Where in the world can you go to see a breeches-clad Johnny Depp smothered in guy-liner and sporting gold teeth? Well, anywhere there’s a movie theatre, really, given that People magazine’s former Sexiest Man Alive is currently starring in the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean installment, On Stranger Tides. But should you want to create your own sun (and rum) soaked adventure, here’s what you should know about where to go in the Caribbean!
Although the movie was largely shot in Hawaii, California and the U.K., believe it or not, parts were filmed in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. This Puerto Rican city is a major boating hub and is famous for housing the largest marina in the Caribbean, Puerto del Rey. You may not find the Black Pearl on Fajardo’s shores, but you can always throw on an eye patch, board a boat and pretend you’re a pirate.
Unless you plan on being more Jack Sparrow than Johnny Depp and sleeping on board said ship, stay at Las Casitas Village & Golden Door Spa in Fajardo. The 500 acre resort is gorgeous, borders the El Yunque rain forest and even has its own separate private island, Palomino Island, for super VIP guests. Talk about celebrity living!
If boating isn’t your thing, head instead to the Samana Peninsula in the Dominican Republic where 2006’s Pirates sequel, Dead Man’s Chest, was filmed. While the DR itself is the Caribbean’s largest tourist destination, Samana is most famous for its wonderful whale-watching expeditions, so expect a great family vacation. Again, live like Johnny and not Jack: the actor would likely happily take partner Vanessa Paradis and children Lily Rose and John on a holiday here.
The Samana Peninsula is comprised of three main towns, and you’ll find something different to do on each. If whale watching in Samana isn’t your thing, head to Las Galeras for snorkeling, horseback riding and the amazing beaches of Playa Rincón; for a more European vibe, head to the tiny town of Las Terrenas. For an indulgent, movie star-like stay, check in to the chic Peninsula House, which successfully recreates an eighteenth century plantation house with stellar views of the Atlantic Ocean. Try out the mahogany soaking tubs. You may just feel like you were living in Jack Sparrow’s time.
Although they are not well-known, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have actually served as filming locations for two of the Pirates films: 2003’s first flick, The Curse of the Black Pearl, and Dead Man’s Chest. The best island friendly activities are available for tourists here, such as scuba diving on Bequia, the largest island in the Grenadines, or playing with turtles at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary also in Bequia.
Keep in mind that the swanky hotspot of Mustique lies within the Grenadines. This tiny island is literally a celebrity playground: On Stranger Tides’ star Keith Richards’ Rolling Stones bandmate, Mick Jagger, has vacationed there as has Johnny’s ex-girlfriend, Kate Moss. Coincidence, no? The newly crowned royal couple, Prince William and Kate Middleton, has also spent time on the West Indies isle.
There are only two hotels on Mustique, so unless you’re renting a private villa your options are limited. However, both are so fabulous that ‘limited’ is actually a darn good thing! The Cotton House is better known but The Firefly is a more low-key option, and far more private at that with only five rooms to its name. Where would you picture Tides star Penelope Cruz staying, however? Your best bet would be the Cotton House’s Cotton Hill suite – a two bedroom Cliffside retreat with its own staff and full-sized pool.
For those of you who don’t feel like trekking to the Caribbean, there are two ready-made alternatives: the actual Pirates of the Caribbean rides – which the films are based on – at Disney World in Orlando, Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim, California. If you have kids, this requires less traveling but at least you’ll be in the most magical places on Earth!
Stay at the Sheraton Vistana Resort in Orlando, which is just a stone’s throw away from the park, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, which is set on a 43-acre wildlife preserve. Lions, tigers and bears oh my indeed! As for a sweet spot to stay near Disneyland, check yourself in to the indulgent Grand Californian, which is walking distance from the park in the middle of Downtown Disney and even offers breakfast character dining with Chip ‘n Dale (the squirrels, not the male strippers).
Now that you’ve got your guide to the Caribbean, it’s time to set sail and conquer the high seas. But please, don’t forget your pirate hat — it gets hot out there in the tropics!
Photos courtesy of the Peninsula House. Photographer Kutty Reye