Holidays in the tropics: Beach vacations with panache

Caribbean Klaus: Sinterklaas makes his appearance — on a white horse, no less. Credit: LordFerguson.

By Jennifer Olvera

Snowflakes. Jack Frost. Wool everything. In Chicago, wintry scenes (read: freezing-cold weather) and the holidays are synonymous. South of the equator, though, nothing could be further from reality. From Sinterklaas in Aruba to stilt-walkers in St. Kitts, the Caribbean draws clever snowbirds south for a beach vacation. Here are some tropical offerings to sing about amidst those light-strung palms.

St. Nicholas Day: Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire
St. Nicholas Day, honored in the Dutch Caribbean on Dec. 5, features its own jolly guy: Sinterklaas, whorides his big, white horse on St. Nicholas Eve on the islands of Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire. Children leave out their shoes in anticipation; ones who have behaved find theirs filled with gifts.

Where to stay: Perched on Piscadera Bay on private beaches, Hilton Curacao is a launching pad for diving adventures, and there’s everything from a mini golf course to spacious spa, health club and casual and elegant noshing on site.

Parang: Trinidad and Tobago
Various venues on Trinidad and Tobago host song-driven events throughout the Spanish-influenced Parang season. Featuring the musical stylings of paranderos – who are backed by the four-stringed cuatro, maracas and a one-string box bass – the season kicks off each fall and culminates during the Christmas, when groups perform in malls and other public spaces.

Where to stay: Set on a verdant hillside amid a sing-songy bird sanctuary, the intimate and luxurious Villas at Stonehaven overlooks the Caribbean Sea and has rooms with full granite-trimmed kitchens, private pools and expansive, covered verandas.

St. Kitts National Carnival: St. Kitts
St. Kitts National Carnival consists of a series of seasonal gatherings – including rallies, pageants, calypso tunes and a parade – that run from Nov. 25 through Jan. 3. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch bedazzled masquerade performances and stilt-walking “moko-jumbies.”

Where to stay: Check out the Marriott St. Kitts Royal Beach Resort and Spa, where you can try your luck at the casino, chill poolside, book an appointment at the spa, or make a tee time at the championship golf course … all before watching the sun set over crystalline waters.

Crucian Christmas Festival: St. Croix
There’s always the option to attend the multi-faceted Crucian Christmas Festival in St. Croix. Numerous celebrations – among them gospel music performances, parades for grownups and children and cultural gatherings – take place between Dec. 29 and Jan. 7.

Where to stay: The Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa has that hidden-feeling spot, set amid a private cove in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Indulge in open-air dining, dips in the pool, and a quiet, luxurious spa.

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Jennifer Olvera is a Chicago-based author, editor and food enthusiast, who travels often – usually in search of her next great meal.

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