It’s no exaggeration to say that The Caribbean Is Calling  – an editorial package I put together for Travel + Leisure to celebrate Caribbean-American Heritage Month in June – is a highlight of my career. I loved sharing the richness of the region – and the talents of the Caribbean creatives who contributed to the package – with the world, and if you haven’t already, I encourage you to check out their stories. 

In July, co-editor Heather-Greenwood Davis and I were proud to launch our second editorial package for TripAdvisor. Themed The Summer of Love, it features stories by Black writers about everything from how to be a more conscious traveller to how to take advantage of overseas remote work programs, offering advice and inspiration as we dip our toes back into travel.

You may know that I host the Complete Caribbean podcast, a bi-monthly roundup of Caribbean news and travel trends, with Brian Major for TravelPulse.com. You might not know, however, that I also write a monthly feature for the site. Most recently, I shared tips for Caribbean travel right now, and for visiting the USVI and BVI specifically. 

As I write this I’m just back from a 7-night Caribbean cruise aboard Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze. I was curious to see what sailing is like during this unprecedented time (spoiler: pack your patience and be flexible!), and I shared daily updates on my Instagram feed. If you missed it live, check out the Star Breeze highlight, here.

It’s been more than a year since most of us were on a plane, and even pro travellers like me have had to reacquaint ourselves with the ins and outs of air travel. If there’s a trip in your future, don’t leave home without reading Natalie B. Compton’s very humorous and very helpful Completely Correct Guide To Being Back In An Airport for The Washington Post. (Oh, and please, for the love of God, stand to the right on the moving walkway!)

I’ve been to St. Croix three times and, luckily for me, each time I’ve connected with local artist and textile designer Debbie Sun (check out her stuff here). When we reunited in May Debbie had just received the news that her fabric design had been made the official madras plaid of the United States Virgin Islands! With hues that reflect the history of the USVI, the textile is also as colorful as the designer herself, who shares her Crucian recommendations here.

Debbie's Top Three

Beaches

1. My love of SUP and snorkelling takes me to Dorsch Beach in Frederiksted, which also has glorious sunset views.
2. A charming path under a canopy of branches leads to the stretch of sand at Shoys Beach. There are great views here too, plus a few shady spots.
3. On the south shore, Mile-long Ha’Penny Beach is my favorite for walking and running.

Resorts

1. With its gorgeous contemporary décor, the newly renovated waterfront boutique hotel The Waves Cane Bay has definitely caught my attention.
2. The Buccaneer offers something for everyone in a relaxing, beautifully considered setting. (Check out my colorful lampshades at The Terrace restaurant!)
3. Within walking distance of everything in Christiansted, the Company House Hotel is an intimate boutique with a beautiful bar and stylish accents from local artists (including me!) 

Restaurants

1. The cuisine at Salt Great Pond is exquisite. The freshest ingredients; creative combinations; always perfectly prepared. 
2. The Landing Beach Bar at Cane Bay is a delightful lunch spot with local beer, tempting desserts and fresh-from-the-garden sides.
3. Savant restaurant in Christiansted is a crowd-pleaser with consistently delicious dishes and a charming setting with indoor and outdoor seating.