Grenada

These beautiful islands fall in the south Caribbean. They are full of lush greenery, covered by rainforests, and are a fabulous place for sailing. There are several superb beaches, with a wide range of accommodations to suit every pocketbook. On land, Grenada is typical of the other Windward Islands, if a little less extreme. It is immensely green and beautiful, both close up – in its scenes of riverside greenery and waterfalls in the forests - and from afar. The view from Grand Anse over St George's to the mountains beyond is spectacular. The mountaintops are usually covered with vast swirls of clouds. The moist winds of the Atlantic rise on the island's eastern slopes and condense. The mountaintops receive so much rain that they are furred with rainforest and run with cascades. Grenada is also immensely fertile. Grenada is home to many famous spices – cocoa, nutmeg, mace, allspice, cinnamon and ginger-thus, its nickname, “the Isle of Spice”.

Curacao

Curaçao, the largest island in the Netherlands Antilles, is part of the Dutch Leeward Islands, also known as the Dutch Antilles. Willemstad, the capital, is noted for its brightly colored, Dutch-style houses and Cunucu dwellings (based on African-style mud and wattle huts). It is one of the finest shopping centers in the Caribbean. The harbor has a floating market where colorful barges full of agricultural produce are moored. St Christoffel National Park, occupying the most northwestern part of the island, is a nature reserve dominated by the mountain of the same name. There are several caves decorated with Arawak Indian paintings, some unusual rock formations and fine views across the countryside. Lucky visitors may spy iguanas and shy Curaçao deer. Traditional Dutch food is popular, as well as the exciting flavors of Creole food, criollo, which makes good use of fresh fish. There are several discos run by hotels on the island, some of which also have a casino. Temperature is not an issue when planning a trip to sunny, dry Curacao, since the average year-round daily high is 82°F (28°C) and constant trade winds keep humidity low. If rain falls, it's usually in November or December. The island lies below the hurricane belt,

Accommodations in Grenada

Whether you're looking for a kitchenette apartment, a small, intimate inn, or a major resort, you'll find it waiting for you in Grenada, which has some of the best and most varied accommodations in the southern Caribbean. Unless you want to stay in an atmospheric inn tucked away somewhere, opt for a hotel lined up along Grand Anse Beach. All you'll have to do is walk out the door and head for the ocean.

Accommodations in Curacao

Most hotels are in the capital of Willemstad or in one of the suburbs, which lie only 10 to 15 minutes from the shopping center. The bigger hotels often have free shuttle buses running into town, and most have their own beaches and pools.

Curaçao is a bustling commercial center, and the downtown hotels often fill up fast with business travelers as well as visitors from neighboring countries such as Venezuela. It's important to reserve well in advance.