The Caribbean Plate consists of over 7,000 islands but only a fraction of these are inhabited. However, for those who are not familiar with the region there is still a confusing amount to choose from for the ideal wedding or honeymoon location.
While your client can only choose one for her wedding, you can advise her that if she marries in the Caribbean she will have the perfect excuse to go back for her annual anniversary to discover the others!
Whether she wants a formal high-tea reception on a plantation or a relaxed steel-band beach wedding, she’ll find it in the Caribbean.
The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos are not officially part of the Caribbean islands, but they share a common sea – the warm Cerulean sea – and the time zone “island time”, so include them in your suggestions.
Everyday life can vary hugely from island to island depending whether they are either independent or fly the flag of their discoverers – be it French, Dutch, English, Spanish or American (the island of St Martin/Sint Maarten is split down the middle between the French and Dutch).
There is huge variety so whether your clients are going for white sandy beaches, lush forests, activities, or seclusion, there is an island for them.
Note: There is a difference between the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Also the Dominican Republic and Dominica are two very different islands more than 500 miles apart.
British Territory (British West Indies) or Ex-British Colony
Cricket, afternoon tea, jackets for dinner – these islands are more formal than their neighbours: Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Barbuda, Briths Virgin Islands (i.e. mainly Tortola and Virgin Gorda), Cayman Islands, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nevis, St Kitts, St Lucia, Tobago, Trinidad.
Dutch Territory (Netherlands Antilles) or Ex-Dutch Colony
These are the islands with the pastel-coloured gingerbread houses:
Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Maarten, St Eustatius (also known as Statia).
French Territory (French West Indies)
Perfect for lovers of fine French food and wine:
Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Barts, St Martin.
Ex-Spanish Colonies
Historic sights and lively nightlife:
Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico.
Peace and Quiet
Anguilla, Nevis, St John, Tobago, Virgin Gorda.
Privacy and Seclusion BVI resort islands (Guana, Peter Island, etc.), Dominica, Little Cayman, Mustique.
Best Deals For Those on a Budget
Bahamas, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Saba, St Eustatius, Trinidad.
Islands with the Most All-Inclusive Venues
Antigua, Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St Lucia.
Lots to See and Do Activities
Jamaica, Nassau, Puerto Rico, St Martin/Sint Maarten, St Thomas, Trinidad.
Best Nightlife
Aruba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten.
Learn to Dance!
Curacao (tumba), Dominican Republic (merengue), Guadeloupe & Martinique (beguine and zouk), Jamaica (reggae), Puerto Rico (salsa), Trinidad (calypso, soca).
Best Shopping
Bahamas, Grand Cayman, St Martin/Sint Maarten, USVI.
Best Lush Tropical Islands
Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St Lucia, St Vincent.
Best Beaches
Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Cuba, Grand Cayman, Grenadines, Jamaica, St John, St. Thomas, Turks & Caicos.
Best Rain Forests
Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St Eustatius, St Lucia, St Vincent.
Best Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Anguilla, Bonaire, Cayman Islands, Saba, St Lucia, St Eustatius, Tobago, Turks & Caicos.
Best Sailing
Antigua, BVI, St Lucia, St Martin/Sint Maarten, St Vincent and the Grenadines, USVI.
Best Windsurfing
Antigua, Aruba, Barbuda, Barbados, BVI, Puerto Rico.