Caribbean – OFFSHORE

The House reopens as an Autograph Collection all-inclusive resort in Barbados

March 28, 2025 No Comments

he House, Barbados, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, one of the most beloved properties in Barbados, is thrilled to announce its grand reopening as part of Autograph Collection, a distinguished brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 hotel brands. This elevated, adults-only, all-inclusive resort has undergone an extensive transformation to improve its facilities and guest experience, officially welcoming guests starting April 3, 2025.

Nestled on the pristine white sands of Barbados’ renowned Platinum West Coast and just 15 miles from the Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), The House offers an oasis of tranquility and boutique-oriented comfort. The resort features 39 upscale rooms and suites with stunning ocean and lush garden views, creating a haven for relaxation and leisure beach time.

Personalize ambassador service

Guests at The House can indulge in a variety of amenities and experiences, including a personalized Ambassador Service, a complimentary Jet Lag Massage on stays longer than 4 nights, on property All-Inclusive Dining and extended to the other sister properties (Waves Resort & Spa and Treasure Beach Art Hotel) as part of the Dine Around Program offering 4 restaurants, 5 bars, and 1 coffee shop to enjoy within the three current open properties. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s exceptional daily Champagne Breakfast and delight in curated Afternoon Tea with canapés and macaroons.

The resort offers complimentary activities onsite such as motorized and non-motorized water sports satisfying guests’ need for adventure with snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing, banana boating, and tubing.

The reopening of The House marks a new chapter for the resort under the Marriott International wing, combining the charm of its redesign with the sophistication and service excellence of the Autograph Collection. Guests can expect a seamless blend of elevation, comfort, and personalized service that defines the Autograph Collection all-inclusive properties.

Experience luxury in Barbados

The House is the third property in Barbados to reopen as part of the Autograph Collection, following the successful reopening of Waves Resort & Spa and Treasure Beach Art Hotel. Later this year other resorts on the island like Tamarind and Colony Club will follow converting to Autograph Collection and The Luxury Collection brands respectively when their renovations are concluded.

As part of the Autograph Collection, The House proudly participates in Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, which allows members to earn and redeem points for their stay at this hotel and other properties and resorts in the portfolio. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members can enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit The House, Barbados, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only website.

St. Kitts Ritz-Carlton will break ground in 2025

December 27, 2024 No Comments

The St. Kitts Ritz-Carlton Resort Hotel and Residences is set to break ground in 2025.

This monumental development marks a new chapter for the island’s hospitality and real estate offerings, positioning St. Kitts as a premier luxury destination in the Caribbean.

Situated on the picturesque Southeast Peninsula, The St. Kitts Ritz-Carlton Resort Hotel and Residences will feature 125 guest suites, 10 branded villas, and 15 branded condominium residences. Amenities will include a luxury spa, multiple swimming pools, exceptional dining options, The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club, the Ritz Kids Club, and many other amenities designed within a ‘Kittitian Village’ concept.

This innovative layout blends modern luxury with the island’s natural beauty, creating an unforgettable experience for travellers.

Exploring St. Kitts

St. Kitts has something for every traveller, whether it’s hiking through lush rainforests, delving into history at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, or soaking up the sun.

Visitors can enjoy scenic catamaran cruises, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or unwind by the sea. Adventure enthusiasts can get their adrenaline fix with zip-lining or ATV excursions, while food lovers can savor delicious Caribbean cuisine and immerse themselves in the island’s vibrant cultural experiences.

Construction on the property is anticipated to begin by the third quarter of 2025. The St. Kitts Ritz-Carlton Resort Hotel is expected to open in the second quarter of 2028.

Reaching St. Kitts is simple and convenient, with seasonal, non-stop flights with Air Canada and US airline connections through major gateways.

Visitors are reminded to regularly check the St. Kitts Tourism Authority website ( www.visitstkitts.com ) for updates and information.

Dart adds luxurious Zemi Beach House in Anguilla to hotel portfolio

December 16, 2024 No Comments

Dart has added the Zemi Beach House Anguilla to its hotel portfolio. Dart acquired the property from the Goldstein family of New York which developed and has operated the resort since its 2016 opening.

Located on six-acres along the serene shores of Shoal Bay on Anguilla’s north coast, Zemi Beach House is known as an intimate boutique hideaway with 77 rooms and expansive amenities.

Dart’s growing hospitality portfolio centres on luxury resorts including the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Awarded Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in Grand Cayman as well as Conrad Orlando at Evermore, an 1,100-acre resort community developed by Dart Interests and opened in 2023.

About Zemi Beach House

Part of LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s luxury collection brand, Zemi Beach House is located on six acres along Anguilla’s serene Shoal Bay East.

The 77-room enclave offers a range of accommodations from superior and premium guest rooms to two- and three-bedroom penthouse suites and beachfront suites. Designed by internationally renowned Caribbean architect Lane Pettigrew, the property’s architecture pulls inspiration from Anguilla’s natural environment and blends modern, clean lines with classic Caribbean building details.

The intimate boutique indulges guests with expansive amenities including two restaurants, three lounges, three pools, more than a mile of sandy beach and a 15,000 square foot spa set in an authentic 300-year-old Thai house.

For more information, visit zemibeach.com.

10 indulgent ways to see, taste and explore Antigua and Barbuda

October 28, 2024 No Comments

Antigua, the most populated island of the country Antigua and Barbuda, is beautifully located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The country boasts of 365 beaches making it oh-so-easy to snorkel, sail and while away the hours. Plus, you can learn about the historic sugar plantations, dance to steel drum bands and indulge with refreshing rum punch.

Restaurant Week

This year, everything from the island’s famous goat water (aka soup) to handmade coconut ice cream was available at the historic Dow’s Hill launch event, overlooking the picturesque English Harbour.

Celebrity chefs, including Angel Barreto, Digby Stridiron and Shorne Benjamin did mouth-watering demos. And more than 60 restaurants featured prix-fixe menus. Get a taste of the action at next year’s Restaurant Week, running May 4 – 18, 2025.

Betty's Hope

Take a look at Antigua’s past by visiting one of the country’s original sugar plantations, which was founded around 1650. Betty’s Hope was one of about 190 plantations on the island that relied on slave labour to produce the sweetener.

Even after emancipation in 1834, many labourers continued to work there for low pay.

Cheers to Carnival

Known locally as a marker of summer, from the last week of July to the first Tuesday of August, Antigua is taken over by the sound of steel drums and colourful costumes.

Carnival is an historic celebration that dates back to Aug 1, 1834 when slavery was abolished on the island. The vibrant event showcases the island’s rich cultural heritage through lively parades, music and dance, attracting visitors from around the world.

Humble and Free Wadali

Get a different perspective on Antigua by visiting this Rasta development, which has wonderful views of the countryside.

The community promotes farm-to-table dining, as well as eco tours, and grows melons, pumpkins and beets alongside cannabis. You can listen to drumming, taste their cooking and learn about one of the first estates where Antigua’s slaves were emancipated.

Get cooking

Learn how to master Caribbean flavours with Chef Nicole Arthurton Dennis.

Her small group classes take place in her beautiful home, overlooking the capital of St. John’s and the harbour. Think plantain chips with salsa, jerk chicken, banana fritters, red beans and rice, garden salad and coconut custard tart.

Swim with stingrays

Stingray City offers you a chance to snorkel with rays in the open sea.

If you’re brave, the tour operator’s experts will show you how to gently hold one and feed it squid. The clear, cerulean water is breathtaking, plus, you’ll see lots of tropical fish.

Rise and dine

IIf you want to catch the action at the Saturday market in St. John’s, aim to get there around 6 a.m.

That’s when you’ll find the freshest fish, an abundance of fruit and vegetables – think dasheen tubers, breadfruit and mangoes – and even some arts and crafts to boot. A pared down version of the market is also held on weekdays.

Try the rum punch

A favourite spirit on the island, rum has been made in Antigua since the 17th century. And thanks to the abundance of fresh fruit there are lots of yummy punch drinks to keep you cool.

Drop by Ana’s on the Beach, Darkwood Beach Bar or Pillars Restaurant to quench your thirst. And if you want to learn more, you can try a tasting at Antigua Rum Experience.

Enjoy sweet treats

The island has a history of growing cocoa and it’s still a major export. You can treat your taste buds to artisanal, organic chocolates at the House of Chocolate. Dig a little deeper and learn about the role slaved labour played in making the area a major producer.

BBQ and boogie

Sunday nights from 4 to 10 p.m. are a bit of an island tradition at Shirley’s Heights. The restored military lookout and gun battery offers revellers an amazing view of English Harbour, tasty food and steel drum bands to keep you dancing.

For more information, or to plan your own adventure, go to visitantiguabarbuda.com.

Explora Journeys offers a series of tropical Caribbean escapes

August 7, 2024 No Comments

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group unveils a series of exclusive Caribbean destination experiences.

Guests can discover these meticulously crafted experiences during their Caribbean journeys, blending celebrated destinations with off-the-beaten-path ports.

With EXPLORA II arriving in the Caribbean in November 2024 and EXPLORA I in December 2024, guests will have unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the Caribbean’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures, all while indulging in exceptional luxury.

EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II will visit a varied array of destinations in the Caribbean until March 2025.

These include Gustavia in St. Barts, Oranjestad in Aruba, and St. John’s in Antigua. Itineraries also feature ports such as Belize City, Bequia in the Grenadines, and Cozumel and Progreso in Mexico. Each destination is selected to provide a unique and enriching exploration experience.

Willemstad, Curaçao

Guests can snorkel on the vivid reefs of Director’s Bay, encountering abundant marine life. They will learn from a marine biologist about his foundation’s work to restore endangered coral reefs. The journey continues aboard the Pura Vida yacht to discover Curaçao’s rich natural environment and includes a visit to a tranquil mangrove reservoir, accessible only by boat, for hiking, swimming, and immersion in nature.

Saint-Pierre, Martinique, Lesser Antilles, French West Indies

In a small group, guests will discover Martinican rum culture at Rhum Clément, the birthplace of ‘rhum agricole.’ This includes a guided exploration of the large estate and its lush gardens, a tour of three rum cellars, and tastings of barrel-aged rum paired with delicious chef-crafted foods.

Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy

Guests can spend the day at the five-star Rosewood Le Guanahani resort, savouring a three-course meal on a golden sandy beach. This experience includes lounging in luxury and snorkelling in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, providing the ultimate in beachside relaxation and culinary delight.

Progreso (Merida), Mexico

Guests will explore the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal, known for its stunning Puuc-style architecture and celestial alignments. They will see the Pyramid of the Soothsayer and the Palace of the Governor, enjoy an exclusive lunch of regional specialties in the open air of the former hacienda church, and partake in an authentic Mayan purification ceremony within the natural beauty of Xocnaceh.

Cozumel, Mexico

Highlights of this experience include a scenic 45-minute flight over the Caribbean Sea and Yucatán Jungle, landing minutes from the ruins. Arriving before the daily influx of visitors allows for a more intimate and immersive experience. A knowledgeable guide will lead guests through the history and architecture of this ancient city.

Guests can book these exclusive destination experiences via the Explora Experience Centre, their preferred travel advisor, or directly on the Explora Journeys website.

Beyond the Blue Hole: Exploring Ambergris Caye, Belize

July 3, 2024 No Comments

Forget what you saw in Steven Spielberg’s cult thriller Jaws. Just because you’re going to a place with a daunting name like Shark Ray Alley doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get into the water upon arrival. Even though there will be sharks…lots of sharks.

After an unforgettable time spotting stingrays, turtles and all kinds of tropical fish while snorkelling along a reef off the coast of Ambergris Caye, we arrived at our next destination — Shark Ray Alley — classified as Zone D of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. “You can go in if you dare,” my guide from Xsite Belize Sailing & Adventures said with a mischievous smile, gearing up to follow me in.

“Aren’t these nurse sharks?” I asked. “I heard they’re docile creatures,” I stated confidently — more so to reassure myself. From the surface I could only see a few nurse sharks circling around the catamaran but after jumping into the water everything truly came to life.

Through my goggles, I could see dozens of nurse sharks and hundreds of fish swimming around me.

“It’s very safe. The crew guides you while you are here. We do it every day,” reassured Tammy Lemus, the owner of Xsite Belize Sailing & Adventures. They may be dubbed harmless, but as I made eye contact with several of these creatures that average 7.5-9 ft. in length up close, I still felt a bit of a lump forming in my throat.

“Shark Ray Alley, part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, became famous in the 1990s. Historically, this 1,280-acre protected region is where local fishermen cleaned their catches, attracting a variety of marine life, particularly nurse sharks and southern stingrays,” said Anthony Mahler, Belize’s minister of tourism and diaspora relations. “Over time, these animals grew accustomed to the presence of humans and began to frequent the area, creating a unique opportunity for close encounters.”

Hanging around Ambergris Caye

While Ambergris Caye is often thought of as an ideal spot for day trips to the Blue Hole, there’s so much more to see and experience on this laidback island. Here, part of the charm is getting around in a golf cart, the primary mode of transportation.

The destination offers the perfect mix of a relaxed beach getaway with nightlife and delicious dining.

To get a taste of some of the best dishes in San Pedro Town, embark on a walking foodie tour with Belize Food Tours. Take the tour early on in your visit so you gain a list of delicious places you can come back to during your stay.

The stops are very diverse from Elvi’s Kitchen, a popular tourist spot named after Elvi Staines, which has flourished from humble beginnings as a take-out stand for burgers in 1974, to off-the-beaten path places serving up delicious fresh ceviche and Pupuseria Salvadoreno, an authentic spot for Salvadorian pupusas.

Two ways to stay

GRAND CARIBE BELIZE

As you pull into the hotel area, a road sign reads Welcome to Caribeville, Population: happy. This sets the tone for Grand Caribe Belize, a beachfront property with six pools and a swim up bar offering luxury, condo-style accommodations.

As suites come complete with kitchens, this is a great option for long stays. The hotel is within walking distance to the Truck Stop, an outdoor eatery with food trucks and a great vibe. A tasty onsite option is the rooftop Rain restaurant. For breakfast, we recommend trying the Belizean specialty known as fry jacks as a side.

ALAIA BELIZE

For the ultimate in luxury, Alaia Belize is the first true four-diamond resort on the island. The boutique resort opened in 2021 and spans over 20 acres with 155 luxurious guest rooms and suites, including two and three-bedroom villas.

For those who like to dive, Alaia Belize allows guests to receive a PADI certification onsite. The resort boasts the country’s first-ever suspended rooftop pool and lounge. The property is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.

This story first appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of OFFSHORE. To subscribe to the print magazine, click here.

Cayman Islands answers Canadian demand with more flights

March 4, 2024 No Comments

As travel continues to rebound following the pandemic, the Cayman Islands continues to steadily climb back to 2019’s arrival levels and market share.

Last year the destination saw record-breaking arrivals including the destination’s best Q1 and best ever March on record for Canadian visitation.

The steady increase in Canadian visitation has also led to an increase in airlift to five non-stop flights a week to Grand Cayman thanks to augmented summer schedules.

More flights from Air Canada & WestJet

The heightened demand for Canadian travel to The Cayman Islands has resulted in boosted flight frequency by both Air Canada and WestJet.

Both airlines will increase the number of non-stop flights from Toronto to Grand Cayman to a combined seven a week from March to April 2024 and up to five a week through the summer.

Combined, Air Canada and WestJet will offer up to seven non-stop flights per week from Toronto to Grand Cayman in March and April.

An increased summer schedule will see up to five non-stop flights per week from Toronto to Grand Cayman on Air Canada and WestJet.

Last year, visits from Canada were 44 per cent higher than those from January to December 2022 and for the first time in a year, more than 4,000 Canadian visitors were welcomed in three months (February, March and December). Three of the best 10 performing months for Canadian visitation in recorded history were in 2023.

Canadian arrivals in December 2023 totalled 4,125, up 7.8 per cent from December 2019. Canada represented an 8.3 per cent share of total stayover arrivals in December 2023, compared to 7.1 per cent in December 2019.

In 2023, the destination welcomed a total of 429,284 stay-over visitors.

This Valentine’s Day getaway in Saint Lucia will cost you $250,000

January 12, 2024 No Comments

This Valentine’s Day, Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences is taking over-the-top romance to new heights with a private charter to Saint Lucia from anywhere in the world. Couples will feel like they are on Cloud 9 as they jet set to one of the world’s most romantic islands.

This excusive Valentine’s Day on Cloud 9 Package begins with a personalized private charter experience on Planet 9 Private Air, that includes a customized culinary presentation, over-the-top luxury amenities, and even a few surprises along the way, as couples relax aboard their very own private luxury jet.

Lovers will be swept away to the luxurious Windjammer Landing for an all-inclusive stay in a two-bedroom Ocean Point Residence with private infinity pool, breathtaking views, and a dedicated 24/7 personal butler.

This once in a lifetime romantic getaway will include a personalized itinerary with both exhilarating and relaxing experiences such as an island helicopter tour, candlelit dinner, private yacht excursion, in-villa spa retreat, and other VIP island experiences!

To celebrate the milestone, couples will take home a personalized gift of diamond jewelry, along with photos and videos from a dedicated photographer who will capture every moment on camera to remember the experience for years to come.

About the package

Valentine’s Day on Cloud 9 Package includes the following treats, ensuring the ultimate dream getaway experience.

Private jet charter with Planet 9: The journey begins with a seamless arrival via a private jet from anywhere worldwide, ensuring a lavish start to the ultimate romantic getaway.
S-night stay in an Ocean Point Residence: Guests will feel at home in a newly built Ocean Point Residence featuring a private infinity pool, breathtaking views of Labrelotte Bay, a full kitchen, and a dedicated 24/7 personal butler.

Luxury all-inclusive experience: Indulge in unlimited food & drinks at seven restaurants and four bars, luxury spirits and wines by the glass, access to motorized and non-motorized water sports, and more.
Island Helicopter Tour: Soar above Saint Lucia in a private helicopter tour, exploring hidden gems and capturing the scenic beauty from the sky.
Candlelit Cliffside Dinner: Delight in an intimate dinner perched on a cliffside, surrounded by the gentle sounds of the ocean and a private concert, with a personalized menu curated by Windjammer Landing’s world-renowned chefs.
Private Yacht Expedition: Set sail on a private yacht, complete with a gourmet chef, personal crew, and a sunset cruise to see the world-famous Pitons, one of the most secluded and romantic spots in the Caribbean.

Exclusive In-Villa Spa Retreat: Indulge in a day of pure bliss at Windjammer Landing’s award-winning spa with couples massages, rejuvenating facials, and a hand-crafted bath soak experience.
VIP Island Excursions: Experience VIP access to the best events, attractions, and excursions on the island, tailored for couples to create a truly unforgettable adventure.
Diamond Jewelry Gift: Each couple will receive a bespoke piece of diamond jewelry, adding a touch of elegance to symbolize the eternal bond of their love.
Personalized Photography and Videography: A dedicated team of photographers will capture every moment of the romantic getaway to ensure couples’ leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

Starting at $250,000 USD, this extraordinary package promises an unrivaled blend of opulence, romance, luxury, and personalized adventure at the Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences.

Travel must be booked by Feb. 1, 2024. Reservations can be made by calling the resort directly at 1-877-522-0722 or email reservations@windjammer-landing.com

Luxury resort in Antigua adds 12 stunning overwater bungalows

January 10, 2024 No Comments

Blue Diamond Resorts’ Royalton CHIC Antigua, set to open in April 2024, has added 12 luxury overwater suites.

The Overwater Suites at Royalton CHIC Antigua will mark the second set of these type of luxury suites in the Blue Diamond Resorts portfolio, building upon the remarkable success of their initial six Chairman Overwater Bungalows at Royalton Antigua in 2019.

The Presidential Overwater Bungalow will offer a spacious 1,912 ft² one-bedroom haven with state-of-the-art amenities and a generous living room area featuring a glass floor providing stunning views of the ocean. The Luxury Junior Suite Overwater Bungalow will be a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. This fully equipped 1,138 ft² suite over the ocean boasts a private terrace, plunge pool, and direct access to the ocean.

For an unparalleled experience, the Chairman Overwater Bungalow Two Bedroom Suite will provide an expansive and luxurious retreat featuring two rooms, terraces, two separate plunge pools, overwater hammocks, and direct access to the sea.

Positioned directly above the ocean, it includes a living room with a crystal floor for mesmerizing sea views, a bar, kitchenette, dining area, three bathrooms, and cutting-edge technology in a 3,049 ft² space.

Exclusive club access

All Overwater Suites will include access to an upgraded Diamond Club with features and amenities such as seamless check-in, access to exclusive areas, and the coveted personal butler service to further enhance your stay.

For more information or to book your next vacation, visit www.royaltonchicresorts.com.

Bahamas bound: life on the island beyond swimming with the pigs

November 20, 2023 No Comments

It’s my first day in Grand Bahama — the northernmost island of the Bahamas archipelago — and I’m already ignoring the age-old advice not to be lured into a complete stranger’s house.

Tempted by the promise of a home-cooked meal, I’m here to meet Colette Williams, a host with the Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism’s People-to-People program, which is all about pairing travellers with a local ambassador for an authentic Bahamian experience.

“I think that’s what I was made to do — just to welcome people to our sun, sand and sea,” said Williams, who has been a host with the program for 19 years.

“I love people. I feel that if I can make one person have a memorable experience of the Bahamas, I would not have lived in vain, so my goal is to make sure everyone has a memorable experience of my home and to share the authentic experience of Grand Bahamian hospitality.”

Bringing authenticity back

In her backyard, Williams proceeds to set up an elaborate spread of stewed chicken, steamed fish, peas and rice, warm potato salad, baked macaroni and cheese and homemade iced tea. Today’s batch is infused with hibiscus. A yellow tablecloth spread across the dining table echoing the words Bahamas matches her blue dress, which also has the words Bahamas printed all over it.

Williams, who formerly worked in the hotel industry, said tourists rarely get a chance to see how Bahamians live.

“You can drive around the tourist route and never even see a house,” she said, noting that she enjoys sharing authentic Bahamian dishes with visitors. “When you get food in a hotel, it isn’t as authentic as home cooking. There’s no cooking like home cooking. You put a face to the food, there’s a story behind it.”

The immersive program pairs interested travellers with locally-vetted ambassadors who are matched based on various interests.

“It’s a program that’s been in place for more than 40 years,” Latia Duncombe, Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, told Offshore. “It’s a day in the life of a Bahamian. You’re moving away from the commercial, touristic components and you’re getting immersed into culture — whatever the local does is what the visitor does. It is true culture; it’s who we are as a people. It’s being prepared to share that authentic element of being a Bahamian, something you can’t find anywhere else in the world.”

Connecting with locals

Thirteen kilometres off the shore of Grand Bahama, I’ve connected with another Bahamian resident who is just as passionate about the destination and sharing his knowledge.

Although the Bahamas is known around the world as the place where tourists can come to swim with pigs, I’m here for a different kind of wild encounter — to meet the man known as the pied piper of stingrays.

From the moment Keith Cooper of West End Ecology Tours steps off the boat at Sandy Cay, a dozen stingrays with names like Stubby, Hard Wire, Lunatic, Scratch, Big Momma and Little Momma, instinctively swarm him.

“They’re touching my leg with their sensors because they know who I am, they remember who I am and because of the special bond I have with them. They trust me as much as I trust them,” he said, adding that stingrays often get a bad rep for being dangerous. “More than 9,000 visitors have participated in the Stingray Experience Tour and no one has ever been stung by a stingray… when the protocols are followed, guests will have one of the most unique encounters with marine life they have ever experienced.”

Before launching West End Ecology Tours, Cooper stumbled upon the stingrays by accident during a fishing expedition in 2006. “During the stopover, I discarded unused fishing bait over the side of the boat and within minutes the boat was surrounded by 15 stingrays feeding off the bottom of the shallow water where the boat was anchored at the beach,” he explained.

Since then, he’s returned to the spot to study the stingrays. In 2009, Cooper turned it into a business that now offers multiple tours, including snorkelling trips to underwater boat wrecks and reef fishing experiences. The Stingray Experience Tour remains his best-selling excursion.

According to Cooper, stingrays can display sentient behaviour and will show off their unique personalities. “There are two alpha female stingrays that dominate the fever. Big Momma is the most dominant member of the group and often displays her displeasure when too many rays come near me during the introduction and demonstration phase of the tour,” he said, noting she’ll use a decoy tactic to draw the other stingrays away so that she can consume the fish provided during the demonstration phase.

Another stingray, Hugger, got its name from the “hugs” she gives Cooper upon approach. “Guests watching from the boat are awestruck when they observe Hugger sitting in my lap, waiting patiently to receive a fish,” he said.

It’s Junkanoo time

On Nassau, New Providence, where major resorts like Atlantis, Goldwynn Resort & Residences, Sandals Royal Bahamian and Baha Mar are located, Arlene Nash Ferguson has made it her life’s mission to showcase the longstanding Bahamian celebration known as Junkanoo.

Based in her childhood home, the Educulture Junkanoo Museum is lined with colourful displays and costumes displaying the evolution of the cultural affair. A former British colony from 1629 to 1973, in the Bahamas, Junkanoo began roughly 200 years ago, when members of the African diaspora, including enslaved Bahamians, were granted three days to observe Christmas.

“They said, ‘let’s use these precious three days to recreate our festivals from home. It’s time to renew the spirit and just in case anybody tries to stop us, we will wait until the night and off we go,’” said Nash Ferguson, who has been taking part in Junkanoo since she was four years old.

Although the residents of the time were mixed by culture, she said the festivals wound up sharing several things in common, including instruments like goatskin drums, bells and elaborate costumes. “When you covered your face, it symbolized the presence of our ancestors,” Nash Ferguson said. “In these isolated islands, leaves, feathers, shells, seaweed, anything Indigenous becomes your decoration.”

Nash Ferguson shared that costumes continue to be made from paper as an original sign of defiance because in the time of slavery on the islands “by law people were not permitted to learn to read and write.” More than just a tradition, she said Bahamians are passionate about Junkanoo and work on their costumes all year long in their spare time once the theme for the following year’s festival is announced. Typically, the costumes are made using a cardboard base that’s covered in layers of tissue paper and often include elaborate headpieces.

“Two hundred years ago in the dark of the night at Christmas time, Bahamians said ‘Man, we survived, let’s celebrate life’ and they told their children never to forget,” she explained. “And ladies and gentlemen, right up to Christmas gone, we who are their children, we continue to do it. Today, we call it the Junkanoo festival — at 10 o’clock Christmas night we shut down Bay Street, hit the road dancing, still to the music of drums and bells.”

After outfitting my small group of travel companions with cowbells, whistles and drums, Nash Ferguson led us into a practice run of a Junkanoo simulation.

“The costumes are magnificent; we have worked months on them and we can’t wait to get out there to show them off. We’re going to out music and out dance every other group because we are going to win,” she said, before blowing her whistle loudly. “Line up, everybody ready? Who we is? Junkanoo! Bark like a dog. Woof, woof.”

The end result is a far cry from the organized rhythm of an actual parade, but we give it our all, joining in with off-beat drumming and what could only be described as tone deaf whistling. What we lack in musical ability, we make up in spirit and effort.

This story first appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of OFFSHORE. To read the full version, click here.