A Caribbean Staycation in New York City

After enduring a winter with record-breaking inches of snow, many would love an escape to somewhere sunny and warm. However, not everyone has the luxury of time or extra finances for a Caribbean getaway. One of New York’s greatest attributes is its ability to transport citizens to various places around the world. For those New Yorkers in need of a quick escape, there are some ways to catch a bit of the island fever right here in the city.

You’re Invited!

The Grace Hotel brings a sexy pool party to the heart of Times Square and creates a vacation vibe like no other. Boasting sleek accommodations and a unique pool lounge, the Grace Hotel combines the luxury of a hotel with the fun of a hot nightlife. With a swim-up bar, music, and a fun-loving crowd, this sexy pool party is an enjoyable experience for New Yorkers and visitors alike. The best news of all is that the pool lounge is not exclusive to hotel guests, and it is also open 24 hours a day all year.

A Taste of the Caribbean!

With such a high West Indian population in New York, there is no shortage of Caribbean restaurants that flaunt the exotic foods and flavors of the Caribbean Islands. On 3rd Street in New York City, take a trip to Negril, Jamaica by way of Negril Village Restaurant, a great place for brunch and dinner. The Rhum Lounge, Negril’s counterpart, is a perfect after-work hangout with live entertainment and a DJ on any given night.

As the name suggests, Negril offers Jamaican cuisine, including a variety of jerk dishes, for those who can handle the heat, and a selection of punches and cocktails made with fresh fruit juices and things known to the Caribbean, like sorrel and ginger beer. In Brooklyn, Sugarcane Restaurant transports guests to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago with a menu of exotic items like Bird of Paradise, Soca Warrior, Calypso Steak, and Jambalasi Buttered Shrimp.

Turn It Up!

An island getaway would be incomplete without the sounds of the Caribbean. From the classic tunes of Bob Marley to the more recent hits from artists like Rihanna, music and dancing fuel the island vibe. Learn the latest dancehall moves from dancehall choreographer Hanna Herbertson who challenges those who take her class to “bring yo faiya.” This class will have you work up such a sweat that the cold New York weather might actually feel good. With DJs Trini Boom and Young Chow banging the hottest tunes throughout town, there are ample opportunities to feel the island heat.

It’s Carnival!

Carnival is certainly a high point for any island. It is a time when people get to show off the richness of their culture. That experience is reproduced every year on Labor Day at the West Indian Parade, where all the island people come together to recreate what they do on their individual islands. Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn is filled with food, music, and merriment. A road trip to Toronto during the first weekend of August for their Carnival is another alternative for a quick getaway.

For everyone suffering Counting Down to Spring Syndrome or Craving Summer Fever, the prescription is a brief staycation, which grants the temporary relief of a vacation without the financial burden and time commitment.

Written by Danielle Fontus