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Barbados WI
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Barbados sits just outside of the main chain of Caribbean islands, about 100 miles beyond the rest of the Eastern Caribbean. It is a coral island, with some of the most beautiful white sand beaches anywhere. One can safely say that Barbados is one of the most popular vacation getaways in the region.
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Coral Reef Club hotel
St. James - Barbados
Babados also offers an unbeatable range of accommodations-from elegant resorts to intimate guesthouses. Dining is a feast for all senses with restaurants serving up specialties to suit every taste and pocketbook. Plus, there's plenty of nightly entertainment from clubs with dinner and dancing to theater with year-round productions.
With its new cruise terminal and additional direct airline flights from the U.S., Barbados is more accessible than ever before plus it's possible for couples to marry on their day of arrival if they wish, provided paperwork is done in advance
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Discovery Bay Hotel is located on a magnificent beach on the west coast of Barbados, 18 miles from the Grantley Adams International Airport, and just 7 miles from the capital city of Bridgetown. Banks, post office, supermarkets and excellent shopping facilities are all conveniently within walking distance of the hotel.
Soothing but stimulating. Casual but elegant. Situated on Barbados' famous St.James beach, with gracious accommodation and activities to accommodate your every pleasure, Discovery Bay is dedicated to making your tropical vacation truly memorable.
This is your place in the sun. Relaxed but exciting.
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Whether relaxing amongst tropical gardens or basking on the white sandy beach with cool ocean breezes gently blowing, Sand Acres Hotel offers the charm and hospitality that only a family owned and operated hotel can provide.
Centrally located, Sand Acres hotel is conveniently found on the popular south coast of the island no more than 5 miles from the airport or the capital, Bridgetown.
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The 38 spaciously designed suites all command views of the beautiful beach, pool and gardens.
Complete tranquility and relaxation are definitely the order of the day. The pace for guest is 'island life' while the staff pamper and cater to your individual needs.
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CaribLink 
Grenada WI
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Grenada: Almanac
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History
The Arawak Indians were the first to inhabit Grenada, but they were all eventually massacred by the belligerent Carib Indians. When Columbus arrived on the island in 1498 he encountered the Caribs, who in fact continued to rule over the island for another 150 years. The French gained control of the island in 1672 and held on to it until 1762, when British forces invaded. The black slaves, who had been shipped to the island to work on the plantations, were granted freedom in 1833.
In 1877 Grenada became a Crown Colony, and in 1967 it became an associate state within the British Commonwealth before gaining independence in 1974. Despite the island's long history of British rule, the island's French heritage (both colonial and revolutionary) survives in its place names, its buildings, and its strong Catholicism.
In 1979, an attempt was made to set up a socialist/communist state in Grenada. Four years later, at the request of the Governor General, the United States, Jamaica, and the Eastern Caribbean States intervened militarily. Launching their now famous "rescue mission," the allied forces restored order, and in December of 1984 a general election re-established democratic government.
The last decade has been a period of considerable development in Grenada. While the expansion of the tourist industry has proceeded rapidly, the island nation has taken great care to protect their magnificent natural environment. National Parks have been developed, and the protection of both the rain forest and the coral reefs continues to be a high priority.
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   Grenada offers several secluded and private beaches. Most of the better-known beaches are in the southwestern part of Grenada, including the beaches at Calabash, Lance aux Epines, and Horseshoe. This is also the location of Grenada's most famous stretch of sand, the two-mile long Grand Anse.
There are no clothing optional beaches in Grenada.
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The nation of Grenada is actually three islands: Grenada is the largest, measuring 120 square miles; Carriacou is smaller, with a landmass of 13 square miles; and Petit Martinique is the tiniest, comprising only 486 acres. Most of the activity takes place on Grenada; however, side trips to its sister islands will certainly enhance anyone's vacation. Grenada
From its magnificent beaches, cataracts and rain forest to its great fields of sugarcane and exotic spices, Grenada is ripe for exploration and discovery. Whether visitors roam around intriguing ruins or swim with a mask and fins over colorful coral formations, Grenada has surprise upon surprise in store for inquisitive souls.
The capital, St. George's, is among the most picturesque of Caribbean cities. It rises in tiers from its natural harbor to the Carenage, a bustling commercial and government hub encircling the harbor; to homes and schools on the surrounding hills; and ultimately to cemeteries and forts on the top ridges.
Walking its cobblestone streets, visitors will find fascinating historic buildings and sites. Four churches stand tall in the city. St. George's Methodist Church, constructed in 1820, is the oldest original church building. A pink-stucco stone building dating from 1825, St. George's Anglican Church has some intricate stained glass and interesting memorial plaques. The Roman Catholic Cathedral, built in 1884, boasts a tower that dates from 1818; its statues and stained-glass windows are fine examples of colonial artwork. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, completed in 1831, is known as Scots' Kirk.
Both the French and the English considered Grenada a valuable island and fought each other for control throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Up on the ridges around St. George's sit Fort George, originally built by the French in the early 18th century, and Fort Frederick, completed by the British in 1791, soon after they took control of the island. A trek up to the fortresses is well worth the effort, as the views are spectacular.
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  Lance Aux Epines and St. David's: In the north part of the island there are a half dozen other nice, more secluded beaches. Most of them are a little way off the beaten path and are only access able with a four wheel drive vehicle.
Activities in Grenada
Water Sports: All of these beaches, and all of the water, make this a wonderful place for water sports and activities. An extensive range of water sports is available in Grenada, including parasailing, diving, and cruising. Most resorts offer the full array of beach water sports, and a number of companies specialize in charters and rentals.
Yachting: Grenada offers some of the best sailing in the Caribbean, and the island is as a result one of the yachting centers of the Caribbean. Not a sailor? Not to worry. You can rent something for a day on the water. Or, take in the excitement of a regatta or the pleasures of a day or evening charter cruise.
Scuba-Diving & Snorkeling: Whether a novice or a long-time diver, Grenada offers a number of excellent snorkeling and dive locations. The west coast of the island practically one long offshore reef. Here you can dive on the 600-foot wreck of the Bianca, a cruise liner that went down in 1961. The most convenient snorkeling is found in the area just south of Grand Anse beach. And, for the beginner, this might just be the perfect place to begin your underwater exploration. The real center of dive activity, and the place where most of the experienced divers head, is around Grenada's sister island, Carriacou. Although largely undeveloped, Carriacou is accessible by boat and plane, offers a number of accommodations, and is encircled by marvelous reefs.
Deep-Sea Fishing: Sport fishermen will love the abundance of Grenada's surrounding waters. Grenada is the home of the annual Spice Island Game Fishing Tournament, which attracts professionals from all over. And, for the rest of us, there are lots of charter companies that offer day trips to the same fishing grounds the pros use.
Golf: Although Grenada is not a big golf getaway, the Grenada Golf & Country Club has a nine-hole course located near Grand Anse. Facilities include club rental, instruction, a clubhouse offering snacks and a bar, and caddy service. For more information, call 473-444-4128.
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 Grand Anse: the island's most famous recreational retreat. Luxurious resort hotels line the two miles of pure white sand shaded by fringed coconut palms. On the Caribbean side, its waters are gentle and crystal clear.
 Morne Rouge Bay: located just south of the Grand Anse beach, is smaller, calmer and more private. There are no water sports shops located there. It is an ideal place to just sit back, relax and soak up the sunshine. The water is fairly shallow, and consequently it is always a little warmer here than on other beaches. This is the ideal beach if you happen to be vacationing with children, as it is usually very calm.
Activities in Grenada
Tennis: Many of the major hotels and resorts offer tennis facilities. If your hotel does not have facilities, the folks at reception can often find someplace for you to play. There are also public courts at Grand Anse.
Walking, Hiking, and Trekking: There are trails to suit all levels of experience. Tours are easily arranged. Guides are strongly recommended for the more strenuous hikes as their experience is invaluable and they prevent you from getting lost - easily done in any rainforest.
Shopping: The best buys in Grenada are batik and screen printed textiles, locally made handicraft, leather craft, and wood carvings. Attractive jewelry is sold by Spice Island Jewelry. Spices, locally-made jams, jellies, and syrups, especially nutmeg, local fresh fruits and vegetables are other good buys.Grenada also offers fine duty-free bargains. Gittens Duty Free Shops have an excellent selection of duty free perfumes and cosmetics, both on the Carenage and at their newly expanded shop at the airport. Jewelry, crystal, and other gifts are available at Bon Voyage, on the Carenage and at the airport. Colombian Emeralds at the airport offers a fine selection of quality duty free jewelry. Duty free liquor is available at the airport
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St Vincent
 History of St Vincent
The country's first known inhabitants were Arawaks, later driven out by Caribs; the latter put up a strong resistance to European colonisation. Columbus sighted the principal island on 22 January 1498, and named it after the saint whose feast falls on that day. No immediate European immigration followed his discovery. In 1627 Charles I of England granted the island to Lord Carlisle, but no settlers arrived. Charles II granted it to Lord Willoughby in 1672; possession was disputed by the British, French and Spanish. All these claims were resisted by the Caribs. The Caribs did not, however, oppose the settlement of a shipload of enslaved Africans who escaped after a shipwreck in 1673, and in due course seem to have merged with the Carib community through intermarriage. In 1773, under an Anglo/Carib treaty, the Caribs were allowed to continue to live independently in the north of the island.
France took the island in 1779, but restored it to Britain in 1783, under the Treaty of Versailles. There was a Carib revolution in 1795 96, with some French help from Martinique; when this had been crushed, the rebels were deported to the island of Roatan in the Bay of Honduras. In 1812 La Soufriere erupted and devastated much of the island, on which a plantation economy, based on slave labour, produced sugar, cotton, coffee and cocoa. After the emancipation of slaves by Britain in 1833, indentured labour from the East Indies and from Portugal was brought in to remedy the labour shortage.
In the second half of the 19th century sugar slumped and a depression lasted until the end of the century. A series of natural disasters followed: a hurricane, and also a further eruption of La Soufriere in 1902 which devastated the northern half of the island and killed 2,000 people.
St Vincent and the Grenadines being a small agricultural country, the move to full independence started relatively late, after the break up of the West Indies Federation, of which it had been a member, in 1962. Universal adult suffrage to vote for the Executive Council had been gained in 1951, and internal self government was achieved in 1969, when the country became a self governing state in association with Britain. Full independence came in October 1979.
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Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
Official Names: St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Capital: Kingstown.
Population: 113,000; Kingstown: 17,000.
Total Area: St Vincent: 344 sq km (133 sq miles). Grenadines: 45.3 sq km (17.3 sq miles).
Total: 323.0 sq km (150.3 sq miles).
Languages: The official language of the country is English.
Climate: Tropical, with trade winds tempering the hottest months, June and July.
Economy: Tourism (the main economic activity), agriculture and manufacturing.
Government: Constitutional monarachy. Gained independence from the UK in 1979. Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor General Sir Charles Antrobus since 1996. Head of Government: Prime Minister Sir James F Mitchell
since 1984.
Religions: Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and other Christian denominations.
Currency: The Eastern Caribbean Dollar(EC) is the official currency, but U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Eastern Caribbean Dollars are preferred, however. When quoted prices, make sure you know what dollars the quote is referencing. Exchange rates are best at local banks.
Time Zone: GMT minus - 4 hours.
Telecommunications: Area code is 784.
Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz..
 VERMONT NATURE TRAILS: The trails start near the top of Buccament Valley and lead through tropical rain forest, where there is the chance to see St. Vincent parrot (Amazona Guildingii), strictly protected nationally and internationally. This is the habitat for the Black Hawk, Cocoa Thrush, Crested Hummingbird, Green Heron and several other interesting species.
TRINITY FALLS: This waterfall is set in a deep volcanic canyon. The tour to the Falls from Kingstown involves two hors drive plus 20 minutes hiking through the rain forest. Trinity Falls is the most beautiful waterfall in St. Vincent
BOTANICAL GARDEN: The St. Vincent Botanical Gardens are the oldest in the Western Hemisphere
and they occupy 20 acres of land one mile out of Kingstown. Conservation of rare species has been practiced since the gardens were founded in 1765. There are many collections with tropical trees, palms, lilies, hibiscus and bouganvillea. Mention must be made of the mangosteen, reputed to be the
best tasting fruit in the world. Recently many conifers, cypresses and pines have been added.
Among the tropical trees1 there is a bread fruit brought by Captain Bligh of the Bounty, in 1793. FALLS OF BALEINE: Are among St. Vincent finest natural wonders. It is a single stage fall of about 60 feet that create a fresh water pool. Actually access to the
pool is prohibited because of falling rocks.
FORT CHARLOTTE: Completed in 1806, give a magnificent view across Kingstown and the Grenadines.
LA SOUFRIERE: In the North region of the island, this still active volcano rises to over 1200 mt. and last eruption was in April 1979. The nature trail is about 3.5 miles long starting in the rain forest, crossing a bamboo forest and taking you through banana and coconut plantations. The hike is for the energetic and start very early in the morning, you will reach the crater after 2 hours walking. Located near the base of La Souf riere, there is one of the largest single coconut estates in the world (3200 acres), Rabacca Farms. It is also a considerable producer of bananas, citrus fruits, spices and aubergine.
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 TOBAGO CAYS: South of Canouan are the Tobago Cays, numerous islets guarded by some of the most spectacular reefs in the world. The brilliant white sand, the colored waters and the marine life create a rare tropical paradise that can be reached only by yacht. A natural Marine Park is being developed here. Petit Rameau, Barabel, Petit Bateau and Jamesby offer you the opportunity of swimming, snorkeling or beachcomb in a complete seclusion.
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Explore the Grenadines
MUSTIQUE: Mustique is a gem measuring 3 by 1.5 miles and is privately owned. This Grenadine isle has long attracted the elite of the world, including British royalty. Cotton House, a 18th century plantation
house, has been converted into the island's only
resort. Many attractive villas, are available for rental through the Moustique Company. One of the most popular beaches on the island is on the eastern
coast at Macaroni Bay, while the western coast is perfect for snorkeling at Lagoon Bay, Britannia Bay and
Endeavour Bay.
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