I became the editor-in-chief of Caribbean Travel + Life in 2011, after two sandy, sunny years as its deputy editor. In more than a dozen years as a journalist, I have spent time on staff at The New York Times and Automobile Magazine, and covered travel and transportation for a broad array of print publications and Web sites, including The Robb Report, Wired and Popular Science.
Tropical Drink of Choice: Mine (for now) is the wickedly good Planter's Punch at the Hotel Carl Gustaf on St. Barts.
I love the Caribbean (but really, who doesn’t?) and I’m particularly fond of cruising — I’ve logged 15 cruises in as many years, in addition to my other travels.
Favorite Caribbean Destination: It’s hard to choose, but I seem to keep finding myself in the Riviera Maya.
Tropical Drink of Choice: A Dark ’n’ Stormy — made with Gosling’s dark rum and ginger beer, of course.
Travel Tip: Chat up your guide whenever you take a tour. You’ll get a wealth of insider information, and probably an amusing story or two to boot.
I’ve lived in the Caribbean for decades, so if you want to find the most romantic inn in St. Lucia, the best place to enjoy a "planteur" in St. Barts, or to find out why Jamaican KFC tastes so good, ask me! All-inclusive resorts and destinations including Grand Cayman, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Mexico’s Riviera Maya are my beat on CTL, but shopping is my personal passion. So if you want to know where to find the best souvenir store in Tulum, Montego Bay or Providenciales, you can ask me that, too!
Favorite Caribbean Destination: I love them all! But I’ll always have a soft spot for Jamaica, where I lived for many years.
Favorite Tropical Drink: I love fresh-squeezed Caribbean juices. Soursop and Jamaican “june plum” juices really hit the spot on a scorching day.
Best Travel Tip: Relax! There might be long lines at the airport and you may have some snafus at your resort, but hey, you’re on vacation! Adopt a “no problem” attitude, have a rum punch and go with the flow!
As the resident web and social media editor for ISLANDS magazine and a long-time contributor to Caribbean Travel + Life, I live for traveling – and I love being on the water. Next time you’re in the islands, look for me in a kayak, sailboat or power cat nearby – and don’t be shy, say hi!
Favorite Caribbean Destination: Just one? No way. I love the BVI for beach bars, St. Lucia for a romantic escape, the Grenadines for boating, and of course, the laid-back Out Islands of the Bahamas for a short weekend getaway that still feels miles away from home.
Tropical Drink of Choice: If I can’t get my hands on any Rhum Agricole from Martinique, then I love a Coco Loco – a blend of overproof rum, coconut water and a splash of grenadine served in a fresh-cracked coconut.
Travel Tip: I’ve always had pretty suspect travel karma, so my best travel advice is centered on packing: Pack light, always carry-on, and for small island-hopper flights that don’t have ample overhead storage, make sure you toss a small set of toiletries, a change of clothes and a bathing suit in your carry-on. Trust me on this. Packing tips aside, once you’re in the islands, never miss the chance to chat up the islanders and expats at the local bar…the best info rarely comes from a guidebook.
I’ve been with Caribbean Travel+Life for nine years, first as the Photo Editor and now as Staff Photographer. I’ve visited over thirty islands, returning to some as many as ten times. When I’m on a boat or some exotic beach, I’m right at home, and I’m not afraid to hang out of a helicopter, an ultralight or a parasail to get the shot. I travel with Sarah often. Too much, actually. I’m also not afraid to tell her who’s boss. Just don’t tell her I said that. Together we have nothing but your best interests in mind. We find the finest beaches, the most delicious food, the strongest drinks and the best the Caribbean has to offer...all just for you!
Favorite Caribbean Island: There are countless islands I love visiting, but St. Barts, to me, is a baguette above the rest.
Tropical Drink of Choice: Traditional rum punch, but not the one you’re thinking. The one sans colorful fruit juices (which makes it “traditional”). Mine has a rhyme that makes it easy to remember, no many how many you’ve had: One part sour (lime juice), two parts sweet (simple syrup), three parts strong (RUM, baby!), four parts weak (ice). My favorite places for a drink are Elvis’s Beach Bar, Anguilla and Yellow Beach Bar on Ilet Pinel, St. Martin.
Travel Tip: Tourists hang out. Locals “lime.” A lime is a get-together, where friends relax in a chill spot, often with music and drinks. If you ask a local where the best lime is, you’ll immediately be regarded as an in-the-know traveler. Not just a tourist. My favorite limes are Sunday afternoon at Gwen’s Reggae Grill, Anguilla and Sunday afternoon at The Soggy Dollar, Jost van Dyke. Meet me there!
I'm the web editor for Caribbean Travel + Life - have computer, will travel! I look forward to curating CT+L's digital offerings to include more galleries, blogs, video, apps and other ways to virtually take you to the Caribbean's exquisite destinations with immersive digital experiences - and make sure you know all the things you need to do when you go.
Favorite Caribbean Destination: Curaçao, with its amazing Dutch architecture in Willemstaad, multicultural cuisine at Marsche Bieuw and immaculate beaches. But really, any place there's a beach, I'm good. Bonus points if I have sand between my toes, a drink in one hand and a curry kebab in the other.
Tropical Drink of Choice: A Dark 'n' Stormy - dark rum, ginger beer and lime. And they're best when you make 'em with Gosling's. Arguably, it's Bermuda's national drink, though it vies with the rum swizzle for that title.
Travel Tip: Get local - chat up the residents to learn about their favorite places. Give your taste buds an adventure and try out the local cuisine. And if you want to bring back a memoir of your trip, look for unique souvenirs, whether you're bringing back art from a gallery in St. Thomas for yourself or Tortuga rum cake for friends or family. Not only will you have a more authentic experience this way, but you'll have better stories to tell when you get home!
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