There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the tropical experience than to stay in a resort built from local resources, surrounded by nature and far removed from the congested hotel zones and tourist hustle. At these select resorts, nature and comfort come together to create unique spaces for relaxation and reconnection.
CasaSandra Boutique Hotel, Holbox, Mexico
When Cuban artist and poet, Sandra Pérez, discovered Holbox Island, she knew it would become home. Though just 30 miles north of the mega resorts of Cancun, Holbox is a very different world; a place of deserted beaches, sand roads and traditional village life. The beachside retreat she created now welcomes guests seeking a respite from the 21st century in a relaxing atmosphere inspired by both nature and art. The whitewashed, thatch-roofed buildings of CasaSandra are finished with beamed ceilings of native wood, earth-tone tile and bright carpets and tapestries. Original artworks by Pérez and other Cuban artists adorn the walls, and each of the 18 rooms is individually decorated in handmade Mexican furniture and Cuban antiques. Luxuriant mattresses are covered in Egyptian cotton sheets, and set within white netting. With no telephones, televisions or clocks to distract, guests can take in views of the beach and the bright waters of the Caribbean from their room or terrace.
Native woods, whitewashed walls and thatched roofing set the tone for public spaces at CasaSandra Hotel. Guests are just steps away from a deserted beach that stretches for miles. Photo: Frank Lynen/CasaSandra
Holbox Island lies within Mexico’s large ecological reserve, Yum Balam, which encompasses more than 38 million acres of protected areas. The diverse ecosystems of the reserve are home to more than 500 species of birds, including pink flamingos and white pelicans. Hawksbill turtles come ashore to nest on the island’s long expanse of wild beach, and each summer huge but harmless whale sharks return to area waters, giving adventurous snorkelers a rare chance to swim with the biggest fish in the sea.
The setting, architecture, furnishings and artwork of CasaSandra all come together to represent the artistic vision of the resort’s founder: artist, poet and musician Sandra Pérez. Photo: Frank Lynen/CasaSandra
The Caves, Negril, Jamaica
Native stone, natural woodwork and thatch roofing set the tone for the cliffside villas of The Caves, which seem to have sprung organically from limestone bluffs on Jamaica’s far western shore. This boutique resort offers just 12 oceanfront cottages, plus one ultra private four-bedroom villa, all set in a lushly landscaped 10- acre compound. Each guest cottage or suite is unique in design, with vaulted ceilings and open floor plans that invite ocean breezes and big views of the Caribbean Sea. Interiors are finished with handcrafted wood furnishings, batik print fabrics and stained glass accents. Colors are primary and tropical, a blend of tones often combining blues from periwinkle to aqua to deep Mediterranean blue. Unexpected pieces of art are found over doors, on tables and even around the outdoor showers. These details come together to deliver a seductive casual stylishness that permeates through the property, where winding paths flanked with tropicals and palms connect individual cottages.
On Jamaica’s western coast, The Caves resort is perched on the edge of a limestone cliff, providing guests with panoramic ocean views from rooms built of local rock and woods. Photo: Adrian Boot/The Caves
Cliffside water views from rooms and terraces encourage relaxation, and the on-site spa all but guarantees a state of physical bliss. Those seeking active adventures can swim, snorkel or explore the hidden sea caves and grottoes by kayak. For the intrepid willing to make a 30-foot plunge into the clear waters below, there are even cliff jumping lessons. Nighttime brings stargazing and private candlelight dining inside a candlelit grotto, where couples can linger over sumptuous five-course meals or enjoy a local taste of Jamaican barbecue. This secluded and sexy spot is ideal for reconnecting with your significant other, honeymooning or just finding romance.
Each room at The Caves is unique, and designed to highlight the surroundings. Rooms are nestled into a 10-acre garden, and perch on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Photo: Nilolas Koenig/The Caves
Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge, Barahona, Dominican Republic
What began as a family’s private summer home has since evolved into an intimate country inn that provides a limited number of guests with an unrivaled combination of luxury and natural beauty. Set in the midst of a lush tropical landscape on the south coast of the Dominican Republic, the resort provides both a haven for relaxation and a base for active adventures. Each of the resort’s 12 rooms provides private balconies positioned to provide views of the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Barahuco Mountains. Interiors feature high ceilings adorned with natural woods, simple yet elegant wood and wicker furnishings, and bedding covered with 300 count thread cotton linens, down feather pillows and duvets. Graphic art by acclaimed conservation photographer Eladio Fernandez grace the walls, and bathrooms include both indoor and outdoor showers.
Once a private vacation retreat, Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge is nestled into a landscape of palm and mahogany trees on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Photo: Casa Bonita
Casa Bonita maintains a strong connection to the environment and the local community by purchasing from local artisans, employing from within the area, and supporting local initiatives in education, medical assistance and beach preservation. Much of the cuisine served at the resort is grown at Pat’s Organic Garden, the onsite organic farm named after visiting horticulturist Pat Kennedy. Guests may even take part in the harvesting of organic vegetables, fruits & herbs. For those seeking more than relaxation, a canopy tour delivers a 1,000-meter journey through the treetops of the Sierra Barahuco Mountains with 10 platforms positioned with optimal vantage points. The resort’s yacht cruises the Barahona coast to explore nearby reefs and mangroves and to discover hidden beaches and snorkeling reefs, as well as fishing in the Curro Bay. In addition, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking are all part of the outdoor experience.
The dining room at Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge serves a savory array of farm-to-table cuisines, with most ingredients sourced from local farmers and from the resort’s on-site organic garden. Photo: Casa Bonita
