See full version: Top 10 Caribbean Islands to Shop for Duty-Free Jewelry
The Bahamas include over 700 islands, but the majority of these are uninhabited cays, or tropical reefs. The Spanish gave the islands their name, which means "shallow water." In the past few decades, island tourism has boomed, and for a good reason — with stunning natural beauty and populous city centers, the Bahamas have become one of the top tropical destinations in the world. more
Instead, before you book your tickets, spend time researching the best shopping centers for the items you want most, whether it's luxury accessories or artisan liquor.
While the plethora of luxury items and bargain prices are tempting, keep in mind the specific customs regulations of your country. Most countries place limits on the amount of money you can spend while outside the borders — if you spend more than the allotted amount, you will have to pay a tariff on your arrival back home, which may undo all of your duty-free savings.
Today, visitors can relax on bright beaches fringed by palms, scuba beneath the clear water or windsurf on the gentle waves. To sample more of the island's culture, visit Main Street or the Tortola Pier Park for a wide range of duty-free shopping. For an island-themed piece, consider a palm tree pendant studded with diamonds or a topaz bolo bracelet that looks like the warm Caribbean sea. [links]
The price of paradise doesn’t get much sweeter than this. On scenic Prince Edward Island’s Pinette River, this historic alcove is covered in towering pine and aspen trees and has remained almost untouched since the Acadians first settled in the area in 1750. Spend your days canoeing, kayaking, digging for oysters and clams, and spotting fox families and their pups. Though there are sights nearby worth a visit (see: Point Prim Lighthouse and downtown Charlottetown), we wouldn’t blame you for never leaving the island.
On an idyllic peninsula in Dunmanus Bay, a slice of the Emerald Isle is up for grabs. The enclave overlooks rolling green pastures, dotted with quaint farmhouses and grazing sheep. The best part? Its location is the perfect jumping off point for discovering the rest of West Cork, from the seaside harbors to the historic castles and grand estates (Bantry House is a favorite).
Believe it—this tiny slice of the Caribbean is really on the market. The 2.5-acre island, complete with a two-bedroom fixer-upper, overlooks towering coconut trees and the turquoise-blue waters surrounding Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The area is especially known for its world-class fishing (we’re talking tarpon, yellowtail snapper, and kingfish). Bonus: the mainland sits just 200 meters away. more
First-time purchasers usually assume that their dream island will be in the Caribbean. The landscapes are magical. Most of the islands are of volcanic origin, giving a fertile soil and lush vegetation. The climate is warm in the winter months, remaining very pleasant from September to April. Accessibility by air is good, both from North America and Europe. The Caribbean, with its long arc of islands, is a paradise for sailing.
But although the Caribbean is one of the world's most attractive areas for holiday makers, there are difficulties for the island-buyer. The number of private islands is very limited (except in the Bahamas). Even more of a problem is that in most countries the purchase of freehold title by foreigners is restricted and needs government approval, a time-consuming procedure. These restrictions apply in Grenada, the British Virgin Islands, St. Vincent and the French territories of Martinique, Guadeloupe and St Bartholomy.
When islands can be acquired, prices are normally over $1 million. more
You might not be a black-belt shopper like me but I bet you buy at least one souvenir when you visit the Caribbean. So make it count! Whether you’re looking for rum or a piece of art, a T-shirt or a handmade trinket, here are my recommendations for where to drop some serious dollars in the Caribbean (including a non-island, too). here
On my first visit to the USVI last spring I was pleasantly surprised at the wealth of shopportunities in St. Croix, particularly on the capital’s Company Street. Start your retail safari at Sonya’s for the classic Crucian hook bracelet; cross the road and climb the stairs to Asha for boho-chic resort wear and jewelry; then walk a few storefronts up to IB Designs, where they sell their own take on hook bracelets and other silver jewelry (plus super-cool IB T-shirts). A few streets over on Strand Street, Crucian Gold is a go-to for custom jewelry made with chaney (pieces of pottery left over from the Danish era) as well as their signature Crucian knot bracelet. In Frederiksted, don’t miss the King Street apothecary Itiba, where Yoki Hanley sells her handmade line of all-natural lotions, soaps, oils and body butters.
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