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News

Welcome to Kayifi's News page. In this page, you will find announcements, Agents of the month, upcoming Webinars, acknowledgement of the month for countries, and new agents that we welcome.

Kayifi News

Oct 2022

What is it Like to Vacation in St. Lucia?

Are you searching for the perfect tropical trip? Consider a vacation in St. Lucia, the charming, adventure-packed, and dazzling hidden gem of the Caribbean. This unspoiled island paradise continues to grow in popularity as the years go on and visitors return home raving about their memorable experiences. 

Marked by its two towering volcanic peaks, St. Lucia has a lush landscape and tranquil shores. Here, there is something for any traveler—dive into pristine underwater worlds, witness breathtaking waterfalls, soak in therapeutic hot springs, and explore the island's rich history. 

Continue reading to discover what it's like to vacation in St. Lucia. 

Who Should Vacation in St. Lucia? 

St. Lucia is the ideal tropical vacation destination for all kinds of groups and individuals. Families make memories with exciting and adventurous excursions the island offers. Groups of young travelers and adrenaline junkies also have the time of their lives in St. Lucia. And couples looking for a romantic getaway enjoy the striking scenery and experiences that bring them closer together. 

So, whether you are traveling with young children, your spouse, or a lively bunch of friends, a vacation in St. Lucia will surely not disappoint. 

When is the Best Time to Vacation in St. Lucia? 

All year long, locals and tourists enjoy beautiful warm weather with temperatures averaging from the 70s to 80s. Determining when to book your tropical vacation in St. Lucia will depend on what you want to do. 

To avoid the Caribbean's rainy season, you may want to take your trip between December and May. However, to catch some of the most celebrated festivals, Spring is the perfect time to book your getaway. Summer is also packed with tourists and activities—so the "best" time to visit is up to you! 

Things to Do in St. Lucia 

A vacation in St. Lucia offers both relaxing, laid-back experiences and thrilling adventures! Continue reading to see what travelers rave about after visiting this gem of the Caribbean. 

1 | Hike the Pitons 

St. Lucia's towering twin peaks are a breathtaking sight from any angle. While many visitors prefer to admire their beauty from afar, hiking or diving around the Pitons is an experience nature-lovers will not want to miss. 

The Gros Piton stands tall, with its peak reaching 2,618 feet into the sky. The second peak, Petit Piton, falls just below its taller twin, reaching 2,460 feet. Their rocks are rich in history and were formed around 250,000 years ago by volcanic activity. The hike is challenging and recommended for those with plenty of experience. However, even beginner divers can explore the towering peaks' underwater cliffs. 

2 | Explore Under the Sea 

One of the must-dos during your vacation in St. Lucia is to explore the pristine underwater world surrounding its sandy coast. Dive into the jewel-toned, crystal-clear waters and come face-to-face with the island's remarkable sea life. There are many diving and snorkeling spots accessible to both beginners and skilled individuals. 

Be amazed by the vibrant coral reefs, sea cliffs, and aquatic caverns. Swim among frogfish, parrotfish, goatfish, eels, and even barracudas! 

Whether traveling with a young family, as a newlywed couple, or with friends, the diving and snorkeling experiences in St. Lucia are sure to become memories you will cherish forever. 

3 | Sightseeing in the Colorful Village of Soufrière  

About an hour from St. Lucia's capital lies the charming and history-rich fishing village of Soufrière. The colorful buildings are full of character and surrounded by sandy, quiet beaches. You'll find one of the most incredible views of the island's twin Pitons here. 

Soufrière was the island's bustling capital years ago. While you vacation in St. Lucia, spend a day or two exploring this quaint fishing village and visiting nearby attractions. 

4 | Drive Through a Volcano 

Mount Soufrière is also known as Sulfur Springs Park. The park is named for the sulfur mined here in the past. In Fact, you start smelling the distinct scent of sulfur once you get close enough. The road is balanced on the edge of a massive crater, making it so you actually drive through the volcano! 

The volcano's last eruption was nearly 40,000 years ago. Yet, it still vents sulfur into the sky and boils surrounding pools of water. Catch a glimpse of the natural wonder atop the observation towers. Then, cake your skin in the healing and rich volcanic mud and rinse off with a therapeutic soak in the springs. 

5 | Action-Packed Adventures 

A vacation in St. Lucia can be a relaxing, laid-back getaway. However, the island will check all your boxes for those seeking adventure—calling all adrenaline junkies! 

Below are just a few examples of the thrills awaiting you in St. Lucia: 

  • An enchanting zipline through the rainforest is one of the island's top-rated experiences. Kids and adults equally enjoy the hair-raising and speedy glide surrounded by the towering rainforest trees overlooking the fascinating creatures below. 
  • For the kids and kids-at-heart, take a trip to Splash Island Waterpark. Located on Reduit Beach on the northwest coast, it's the Caribbean's first water sports park packed with obstacle-style challenges and more. 
  • Book a horseback riding excursion and trot along the stunning beaches as the salty breeze blows through your hair. 

6 | Soak Up the Sun 

Last but certainly not least, don't forget to relax under the sun on one of St. Lucia's gorgeous beaches. The following are some of the most popular coasts to kick up your feet and truly take in the Caribbean Island experience: 

  • Coconut Bay 
  • Rodney Bay 
  • Marigot Bay 
  • Reduit Beach 

CITED: Planetware.com, Travel.usnews.com, Travelingmom.com 

Aug 2022

Saba

Learning About Saba 

The charming island of Saba is just five square miles and is in the northern Leeward Islands. It belongs to the BES islands, along with Bonaire and Sint Eustatius. 

Saba is rightfully known as the “Unspoiled Queen” because of its untouched nature and old-world lifestyle. Unlike many Caribbean nations taken over by tourism, Saba has an incredible way of welcoming visitors without compromising its natural beauty and traditional culture. 

There are no beaches, crowds, casinos, or cruise ships here. The quaint island of Saba attracts expatriates and world travelers with a unique taste for its small villages, private cottages, friendly locals, and remarkable views of unspoiled land. 

History of Saba 

Saba’s first settlers were the Ciboney, a peaceful group of hunters and gatherers. Migrating from South America, the Arawak tribe also inhabited the island in its early history, as well as the Caribs. 

By 1443, Christopher Columbus had sailed by the small island. There were no safe and accessible landing spots. However, Spain claimed Saba, and it remained a part of the empire for the next 150 years. The French arrive, and a chaotic period begins where Saba is tossed between Dutch, Spanish, English, and French rule for almost 200 years. 

Jump forward to the mid-1800s, when Holland finally claims the island of Saba. During this time, enslaved Africans were introduced to work the land. Saba ends up being one of the earliest places to end tragic slavery. 

The island was full of fishermen and seamen. Saba eventually became known as the “Island of Women” because of how often and for how long the male population left to the sea. This resulted in an incredibly independent and resilient female population. 

In the middle of the 20th century, the people of Saba finally discovered how to navigate challenging terrain and increase accessible and necessary transportation. This quickly led to the first airport in Saba in 1963. And soon, tourism would be possible. By the late 80s, their tourism industry began to thrive, bringing in valuable income for the locals. 

In 2010, Saba became a municipality of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with nearby islands, St. Eustatius and Bonaire. 

Culture in Saba 

The friendly locals residing on the island of Saba are primarily of European or African descent, influencing a unique and fascinating culture. Some American influence is present due to increasing expatriate immigrants and tourism. Saba’s traditional culture remains the most prevalent, despite the growing percentage of newcomers. 

The island’s true essence is evident through keeping long-established crafts and arts alive, like the famous Saba lace, and cultural events and festivals, such as Carnival in July. 

On the island, family-owned restaurants offer some of Saba’s most popular dishes, including callaloo soup, breadfruit, and curried goat. Depending on who you ask, delicious goat meat with peas and rice is often referred to as the national dish. 

CITED: Iexplore.com, Wikipedia.org, Sabatourism.com

Mar 2022

Kayifi Outreach is coming Soon! At Kayifi, we recognize the importance of Caribbean youth as a pillar of the future of the islands. We are excited to introduce a new program: Kayifi Outreach, aimed at giving Caribbean youth knowledge, resources, and tools integral to their success. Check out the following links for more information!

Welcome to Kayifi Outreach! (blog)

Introductory Video (includes signup form)

Facebook Group

Aug 2021

Great News Everyone! We are always looking for new ways to improve Kayifi and keep the listings fresh! For all buyers and tenants, we want you to be able to find what you are looking for.

For all sellers, real estate agents, brokers, and landlords we want you to get many inquiries on your listings. Please edit your existing properties to reflect the date that your verbal or written contract to sell or rent expires. When you enter new properties, please add the date in there too. By default, all properties will expire in 120 days from the date of entry. But don’t worry, you will receive an email notification with easy access to update 1 week prior to the expiration date.

Let’s stay fresh! Kayifi is Your Caribbean Connection!

Apr 2021

As you may have noticed, we have changed the layout of our homepage and the functionality of our property search to make finding your perfect Caribbean home even easier! If you have any problems, questions, or feedback on the new look, click here to contact us. Thank you for using Kayifi!

Mar 2021

Coming Soon! Kayifi Vacation Rentals. List your short-term and vacation rental properties. Contact us for more information and to be updated!

Tutorials Section

We have added tutorials to our Youtube page, to find out how to register, how to upload profile and property pictures click the link below https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8TgI-NstRIS0ehKlby2Bg

Caribbean News

Puerto Rico's 2023 Caribbean Travel Marketplace 

The Caribbean's leading travel conference kicks off this week in Puerto Rico. For the first time since the beginning of 2020, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Caribbean Travel Marketplace is back hosting in person. This event gathers buyers and suppliers from around the world for Puerto Rico's 2023 Caribbean Travel Marketplace. And the excitement for the event is palpable. 

What to Expect at the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 

The Caribbean has enjoyed record-breaking tourism since 2019. According to Travel Weekly, "Last year, according to Tourism Economics, travel, and tourism generated some $8.9 billion in revenue to the island; that's a 39% increase over the previous high that was reached in 2019." 

The marketplace is prepared to welcome 1,200 delegates to the capital of Puerto Rico this week for the marketplace. There will be 159 supplier companies, 25 Caribbean countries, 125 buyer companies, 23 markets, and more. 

"We see Puerto Rico's tourism blowing past other destinations in the U.S. and in the Caribbean when it comes to performance, which is incredible," said Leah Chandler, chief marketing officer of Discover Puerto Rico. "You don't take that for granted. It's a lot of hard work, not just from the DMO but from our private industry that is committed to creating a world-class destination, and it's showing in the numbers." 

How Does the Marketplace Work? 

This two-day event allows appointments between buyers and suppliers. An appointment clock will let you know when the next designated supplier appointment is at the designated booths and locations. Those attending should know the Caribbean Travel Marketplace is not a typical trade show. The main goal here is for suppliers and buyers to negotiate the benefit of the region. 

Added Benefits at the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 

Puerto Rico's 2023 Caribbean Travel Market plans on expanding member benefits as they continue to grow the market. They also hope to increase revenue, bring in more tourism and raise the numbers year by year. The Caribbean Marketplace additionally hopes to bring more jobs to the country with a growth average of 3.33%, that's more than 916,000 jobs by 2032. 

The island is holding on to what was learned during the pandemic in 2019 and in 2020 to continue to represent the vendors of the market. Venturing out into the new normal, the islands all embrace marketplaces, Carnival, festivals, and events like Taste of the Caribbean and more with optimism and eagerness. 

CITED: caribjournal.com, travelweekly.com, witsummit.com 

See more articles

Carribean Acknowledgement

US Virgin Islands

Learning About the US Virgin Islands 

The US Virgin Islands are officially known as the Virgin Islands of the United States. They are a group of Caribbean islands considered a territory of the United States and located in the Leeward Islands. The main islands belonging to this group are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. However, an additional 50 smaller islands and cays surround them. 

Here, there are jewel-toned waters, rare wildlife, and welcoming residents greeting visitors with contagious smiles. The endless adventures range from kayaking tours and underwater exploration to fascinating historical sites and lounging on pristine beaches. 

History of the US Virgin Islands 

The original residents of the US Virgin Islands were the Caribs, Ciboney, and Arawaks. Like most Caribbean islands, the native people disappeared shortly after Christopher Columbus visited in 1493. However, Columbus and his crew weren't solely responsible for the end of these peaceful and skilled tribes. England, France, Holland, and Denmark also attempted to settle the islands. 

Until 1733, the French successfully claimed St. Croix after overtaking the previous Spanish inhabitants. St. Johns and St. Thomas were colonized by Denmark. They thrived in plantation agriculture during the late 1600s and the early 1700s. Eventually, the Danish bought the third island from France, and the region became known as the Danish West Indies. 

Enslaved people were forced to work long and exhausting days on the plantations. Thousands of enslaved people were set free at the rebellion in St. Croix, but far more remained the colonists' property. Finally, slavery was abolished in 1848. Following this turning point in the islands' history was a collapse of the fragile economy. The next few years were a challenging time for the islands' residents, characterized by several devastating natural disasters and a struggling economy. 

In 1917, the USA purchased St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, which became the US Virgin Islands. The United States improved the declining economy by establishing a tourism industry, which wasn't too difficult with all the islands offered to visitors. Today, the US Virgin Islands is known worldwide as a famous vacation destination. 

Culture in the US Virgin Islands 

The unique culture of the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful blend of Caribbean and American customs, events, values, and arts. For instance, the music you may hear at restaurants and other establishments could be anything from reggae and calypso to blues and American pop.   

The friendly people in the US Virgin Islands are primarily of African or European descent. However, you'll quickly observe that the diverse population comprises Americans, Hispanics, and people from modern-day Europe, too. Most residents speak, write, and read-only English with a distinctive accent. 

A significant part of the culture in the US Virgin Islands is the people's dedication to religions, like Baptist and Catholic Christianity. But they also mix traditional Caribbean values into their practice, like superstitions and stories passed from generation to generation. 

The cuisine for these islands is primarily based on seafood, like many other Caribbean nations. If you're taking a trip to this stunning destination, enjoy the national dish, Fish and Fungi. This unique combination of foods dates back to when Denmark ruled the lands. Hefty portions of fish are served with tender dumplings made from salted cornmeal, shortening, and water.It’s a culinary adventure you’ll not soon forget. 

 

CITED: Wikipedia.org, Visitusvi.com, Vinow.com 

Sunni Baerwalde

Author

Written by: Sunni Baerwalde