Uncommon Caribbean

Yesterday's travels feel so far in the rearview. How about we make some plans... Where to next?

Many of the fruits you might associate with the Caribbean are actually native to the other side of the planet. But not this one!⁣ ⁣ Mango, coconut, banana, breadfruit, jackfruit, and more Caribbean staples are all not native to the West Indies.⁣ ⁣ Papaya is different. Native to Central America, this seductive fruit can trace its cultivation history back to the Maya.⁣ ⁣ Learn more about Caribbean foods at the link in the bio!

Sitting on white-sand beaches and soaking up the sun is fine and all, but for me, I much prefer jumping into the crystal clear waters that lap against their shores. Even better when those shores are in uncommonly gorgeous locations! And possibly my favorite in the whole Caribbean is Baradal Beach.⁣ ⁣ See what awaits you in these waters at the link in the bio!

When you realize 2022 is pronounced "2020 too" you may need to calm your nerves and a Grenada hot spring isn't a bad option.⁣ ⁣ On my visit yesterday, the Clabony Sulphur Springs had the added bonus of being completely deserted. Even with a cruise ship docked in town, we had the place all to ourselves.⁣ ⁣ Is it because it's way off the main road down a long and winding dirt path? Is it because it's smaller than some of the more popular natural spas? Or is this a sign of things to come in the fast-approaching new year?⁣ ⁣ Whatever it is, the warmth of these mineral-rich waters surrounded by softly swaying bamboo trees did the trick.⁣ ⁣ What are your favorite Caribbean hot springs?

Need a positive way to roll into 2022? Pick up the Lightmaker's Manifesto from our good Trini friend Karen Walrond.⁣ ⁣ She makes a simple but powerful point, that there can and should be joy in the process of tackling the tough stuff. Through her own inspirational story and a collection of interviews and observations, Karen lays out a refreshing perspective I'm sure a lot of us can use right about now!⁣ ⁣ Pick up a copy for yourself at the link in the bio!

Meet us here in 2022? We may be done sailing the Grenadines, but I have thousands of photos I'm still sorting through of the many anchorages, people, and experiences we came across along the way. So, expect more Caribbean travel inspiration over the next couple of days to impact your 2022 New Year's planning! I mean, wouldn't escaping to this quiet corner of Grenada make the coming year better?

All good things must come to an end, even an epic sail through the Grenadines for Christmas!! It's been too long coming, but this is my (Patrick's) first trip like this since 2019! I imagine many of you are in the same position. All I can say is despite the enhanced protocols; it was all worth it. Coming home to the West Indies. Making new friends. Reconnecting with old friends. Ringing in the season. And sailing once again. All of it, so worth it. We still have a few nights here in Grenada, so let us know if there's anything you want us to check out. But keep in mind, things are operating on a holiday schedule. Happy holidays!

❄️❄️ Who’s dreaming of a white Christmas? This one found at the aptly named Sandy Island off Carriacou, Grenada.

Drink a rum and a ponche de creme, it’s Christmas morning! Merry Christmas to all celebrating! I hope the warmth of the West Indies find its way into your festivities today! Bring on the black cake, corn soup, coquito, parang, sorrel, ham, pasteles, and all the joys of the season. It’s Christmas morniiiiiiiing! 🎶🎄🎁

Sometimes, the best presents are the ones you don't open. I grew up with Christmases in the Caribbean, so it's no wonder I want to share that experience with my kids. For this reason, I try to get us down for the season as much as I can. Days playing on the beaches, sailing, hiking, and learning about their history. Nights eating fry fish, or grilled lobster, peas and rice, and plantain. And ending their days drifting off to sleep beneath millions of stars. But as anyone raising young kids knows, sharing your loves with them can be a thankless job. The first words out of my younger son's mouth as he woke up this morning was: "Tomorrow we open presents!!" Hope you're getting everything you wish for this year!

Dawn in one of my favorite corners of the Caribbean. Waking up at sunrise can be hard. In The Caribbean, even harder. When being rocked gently aboard a @sunsailholidays catamaran, seemingly impossible. But I always wake before the sun on the trips. Why? Just look at that photo! Soaking in the natural splendor of these magnificent surroundings with piping hot Grenada coffee in your cup—can you think of a better way to start the day?

Christmas came early. We've made it to the Tobago Cays in the Grenadines!! In these days and times, the freedom and solitude of sailing the Caribbean for the holidays is providing a quiet kind of relaxation we've all been desperate to experience these past two years. Breath in. Exhale. Fill the sails. I can't recommend this type of rejuvenation enough. Contact our friends at @sunsailholidays to learn more.