Winter Fun, Hold the Snow

If you haven't gotten enough Olympic action in the last few weeks, or if you're searching for year-round thrills in a decidedly warmer climate, check out Rainforest Adventures at Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios. You can make like the Jamaican bobsled team as you whip through a 3,280 foot track; and you'll be in good company - Olympic champion Usain Bolt has called the spot his favorite to chill out on the irie isle. After you sled down, take the Sky Explorer chair lift back up the hill and check out the display at the Mystic Pavilion, with displays and memorabilia celebrating Jamaican culture. Cap off the day with a dip in the infinity pool perched on the edge of the mountain. All this and no coat required.

Winter Fun, Hold the Snow

Barbuda By Day

From our Excursion feature in the December issue to our glowing trip reports here on the blog this month, you've been reading a lot about lovely Barbuda lately – and naturally you're ready to go check it out for yourself now. But in case you're a little short on the $1,000-per-night starting rate at the island's luxe Lighthouse Bay Resort, we thought we should mention that you can also enjoy the island's pristine, 17-mile beach and a taste of the resort's delish dining without ever checking in. Chart a course on your own vessel and drop anchor near the resort's beachside Lagoon Café for a bite and a signature cocktail...all of the island's beaches are public. Sans sailboat? You can also hop a ride from Antigua on one of the island's many day-trip charters for a modest fee. Since you're out of excuses now, be sure to share your trip report and photos on our Facebook page after you go!

Barbuda By Day

Private Island Privileges

Since you're already shelling out around $50,000 per night for your vacay on ultra-luxe Necker Island in the BVI, you might as well pony up another $25,000 to check out Branson's newest toy: the Necker Nymph, a three-man, fully submersible aero-submarine. The winged...um, thing...functions as both an aircraft and sub, cruising along the surface of the ocean until you – and the certified Necker Nymph pilot at the helm – decide to take a dive. The vessel is capable of staying underwater for up to two hours as you explore the reefs and wrecks of the surrounding isles and cays, and the price tag buys you a full week to use it. Hey, it's cheaper than going to space.

Private Island Privileges

Vieques Biking Adventure

It’s still dark when Garry Lowe’s baby blue Chevy pickup – its bed loaded with a couple of mean-looking mountain bikes – roars to life. “This is my favorite time to ride,” says Lowe, Vieques’ answer to survivalist extraordinaire Bear Grylls.

Owner of the biking/kayaking/fishing tour outfit, Vieques Adventure Company, Lowe is half Puerto Rican, half Canadian and more agile on two wheels than most people are on two feet. Before the sun peeks over the hills, we’ve mounted up and we’re zipping through the crisp air past a herd of free-roaming horses. Abandoned U.S. Navy bunkers, an old radar installation, a crumbling brick sugar mill and untamed beaches are all within quick reach via trails and access roads known only to Garry, many of them accessible only by bike.

Providing with a running lesson in local history, Garry calls his pedal-powered excursions “island orientations.” Besides a good ride, Garry’s visitors become familiar with the island in ways most tourists never do.

“It’s a better way to see the island,” he says. “It forces you to slow down and gets you to the places people have forgotten.” Morning bike tours run $75 per person.

(787-692-9162; viequesadventures.com)

Vieques Biking Adventure

Nevis Pirate Parrrrty

From Blackbeard and Calico Jack to Black Bart and Captain Kidd, pirates and the Caribbean go together like...well, pirates and rum.

For all their dastardly deeds, pirates were the rock stars of their time, and to commemorate the history and culture of these swashbucklers, the island of Nevis will be hosting a quirky new event twice this Fall: the Peppered Pickled Pirate Party! It's a mouthful to say, but the week-long event - slated for October 25 to 31 and again November 22 to 28 - will be packed with peppy pirate pastimes the whole family can enjoy. The celebration will unfold island-wide, including stops at some of our personal favorite hotels - Nisbet Plantation and Hermitage Plantation - and will include interactive games, beach barbecues, rum mixers (!!) and even pirate costume parties.

I don't know about you, but I'll use pretty much any excuse to dress up...throw in an eye patch and a sword and I'm definitely there. To join the festivities yourself, just log on to the official Peppered Pickled Pirate Party web site or email pppptnevis@live.com for more information.

Nevis Pirate Parrrrty