Understanding the Islands of the Caribbean
The Caribbean is a term used to describe a number of things - and they aren't all about holidays in Caribbean luxury hotels!
What does Caribbean mean?
Perhaps the most commonplace association is with a geographic region. However, the region isn't tightly defined and is sometimes used to represent a vast area of ocean and islands running from just to the east of Florida down to just off the coast of the northern parts of South America. Some people even use it to describe parts of the central and South American mainland.
Then there are the geopolitical uses. It's not too unusual to hear general talk of the region on TV or read in the news stories relating to politics or economics. It's also commonly used to describe a culture and cultural values, in the sense of "the lifestyle" or "culture".
So, which of all of these should be meaningful to someone looking to book a holiday?
A holiday experience
The term originates from the indigenous inhabitants (The Carib) the Europeans first encountered in the islands when they arrived from the late 15th century onwards.
It is in practice a vast region of the ocean incorporating something like 700 islands and smaller islets or reefs - the majority uninhabited. Strictly speaking, it doesn't really include the Bahamas group of islands moving north towards Florida, but holiday brochures frequently do so for convenience.
If you look at the history of this region, in the period from say 1700-1960, the area's predominant controlling powers changed regularly over time. Initially much of the area was colonised by Spain (to the severe detriment of the Carib who were badly affected by imported diseases), but then increasingly by England/UK, France, Holland and more recently indirectly by the USA.
Squabbles and wars led to many of the islands changing hands regularly. Through much of this period though, however much the major powers disagreed, they shared a common orientation towards greed. So, African slaves were imported in vast numbers to work the various agricultural lands. As a result of this today, you can't really speak meaningfully about the region as a single entity. It is a large number of culturally diverse islands with many different traditions, values and languages.
Touring the islands
What this means is that while you can talk about Caribbean luxury hotels, the only way to really understand this beautiful and exotic part of the world is to visit it.
More than that, you also really need to think about each island as being potentially very different to its neighbours. It's a fantastic opportunity for visitors to explore a number of very different cultures, but all are in relatively close proximity to each other.
What the region does share in common is a love of life and fun. Many of these islands have everything visitors need for a relaxed holiday, and that includes the traditional sunshine, staggeringly beautiful beaches, sporting opportunities and some great cuisines.
However, if you really want to get a feel for the region as a whole, you'll need to plan several visits and to several different islands to see just how varied their cultures are.
It's a really good excuse to spend even more time in one of those fabulous Caribbean luxury hotels!
Olivia Chetham works for the Essential Hotel Collection. For a stay in romantic Caribbean luxury hotels, we have a handpicked portfolio of privately owned hotels offering superb accommodation. We have an intimate knowledge of every property and can provide the perfect accommodation to make your island dreams a reality.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Olivia_Chetham
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