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Many of the islands within the Caribbean region are now establishing themselves as venues for alternative pursuits to the traditional sea and sunbathing. In many cases they are using these natural elements as the basis for a wealth of activities which will attract visitors to their destination. More and more lovers of certain sporting activities are able to travel to the Caribbean to enjoy their particular sporting pursuit in tropical and relaxed surroundings with idyllic weather. Popular sporting activities include golf, fishing, sailing, walking and diving. The Caribbean is also hosting some of the most prominent sporting events, giving players and spectators the opportunity combine their sporting passion with enjoying a great holiday! Recent examples of top sporting events hosted in the Caribbean are the PGA World Golf Cup and ICC Cricket World Cup.
BERMUDA LOVE FESTIVAL – February
Hosted by the Minister of Tourism and his wife couples are invited to enjoy a long weekend of relaxation and evening entertainment along with the Premiere, his wife and their VIP guests. The weekend takes place at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel with a variety of activities organised or couples to enjoy together such as ballroom or salsa dancing, massage classes and beach walks. Each evening first class entertainment is laid on with intimate performances by well known artistes. This is an idyllic way to enjoy the Valentine season.
BARBADOS HOLDERS SEASON - March
Holders Season is established has become the premier cultural event in the Caribbean with a celebration of opera, music and theatre. The festival takes place at Holders House, a 300 year old stately house with extensive grounds located on the island’s west coast. The production takes place within this open air theatre and it's high artistic standard draws audiences from around the world during two weeks of performances which include theatre, comedy, opera and musicals.
TOBAGO INTERNATIONAL GAME FISHING TOURNAMENT – March
The Tobago coast features deep seas with clear warm water and abundant feedstock – ideal conditions for good game fishing. The main offshore fishing season lasts from October to June and during this time anglers will do battle with some of the world’s most exiting game fish, including blue marlin, white marlin, swordfish, wahoo, tuna, barracuda, mahi-mahi (the local name for dolphin-fish) and shark. The annual Game Fishing Tournament held in Tobago each March, continues to grow in popularity. The small local game fishing fleet is joined by a much larger fleet that make the 70-mile crossing from the west coast of Trinidad. International anglers who would like to join the boats and take part should book well in advance. To find out more about the tournament see www.tgft.com.
ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK – April
A renowned event in the sailing world, the world's finest sailing craft meet for a week of competitive racing, towards the end of April and early May. But, whether you have an interest in sailing or not, English Harbour is at its liveliest at this time of year, with the local Cavalier rum flowing freely and many of the island's beautiful beaches hosting their fair share of beach parties.
BARBADOS POLO – April
Barbados plays host to several first class matches between the local team and international teams. Regulars on the Bajan polo circuit include the Kidd family who have a home and long history with horses on the island. Apart from the Barbados Polo Club at Holders Hill, the island offers 3 additional polo fields at Waterhall, Lion Castle and Clifton, all with breathtaking views over rural Barbados. The increase in top quality, high handicap overseas players has given the local teams the opportunity to play alongside some high quality polo players. The polo ponies have also improved significantly, mainly imported from well-known polo breeding countries like Argentina.
BERMUDA PGA GRAND SLAM – October
The PGA Grand Slam of Golf, featuring golf's premier foursome, will for the first time in history, take place in Bermuda. The event will be hosted by The Mid Ocean Club, and The Fairmont Southampton and will be contested on 16-17 Oct 2007. Boasting the most difficult qualification requirement in the game -- a major championship -- the 36-hole PGA Grand Slam of Golf will surely yield incredible play by the world’s top golfers.
WORLD RUGBY CLASSIC – November
The World Rugby Classic is generally considered to be one of the most enjoyable events on the rugby calendar with 10 internationals matches played during the week but scheduled so as to allow plenty of time to enjoy Bermuda’s beaches, golf courses and other many attractions. Event takes place from 4-10 November 2007.
REGGAE MARATHON - December
An annual event now in its 8th year, which sees competitors from around the world compete in a half marathon on the beautiful island of Jamaica. A race like no other which starts in the early hours of the morning to the sight of torchbearers raising their flaming bamboo torches and the sound of the horn blowing, as runners commence their race from Negril along one of the island's most beautiful coastlines. This year's race commences on 6 December 2008. Click here for details of packages to attend this spectacular event.INTERNATIONAL & TEST CRICKET
A must for all cricket lovers – an opportunity to see the West Indies in action on home ground. With test matches generally played on a series of islands including Antigua, Barbados and Trinidad, whether you opt to enjoy the more formal surroundings of the game whilst seated in the Sir Garfield Sobers stand at Kensington Oval stadium in Barbados, or you prefer to soak up the atmosphere of the game whilst being entertained by “Chickie, the local DJ who plays in his own unique style throughout matches played in Antigua's cricket stadium. Following the recent hosting of the ICC World Cup, many islands now enjoy new or completely renovated stadiums. There is no better way to enjoy the Windies at their best than witnessing it first hand. Why not arrange a special family holiday to tie in with one of the local highlights of the year - dad will certainly appreciate it - just don't forget your picnic basket!!
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