once again top of our minds, we find ourselves asking: is Anguilla the same destination we all fell in love with before the world shut down?
In short, our conclusion is a resounding “yes”. Anguilla is every bit as dynamic, welcoming, and profoundly relaxing as we all remember. I invite you to read on as I expound on our findings, detailing exactly how Anguilla was - and remains - extraordinary.
The Caribbean in its entirety deserves more credit for its food: a soulful, well-seasoned cuisine that makes the most of the abundant seafood the region is blessed with. While almost every Caribbean island offers their take on the catch of the day and classics like Conch fritter, Anguilla truly stands alone in its devotion to both quality and flavor. The appeal of Anguilla’s cuisine lies in the embrace of its multifaceted heritage, incorporating tastes from the Spanish, African, and British traditions that have influenced the island’s past. Naturally, fresh seafood remains the star of many dishes, with freshly caught lobster and snapper sizzling away on many a grill in Sandy Ground. You’ll find no shortage of locally owned eateriesmany of which are literally right on the beach - that specialize in serving up heaping portions of Anguillian comfort food. Gwen’s Reggae Grill in Shoal Bay East has earned rave reviews for their BBQ Chicken and Rib combo with meat that falls right off the bone. Scilly Cay, offshore of the main island, has the unique distinction of being both a secluded cay and a restaurant. Here, you can indulge in towering plates of garlic butter crayfish and other quintessentially Caribbean favorites as you sip an iconic Anguillian rum punch in one of the destination’s most in-demand locales.
In the realm of traditional fine dining, Anguilla has developed something of a classical French pedigree, perhaps owing to the number of esteemed French chefs who have emigrated to the island. The Hibernia Restaurant & Art Gallery is as emblematic of Anguilla’s broad international
influences as any other eatery on the island. Sporting Balinese decor and a stone statue garden, Hibernia’s chef Raoul has elevated the restaurant to global acclaim with a French-Japanese fusion menu that honors the legacy of Parisian cooking but goes beyond it, capturing the powerful flavors of Southeast Asia with secret ingredients like prized Cambodian pepper. Long Bay Village’s awardwinning Quintessence Hotel further embraces Anguilla’s philosophy of culinary fusion. Chef Dominique Thevenet leverages 30 years of experience to effortlessly blend tropical ingredients with French bistro fare, launching his five-star restaurant into rarified culinary air with dishes like burgundy escargot and pan-seared Chateaubriand with rum sauce.
Discovering Anguilla’s eclectic cuisine requires an exploratory effort guided by a healthy and adventurous appetite. Discovering Anguilla’s natural beauty requires only a cursory glance in just about any direction. With supple ivory sands, sweeping cliffside vistas, and waves of deepest blue as far as the eye can see, Anguilla’s credentials as the Caribbean’s foremost wedding destination are clear for all to see. Here, the age-old fantasy of exchanging vows in the embrace of paradise becomes a surprisingly achievable reality. Anguilla’s robust portfolio of wedding-focused properties and villas has turned the realization of romance covers into their personal mission. Santosha Villa Estate on lovely Long Bay is the picture of peace and serenity, where classic West Indies decor and
expertly appointed private rooms for up to 21 guests combine to create the ultimate honeymoon venue for small parties. The Belmond Cap Juluca, a collection of Moorish-style villas perched along the crescent of spectacular Maundays Bay, sets the standard for unabashed luxury in a large-group setting. With lush tropical gardens and an 1800 sq ft beachside pavilion perfect for a sunset wedding ceremony, Cap Juluca has the function to match its impeccably idyllic form.
Anguillians seemingly subscribe to the motto that what comes after the ceremony is as important as the ceremony itself - a conclusion one can reasonably draw from the sheer richness of romantic excursions the destination offers. From almost any of the public beaches, couples can embark on a kayak trip around the island’s warm, coastal waters or charter a private boat for a romantic afternoon on the sea. If you find the stresses and pains of your premarriage life encroaching on your honeymoon, Anguilla has worldclass spas (like the unbelievable Thai House Spa at Zemi Beach House) standing by with aromatic compresses and full body tissue therapy to renew the romance. The active couple can opt to rent a pair of bikes and see the island on a selfguided tour - traversing Anguilla in its full breezy splendor will take no more than a few hours for newlywed cyclists. If you’d instead prefer to trade spokes and pedals for a stout set of hooves, Seaside Stables offers the opportunity to canter across Cove Bay in the gentle caress of the moonlight.
Anguilla’s embrace of large luxury resorts and celebrity-frequented villas has been perhaps the destination’s most salient attribute and - at times - something of a curse. Headlines of five-figure weekly rates for prime Anguillian real estate favored by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars certainly did the island no favors in reaching a mass market. While many now erroneously believe that lavish and unattainable luxury is Anguilla’s calling card, the truth is much different. Far from favoring exclusivity, Anguilla has actually built its identity on realizing that mix of comfort and grandeur in properties that serve every kind of budget
At the forefront of this push for accessibility are the Charming Escapes: a collection of smaller, often locally-owned properties that offer warm Anguillian hospitality at extremely reasonable prices. There’s a property type for everyone in this collection, with villas, beach houses, bungalows, and apartments selected for that winning mix of privacy, quality, and comfort that typifies Anguilla. Many of these properties see a majority of their annual bookings come from return clients - a ringing endorsement of their remarkable service, friendly staff, and convenient oceanside locations. The cozy Ferryboat Inn, just minutes from the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal, encapsulates the highly personal nature of the Charming Escapes: its live-in owners take a personal stake in helping guests create itineraries and have cultivated a true family atmosphere within the property’s four amenityrich apartments.
Of course, if unabashed luxury in the heart of the Caribbean is what your heart desires, Anguilla will meet and exceed all expectations. Landmark properties like the Four Seasons, Mailliouhana, Frangipani, and the Aurora (to name just a few) epitomize the extravagance that initially catapulted Anguilla to international admiration. Often perched on prime beach real estate, these properties each offer extensive recreation and amenities, top-of-theline accommodations, and delicious on-property dining. As more and more travelers elect to stay in villas, these properties have broadened their offering with spacious adjoining villas of their own. Some say that staying in a villa is the best way to enjoy Anguilla, as the slower pace and unrivaled seclusion mirror the soul of the destination itself. It’s a hard bit of philosophy to refute: with toes cradled by the warm ivory sands and eyes set into the seemingly endless azure horizon, one cannot help but think that the world as a whole could benefit from being a little more Anguillian.
BY: MATTHEW SCHUELLER
Though we took the long journey from Portland Oregon, we were actually quite surprised at how close Bermuda is to the East Coast. Flying from New York City you can arrive in Bermuda in just over two hours. Approaching the small set of islands, you marvel at the emerald and turquoise waters crested with white and pink hues of pristine beach along Bermuda’s shores. Even when previously visiting the Caribbean and various Pacific islands, we’d never seen anything quite like this tiny oasis amongst the midAtlantic. I felt a rush of excitement as I finished my English breakfast tea and readied myself to land in paradise.
Flying into Bermuda you first notice the expanse of white roofs dotting the green island surrounded by electric blue waters. The island is so well curated and controlled that it adds an almost fairytale-like quality. The white roofs are a specific white paint that filters rainwater underneath each dwelling, and every building is a gorgeous shade of pastel.
Arriving at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess we fell in love. The millennial pink facade spoke to me and gave me a sense of playfulness and sophistication. The service was incredible and everyone was so happy to welcome us to the island. They seemed to truly enjoy sharing their slice of paradise. We were perfectly greeted when we arrived to our room with a signature cocktail, the Dark and Stormy, a cocktail served on the rocks in a highball glass with dark rum and ginger beer and garnished with a fresh slice of lime.
The Fairmont Gold lounge was the cherry on top of an already incredible experience. The staff made the effort to get to know us, welcomed us by name, and helped us find the best activities to do and sights to see. Not only was it an added luxury, but it was also a great way to increase the value of our stay. We hit each event, from breakfast to afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres to late-night dessert. As many know, the prices to eat out in Bermuda can climb quickly and therefore having the option to enjoy a light lunch of small appetizers and snacks in the Fairmont Gold lounge within the comfort of the resort is the highest perk we could possibly ask for.
What do travelers to Bermuda usually seek more than a peaceful day spent on the beach? The long southern stretch of the island provides ample beach for locals and visitors alike to enjoy without being overly crowded. It was especially enjoyable to have a private beach club hosted by the Hamilton
Princess called Sinky Bay. Taking a free shuttle from the hotel, we were transported into an island cove with pink sand, colorful fish, and hammocks in the water to relax in. For food and drink there was a bar at the edge of the beach that provided chair-side service where your orders would be brought to you at a moment’s notice. As we settled into our first beach day we started to understand the true meaning of paradise as defined by Bermuda. The bay is protected by a rock barrier from rougher surf, so the beach of Sinky Bay is incredibly calm and peaceful. There are plenty of beautiful fish to spot around the rocks, so we really enjoyed soaking up the sun at this famous location. We paddle-boarded, snorkeled and even kayaked around the bay before departing back to our hotel.
Honestly, we never really considered making the trip out to Bermuda but we are so glad we made the spontaneous decision to go. The archipelago has more to offer than we could have ever imagined. We can’t believe it has taken us this long to get to this gem in the Atlantic. Bermuda is unexpected, underrated, and extraordinary. Once we had spent just 24 hours there, Bermuda already had our hearts! We were amazed at the crystal blue water and pink sand beaches scattered all over the island. We loved learning about the island's architecture, culture, and history. How interesting to be in such a tropical place with a tradition of afternoon tea and pictures of Queen Elizabeth everywhere. We only wish we had more time to take it all in, but of course we cannot wait to get back to Bermuda one day soon and enjoy another Dark and Stormy cocktail.
BY: ANDREW MARSHALL
The Caribbean is a region of plenty. Here is a fast and fabulous guide to some of the most memorable experiences to flag on your bucket list.
The mix of cultures and races give the islands of the Caribbean a unique style in cuisine, music, architecture, customs and language. Whether you are climbing the Pitons in Saint Lucia, drinking rum with locals in Barbados, or listening to the sounds of steel pan in Trinidad, the Caribbean is jam-packed with a rich array of varied experiences and activities. Here are ten of the best.
"Take it easy and be happy," the locals are likely to say when you first arrive on Caye Caulker, a tiny island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. Situated on a reef of some 200 cays, and blessed with a fascinating mix of Rastafarian, Garifuna and Creole culture, Caye Caulker offers a Caribbean experience at its most laid-back and affordable best. The cay is only seven kilometers long and 600 meters at its widest point, and you can stroll the bougainvillea-lined sandy lanes barefoot in under ten minutes.
The main industries in Caye Caulker, once the hangout of pirates, are lobster fishing and its own special brand of locally run tourism. If you become tired of watching from your hammock the frigate birds wheel in lazy circles, there are plenty of activities to tempt you away. Sailing trips on a reef second only in size to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, observing manatees (dugongs or sea cows), diving the Blue Hole, a day boat trip to the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha, or a sunset drink down at the Lazy Lizard.
A trip to the Dominican Republic would not be complete without a visit to the vibrant capital of Santo Domingo. This Old Spanish colonial city founded by Bartholomew Columbus (brother of Christopher) in 1496, was designated a UNESCO site of World Heritage Importance in 1990. It contains many of the oldest buildings in the Americas and wandering its labyrinth of narrow streets will reveal the New World’s first church, the oldest street, and nunnery and monastery and library and university.
The weathered stonework, heavy iron-studded doors and beautiful colonial balconies are testimony to the grand style in which Columbus and the early colonists lived. From a stone seat in the battlement wall of Fortaleza Ozama, the oldest fort, you can gaze over an impressive armory of cannons aimed over the Ozama River and the anchorage where Columbus once weighed anchor.
Though small in size, in the world of rum Barbados is huge. In fact Bajans were the first to concoct this hearty cane liquor in the mid-17th century. Found in every village and town, and at almost every crossroads or street corners where people pass by are the island’s colorful rum shops. Part pub, part convenience store, part social center, these sugar cane shacks are the best places to enjoy a rum with your friendly neighborhood Bajans.
Along Baxter’s Road just north of the capital Bridgetown, you’ll find a concentration of watering holes where sidewalk vendors fry up fish and the drinks flow freely late into the night. On the outskirts of town, amid the palm-fringed turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, is the Mount Gay Rum Visitor’s Centre where the world’s oldest rum brand was born over three centuries ago.
In these southernmost Caribbean islands, there is an almost tangible native pride about steel pan, a musical marvel often described as “the only acoustic instrument to be invented in the 20th century.” From biscuit tins to the hubs of motor car wheels, all manner of items have been employed in the past to create musical notes, but it wasn’t until the 1930s, that the steel pan made from discarded oil drums evolved into a fine example of creative recycling.
The “people’s street festival,” or Carnival, held in February or March each year is where the steel pan reigns supreme. More than 100 steel bands, both large and small are active throughout Trinidad and nearby Tobago. Especially in the weeks preceding Carnival, you can visit the pan yards where steel bands diligently practice their rhythms for National Panorama, the Carnival’s big musical event.
An essential travel experience in any country is eating its signature dish, and in Jamaica that means jerk chicken or pork. Jerk chicken is believed to have been conceived when the Maroons introduced African meat-cooking techniques to Jamaica, which were combined with native Jamaican ingredients and seasonings used by the Amerindians. At most “jerk centres,” as they are known here, the recipe for jerk sauce is a closely guarded secret however usually contains peppers, onions, pimento, ginger and chili.
One of the best places visit is Scotchies, an unassuming thatched-roofed joint on the outskirts of Montego Bay, where a reggae soundtrack combines with delicious aromas that waft on the balmy tropical breeze. Rows of chickens are splayed flat and whole backs of pig sizzle in jerk marinade over a low fire of pimento wood, which introduces a strong distinctive smoky flavor to the meat. A cool mix of locals and visitors rubs shoulders at rustic tables opening tin foil parcels of tasty jerk chicken or pork accompanied with rice and peas, sweet potatoes or yam.
The palm-fringed San Blas Islands situated off the southern Caribbean coast of Panama are the stuff that dreams are made of – coral gardens, white sandy beaches, deep blue skies and turquoise waters. Home to the fiercely independent and traditional Kuna Indians, some 40,000 of them live on the islands, fishing, farming and trading coconuts with the Colombian schooners that ply the waters.
With their nose rings of gold, and legs and arms covered in beads and traditional clothing of a zillion different colors, the Kuna women are outrageously photogenic. Equally vibrant are the famed molas they make, where sections of cloth are sewn together depicting aspects of Kuna life through geometrical designs and symbols. While there is very little of an infrastructure for tourism here, a few resourceful Kuna families have developed low-key eco-friendly family-run resorts.
With heads bowed over wooden workbenches and with their hands methodically rolling, chopping and tucking, the busy workers create Cuba’s most famous product – cigars. This is the scene inside the Romeo y Julieta cigar factory in Havana, which produces several sizes of handcrafted Cohiba, Montecristos, H.Upmanns, and of course Romeo y Julietas. Whatever your views are about smoking, it is fascinating cultural insight to take a factory tour covering the various stages of cigar production. Being Cuba, factory tours can be ad hoc. Tours usually take around one hour and cover the various stages of cigar production.
Start in the selection room where sorters grade the various tobacco leaves, and end in a tiny room where the finished cigars are packed into cedar boxes and pasted with their official green and white seals to confirm authenticity. The rolling rooms (galeras) are the very heart and soul of the cigar-making process where you can fully appreciate the craftsmanship that has been handed down through generations of cigar rollers.
The lush volcanic island of Saint Lucia is situated in the Caribbean Sea, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique. More mountainous than many other Caribbean islands, Saint Lucia is known for its most famous landmark, the Pitons which is located between Soufrière and Choiseul on the southwest coast. These two towering volcanic spires (Gros Piton rises to a height of 786 meters and Petit Piton 739 meters), attract hikers and climbers and are featured everywhere from postcards and T-shirts, to paintings and beer labels.
In spite of being the highest, Gros Piton is the easier of the two Pitons to ascend and is more a hike than a climb. A decent degree of fitness is required to tackle Petit Piton, with various obstacles to negotiate such as twisted roots, boulders, exposed areas and a section of knotted rope ladder. Although there is no mandatory park service guide required to climb Petit Piton (as is the case with Gros Piton), it is a very good idea to find a local guide (ask around in Soufrière) who knows the route. It’s well worth the effort and from the summits of the Pitons there are unparalleled views of Piton Bay and Saint Lucia.
BY: ANNIE HENNESSEY
Your introduction to Nobu Hotel Los Cabos is a tranquil, airy courtyard entrance with three large local Cabo rocks, symbolizing a journey up a mountain welcoming you to relax and drop your shoulders as you step into Zen. A harmonious blend of Japanese and Mexican design, Nobu Los Cabos, the first of the luxury hotel group’s resorts in Mexico, has fine-tuned modern, crisp luxury and traditional Japanese sophistication to a tee.
Pacific Ocean waves are the soothing backdrop of the 200-room resort. Though the waters are not safe for swimming as currents run very strong, the soft, sandy beach itself and expansive ocean view is as completely restorative. Walk or run along the beach to clear your mind in nature. The hotel’s Playa Bar and neighboring pool and loungers back directly onto the sand. One of Nobu’s crisp beachside bar cocktails is a fine way to ease into a wonderful state of relaxation.
Throughout the open air layout there are numerous pools and hot tubs, private cabanas and loungers, a handful of world class restaurants (both casual and more sophisticated), six bars between the restaurants and the swim-up bar, a nearly 14,000-square-foot spa, a gym, meeting and event spaces, a scattering of varied size Japanese gardens with locally sourced stones and plants, along with water features throughout. Rooms are generously sized with modern decor in neutral shades of rust, sand, cream, and touches of blue. Luxury toiletries, spacious rainfall showers and a teak Japanese soaking tub are in each room, inspiring guests to both relax to the utmost and meditate on how one can replicate a bathroom this indulgent at home. Keep meditating.
Recent research from Booking.com found that 78% of global travelers intended to stay in a sustainable property at least once in 2023. Nobu Los Cabos is part of the travel leader’s Travel Sustainable program touting green spaces throughout the property, and handcrafted items as part of room decor as well as for sale in the hotel’s gift shop. The contemporary Japanese style of the rooms blend seamlessly with the local handmade items that sprinkle depth and interest. The juxtaposition of the sumptuous organic cotton linens alongside rougher textures found in the rugs, sofas, chairs and throw pillows commonly found in Mexico, gives the rooms a rich texture. Walkin closets are key for keeping your room clear of all your vacation belongings and make organizing outfits and clothing categories a breeze.
It is hardly a surprise considering the Nobu hotels were the brainchild of world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa (as well as actor Robert De Niro and film producer Meir Teper), that eating at Nobu Los Cabos is a practice in perfection. The on-site Nobu restaurant includes Nobu signature dishes such as the rock shrimp tempura, miso black cod, yellowtail sashimi and other creative Japanese-fusion dishes conceptualized by Chef Nobu. Fine Mexican fare is also easy to find with the Pacific Restaurant offering polished a-la-carte service as well as taco and Mezcal pairings. Offering an alternative to the hotel’s Japanese and Mexican flavors, Ardea Steakhouse branches out into pizza, pastas, fire-cooked meats, and boasts an award-winning wine program. Room service is available 24 hours, so worries about missing the restaurants closing times or late night hunger popping up are nil. You will be able to indulge in five-star food at any time of the day or night.
Private experiences are also available. The staff, who are experts in an anticipatory service, can prepare a romantic beachfront dinner, a bonfire with sand seating and surrounding warm twinkle lights, an educational and fun tequila tasting with backstories on the origins of some of Mexico’s best tequilas, select wellness activities including yoga set against a dramatic Mexican desert backdrop, and more.
Coming back to the nearly 14,000-square-foot spa is a must. The co-ed Escensia Spa offers signature Asian-inspired treatments and massages, as well as the pièce de résistance outdoor hydrotherapy garden with water circuit. The circuit includes steam and sauna rooms, an outdoor cabana Jacuzzi, an outdoor cold plunge pool, and a warm hydrotherapy pool. Loungers, palm trees, and cacti speckle the intimate water circuit space with staff ready to bring fresh citrus or
spring water to you. The cold water plunge step throws many people off completing the circuit in the recommended order; however this plunge is also integral to maximizing the deeply relaxing and therapeutic benefits of this practice. Travelers who have not tried doing a circular-directional water circuit before would be well-advised to do so.
Staff at Nobu Los Cabos are among the best you will find anywhere in the world. Their attention to detail, efficiency, and warm and welcoming energy is not only a class in hospitality professionalism, but also ensures that all of their guests experience immediate ease and trust. `
The Kaenon Avalon is the perfect style for your everyday shades! The lightweight frames are great for long days on the beach, hiking, or sunset cruises on the water. The newest frame in their “Essentials Collection,” Avalon is destined to become a classic. 8 stylish color combinations to choose from kaenon.com
Converts food scraps to nutrient-rich fertilizer in as little as 2 hours. Ideal for the kitchen with limited space. Add food any time. Reencle runs quietly and safely around the clock, so you don’t need to wait until it’s finished with earlier food scraps. Just scoop out the fertilizer when it’s looking full. 3-layer filter system ensures odor free composting. reencleus.com
When you want more luggage space but don’t want to go too big, the Check-In Medium is the perfect midsize case. An ideal companion to the awardwinning Carry-On. Outfitted with an unbreakable polycarbonate shell, ultra-sturdy telescopic handle, TSA-approved lock, whisper-quiet wheels, vegan leather details, and all-premium materials. Any of the Carry-On sizes can nest inside for easy storage when you’re not traveling. Pair with the Compressible Packing Cubes to take your packing to the next level. monos.com
Keep your clothes and other items neatly organized and compressed in these well-structured packing cubes, designed to save space and fit perfectly in your Monos luggage (Set of Four fits all Carry-On sizes; Set of Six fits all Check-In sizes). Unlike traditional packing cubes these compression packing cubes are made to last with all-premium materials. The exterior is constructed with tear-resistant nylon twill, while the interior features the same luxuriously soft, antimicrobial fabric found inside our travel suitcases. And a breathable, TPU-reinforced mesh top panel lets you easily see what’s inside without unpacking. The anticatch zippers ensure your packing is always snag-free.
A drone which builds on the industry-leading autonomy of the Skydio 2 drone with important hardware and software improvements. Plus enhanced wireless range and battery life to get the most out of every adventure. Also, Skydio announced new groundbreaking autonomous flight capability, Skydio KeyFrame. Skydio Keyframe is an AI skill that allows a user to design and capture smooth, complex camera moves with just a few taps. skydio.com
Incredible waterproof protection, 25L capacity, and true work/play versatility. Features a 16” laptop sleeve & waterproof phone pocket. This durable, lightweight backpack offers unbeatable waterproof protection to keep your gear safe, dry, and secure – no matter what the conditions. S-curve shoulder straps, a molded EVA back panel, adjustable chest strap, and lightweight materials provide a comfortable fit with excellent ergonomics. breakwatersupply.com
The Neo Megafloat, is their highest-rated floating eyewear retainer, that comes with an increased temple size designed for larger frames. Filled with closed-cell foam, it’ll float up to 85 grams (3 oz.), keeping your shades off the bottom of the river. The lock-stitched ends easily slip over larger size eyewear frames. chums.com
MEC
HD
A windproof, waterproof barrier designed for skiers and climbers. Redesigned for 2020, the Synergy HD jacket uses a lightweight, supple and packable face fabric that doesn’t compromise on durability. This pared-down shell uses GORE-TEX®, the gold standard of waterproof-breathable technology. Great alpine-specific features include harness-accessible pockets, a high collar to keep out blowing snow, and a hood with cordlock adjustments that’s helmet compatible.
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A little rough weather should not prevent junior fun lovers from getting outside. This fleece-lined jacket uses waterproof-breathable fabric to ensure dryness through wet and windy conditions. Warm enough for cool fall days (or west-coast winters), it’s designed to fit easily over layers if the conditions call for extra insulation.
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Enjoy the performance of a backcountry jacket, in a clean urban style. The floating yoke design gives the Greycoast the look of separates, but the coverage of a full-length rain jacket. Technical details include an adjustable hood and fully taped seams for complete waterproof protection. The split hem and 2-way zipper also make it easy to sit down without having to unzip your jacket.
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Filmmakers, this is a must pack item. The Shark Slider Nano is the world’s first built-in two axis motion control slider. A lightweight, portable, powerful and revolutionary one stop slider solution. Use the on board IPS Touchscreen interface to set key frames, select shooting mode and enjoy full control of your motion slider or connect your slider via Bluetooth and experience intuitive navigation and camera control via the Moco App. Add even more to your creativity with vertical camera movement and pan head rotation. With a small form factor, the Shark Slider Nano fits into your travel bag or rucksack. ifootagegear.com
Fitbit announced the next generation of three of its devices that will unlock even more information about your body to better manage your health and wellness. All new devices come with six months of Fitbit Premium, taking your Fitbit experience even further with features like Daily Readiness Score and Sleep Profile, more personalized insights, advanced analytics, and more than 1,000 workouts and mindfulness sessions. fitbit.com
This blender delivers the smoothest purees and finest blends of any Ninja pitcher with its built-in Twist Tamper, Hybrid-Edge high-speed blades, and a powerful motor. The built-in Twist Tamper pushes down ingredients toward the high-speed blades to create perfectly thick outputs like smoothie bowls and nut butters. 5 Preset auto-iq programs, built-in twist tamper, 34 oz. High-speed pitcher and a 1600 peak-watt motor base. ninjakitchen.com
This season, Smartwool has created an all-NEW Run Sock with better stretch, recovery, fit and feel. Featuring a 4 Degree™ elite fit system for a performance fit, mesh zones for added breathability, a Virtually Seamless™ toe for enhanced comfort. Designed to last longer and work harder so you’re always ready to go that extra mile.
3-IN-1 CLEANING Vacs, mops and cleans itself with powerful suction & hydro mopping at the same time. It deep cleans hard floors & cleans area rugs. Includes a self-cleaning, antimicrobial brushroll to help prevent odors & bacterial growth on the brushroll. The debris filtration technology in the dirty water tank is designed to separate solids from liquids so you can quickly and easily empty the tank. Place the HydroVac on its dock after every use and activate selfclean mode so it is clean and ready for the next use sharkclean.com
These double wall vacuum insulated bottles will make the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusist. The dual-lid has a smaller opening for drinking and pouring, and a larger opening for cleaning or adding ice. These bottles keeps liquids cold for up to 24 hours, hot for up to 12 hours. Available in a number of sizes. mannahydration.com
This lightweight technical hiker is waterproof-breathable and built for a high-traction ride in wet and dry conditions. The seamless mesh delivers exceptional fit and support, OutDry™ waterproof, breathable construction, and Adapt Trax™ outsole provides exceptional traction in wet and dry conditions. columbia.com
This mountain-ready jacket is waterproof-breathable and features peripheral hood adjustment for clear vision and full coverage. Omni-Tech™ waterproof/ breathable fully seam sealed, underarm venting, drawcord adjustable hem, and goggle pocket.
Made with the mountain in mind, these pants will help you power through it all. Waterproof-breathable Omni-Tech and leg ventilation keep you comfortable and dry. Adjust the waist and cuffs for a just-right fit around boots and baselayers and stay agile with actionready flexibility at the knee. columbia.com
Created to help women who are hot sleepers get a cooler night’s sleep. The solution is in the design and in the fabric. CoolRevolution PJs are made of sustainable, bamboo fabric. Because it’s a natural fiber, it doesn’t trap heat like most polyester and synthetic fabrics. Bamboo is naturally cooling, moisturewicking and antibacterial. coolrevolutionpjs.com
National Geographic travel expert Carrie Miller and dive master Chris Taylor traveled to 50 inspirational locations around the world. Written for divers, snorkelers, and nondiving companions, each location also includes other adventures to try. From hiking to cultural experiences to citizen science opportunities, all accompanied by compelling stories and stunning National Geographic photography. amazon.com
Perfect for rushed, early mornings, this new styling tool is Quick, Quiet and Quality driven to give you salon-worthy hair up to 70% faster than a regular hair dryer. The Infiniti Pro by Conair 3Q features an advanced brushless motor technology that reduces drying time with a lower temperature to minimize heat damage, uses patent-pending noise reduction technology for up to 40% less noise and has a 10x longer motor life - lasting up to 5,000 hours! conaircanada.com
Designed with auto-mode to clear the air automatically, electronic touch controls, light dimmer, and filter life indicator that shows the percentage left on the filter’s life. Includes True HEPA filtration out of the box to attract and capture 99.97% of unwanted airborne particles, such as allergens, dust, lint, mould spores, bacteria, viruses, and pet dander. filtrete.com
TuxMat are perfectly built to fit like a glove, using interior data based on the car’s make and model with a highly precise 3D scanner capturing every detail, providing accuracy up to 0.4 millimeter. Tailored to each vehicle’s retention system, TuxMat installation is a seamless and intuitive experience using the vehicle’s existing retention hardware. TuxMat has built in tuxedo inspired ridges to help keep feet and belongings dry when there is excess water from snow or rain.
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Create your style with the Adjustable Beard Trimmer. Find all the right lengths for your beard, neckline, mustache and more by choosing any preferred length between 0.5 to 12 mm! Powered by a lithiumion battery for long, lasting powerful cordless use up to 120 minutes. conaircanada.ca
The first and most versatile home beverage carbonator that lets users carbonate any beverage. It easily adds sparkle to juice, tea, water, and even wine and cocktails. The patented fizz infuser easily carbonates with a press of a button. Available in a variety of colors and with a handy CO2 online exchange program.
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These are down-filled puffer mittens with a cozy brushed lining and exterior speed clips that allow you to attach them together. They’re made with Hi-Gloss — water-repellent and wind-resistant taffeta from France with a glossy finish and a soft feel. The perfect match for all Super Puff™ jackets. aritzia.com
Style while you dry, with no heat damage. With just a twist, Shark FlexStyle™ transforms between a powerful, fast, hair dryer, and an ultra-versatile multi-styler. Lightweight & powerful, it’s the ultimate answer to fast, easy styling. sharkclean.com
This organizer has all the built-in pockets you need for your travels. Safely store your belongings at your fingertips during flight, such as electronic devices, magazines, water bottles, eyeglasses, snacks, and more! In addition to providing more much-needed storage, the organizers also provide a clean surface for your food and belongings. At the end of your flight, simply slip it off and it stows magically into a drawstring tote.
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Designed with watertight, high frequency welded seams, a waterproof closure, touchscreen compatibility, and the ability to keep your phone afloat, the Floating Phone Protector lets you to take your phone with you wherever you go, from a multi-day rafting trip to scrolling through Instagram while you’re in the shower. chums.com
The alleys in Hanoi always felt comfortable. They can feel like a maze full of activity and life.
Instagram: @jriverfortt Website: Jamietrees.com
Jamie is a photographer from Vietnam and the United States. His work has been exhibited in Los Angeles and Hanoi. His photography focuses on landscape, street, and abstract styles, but why limit things.
Gear: Sony A7Sii Sony FE 70-200 f/2.8 Zeiss Loxia 50 f/2
Crowds gather around the shores at the Tam Tien fish market. It’s the largest fish market in the province. A man takes in a moment before joining.
A terraced rice farm shrouded in fog.
The fishermen set sail in the middle of the night. When the fish market opens, the fishermen paddle to shore and back in basket boats to sell their catch.
Before dawn, people gather in Dong Hoi market. The fish sell out by early morning. While the rest of the market goes on, the fish vendors go home.
In a dense city, you can feel the energy from all the people passing around you. In Hanoi, that’s often accompanied by the sound of motorbikes.
I spent a night by the ocean. The beach was dark. A string of lights flashed on. College students played music and danced by a bonfire. It was the end of exams.
BY: JACOB TREMBLAY
A freshly caught lobster produces a satisfying sizzle as it hits the grill in a charming, open-air beach shack. Nearby, a family of four splashes into the warm waters of the Caribbean, scuba gear in tow, as colorful seabirds add their own high notes to the bass of the gently rolling waves. Joining this tropical symphony is the satisfying “Thwack!” of a 9-iron making perfect contact with a little white ball, sending it into the cerulean horizon over a meticulously maintained fairway. Unexpected, perhaps, but certainly not out of place, the sport of golf has come to Anguilla in a big way, given a home on an island reputed for its quiet and luxurious character by the recently reinvigorated Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club. Formerly Cuisinart Resort, this completely reimagined 300-acre property on gorgeous Rendezvous Bay stuns with 178 lavishly appointed suites, a 27,000 sq. ft spa, and a rich assortment of world-class amenities. Now owned by renowned businessman Richard M. Schulze and managed by luxury operator Salamander Hotels & Resorts, Aurora is undeniably impressive – even in dreamy Anguilla, long beloved by travelers for the unerring excellence of its accommodations.
Vacationers typically drawn to Anguilla for its quiet vibe, innovative cuisine, white-sand beaches, and inspiring accommodations can now add Aurora’s recently renovated championship golf course to their itinerary, as well as a new short course offering called Avalon Links. That’s not to say that the Aurora is lacking in any of the former elements - quite the contrary, in fact. As we discovered, Aurora Anguilla”s efforts to refine and evolve the core appeal of its former identity has created what just might be the most complete and compelling vacation experience on the island.
For as much time as you are planning to spend on the green, you’ll inevitably have to spend some time off of it. Of course, downtime at the Aurora can scarcely be called downtime - it’s hard to daydream about making a tough putt when you’re in the lap of luxury. Aurora’s selection of suites is truly sublime: each offers a near-panoramic view of either Rendezvous Bay or Merrywing Bay and incorporates flourishes like wraparound terraces, fine wood paneling, and ensuite Jacuzzis. Much of the tasteful decor pays homage to Anguilla’s nautical history, with room configurations and bed sizes variable to suit the needs of both small and large parties. Expect the works when it comes to convenience and comfort: massive flat-screen TVs, spacious walk-in closets, and floor-toceiling windows are just par for the course at the Aurora. For truly large groups, the resort offers stunning three and five-bedroom villas and 6,000 sq. ft estate homes. Staying in the latter, you’ll quickly realize why so many celebrities choose to vacation in Anguilla: the appeal of looking out at the shimmering sunset over the bay from the balcony of your butlerserviced tropical manse is hard to overstate.
Outside the comfortable confines of your room, you’ll find an almost dizzying array of exciting activities. Why not limber up before playing 18 holes with a round of aqua aerobics? If you prefer to sweat on dry land, opt to join the spin class or get in a game of tennis. For excursions, you can look forward to self-guided cycling, kitesurfing, snorkeling, and diving – all helpfully facilitated by the professional concierge. Amazingly, the list of what’s available at Aurora is due to get even longer. A sprawling entertainment complex is set to open in 2023, the highlights of which include a 500-seat amphitheater, a family-friendly waterpark, a climbing wall, a pickle ball court, and more. We could go on, but you probably get the idea at this point: Aurora has just about everything under the (Caribbean) sun.
With so much to see and do, a time will come when you find yourself craving the restorative rest and relaxation that served as your vacation’s original motivation. After napping in one of the cozy poolside cabanas, heed the call to do nothing at all and head to the Sorana Spa for potentially life-changing treatment. At a glance, it’s easy to see why the Sorana Spa enjoys such a glowing international reputation. Its 12 treatment rooms feature comfortable beds, and specialty pieces like tables made from sand quartz to get you in that Zen state of mind. You’ll find just about every kind of treatment you can think of here and many you didn’t even know existed. In the former camp, expect steam rooms, saunas, and hydrotherapy rounded out by facials, nail services, and yoga. The spa’s novel treatments include its signature 24k Gold Age-Defying Facial (which uses jasmine, or ‘mogra’) to rejuvenate skin cells and the Rasayana Detox Body Buff, a full-body scrub using walnut shells and aromatics like turmeric to awaken tired skin and shake off any remaining jet lag. With your body fully restored, complete your wellness itinerary with some guided meditation in the resort’s beautifully green outdoor areas.
On the topic of wellness, equally important to even the best spa service menu, is an exceptional food menu. In the realm of cuisine, the Aurora certainly has a lot to live up to, inheriting both the gourmet legacy of the Cuisinart and Anguilla’s broader reputation for five-star fusion fare. Again, Aurora doesn’t fail to disappoint, serving up delicious dishes at its seven restaurants and lounges. Adhering to a philosophy that embraces organic, locally sourced ingredients, Aurora manages to serve up international flavors with a decidedly Anguillian twist. Breezes (on the coast of Merrywing Bay) is the place to be for classic East Caribbean comfort food and Anguillian takes on dishes like clambakes and fish tacos. Marella brings a taste of Italy to the Caribbean with hand-made seafood pasta and excellent aperitifs. Looking to the future, Aurora’s culinary offering will only continue to diversify with D Richards steakhouse beginning dinner service and the storied Tokyo Bay Japanese restaurant targeting a November 2022 return.
We’ve come at last to our deep-dive into the breathtaking Aurora International Golf Club and we promise that - like a reservation at any of the world’s most exclusive courses - it was worth the wait. First conceptualized in 2006 under the design guidance of PGA legend Greg Norman, this 18-hole wonder is a coastal course beyond compare, quintessentially Caribbean with its swaying palms and omnipresent ocean views. While the course has been admired by enthusiasts for its pristine groundskeeping, purists find its dramatic and challenging holes even more irresistible. A 384-yard starting hole sets the stage for a dynamic course that makes ample use of elevation, bunkers, and sand traps before culminating in a thrilling 18th hole tee shot over the salt pond.
In the absence of any local competition and seemingly unwilling to settle only for excellence, the Aurora International Golf Club has recently completed an audacious remastering of this signature course. With Greg Norman and designer Jason McCoy once again at the helm, The Aurora team set out to find a way to improve on perfection and empower the character of the course. With top-to-bottom changes that enhance both playability and sustainability, it feels like they certainly succeeded. Comprehensive re-grassing, re-surfaced and reconstructed greens, and a total renovation of the irrigation system are only a few of the headline changes. Golfers will also enjoy the addition of a new forward tee location and the strategic removal of some of the larger exotics, opening up that deeply blue view the course is so famous for.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Recreational golfers and families will be well served by the November 2022 debut of Avalon Links; a 9-hole signature course that retains the panoramic views and rich shot variety of the 18-hole champion course, but is carefully designed to enable accessibility and fun for novice golfers. Minimal water features and double greens will make the course perfect for travelers who want to golf on vacation but don’t necessarily take a vacation strictly to golf. It also provides a great excuse to head over to the course solely to enjoy its plentiful amenities, which include a full-service restaurant, cutting-edge practice facilities, and dedicated spaces for recovery therapies.
After only five minutes of flying time from the Fiji capital of Suva, I spotted Ovalau. Through the windows of the 16-seater Twin Otter plane, the volcanic island soon filled my view with immense ragged peaks of the interior cloaked in verdant greens plunging to mangrove forests on the coast. There were small villages nestled in coral-fringed bays, and patchworks of taro and cassava fields spreading around shiny tin roofs with the occasional thatched bure (Fijian word for a wood and straw hut).
We swooped down into what almost seemed like a tangle of mangroves before we saw the airstrip which looked more like an extended cricket pitch. Welcome to Ovalau, a tiny island off the east coast of Viti Levu, whose historical importance more than makes up for its lack of size. Levuka town is the focal point of the island and is saturated in historical significance. European traders first settled here in the early 1830s. They were a colorful mob of sailors, whalers, beachcombers and sandalwood gatherers. It wasn’t long before the town became a thriving port where clapboard shops lined the main street, and pubs of much notoriety opened on every corner.
Back then it must have been a wild old town. It was said that captains could navigate their vessels to Levuka by following the line of floating rum bottles. By the 1860s European settlers began pouring into Levuka and the island’s first newspaper, the Fiji Times, reported that the main nuisance in town was the constant report of firearms which lasted day and night. In 1871, the same year that the Kingdom of Fiji was established, Levuka became the Capital, however it wasn’t until 1873, when King Cakabau ceded Fiji to Great Britain from the shores of Ovalau, that law and order finally arrived at this South Seas outpost.
Since 1881 when the capital was moved to Suva, Levuka has reverted to a tranquil backwater, and is perhaps the most laid back in all the Fijian islands. Its history however is overwhelming, from the Cession Stones where Fiji was first handed to the British, to the colorful clapboard Victorian architecture of the main street, and the genteel but somewhat dilapidated colonial opulence of the
Royal Hotel (the oldest continuously run hotel in the South Pacific).
As I booked into the Royal Hotel‚ my gaze was captured by the extravagant hibiscus blooms that filled pots and vases everywhere, as well as by the gleam of the polished wooden floors. Beneath slowly rotating ceiling fans, rattan and rosewood chairs offered a cool retreat. From the dim recesses of the hotel, the click of billiard balls could be heard from the table imported from England.
For my initial exploration of Levuka, I enlisted the services of local guide Henry Sahai, and soon realized that taking to the streets with Henry was the best way to meet everyone in town, as every few meters someone would call ‘Bula Henry’ and stop for a chat. Love and pride for his hometown glowed in his tanned and whiskered face as he led me from one magnificent old colonial building to the next, entertaining me with local gossip and stories of old.
Back at the Royal Hotel, I was introduced to Fiji’s alternative to a sunset beer or cocktail. Happy hour is kava hour, and every evening at 6 p.m. the tanoa (a traditional four-legged wooden bowl carved from wood) is placed on the bar for everyone to help themselves. Drinking kava (also known as yaqona) is an age-old ceremony and social custom that is alive and well in the Fijian islands.
The drink is an infusion made from the pounded roots of the piper methysticum shrub. When it is first offered, it’s considered rude to refuse, and because it is famous for looking and tasting worse than muddy water, it’s a challenge many
travelers to Fiji will face. When it is offered you clap once, then quaff the bilo (coconut cup) of kava down in one go followed by three claps. A handful of locals inside the Royal Hotel took evident delight at my grimaces of distaste as I dutifully gulped down my first bowl of kava.
So what are the effects? Kava is fast being recognized for its stressreducing capabilities. America and Germany are now buying vast quantities from Pacific countries for their lucrative health products market where it is sold in capsule form. On the home front in Fiji, one bilo of kava is enough to cause a numbing of the lips and tongue. If copious quantities are drunk, it can induce a euphoric drowsiness.
Feeling noticeably relaxed after a couple of bilos of kava, my attention was caught by a crumpled manila folder on the Royal Hotel’s reception desk titled ‘Sign here for Epi’s Lovoni Tour.’ I had heard about the legendary Lovoni tribe and how they had never been defeated by the warlord King Cakobau, holding out in their fortress village high in the caldera of an extinct volcano. I quickly signed up for the tour for the following day.
Epi is a storyteller extraordinaire. It took him many hours to relate his version of Lovoni history and the multitude of medicinal uses for plants, during which time I lunched at his family home, swam in mountain streams, ploughed through seemingly impenetrable jungle scaling the crater rim, and wound up exhausted but victorious back at the Royal Hotel for a celebratory ice cold beer.
Ten kilometers from Levuka is the Devokula Cultural Village. This traditional Fijian village in every sense was originally set up about 20 years ago by Jeramaia Tukituku, a visionary whose aim was to maintain the rapidly disappearing ways of his ancestors, and to create jobs for his people using traditional skills. Today the village of thatched living bures, meeting houses, craftworking areas and the towering bure kalau (spirit house) which are all built by village youths, is a model for the establishment of a sustainable future for rural communities where visitors can stay and experience authentic village life.
Met by a fiercely painted warrior at the boundary of taro fields, I was led to the sevusevu ceremony. Sevusevu is protocol that must be observed when entering any Fijian village. Armed with my gift of yaqona roots, an elderly spokesperson addressed the old chief asking permission for me to enter, and for forgiveness for any social bloopers I might inadvertently commit while in the village.
What a day it was! An enormous communal lunch was served using hands for cutlery and mats for seats while everything was cooked in the lovo (earth oven). There was time to swim and snorkel before meke. “Wasah Meke!!”, Devokula’s leading meke dancer screamed, while brandishing his spear in a demonically threatening manner at the group of visitors. Stamping up dust, he danced up a storm, while ferocious young warriors followed his lead accompanied by the songs of the village women and elders.
Meke is the traditional style of dance and entertainment for chiefs and visitors, or for celebrations of village events in the Fijian islands. At Devokula it was wild warrior dances, sing songs (Fijians have the most wonderful harmonious voices), and the women’s dances which were done seated using their hands and upper body in a series of graceful moves whereby every movement had a story to tell.
After my evening meal, just when I thought things couldn’t get better, out came the ukulele, tea-chest bass, the guitar and drum. Many hours later I finally stumbled into my own bure for a blissful kava-induced sleep beneath the thatch. Words are inadequate to describe just how peaceful it is to fall asleep to the soft songs of the villagers and to wake at dawn to the sounds of thousands of tiny fish leaping across the surface of the Pacific Ocean. All the people connected with Devokula can be justifiably proud of their village project. The wonderful people of Devokula, Lovoni and Levuka on the island of Ovalau really exemplify the very best of cultural tourism in Fiji that operates on a village level and warmly opens its arms to the world.
BY: KAITLIN NARCISO
This two hundred year old tradition honors the end of the sugar cane season with a six week festival celebrating all that is Bajan. These weeks lead up to the grand finale, Grand Kadooment Day, where Masquerade Bands parade down the streets of Barbados. Dressed in bright, feathery, and sequined costumes, participants jump behind moving music trucks and bars, rejoicing and reveling in the biggest carnival of the year. Leading up to this big day, Crop Over events occur in all different shapes and sizes. From dusk until dawn there are parties with culinary-driven street fares, and these festivals are a nonstop build up to the climax of the Grand Kadooment.
The week prior to Grand Kadooment is filled with exciting events. When Visit Barbados sent over the itinerary for my press
trip, I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed. Seeing the late nights and early mornings laid out in front of me I immediately knew the week ahead was going to be like nothing I had ever experienced before. Once in the thick of it all, I realized quickly that this wasn’t a bad thing, and in fact it was an incredible thing.
I knew this trip was going to put me outside of my comfort zone. Every single day I did something a little outside of my zone, and every day it felt as though I was accomplishing a new feat. Starting off strong, the first event of our Crop Over week was Spin Pooch with Spinny and Friends which involved learning some of the traditional styles of dancing, winding and grinding.
Spin Pooch with Spinny and Friends
Giving a whole new meaning to “shake what your mama gave you,” I’m beginning to realize that my mom, though she gave me a beautiful life, did not give me a
booty that can pop as well as the locals. This however certainly didn’t stop me from dancing along to the beat, watching the crowd do their thing, and enjoying myself nonetheless.
Bajan culture is colorful and vibrant. The dancing is what North Americans tend to view as scandalous, but after the initial introduction to the moves, you quickly realize that this style of dance is simply another part of the Barbados culture.
The real fun comes from the atmosphere where everyone is respectful of each other, smiling and laughing, with no judgment. Everyone feels included regardless of your dancing abilities.
This party brings the ultimate party vibes to the beach, tapping into an all-inclusive atmosphere. With performers getting the crowd dancing until the wee hours of the morning, it’s easy to kick off your shoes, feel the sand between your toes, and dance the night away.
I must disclose that this event was nothing like I envisioned it to be. When I read “all-inclusive breakfast party” on the invite, I assumed a sit down breakfast in the beautiful National Botanical Gardens. Reality however was an extremely fun, bubbly filled morning with soda performances on stage, lots of dancing, and an assortment of booze
and food booths where everyone is dressed to the nines.
As the bus pulled up to the outdoor venue, loud tunes greeted us. I should have known then that this wasn’t what I had expected. After walking in and grabbing my first drink of the day at an early 8 a.m., I quickly woke up and joined the crowd in front of the stage.
The venue is incredibly stunning with picturesque photo opportunities that pay homage to the flora and fauna of the region.
I was dreading this event, as the idea of a 2 a.m. wake up call for a 3 a.m. party that goes until 8 a.m. scared me to no end. But
this event mesmerized me— and it truly was a highlight.
There’s a certain charm to gathering with your friends in the dark cover of night, and staying up until the sun illuminates the sky. Lindsay, Chiara, Brian, Ulf and I arrived with somewhat low energy, however can you blame us? It was 3 a.m.
To provide context, the event takes place at Bushy Park Racetrack. Leveraging moving bars and music trucks with performers, everyone gathers and follows behind the entertainment vehicles dancing the night away.
The crowd is loaded up with paint bottles, and paint is splattered everywhere. On our clothes and streaking through our hair, the
paint drips down our bodies in a colourful display of absolute fun. Along the route there are bubble machines, water hoses, and fire performers. The dusk to dawn party awakened every ounce of energy I had conserved, but left me with so much more. I’ve never seen so many tired faces change so brilliantly into happy, laughing smiles as I have at this Fore day Morning celebration.
Bright colors, sequins, and feathers parade through Barbados during Grand Kadooment Day. This is the pinnacle of Crop Over and the grand finale, marking the end. The brilliant costumes worn by the masqueraders are designed by different Grand Kadooment Bands. With incredible attention to detail, the outfits are
tailor made and absolutely exquisite. From matching head pieces, feather backpacks, and rhinestone bikinis for the women; to beaded harnesses, hats, and shorts for the men; it was incredible to see the masqueraders all come together in a stunning sea of color.
Spectators line the roads to watch as the bands jump through the streets. The road experience is complete with a double decker music truck, a cool down bus, and a moving bar.
The energy flows simultaneously through the crowd and the parade, creating the most electric atmosphere. Though the route is long and the sun is hot, the dancing never stops, and nor do the smiles.
If Crop Over Festival has taught me anything, it is that stepping out of your comfort zone in ways you might never have imagined for yourself, is one of the most rewarding things you can do. As a travel writer
I’ve been exposed to many different adventures, many of which test those limits. Crop Over was different as it pushed me in a more mental capacity. Though I enjoy wine with dinner and nights out on the town, Crop Over Festival is a different beast of partying, celebrating, and dancing.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking and luxurious tropical escape, look no further than the Maldives. This stunning archipelago is made up of nearly 1,200 islands, many of which are uninhabited. Join us as we visit some of the top resorts in this jewel of the Indian Ocean
