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Caribbean,  Seven Unique Destinations

By Adrienne Wilson as Featured on AOL Travel; 03/09/2006

Though the Caribbean may seem like a destination requiring only one visit, the travel-wise know that each island offers a totally new experience. And while a lot of travelers head for destinations in Jamaica, Aruba and the Bahamas, it doesn't mean you have to follow the beaten path. Here are seven diverse finds to plan your own warm holidays this spring.

Asa Wright Nature Centre
Known as the oldest nature center in the West Indies, Trinidad's Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge is a nature enthusiast's paradise. Comprised of 1,500 acres of mostly forested land in the Arima and Aripo Valleys of the Northern Range, the former cocoa-coffee-citrus plantation-turned-centre sits 1,200 feet in the mountains and boasts a large variety of animals and plant life. Hundreds of birds, which include the oropendola and ornate hawk-eagles, are spectacular sights for bird-watchers and the long dry season in spring brings out striking vegetation for plant lovers.

Devon House
Jamaica's illustrious sun soaked beaches are a given, but when it's time to cool off from the bursting heat rays, scream for Devon stout "I Scream." This isn't your typical natural vanilla and chunky chocolate-chip destination. Think island-style like grapenut, guava, mango, and soursop. Before touring the rest of the historical mansion make sure you wash those sticky ice cream-coated faces and hands.



Caberete
The wind placed Caberete on the map... seriously. Considered one of the 10 best windsurfing destinations in the world, beginners and expert kite boarders can hit the waves and winds almost anytime of the year in
Caberete, Dominican Republic. Several hotels offer lessons and gear for guests.
 

Cayman Islands
Said to be the birthplace of recreational diving and underwater adventures it makes no sense to do anything else, but submerge into the deep turquoise waters off the Cayman Islands. Whether you choose to snorkel in the shallow current-free waters or dive as far below as humanly possible, you'll encounter beautiful scenery ranging from brightly colored schools of fish, reefs and amazing drop-offs. Land-lovers and poor swimmers can view the Cayman's oceanic world by submarine

Bioluminescent Lagoons
Strangely enough, it's the dinoflagellates (microscopic plankton) that entice visitors to take a plunge from their kayaks in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Located on the east side of Puerto Rico not too far from San Juan, this magical glowing body of water only lights up when you're there. A chemical reaction causes the lagoons to illuminate when disturbed

Grace Bay Beach
While the extra savvy island adventurer has probably explored Turks & Caicos long before resorts started popping up on the 12-mile-long white sand shores, the uninformed island-seeker is missing out. Grace Bay Beach has been ranked among some of the world's greatest beaches. It's fringed with incredible reefs, powder-soft sands and a tranquil atmosphere even during peak season

Island Hopping the Leeward Islands
Give the term "island fever" an entirely new meaning and island hop instead of staying put. Start with the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean to maximize your experiences and spend a couple days on each. Start with sleepy Anguilla's beaches and fatten up on the islands succulent seafood. Work your way down and "go Dutch" on the five-square-mile island of Saba for a truly unspoiled adventure. For Afro-French culture, head to Guadeloupe for the sugar, rum and beaches. Then try Dominica for rugged, rural hikes and deep sea dives.
 

                         

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