Welcome to our collection of just some of the things that make life in the West Indies great. Here you will find opinionated selections of the West Indies' best, from music, food and books to photos, hotels and nightlife. We believe in less is more, so you will only find selections here that we truly love. Take a break from work to plot your next escape or remember your last Islands run. And if you have any favorites to add to the collection, please weigh in.
FOR STARTERS
Our Current Favorite Tracks
J-Perry's Dekole is a recent hit in Haiti with a propulsive beat ready to party, and its video is full of welcome positive images of the country.
DJ Dever hijacks the great Brazillian track Ai Se Eu Te Pego, much to the delight of the Spanish Caribbean.
Colombia chops it up with Puerto Rico in this hot remix of Me Le Pegue by Riko featuring Nejo and Dalmata.
Jamaica's Richie Loop has a catchy recent track with a classic reggae sound, Love I Miss.
Also don't miss a strong reggaeton, Buscandole La Vuelta, from the rich, raspy voice of J Alvarez.
Neglected Classic
Buju Banton's Shiloh
One Fine Rum
Flor de Cana 7 Year Grand Reserve, the "Flower of the Sugarcane," is a gorgeous dark rum from Nicaragua that we enjoy with whatever fresh fruit juices are at hand. Not silly expensive, not highfalutin', just a smooth and powerful reminder of good idle days.
View
St. Lucia is unexpectedly green, lush and mountainous. Great for a hideaway, just make sure you have a path through the banana plants and coconut palms down to the sea.
Architecture
Caribbean Style
Hotel
Little Arches is a gem of a boutique hotel hidden away steps from the white sands of Barbados' Miami Beach. With just ten rooms and suites, you can remain incognito as you saunter from a shady hammock to a sun-drenched little pool. The miniature garden in the back, overhung with plantain, Bajan cherry and lime trees, provides additional space for contemplation. Then set up at the hotel's cafe with its blissful view of the ocean and figure out how to become a permanent resident.
Artist
Trinidadian artist and Guggenheim recipient Marlon Griffith began his career as a Carnival bands designer or 'mas man' and he continues to keep his hand in that work at Carnival time. Griffith's Powderbox is a striking photo series that riffs on the West Indian custom of applying baby powder as a symbol of cleanliness, combined with the universal appeal of brand logos. One from the series is here and a portfolio of his work is here.
Best Beach Bar/High Roller Division
If you hit the lottery, this beach bar at Sandy Lane Barbados should be your destination.
Best Beach Bar/Low Profile Division
No need to hit the lottery, just swim up to the Cow Wreck Beach Bar in the British Virgin Islands, choose a bar stool and gaze at the sky and sea with something cold in your hand.