Tropical Island Rhythms – Miami to Miami

People-watchers will enjoy South Beach’s Ocean Drive, while architecture buffs will love the Art Deco District. If you’re looking for something a bit different, there are world-class museums and shopping venues too. In Miami, there really is something for everyone.

Distinguished by its colorful Dutch colonial architecture, Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba, first settled in 1796. Named as a tribute to the Dutch king William of Orange, the city today attracts tourists searching for duty-free bargains and strolling around the beautiful streets.

Take in the charming Dutch colonial architecture along the Willemstad harbor in this historic town that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the aquamarine waters of Curacao’s numerous beaches and dive along the stunning coral reefs and hidden caverns. Hike the trails or join a safari through Christoffel National Park to observe the rare flora and fauna.

Known as the “City of Arches,” this town is filled with old world charm and accented with rich, rolling green hills. Kingstown’s cenotaph is a beautiful monument atop a granite pedestal that honors soldiers who died in the first and second world wars. Built in 1820, St. George’s Cathedral houses exquisite galleries, and the city’s botanical garden is the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.

Explore this lush, beautiful island and its bustling capital. Visit the historic La Toc Battery, see banana plantations, and watch silk screening at Bagshaws. Venture south to Soufriere at the base of the Piton peaks and see the unique gingerbread architecture of the marketplace. Take a bike ride through the rain forest to a lovely waterfall, kayak in the deep blue Caribbean, snorkel or dive to spectacular reefs.

With more than a quarter of the island set aside as a national park and a rainforest that is growing rather than shrinking, St. Kitts is a stunning tropical island escape. Soar through the Valley of the Giants on a thrilling zip line, hike to Sofa Rock, which is the cap of a still smoldering volcano, or simply spend the day relaxing on one of the many beaches protected by major coral reefs.

Begin in Old San Juan, a walled enclave of hundreds of restored 16th and 17th century Spanish colonial buildings. Notice the blue-tinged cobblestone streets; they were once ballast on Spanish ships. Elsewhere, tour the medieval Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, the Museum of Art, and Casa del Libro, a repository of priceless documents.

Discover the serene beauty of this little island as you walk through the town, see the old salt pans and windmills and watch flamingos, pelicans and other birds preen, feed and socialize. Travel to Gibbs Cay National Park and snorkel in its pristine waters, swim with southern stingrays or just relax on the beach.

People-watchers will enjoy South Beach’s Ocean Drive, while architecture buffs will love the Art Deco District. If you’re looking for something a bit different, there are world-class museums and shopping venues too. In Miami, there really is something for everyone.