For most, the Caribbean conjures images of clear, turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, powder-white sand and travelers sipping fruity cocktails while swinging in their hammocks.
But there’s so much more to experience in this diverse region. From the caves of Aruba to the historic forts of Puerto Rico, archaeological and cultural sites, museums and art can be found all over these islands, a treat for all who visit.
Cancun
Mexico’s resort town of Cancun is known for its many exceptional properties, but the archaeological sites from the pre-Columbian Maya civilization like El Rey, located in the Hotel Zone, remain a huge draw for visitors to the area, according to Rocio Gonzalez, meetings industry director, Cancun CVB.
Chichen Itza, the most famous complex of Mayan ruins in Mexico, is also popular for groups. The highlight is the famous El Castillo pyramid, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Gonzalez also suggests groups visit the Maya Cancun Museum and MUSA, the Underwater Museum of Art.
The Bahamas
Long before it was a vacation destination, Nassau Paradise Island was a playground for pirates, explorers and entrepreneurs whose cultures mixed with those of the native Bahamian people.
“The combination of Spanish, West African and British influences has created a unique island culture found only in the Bahamas,” said Fred Lounsberry, CEO of the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. “As a result, Nassau Paradise Island is home to a variety of cultural experiences that offer visitors a glimpse into the early roots of the destination at places such as the Christ Church Cathedral and Bahamian Heritage Centre.”
One of Nassau’s most visited historical attractions is the Queen’s Staircase, made of 65 steps that were hand-carved from limestone by slaves in the 18th century. History buffs can also visit the Bahamas Historical Museum, Fort Charlotte and the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas.
“Along with the historical venues are contemporary artists working at places like Doongalik Studio and Graycliff Heritage Village Artists’ Studios, where guests have the opportunity to shop local and actually interact with the artists,” Lounsberry said.
Puerto Rico
From historic forts to local artisans, there are plenty of opportunities to see art and culture first-hand in Puerto Rico.
“Puerto Rico’s rich cultural heritage has left a legacy of outstanding historical sites and locations incorporating our rich artistic offerings,” said Milton Segarra, president and CEO of Meet Puerto Rico. “These provide meeting planners with a remarkable array of venues for special events or theme parties. Whether a lavish reception or an outdoor garden party, Puerto Rico’s venues offer meeting attendees an unforgettable experience of the island.”
One spot, on the highest point of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, is The Gallery Inn owned by artist Jan D’Esopo. Purchased with her husband in the ‘60s, the couple took this 23,000-square-foot, 18th century Spanish colonial mansion and converted it into a gallery, studio and boutique hotel.
Guests are treated to cocktail parties in the gallery among D’Esopo’s own watercolors and sculptures. The space is ideal for groups of up to 80 with sit-down dinners for up to 30. Attendees can also wander throughout the Orchid Garden and explore the inn, where it’s not uncommon to encounter an impromptu chamber music concert.
Dominican Republic
Tours of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, are popular for meeting groups, said Ramon Rijo, regional managing director, IVI DMC2.
A visit to the Diego Colon Viceroy Palace, built in 1510 and the epicenter of Spanish governance for 60 years, is a must, Rijo said. But to really get immersed in the culture and traditions of the island, Rijo advises excursions to the countryside.
“Here you will discover another beautiful part of the island aboard a safari truck, visiting the Dominican countryside, looping through mountains and rivers covered with luxuriant jungle vegetation,” he said.
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According to Rijo, groups can learn about the agricultural life of the locals, including plantations of sugar cane, cocoa, coffee, bananas and other vegetables that make up the staples of local people.
“They will also visit a traditional home and enjoy a succulent Creole lunch, where most of the dishes are made from agricultural products harvested by the inhabitants of the area,” Rijo said.
Jamaica
Once the British captured Jamaica in 1655, they transformed it into one vast sugar plantation, bringing together a grand blend of ethnicities that have graced their shores over the centuries, said Myrtle V. Dwyer, director of sales & marketing, Glamour Luxury Destination Concierge, one of the leading DMCs in Jamaica.
“Our motto ‘Out of many, one people’ aptly describes the make-up of our populace from descendants of colonists, slaves, indentured laborers from India and China, pirates, merchants from the Middle East or Taino Indians who inhabited Jamaica long before the Europeans arrived. This mingling of cultures has made Jamaica a rich repository for the arts and historical venues,” she said.
One of the great plantation houses, believed to be haunted, is the Rose Hall Great House in Montego Bay. Besides daily tours, it’s also an exciting outdoor venue for events.
“The imposing Rose Hall, where the ‘White Witch’ Annie Palmer once reigned, is a truly spectacular backdrop for various events,” Dwyer said.
“Rose Hall provides one of the most powerful, yet haunting, displays of this country’s rich history,” she added. “Events of varying sizes and tastes are spread across beautifully landscaped lawns fringed by beautiful tropical flowers.”
Aruba
Aruba’s Arikok National Park comprises almost 20 percent of the island. Rugged terrain and desert-like hills are filled with tall cacti and protected flora and fauna on a beautiful stretch of coastline. There are also unique geological, cultural and historical sites.
Aruba is also home to the Ayo Rock Formations, monolithic rock boulders the Arawak people used to help monitor for incoming thunderstorms, and they also carved petroglyphs, which can still be viewed today.
“We’ve used the Arikok National Park and Ayo Rock Formation and many of the caves with ancient drawings as venues for groups,” said Hal Davis, sales manager, North America for the Aruba Convention Bureau. “Aruba offers the unique ability for groups to get out and explore, and experience its culture,” Davis said.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Among the varied special-event venues in the U.S. Virgin Islands is the only sugar plantation museum in the Virgin Islands, the Estate Whim Museum on St. Croix, which features slave quarters, the Great House and a mill and factory complex. Both the Estate Whim Great House and the grounds can be used for a reception or teambuilding event.
Another potential group spot is the St. Peter Mountain Greathouse & Botanical Gardens, a restored estate set on 11 acres 1,000 feet above Hull Bay and world-famous Magens Bay on St. Thomas. A total of 20,000 square feet under beautiful tiled roofs offer a variety of special areas to accommodate large and small groups, with banquet facilities for up to 500. The observation deck delivers breathtaking views of neighboring islands.
“Our selection of world-class facilities, activities, attractions and island flair appeal to groups of all sizes,” said Canika George John, director of marketing, U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. “With venues ranging from museums to historic forts, sugar mills and great houses, the U.S. Virgin Islands has a variety of options for groups looking to incorporate cultural elements in their itinerary.”
St. Martin
On St. Martin, Roland and Laura Richardson have operated The Roland Richardson Gallery for 19 years.
“Our gallery is two full floors with a beautiful courtyard garden in the center,” Laura Richardson said. “It is a historic landmark dating back to 1847 built in the classic French Creole architecture of that era. The garden is also more than 100 years old and very beautiful. We have hosted many events, including openings for exhibitions, brand launches and hosted incentive groups from Toyota and Bayer, of up to 100.”
