Whether you’re a collector of island tees, sparkling jewelry or sweet-smelling perfume, the easiest way to relive the Caribbean vacation of your dreams is by bringing back a few mementos.
The best souvenirs help you share the spirit and personality of the places you visited. We asked a few of our owners, members and guests what their favorites souvenirs are and we’re excited to share the results. Perhaps they are your favorites too!
Aruba
It’s the oldest aloe company in the world and it’s located right in the heart of Aruba. Founded in 1890, Aruba Aloe is the only aloe company that grows, harvests and manufactures its own souvenirs on-site. You can find Aruba Aloe products pretty much everywhere on the island, but for a more interactive experience, stop by the Aruba Aloe Museum and factory store to learn about the production process and Aruba’s 160-year history of aloe cultivation. Aruba Aloe products can also be purchased online at www.arubaaloe.com.
Barbados
Featuring a wide range of handcrafted, authentically Caribbean plates, bowls, vases, and more, Earthworks pottery is worth the short trip to the Edgehill Heights section of the St. Thomas parish. This one-of-a kind pottery studio and store offers over 150 designs and 36 stock patterns, so you’re bound to find something that suits your style. Earthworks can also ship fragile items if you’re worried about them surviving the flight home or if you’ve run out of room in your luggage. Visit www.earthworks-pottery.com to learn more and find your perfect pottery.
Bonaire
Cudushy Distillery, located in Rincón, is the only distillery on the island and home to the world’s only cactus liquor! The distillery features six different liqueur flavors inspired by local islands: Cadushy of Bonaire, Kukui of Aruba, Calbas of Curacao, Gold of Statia, Spices of Saba and Orange of Orange, which was inspired by Dutch Royalty. When on Bonaire, a distillery tour and complimentary tasting should be at the top of your to-do list. Cadushy Distillery also offers a line of award-winning cactus rum, vodka, whiskey and gin made right on the island. Grab a bottle or two to bring home or snag a sample pack so you can taste each flavor. Visit www.cadushy.com to explore the different types of cactus libations.
St. Maarten
How many people can say they made their very own perfume or cologne on a tropical Caribbean island? When you visit the island of St. Maarten, you can pop over to the French side of the island and do just that at Tijon Perfumerie! During this unique experience, you’ll learn about different types of fragrances before making your own unique fragrance from a variety of exotic spices, herbs and oils. Once you’ve perfected your perfume, you’ll name your fragrance. The name will be added to your very own sleek perfume bottle, which you can take home and enjoy for months. Plus, Tijon keeps a record of the ingredients in your custom perfume so you can reorder it anytime, even when you’re not on the island. For more information, visit www.tijon.com.
St. Croix
When you visit St. Croix, you’ll notice many local women wearing a unique type of bracelet. The St. Croix Hook or Crucian Hook as it’s known on the island is a metal, band-style bracelet with a horseshoe-shaped clasp or hook that represents love. These bracelets come in a variety of styles and colors, and you can purchase them in most jewelry stores on the island. To learn more about this popular Crucian accessory and to find your own, visit www.gotostcroix.com/st.croix-blog/show-love-crucian-bracelet.
