Sharing the great island of Hispaniola with the neighboring Dominican Republic, Haiti is a fascinating little nation perhaps more African in spirit than any other in the Caribbean. It also boasts some stunning beaches. Screened by vegetation-draped mountains and accessible only by sea, Labadee's shady tropical sands are the idyllic private setting for a visit dedicated to the pleasures of a beach picnic, with a little market selling local Haitian handicrafts nearby. One can also go sailing, jet-skiing and, for those qualified, snorkeling and diving amid extensive offshore coral reefs.