Real Estate Agents in the Caribbean

If you are thinking of buying a home as an investment,here is a partial list of real estate agents in the Caribbean:

Antigua                                        Dominica

JHR Caribbean Real Estate            CAS Real Estate

ABI Realty                                    Shillingford Estate Ltd

Antigua Estates                             Warner Real Estate                         

Turks&Caicos                             Jamaica

Horton Realty                                 Sangsters Realty

ERA Coralie Properties                  Coldwell Banker

National Colony Realty                   
                                                       Grenada

St.Kitts &Nevis                    Jennifer Alleyne

Nevis Property Agency                   Palm Real Estate

Asford lynn Enterprise                     Ronald Stoute & Sons

Cooper Kauffman Ltd                   
                                                         St.Lucia
Trinidad &Tobago                         Admiral Real Estates

 Islands Investments                         Alexo Real Estate Services

Charmaine Properties Ltd                 Bentex Agencies

Sabrina Ramlogan                            Blue Reef Real Estat

Century 21 CYCB                          St.Vincent & the Grenadines

Barbados                                       Barnard's Realty

Calypso Rentals Inc                         GMK Real Estate

Bajan Services Ltd                           Horizon Real Estate

Terra Caribbean                                                

St.Lucia is Paradise

I must admit, despite being told by many friends and family that this small island was their most enjoyable Caribbean vacation spot,  I was guilty of thinking St. Lucia could not possibly have an abundance of activities and entertainment to keep you busy for an entire vacation.

I understood that many of these people were enjoying a cruise of the Caribbean and I would always ask myself, “How much can you experience in one or two days to make an educated judgment?” I also had concerns that the country of port itself can make a great impression on the one-day tourists, as they can control what most of them are subject to in such a short time.

Well everything I was told was absolutely true regarding this small country, that has more to offer than I can express in one article.

After a pleasant five-hour direct flight on West Jet, from Toronto, we were in the beautiful country of St. Lucia. I was amazed after traveling to many Caribbean islands and other comparable countries that the roads were in very good shape, and construction was under way on many of the streets that we traveled. There was little if any impoverished areas to drive through, which was a nice change in comparison with many islands I had visited previously. This two-hour ride down the West coast was beautiful. We were engulfed by the life and scenes of this captivating island and its friendly people. The breeze that was constantly blowing thanks to the trade winds made the heat so very bearable and almost welcoming.

As we arrived at our very quaint boutique hotel, the Coco Palm, the sense of urgency of the big city left my mind and body almost instantly. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the hotel’s hosts, who escorted us to our room and checked us in. What a pleasant change from the ordinary line up rush check-in procedure at most resorts. Our room was fantastic including a swim up to our balcony, a luxurious touch that this resort offers as an upgrade.

We wanted to experience the island to its fullest so we had to get on the move quickly and that is exactly what we did. Coco Palm is located a short couple of hundred meters walk to the beautiful white sand beach in Rodney Bay. This made the Reduit Beach one of our first stops.  It is decorated with a few resort hotels, which are mostly all-inclusive; the water is clear, beautiful and calm enough to take a leisurely swim while the beach hosts both visitors to the island and locals.

Continuing our tour of Rodney Bay, this charming area is the hub of tourist activity in St. Lucia. We were amazed with the cuisine options in this small district, which included Chinese, Italian, local fare and even a good old fashion Steak house; we even found the islands first sushi bar, The Edge, located at the Harmony Suites Hotel. There are many hotels, night clubs, bars, and coffee shops; there is never a dull moment in the Bay.

Our off-site trips included the famous fish fry at Anse La Raye. This was a real up close and personal look into the culture of this island. These fish fries happen all over the island on Friday nights, with food, music, dancing, shopping, drinking and the fresh fish brought directly from the ocean that afternoon prepared by the wives of the fisherman for the hundreds of people that frequent the fry. What an amazing experience and the locals made us feel right at home.

We continued to tour the island with a Carnival cruise that took us down to the scenic French Creole decorated town of Soufriere. Feeling the breeze in my hair and the sun on my face took me far away from the real world as I allowed myself to fall into a tranquil snooze. Not only is there a serene beauty inland but also along the coastlines, where the beautiful resorts that freckle the beaches and mountains alike are picturesque.

On this trip, The Ladera Luxury Resort was our lunch date and what a date it was. The view was breathtaking; I felt as though I could reach out and touch the Pitons.  This was everyone’s daydream brought to life and it was definitely one of the WOW moments of my trip. The food was exceptional and the staff was as warm and welcoming as the beautiful resort. We then traveled down the mountain to the visit the Sulfur Springs where the volcano had collapsed creating the Pitons.  This was so educational and almost surreal as the guide explained the history of the volcano, we stood in awe in the center of this monster that is still alive in waiting. The boat ride back had us anchor in a few bays that were so tranquil yet jumping with wildlife, beautiful scenery and guests of the properties that were nestled in these bays. We were able to snorkel, partake in water sports or just enjoy a refreshing rum punch on the sun deck.

Upon returning to the resort we were hosted by chef Richardson Skinner at the resort’s hot spot, Ti Bananne. The chef prepared many island delights from his French Caribbean Bistro to tantalize our palate; it was another amazing meal topping a beautiful night under the stars relaxing in the warm comfortable breeze.

St.Lucia is a yachtsman’s haven; the marina at Marigot Bay is an amazingly up to date and even advanced port in such a small country. The trade winds bring yachts from all over the world to St.Lucia where they can experience the Marine Parks which offer some of the most enchanting spots in the Caribbean. If you don’t have a yacht to experience the seaways, there are many tours that can take you over to the lovely island of Martinique for a delightful day of touring and shopping.

There are so many fabulous attractions to partake in on the island including many national parks featuring protected wildlife from turtles and lizards to birds of the island. There are rainforest sky rides where you can travel at great heights exploring the rain forest from a zip line or an Arial Tram for the less adventurous. Everything from  horseback riding bareback through the Atlantic ocean viewing plunging waterfalls, to diving or snorkeling a wreck on the mouth of Anse Cochon, one of the islands favorite sites. There is Carnival in July and a world-renowned Jazz festival in May. You cannot forget the great deals when duty-free shopping; just remember to carry your boarding pass and passport to receive the amazing discounts at some of the fabulous boutique shops. There are also many golf courses for those who have less interest in the eco tours available.

One of my first stops on my next trip to St. Lucia is a guided hike up the Pitons; I now have a new daydream that I hope will also come true.
written by: Natasha Borota

Ritz-Carlton Does It Again!

The Ritz-Carlton does it again by winning another award.The Robb-Report selects the Ritz-Carlton as the "best of the best".The winners were chosen on the basis of quality of facilities,services and amenities.Congrats from all the staff of Whitesand magazine.

Seven thingsyou might think of doing when you travel

With winter season fast approaching, many are planning trips. To save time and money, and enhance the overall experience of your trip, there are seven things that you might not think of doing.

Before You Leave For Your Trip:

Take Your Own Snacks

Food often takes up a big chunk of your travel budget. What do you do when you have the munchies at night? Do you succumb and get those expensive hotel snacks in your hotel room? Or, do you go out and hunt for more reasonably priced snacks?

There is another way! Just before you go on your trip, visit your local supermarket, health food or bulk food store to get some cashews, almonds, dates, dried cranberries, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, baked or veggie chips, energy bars or whatever snacks you like, and pack them in your luggage.

Your stomach will thank you and you'll save money in the process.

Note: One of the first things that I do whenever I am in a new city, I find out where the closest supermarket is and stock up on beverages. This is particularly important for people traveling on a budget.

Get Some Local Currency

If you don't travel light, you may find yourself in the situation, where you get someone to carry your luggage and you don't have any small bills to pay him/her. What do you do? Over tip him or head for the currency exchange booth that's 20-people deep?

Another alternative is while you are in the bank getting your foreign exchange, simply ask the bank teller for a few small bills.

Do Your Research

Do some quick research on the city that you'll be visiting to become more knowledgeable, and decide on the things you'd like to do while there. Your destination city's official website is a great place to start your research, so if you're planning a trip to Toronto visit Tourism Toronto at www.torontotourism.com. You can also get information from your country's foreign affairs website: For example, if you're a resident of the United States, visit www.travel.state.gov, for Canada, www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/travel/menu-en.asp and The United Kingdom, http://www.fco.gov.uk and choose travel advice. Lonely Planet, www.lonelyplanet.com and Journeywoman, www.journeywoman.com are two other useful websites.

Visit Your Health Food Store

Take a trip to your neighborhood health food store and speak to the owner or one of the sales associates to find out what products to take with you. If you're travelling across multiple time zones, a product such as No-Jet-Lag could help to manage your jet lag. Oregano oil is very good to boost your immune system so you do not get ill from the unfiltered air inside the plane.

While You're On Your Trip:

Hire a Local for a Personalized Tour

Instead of the popular "bus window" tour experience offered by most travel agencies, why don't you hire a local to personalize your experience? They charge an hourly rate and you can talk to people at the hotel's information desk to give you referrals. Your research will also come in handy at this point.

It’s also possible to book a customized tour through your travel agency. For our trip to China, our travel agency booked a two-day customized tour for us with locals in Beijing. Our experience was priceless because we saw things that other tourist would never get the opportunity to see. The price included entrance fees to all attractions. Before you go that route, ensure that the travel agent is an expert in the area that you are travelling to.

Walking Tour

The best way to get to know a place is to walk around and really experience the place. You'll discover things that you wouldn't notice from a car or bus. Your hotel can give you information on guided walking tours or you could call the local tourist office. If you're the adventurous type, or want to save on fees, get a map and take a self-guided tour. Also talk to the hotel staff to find out if there are any dangerous areas that you should avoid.

Buy a Bus Pass

Find out from the hotel staff if one or three-day bus passes are available. This is the perfect way to be amongst the locals and get to understand their culture. With a pass, you can get on and off the bus as often as you'd like to further explore something that has caught your eyes. Talk to the locals and ask them about unusual things to do or places to visit. Find out where the locals dine when they eat out. Which bars and clubs do they hang out?

If you do these seven simple things, you'll open up yourself to a new experience, and save some time and money while doing so.
Submitted by Avil.M.Beckford

Traveling to Grenada

By Avil M. Beckford

A few years ago, my niece Camile and I went to Grenada via Barbados for the Caribbean Gift and Craft Show held in late September. We were there for four days but it was enough time to explore the small island.

We stayed at the Blue Horizon Resort where we had the most spectacular view of the ocean from our balcony – crystal clear water and white sands. Early one morning, I looked out and felt a sense of peace wrap its arms around me, and I experienced a little bit of heaven.

As is our custom when we travel, based on recommendations from the hotel, we hired a local as our personal tour guide. It was a very personal experience and he took us into areas that a traditional tour would not go.

In just under four hours, we visited Concord Falls, where we spent time to reconnect with nature. We ventured into the rainforest, up to Grand Etang Mountain. I was enthralled with the sign, “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.” We spent quite some time on a tour to a Nutmeg Factory. Growing up in Jamaica I was familiar with nutmegs, but had no idea of the intricacies involved in the entire production process. The nutmeg is separated from the mace which is subsequently used in lipstick manufacturing. The nutmeg is used as a spice, but in recent years it has also been used to make an essential oil, which is good for pain relief.

To maintain the natural beauty of Grenada, the government has established a rule whereby no building can be taller than a palm tree, so you will never see a skyscraper there, and most of the rainforest is still intact. I loved Grenada because it has not been spoiled with overdevelopment and deforestation.

Traveling and going on tours is a way not only to teach us about another culture, but it is also the perfect opportunity to shake up our senses and awaken us to things we once took for granted. Who would have thought that producing nutmegs would turn out to be such an involved process?

Venezuela

VENEZUELA … A destination like no otherVenezuela is a country of unspoiled natural beauty and physical extremes. Here you will discover everything from idyllic beaches on the Caribbean coast to rugged, snow-covered peaks in the Andes Mountains in the west, and dense Amazon jungle in the south. There are sand dunes on the north-west coast and permanent glaciers to the east. Massive plateaus and steep-sided mesas rise from the earth in the central area allowing Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world (more than 18 times higher than Niagara Falls) to cascade down majestically.
Leaving no footprints
Today, environment-minded travelers are driving the movement towards eco-friendly tours. Venezuelan tour operators are paying attention and presenting many responsible packages and personally tailored eco-tours that follow strict guidelines and operate in a responsible manner.
Tours offer the opportunity to enjoy the diversity of flora and fauna in a full range of striking backgrounds. There are jungle treks, mountain climbs, trips that cover the transition between desert and rainforest and hikes into cloud forests. Some tours include visits to indigenous communities to learn about ancient customs and the chance to see local artisans at work. Guides with a profound connection to the land are proud to share their rich and friendly culture as well as their knowledge of plants, flowers, birds and wildlife.
Live to the extreme
Venezuela is also home to eco-adventure tourism. Excursions into the Amazon rainforest and the Andes Mountains by plane and boat, horse, mountain bike and Jeep are sure to get the adrenalin running. There are tours for all ages, abilities, interests, budgets and experience. Adventure sports include the thrills of paragliding, rock climbing, bungee jumping, kite surfing, skydiving, white water rafting, canyoning, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, piranha fishing … the list is almost endless.Skiing and snowboarding in Venezuela are not suited to beginners but if you like to live to the extreme, the world's highest and longest cable car ride will take you to Mount Pico at 4,765 metres (15,633 feet). This is a rugged landscape and operators advise that it only be attempted by competent skiers who aren't afraid of sheer drops and jagged edges. Out on a limb
Eco-adventure tourism is big in Venezuela, as is eco-tourism. Put them together and you find the latest trend – tree climbing. Tropical forests with a tall cathedral of native trees offer the opportunity to take part in this latest ecological activity. There is no damage to the environment and it is billed as a spiritual experience, totally relaxing, while communing with nature.
Tree climbing is not just for children, it’s for people of all ages. It is good outdoor fun, good exercise and it can provide a whole new perspective to vacationing. Tour guides ensure the utmost care for participant’s safety as well as the health of the trees climbed. Ropes and harnesses are used so that everyone can enjoy the experience and see the world from the heights. The more advanced can spend time flying from one canopy to the next or enjoy three-day retreats ‘meditating’ on high without touching the ground.
The personal touch
Looking to spend the night in a more down to earth setting ? Venezuelan tourists of all ages and interests are moving away from big luxury hotel accommodation, with all it’s first class but impersonal services. The trend now is to relax in ‘posadas’, best translated as inns or lodges, where guests take pleasure in warm, personalized attention along with professional services from both the owners and the staff.
Posadas may be smaller but facilities are equally clean and modern. They are simply friendlier places where the owners aim to attain the complete satisfaction and comfort of their guests at costs lower than those offered by hotels – almost 50 per cent lower. This recent popularity has led to many first class posadas being opened in the most spectacular of locations with easy access to major tourist sites.
This new alternative for relaxation and tranquility has a special appeal to the 50-plus crowd. Operators offer customized excursions with trained and experienced guides. Some posadas are fully equipped with special services and equipment such as ramps, individual menus for guests on strict diets, security systems, access to medical clinics and in some cases medical assistance available on site.
Simply spectacular
Reportedly, the best of the posadas in Venezuela is Waku Lodge, an oasis of good service and careful attention in the heart of Canaima National Park situated in south eastern Venezuela. Canaima is a vast space with incomparable natural beauty and an infinite variety of natural resources. The park’s centerpiece is Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world at 979 metres (3,212 feet) – that’s pretty close to one kilometer freefall.
Waku Lodge is an intimate retreat with helpful and knowledgeable staff who extend their warm hospitality just as soon as you arrive at the small airfield just a couple of minutes from the 12 guest room lodge which is perfectly integrated with nature.
Guest rooms are a surprise in the middle of the rainforest, large, cool and comfortable with air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom with a shower. This luxury is topped off with a large hammock for perfect relaxation outside on your own terrace which overlooks tropical gardens with walking paths to the lagoon and tame wildlife such as macaws and various parrots.
A variety of excursions are offered into the Canaima tropical rainforest park. These expeditions can only be described as incredible, astounding, beyond words for their natural beauty. The trip I enjoyed includes a breathtaking flight past Angel Falls, a boat ride in the Canaima Lagoon, a jaunt in a traditional canoe up the mighty Carrao River past a series of six remarkable waterfalls, a trek into the lush vegetation indulging in a swim on the way and a hair-raising walk behind Sapo Falls, a path behind a curtain of tons of water that falls hardly a few centimeters away, followed by a visit to Yuri falls to be massaged by the rain water. All this and first class accommodation and meals – in the middle of the jungle.
If nature is not your thing, Caracas is the cosmopolitan capital and the largest city in the country with historic buildings and modern cultural facilities to explore. The Island getaway The swimming, surfing and sunning capital is Isla Margarita, the preferred destination for many domestic as well as foreign tourists.Located just off the north shore of Venezuela and accessible by air or ferries, Margarita Island is a mountainous tropical Caribbean island paradise. Beaches are lined with palm trees and you can find access to water sports including scuba diving or snorkeling, sailing and windsurfing and fishing. There are first-class golf facilities and horseback riding – all at a fraction of the price you might pay elsewhere in the Caribbean. Buying your dream property For many years, Margarita Island has been the tourist Mecca in Venezuela. Islanders can take pleasure in the view from the comfort of colonial villas, rustic bungalows, cozy bed and breakfast, brand new townhouses, air-conditioned condos or penthouse apartments … and they can enjoy the prospect of profitable rental possibilities.The Caribbean central coastal area of Miranda state, which includes hundreds of miles of pristine coastline, is forecast to be next Margarita and it is becoming particularly attractive to investors. Prices are low and there are many condo developments underway. At this time it is convenient to reach this area from Caracas Simón Bolívar International Airport and plans are underway for the national airport in Miranda to be expanded to an international airport in the near future – one more factor adding to its potential.Foreigners can directly own real property in Venezuela the same as a citizen can.-30- Facts and Figures:Population: Venezuela – 27.88 million (2008); the capital Caracas – 5,100,000 (Metro area).Climate: The climate The climate is tropical, and temperature varies according to the altitude, from 24° to 36°C (75° to 96°F) in lowlands and jungle areas, to lows of 10°C (50°F) in mountainous ranges over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet). Only two seasons exist in Venezuela, the dry season from December to May and the rainy season from June to October. Language: The official language is Spanish. English, French, Portuguese and German are also is spoken by some parts of the population. Currency: Bolívar (Bs) notes, coins are céntimos. Airports: Caracas Maiquetía International Airport (Simón Bolívar) or (also known as Caracas Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS); Santiago Marino International Airport (located on the southern rim of Margarita Island). Venezuela has several major and regional airports that provide easy access to not-so-easy-to-reach parts of the country.During the cold North American winter flights from Montreal and Toronto and many U.S. cities fly direct to Caracas International and Margarita Island.

Submitted by Shaaron Lewis

Martinque and Guadeloupe

These two islands nestled in the Caribbean sea are overseas departments of France.Napoleon's bride,Empress Josephine,was born and raised on this island.If one takes the island's rum route you'll get a sense of the historical importance of sugar and rum in this region.A word of caution for those planning to visit the 11 distilleries on the island,you may find yourself saying,"Pas ni problem"(no problem) after you have had what is called on the island" ti punch",a mixture of rum,sugar syrup and lime.
On the island of Guadeloupe,that's the one that is shaped like a butterfly you'll find over 200 restaurants with french cuisine,and the islands has some of the best European items-of course the Euro is the currency in use.One of the most colourful events is the annual Fete de Cuisiniers,or festival of women cooks.The next time you planning to visit the island stay at the Amando hotel....You'll absolutely love it.