A lot of people are stressed out. Some live in bustling, noisy cities, others endure long, tiring commutes, and still, some work different jobs on top of all these. The fact is, a lot of people lead tiring lives and end up harried. That’s why we need a getaway from time to time. Yes, we deserve it and owe it to ourselves. Luckily, nature has many locations and places ready to welcome you and rid your mind of the bugs of stress. A good number of these places are in the Caribbean, a region packed with turquoise waters, lush green forests, breathtakingly beautiful mountains, and even more.
The peoples of the Caribbean exude a lot of joie de vivre, evident in their thrilling festivals, elaborate costumes, charming music, and – not least of all – rum. Here is a selection of the top Caribbean destinations to visit for a calming, soothing effect on your mind.
Check out the top Caribbean destinations you deserve to visit to catch a break…
#1. Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Ochio Rios, which is Spanish for “Eight Rivers,” is a charming Jamaican port town in the parish of Saint Ann on the north coast of Jamaica. It has fantastic scenery, lush greenery, refreshing waterfalls, clean pools, wonderful beaches, and state-of-the-art resorts, all of which make it an ideal hideaway for the harried tourist. Ocho Rios has provided magnificent locations for James Bond movies such as Dr. No (Laughing Waters and Moon Palace Resort) and Live and Let Die (Couples Sans Souci Resort), all of which are good options for you to explore.
A refreshing wash at Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios might serve as a first symbolic ritual towards a total mind-and-soul-refreshing experience. Follow that with a visit to Mystic Mountain Rainforest for a soothing forest treat. End your day by lounging at a beach in Margaritaville. You must feel great after these visits. Head to Ocho Rios Craft Market and pick an item or memorabilia to remind you of your fantastic time in Ocho Rios.
#2. Fitts Village, Barbados
If you are looking for a quiet escape from a busy lifestyle, how about visiting a Barbadian village with powder white sand, blue waters, and a laidback community whose lifestyle can help relieve you of stress? That’s what Fitts Village has for you. It’s a fishing town with lots of space and room for weary tourists to relax and unwind.
Here, you can lounge on the beach and let the sun kiss your skin. Or you can mingle with the locals, who engage primarily in fishing. You’ll find that a leisurely fishing activity can relieve plenty of stress. You will also find the comforting presence of sea turtles in Fitts Village. These fantastic creatures can be nature’s healing messengers; you will love them. Their therapeutic effect is one of the reasons that earns this city in Barbados one of the top Caribbean destinations for those who want to unwind.
#3. St. George’s, Grenada
St. George’s is Grenada’s capital famous for its quaint and colorful beauty as well as its robust spice trade. Little wonder why it is a very popular attraction for tourists from all over the world. Its gorgeous beaches, scenic mountain waterfalls, hiking trails, restaurants, and shopping options are there for you to explore. You can visit some of St. George’s historic churches like the St. George’s Anglican Church, St. Andrew’s Kirk, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
The calm, stained-glass-adorned ambiance of the churches might soothe your mind. You can go to Market Square to source some of Grenada’s finest fruits and fragrant spices. If chocolate is your thing, you should visit House of Chocolate for a delicious chocolate treat with a touch of Grenada.
#4. Nassau, the Bahamas
The capital city of the Bahamas, Nassau, is a popular cruise ship port welcoming lots of tourists on cruise ships, waiting to be treated to the city’s candy-colored buildings, incredible beaches, old forts, and cutting-edge resorts. Tourists seeking a calm spot in Nassau can visit Cable Beach; it has a vast stretch of fine sand overlooking magnificent blue waters. Here, you can rent an umbrella and sit all day, appreciating the exquisite beauty of this place.
Blue Lagoon Island, five kilometers from Nassau, is another destination worth exploring. This private island provides fine palms, white beach sand, blue waters, and close-up encounters with dolphins and sea lions. It is also a fun place to relax in a hammock and be soothed by nature’s refreshing breezes. Versailles Gardens, a high-end luxury resort on Paradise Island with an impeccably terraced pathway and a collection of marble cloisters, offers a breathtaking view of the harbor.
#5. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata’s characteristic golden sand beach is a special delight, but the beauty is nothing in comparison with the luxury resorts that line the beach. From the blue waters to the cute boats and the sights of people water-sporting, each offers a potent formula for soothing the mind. Besides beach attractions, you should explore the gorgeous streets of Puerto Plata. Head off to Pink Street. Just as the name implies, it is a street in pink: pink buildings, pink pathways, and pink plant boxes.
Umbrella Street (also known as San Felipe Street) is worth visiting too. True to its name, you’ll see colorful umbrellas hanging overhead the street – a spectacular place you can’t avoid photographing. You’ll find this pedestrian-only street soothing to your senses. For a bird’s eye view of Puerto Plata, enjoy a ride up the cable car. The stunning landscape and skyline, including the statue of Christ the Redeemer, are huge offerings of this unforgettable ride. You will come out feeling lighter and happier, making it one of the top Caribbean destinations to relax.
See 5 more Caribbean Destinations To Soothe Your Mind – Part II
Travel Caribbean: 10 Caribbean Destinations To Soothe Your Mind – Part II
Featured image: @sea.trice via @bahamas/Instagram
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