Labadee, Haiti

20 minutes’ drive north of Haiti’s capital lies the small Labadee Peninsula, adjoining the mountain range that offers panoramic views of the blue waters of the calm Atlantic Ocean. Labadee has a special charm. In one place, it brings together all the best of the Caribbean coasts-from an intriguing history to a vibrant, colorful palette of arts and crafts.

On the eastern side of the peninsula is the world-famous Labadee Beach-a private beach that the cruise company Royal Caribbean has leased and set up exclusively for the rest and relaxation of passengers onboard its liners. Labadee Beach is one of the best maintained and best preserved in the country.

Soft sand, coral reefs, an endless ocean, and entertainment facilities along the shore make it an ideal place for fun throughout your port stop amid pristine nature and the cleanest waters. Entertainment and dining on the island are organized like on the ship-according to the “All inclusive, except alcoholic beverages” system.

Food is served in special open-air areas, offering a wide selection of barbecues, grill burgers, hot dogs, fruits, vegetables, and refreshing drinks. The bar with alcoholic beverages operates throughout your stay in Labadee. Be sure to try the signature cocktail Labaduzee, which is a popular favorite among vacationers.

At your disposal are the Arawak Waterpark with trampolines, water slides, and other water attractions. The standout features are the Breath Flight Line Dragon water slides-the longest slide over the ocean in the world-and the 300-foot Dragon Splash Waterslide, which features 10 turns and ends in the splash zone at Columbus Cove.

The entire beach is equipped with loungers, hammocks, and umbrellas. You can rent masks, scuba gear, volleyball equipment, jet skis, kayaks, and much more. There is also a shop selling handmade souvenirs by local artists.

You can also reserve separate cottages for the entire duration of your stay-cabana-style with sea views or beach views. Renting a luxury cabana includes 2 floating beach mats, a buffet from Columbus Cove café, “Dragon” or Labadee café, a water cooler with 6 bottles of water, use of beach towels, and the service of a duty waiter.

The climate in the country is a tropical trade-wind one. It changes the air temperature not by season but by the day: during the day the average air temperature rises to +38 degrees, and at night it drops to +17.

The best time to travel to Haiti is from December to March. This is the dry season, which starts here several weeks earlier than in the Lesser Antilles. Rain mainly falls at night, which allows Haiti to be considered the sunniest country in the region. The northern coast and the north-eastern areas of the country are drier. Temperatures in Haiti are high year-round, but the heat is made easier to bear thanks to the wind.