Hispaniola is the second-largest island in the Caribbean, separated into French-speaking Haiti and Spanish-speaking Domenican Republic. Hispaniola is geographically and ecologically astounding, in addition to having all the first-class attributes of sub-tropical climate demanded by northern snowbirds in search of a parasol-shaded daiquiri. Photo by: Pericles1492

The island has very rich flora and fauna, matching higher mountains and more varied ecologies, but both Haiti and DR are poverty-stricken and over-populated, and still suffering the consequences of civil strife and exploitation. So the choice here is, taking your pleasures in the resorts, or taking an interest in the wildly different cultures beyond them. Photo by: PhotoGregS

Hispaniolans share fantastic forms of music; vibrant colours in their art, clothes and dance; and deep spirituality expressed in every way from denominational churches to voodoo to animism. But Haiti is Afro-Caribbean, its European influences submerged since the first slave rebellion; while DR is just a decade or so, is on its way to becoming West-Indian American, another Puero-Rico. Photo by: StGrundy

On Hispaniola culture is way more intriguing then the admittedly marvelous beach life. The 16th century cathedrals, fort and cobbled streets of Santo Domingo’s Ciudad Colonial, beautifully preserved and now set with cafes, lively bars and restaurants. Photo by: saúl santana (Away)

This National History Complex including The Citadel Laferrire, The Palace of Sans-Souci and the buildings of Ramiers is the largest fortress in the Western Hemisphere. These Haitian monuments date from the beginning of the 19th century, when Haiti proclaimed its independence and became a free republic. The monuments serve as universal symbols of liberty, being the first monuments to be constructed by black slaves who had gained their freedom.

The construction of The Palace of Sans-Souci was ordered by a Megalomaniac King of Haiti Henry I (better known as Henri Christophe) and was his royal residence. Construction of the palace started in 1810 and was completed in 1813 and based in Frederic II of Prussia famous Sans Souci Palace, near Postdam, Germany. Sans Souci Palace also includes a printing shop, garment factories, a hospital, schools, a distillery chapel and military barracks.

The Citadelle Laferrierre is a massive stone mountaintop fortress, built by up to 20,000 enslaved workers between 1805 and 1820 as part of a system of fortifications designed to keep the newly-independent nation of Haiti safe from French incursions.

Sans Souci was ruined by the earthquake that destroyed Cap Haitien in 1842. Today it is in ruins but it is still worth seeing and the shell of the building remains intact giving an idea of its grandeur. Haitians call this site the 8th World Wonder, but it’s a wonder anyone gets to visit the fortress at all. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Easternmost, you will find the internationally known beach of Labadie currently being operated Map of the beach of Labadieunder the anglicized name of Labadee by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Going west, you will arrive at the town of Labadie itself, a small fishing village. “Habitation Labadie” to be correct, is a mix of traditional Haitian dwellings and prosperous hill-perched villas. Further west along the coast, another beach, and then suddenly around a bend, the magnificent Baie d’Acul (Bay of Acul), almost completely closed off from the Ocean and immune to any storm. Christopher Columbus used that bay as a shelter during his first voyage. The Santa Maria, Columbus’ flag ship, fell victim to a reef further down the cost from Acul near the Haitian town of Caracol. Across the bay, many small islands and reefs complete the vista. On a clear day, you can see the famous Ile de la Tortue on the horizon.
The beach of Labadie is one of the most well-kept and well-equipped of the country. It is also one of the beaches most visited by foreign tourists. On Mondays and Tuesdays, luxury cruise boats from the RCCL anchor off the enclave and drop off thousands of tourists for a day-long sampling of fine sandy beaches, warm blue waters or some of the finest snorkeling in the Caribbean. Labadie Beach in full swing on a Tuesday.This is probably one of the easiest ways to see Labadie if not the cheapest. And even with such a short stay, you get to do a lot. If that is your choice, you can sail from Miami on a Saturday or wait for Sunday afternoon and depart onboard the majestic Voyager of the Seas, currently one of the most awesome sights and best floating attraction on the Caribbean Sea.