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Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Play, Trip Ideas

Grand Cayman’s Top Snorkel Resorts

September 1, 2017

On the island of Grand Cayman, the clear Caribbean waters that wash the shores create a siren song few can resist. The island has attracted scuba divers for decades, but there are also plenty of snorkel-worthy reefs. And some of the best sites lie just offshore of premier beach resorts. Here are three of the best.

Tortuga Club

Morritt’s Tortuga Club is about as far as you can get from the resorts of Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach and the cruise ship crowds of downtown George Town. The property is located on a white sand beach on the island’s windward eastern coast, where snorkelers can enjoy calm waters, thanks to the extensive barrier reef that parallels the shore. In front of the club, sea grass beds and coral heads begin just a short way from shore, but reaching the liveliest reefs will require about a five minute swim across the lagoon to the lee side of the barrier reef. Less ambitious snorkelers need go no farther than the pier that holds the over-water bar, where colorful tropical fish gather around the pilings. In addition to snorkeling from the beach, guests can sign up for a boat tour with on-site Tortuga Divers, or head to nearby Ocean Frontiers for a snorkel safari that takes in three different sites along the island’s eastern end.

Suites at Morritt’s Tortuga Club feature separate living areas and fully equipped kitchens. Spacious floor plans make this east end property a favorite with families and groups. Photo: Tortuga Club

The Tortuga Cub is an expansive, self-contained resort that includes more than 200 one, two and three-bedroom suites, spread across a large section of beachfront. Amenities include three pools, a fitness center, a full-service spa, supervised children’s programs, and an on-site dive shop. David’s Deep Blue restaurant serves an upscale menu, while Mimi’s Dock Bar blends casual fare and signature libations with a 360-degree water view. The Club has been named one of the Caribbean’s top family destinations, as there is a wide range of daily activities such as beach barbecues, volleyball, karaoke and game nights. Adults will enjoy the swim-up bar at the infinity-edge Grand Pool, which has spectacular ocean views. It’s a half-hour drive from the club to the Seven Mile Beach area, but between the resort’s facilities and a group of nearby shops, there’s really no reason to leave this waterfront oasis of relaxation.

Grand Cayman’s Tortuga Club is a large resort with three swimming pools. Shown here is the family pool. The nearby Grand Pool sits directly on the beach, with views enhanced by an infinity-edge design. Photo: Tortuga Club

Sunset House

Sunset House sits within mere yards of the Caribbean Sea, but it isn’t technically a beach resort. That’s because there are no sandy beaches on the southwestern coast of Grand Cayman Island. Instead the property perches on a low limestone outcropping that drops right into the ocean. This is actually good news for snorkelers and divers, who can submerge on a series of finger-like coves by simply making a giant stride entry from shore. The waters are calm and clear, and there’s an abundance of marine life, including passing turtles and rays. While divers head out to deeper water and Grand Cayman’s famous wall, snorkelers can spend hours in the shallows exploring the nooks and crannies of the reef. Those who venture a bit farther from shore may catch a glimpse of the site’s famous bronze mermaid statue, which rests in 50 feet of water, but is often visible from the surface.

An aerial view of Sunset House shows the maze of coral-lined sand channels that extend outward from the shore, and the cove where novice snorkelers can practice their skills. Photo: Sunset House

Sunset House bills itself as a hotel run by divers, for divers. It is a mid-sized, mid-priced and family-owned resort with 50 rooms organized into smaller two-story blocks. A number of rooms provide direct water views, and all are furnished in a comfortable but unpretentious style. In addition to an oceanfront swimming pool and hot tub, there is a sheltered swimming lagoon carved out of the limestone. Downtown George Town is a short walk away, but most guests gravitate to the on-site Sea Harvest Restaurant and the adjacent My Bar. The outdoor terrace at this landmark watering hole is a favorite happy hour gathering spot for island dive masters and locals, and there is no better place on the island to take in a sunset.

Rooms at Grand Cayman’s Sunset House have undergone recent renovations. Some provide direct ocean views, and all include a full range of modern amenities and comforts. Photo: Sunset House

Retreat at Rum Point

Island lore attributes the name Rum Point to the casks of the namesake spirit that washed ashore when a cargo shipwrecked on Grand Cayman’s barrier reef. Today, the site is intoxicating for different reasons. The point’s white sand beach is shaded by a grove of Casuarina pines, and surrounded by the island’s finest shallow coral reef. Snorkelers can make a 30-yard swim from shore across a meadow of sea grasses to coral heads that begin in depths as shallow as five feet. The seascape includes staghorn, elkhorn and brain coral, along with a variety of colorful soft corals, sea fans and sea whips. The reefs are patrolled by schools of rainbow parrotfish, blue tang and queen triggerfish. Because this site is less than a half-mile from Grand Cayman’s famed Stingray City, snorkelers may also catch the occasional glimpse of a passing flock of rays.

At the Retreat at Rum Point, a long pier provides easy access to a shallow lagoon that is home to some of the best snorkeling reefs on the island of Grand Cayman. Photo: Retreat at Rum Point

The place to stay for easy access to the reefs is the Retreat at Rum Point. This small resort is made up of 23 condominiums with one, two and three- bedroom floor plans, each offering a full range of home-like comforts, including full kitchens. The complex includes a pool and 1,200 feet of beachfront, and provides full-time on-site management to assist with services such as dinner reservations, childcare, transportation, catering or scheduling an in-residence massage. There are several excellent restaurants nearby, and the beach scene includes volleyball courts, hammocks, a water sports center operated by Redsail Sports and the iconic Wreck Bar, which is reputed to be the establishment responsible for the island’s signature drink, the Mudslide.

The beach at Rum Point is a favorite gathering point for both visitors and island locals, who come for a game of volleyball or a cool libation at the Wreck Bar. Photo: Retreat at Rum Point

Central America, Honduras, Play, Stay, Trip Ideas

Roatan’s Best Dive Resorts

August 22, 2017

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There was a time when scuba divers were content to bed down in simple lodge-style accommodations, because the vacation was all about being underwater. But not these days. Modern resorts not only cater to the needs of divers, but also provide them with a full range of additional water sports, along with first-class rooms, excellent restaurants and a full range of resort amenities. The Honduran island of Roatan has long been considered to be one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean, and these resorts are known as the best places to combine some serious diving with resort-style relaxation.

Anthony’s Key Resort

Many of Roatan’s most popular dive sites are located just off the island’s northwestern corner. And the closest dive center to many of these sites is Anthony’s Key Resort. Calling this property a dive center is a bit of an understatement, as the grounds are also home to one of the island’s premier resorts, as well as the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences and a dolphin research center. A fleet of modern, high-speed boats brings divers to several local shipwrecks and sites such as the West End Wall, where southern stingrays and spotted eagle rays glide along the face of a towering 90-foot coral cliff that rises from the depths. And if three daily boat trips aren’t enough, divers can also enjoy shore dives on the famous Front Porch Reef, which is available day and night.

Many dive sites near Anthony’s Key Resort feature crevices and small caverns that provide shelter for a wide range of marine life. Colorful soft corals add to the scene. Photo: Cesar Rodas/Anthony’s Key

The resort’s grounds are laid out like an island village that includes the dive center, photo lab, gift shop and a hillside restaurant and bar. Guests can enjoy elevated views from bungalows perched in a palm grove above the beach, or opt for a waterfront or over-water cottage on a small island just offshore. In addition to diving and snorkeling, the resort offers water sports such as kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and sailing trips. Other available activities range from beachside horseback rides to nature tours and day trips to the Honduras mainland for tours of the ancient Mayan city of Copan. If relaxation is the order of the day, there is Ixora Spa, plus daily happy hours on the deck of the Frangipani Bar.

The grounds of Anthony’s Key Resort include a hillside and harbor complex on Roatan’s north shore, along a small offshore island that hold a group of waterfront and over-water bungalows. Photo: Anthony’s Key

Coco View Resort

Divers can wade in right from the beach at Coco View and make a short swim to explore the wreck of the 140-foot Prince Albert. And if sunken ships aren’t enough, there’s also a vertical underwater wall nearby. In addition to excellent all-access shore diving and snorkeling, the resort has a full-service dive shop on site, making daily trips to a number of the most popular dive sites along Roatan’s south central coast. The reefs along this part of the island are known for colorful soft coral growths and the intricate networks of cracks and crevices that hold numerous small creatures. It is a favorite area for underwater macro photography, and for night dives that bring shy creatures out of hiding under cover of darkness.

A diver follows a sand channel through shallow coral covered flats at Coco View Resort. A shipwreck located offshore of the resort’s dock can be reached with a short swim. Photo: Coco View

The resort is made up of 29 water view and over-water bungalows that are spaced along a narrow peninsula between the Caribbean Sea and a mangrove lagoon. Pathways wind through palm groves to beaches and the resort’s private island. Accommodations blend modern amenities such as air conditioning and WiFi with a traditional island style, and a décor that showcases traditional Honduran textiles and woodwork. The reefs are the star attraction, but guests can also plan adventures such as zip-line canopy tours, fishing excursions and dolphin encounters, play a round of golf, book a spa treatment, or just relax in the hammock on their private balcony.

Coco View Resort is located on Roatan’s southern coast. Waterfront guest rooms sit on the edge of a shallow coral reef that transition to a steep underwater wall. Photo: Coco View

Turquoise Bay Resort

This relatively secluded property is located on the less developed northeastern shore of Roatan, and it is the only dive resort in the area. Guests have exclusive access to a number of prime dive sites beyond the normal range of resorts on the island’s western and southern coasts. The resort’s on-site dive center is located within easy walking distance of all rooms. Dive packages typically include three boat dives daily and a night dive. Because the resort is close to many prime north shore sites, boats often return to the dock between the first and second morning dives. Water clarity is good throughout the year, and can be significantly better than the south side during the rainy season. Underwater topographies include walls and high-profile spur-and-groove formations with numerous channels, undercuts, swim throughs and caverns.

The north shore dive sites within range of dive boats from Turquoise Bay Resort feature dramatic underwater landscapes, and see fewer divers than areas to the west and south of Roatan. Photo: Turquoise Bay

The 30-acre hillside property overlooks the waters of a protected bay, and is fronted by a private white sand beach. With just 26 guest rooms, the resort is small enough to provide personalized service, and the staff takes pride on doing so. Guest rooms occupy a collection of two-story villas spaced across the landscaped grounds, with many offering water views from patios or balconies. Activities center around the central lobby complex, which is just steps from the beach, and includes the resort’s pool and the Urudau restaurant.

Turquoise Bay Resort sits on the northern shore of Roatan, miles away from the developments of West End. The beach opens onto a sandy bay set within the fringing coral reef. Photo: Turquoise Bay

Fantasy Island Beach Resort

Water access at Fantasy Island couldn’t be easier. Snorkelers have two protected coves all to themselves, and divers can make a short swim to the edge of an extensive reef. Also close at hand are memorable sites such as Mary’s Place and Valley of the Kings, which are considered among the island’s finest dives. Here, an underwater wall carved with deep clefts drops from 20 feet to beyond diving depths. There is an on-site marina and PADI dive center offering a wide range of courses from intro to scuba to advanced certifications. With nine dive boats in the fleet, there is no crowding on board, and qualified divers can take advantage of an unlimited nitrox supply.

Fantasy Island is a self-contained resort set on a small island. It includes a marina, hotel and restaurant, along with two private beaches sheltered by coral reefs. Photo: Alison Wright/Fantasy Island

A stay at this south shore property has the feel of a private island getaway. No, you won’t be the only guests at the 115-room resort, but you will be cloistered on a 21-acre island attached to Roatan only by a causeway. Rooms offer panoramic oceanfront views framed by private beaches, lush palms and tropical gardens teeming with exotic indigenous wildlife. A special treat for many guests are the gregarious capuchin monkeys that sometimes come onto balconies for a visit. The resort’s pool is set adjacent to the beach, with water views, as is the outdoor La Palapa restaurant.

A panoramic vista of the Caribbean Sea from a guest room balcony at Fantasy Island Resort. All of the resort’s accommodations provide similar water views. Photo: Victor Elias/Fantasy Island

Anguilla, Bermuda, Caribbean, Central America, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Nevis, Play, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, Stay, Trip Ideas

10 Unexpected Caribbean Activities

August 8, 2017

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Once you’ve had your fill of sun, beach and water, it’s time to try something different. And at resorts all across the Caribbean, you can do just that. Young and old alike will find activities that entertain, educate or encourage engagement. Here are ten experiences that go beyond the ordinary resort experience.

1 Visit a Mountain Village: Strawberry Hill, Jamaica

Lace up your walking shoes and ask the concierge for directions and a map. From the Strawberry Hill resort, the path to Redlight village winds through the wooded hillsides of the Blue Mountains, passing streams and a waterfall along the way. It’s an easy 20-minute walk, and once there, you can tour the historic St. Mark’s Chapel, which was built by the British in the early 1800s. To make a day of it, have the resort’s kitchen staff prepare a picnic lunch to bring along.

2 Swim with a Mermaid: Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France, St. Bart

She might join you in the pool, or make a surprise visit during a snorkel trip. Amarylis is St. Bart’s resident mermaid, delighting imaginations of all ages at the Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France resort. This upscale boutique property overlooks the stunning beach at Baie des Flamands, where crystal- clear waters are ideal for young snorkelers. In keeping with its family- friendly atmosphere, the Isle de France often hosts Amaryllis, who poses for photos, and shares stories of her home in the sea.

Amarylis the mermaid photographed while diving beneath a breaking wave. She makes regular beach and pool appearances at Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France. Photo: Amarylis

3 Spot a Monkey: Four Seasons Nevis

End your day with a private sunset tour of the Four Seasons’ Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course. As you wander the hillside fairways, you’ll learn about the native flora and enjoy sweeping views of the resort, the Caribbean Sea and the nearby island of St. Kitts. And be sure to scan the trees and hillsides for a glimpse of the island’s famous green vervet monkeys. First brought to Nevis in the 1800s as pets, they now roam free across the island.

The green vervet monkeys of Nevis are often sighted on the grounds of the Four Seasons Resort. These monkeys communicate using an elaborate series of calls. Photo: David Danzig/Flickr

4 Blend Your Own: Nayara Springs, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for its fine coffees, and you can sample some of the best blends at Mi Cafecito, which is Nayara Springs’ in-house expresso bar. The flavors are created by resident coffee connoisseur Ken Palmer, who learned his craft training with Alfred Peet of Peet’s Coffee. Palmer will also guide guests through the steps of creating their own personal blends. The results are delicious, as novice blenders work with high-quality beans from the country’s premier Tarrazu region.

5 Mix a Dirty Banana: Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios

Rum is the Caribbean’s signature spirit. Guests of the Jamaica Inn can get into this spirit of the islands during a Rumology class held each Thursday morning at Teddy’s Beach Bar. In addition to mingling with other rum enthusiasts, participants learn to create a number of signature drinks such as Teddy’s signature planter’s punch, the dark and stormy, dirty banana and the piña colada. The session is hosted by the knowledgeable bar team, who also recounts the history of popular rum mixes, share stories of the rich Jamaican heritage of rum, and describe mixing techniques.

Sun and Rum. All the elements come together at Teddy’s Beach Bar, where guests of the Jamaica Inn can learn to mix some of the Caribbean’s most iconic rum drinks. Photo: David Massey/Jamaica Inn

6 Art Walk: Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Bermuda

The recent hundred-million-dollar upgrading of the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club included the addition of an extensive collection of contemporary art. Today as your walk through the lobby and public spaces these art works are juxtaposed against the hotel’s historic architectural details such as crown molding and oriental rugs. The collection includes works from Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Nelson Mandela, Banksy, and Philippe Decrauzat among others. You can walk through the collection on your own or join a guided tour, which is offered every Saturday morning.

7 Pick Tomatoes Off the Vine: CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, Anguilla

To provide the kitchen with the freshest and finest possible ingredients, this upscale beach resort maintains an 18,000-square foot greenhouse, which supplies much of the produce used in the restaurants. Crops include vine- ripened tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuces and micro-greens and herbs. The chefs delight in being able to pick fresh dill, basil and parsley on a daily basis, and in creating dishes featuring guava and pumpkin grown on the property. Guests can tour the greenhouse, help with the harvest and even take a seat at a hands-on cooking class.

Food doesn’t get more local that this. The on-site greenhouse at the CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa supplies the kitchen with an abundance of fresh produce. Photo: Joe Rahim/CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa

8 Immerse in the Culture of Curacao: Sonesta Kura Hulanda Village & Spa, Curacao

Spread over an eight-block compound in the center of Willemstad, Kura Hulanda village is a collection of meticulously restored historic buildings that now house boutique lodgings and the anthropological museum of Kura Hulanda. The museum focuses on the predominant cultures of Curacao, taking visitors on a journey that ranges from the origin of man to West African empires, a chronicle of the African slave trade, pre-Columbian gold, Mesopotamian relics and Antillean art. Visitors can conduct self-guided visits or join an interpretive tour.

9 Explore an Ecological Park: Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club, Punta Cana, DR

Guests of Tortuga Bay are invited to take a complimentary self-guided tour of the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve. This 1,500-acre nature reserve provides a habitat for indigenous birds, reptiles, insects and native plants. A series of interpretive trails cover the natural and cultural history of the island, and include a sugar cane exhibit, a fruit tree garden and an iguana habitat. Pack a swimsuit, because trails also lead to 12 freshwater lagoons where you can take a dip.

Visitors can cool off in one of the numerous freshwater lagoons that are scattered through the grounds of the Dominican Republic’s Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve. Photo: Ecological Park

10 Salute the Sun: W Retreat & Spa, Vieques, Puerto Rico

It’s a great way to begin or end your day. Join other guests in the W Retreat’s Living Room, an eclectic, neo-Bohemian relaxation space, where you can hang out and mingle before heading out to the deck for a mind, body and breath workout. Sunrise and sunset yoga sessions meet daily. Private yoga sessions available through the AWAY Spa, featuring Detox Yoga, Art of Meditation, and Introduction to Breath. If you are feeling more energetic and awake a bit earlier, join the kayak tours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Islands, Oceania, Plan, Play, Trip Ideas

Indonesia’s Living Reef

August 8, 2017

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Jason deCaires Taylor first grabbed the attention of the art world when he created an underwater sculpture garden on a shallow coral reef near the island of Grenada. He has since gone on to create a number of iconic submerged exhibitions in the waters of Mexico, Spain, the Bahamas and England’s Thames River. His latest creation, known as NEST, will be his first work to reside in Indo-Pacific waters, near the island of Bali.

A water-level view of the coral reefs surrounding Indonesia’s Gili Islands. These waters are considered to be among the most bio-diverse and pristine in the world. Photo: BASK

NEST is a circle of 48 life-size human figures set in an interconnecting ring on the sea floor. The work sits in 12 feet of clear water, a short distance from the island of Gili Meno, where it can be easily viewed by snorkelers. NEST is described by Taylor as a nucleus of protection and support, evoking the circle of life. The interlocking figures are situated upon the edge of the reef in a nutrient-rich current. It will offer a platform for soft corals, sponges and other filter feeding organisms to colonize and inhabit. Over time, as marine life takes hold, further layers of growth will accumulate, naturally creating a complex symbiotic artwork.

The NEST sculpture is located just 40 yards from the shore of the BASK exclusive beach club. The formation is designed to attract corals and fish and create a living work of art. Photo: Jason deCaires Taylor

The NEST sculpture was commissioned by luxury resort developer BASK, which recently completed a collection of unique beach villas on Gili Meno, the most pristine of Indonesia’s Gili islands. BASK’s upscale villas are set between a sunset-showcasing beachfront and a natural salt lake, delivering water views from all rooms. The property’s award-winning contemporary design is intended to provide a relaxing personal retreat, while also respecting the local environment, customs and culture.

BASK’s 87 villas usher in water views, and provide a full range of contemporary comforts. The resort property also includes a five-star spa and a private beach club. Photo: BASK

Gili Meno is home to just 500 permanent residents, and is surrounded by pristine beaches and clear water. The island can be reached by boat or helicopter from Bali or Lombok Island. The Gili Islands are famed for their turtle population and are known as one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems.

Cozumel, Mexico, Play, Stay, Trip Ideas

Cozumel Snorkel Resorts

August 8, 2017

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The island of Cozumel boasts some of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean. Scuba divers come from around the world to discover the dramatic coral formations that line the island’s western coast. But you don’t need air tanks to enjoy the underwater landscape. Within swimming distance of shore, shallow reefs provide shelter for a menagerie of marine life. A number of these snorkel-friendly sites are located near beach resorts that offer exclusive water access. Stay at one of these prime properties and you will be just a few fin strokes away from the action.

InterContinental Presidente Cozumel

This upscale property provides an ideal blend of water access and convenient proximity to all of Cozumel’s attractions. Its water’s edge location provides sweeping ocean views from guest rooms, all less than a mile from the shops and restaurants of San Miguel. The property boasts the only sand beach in the area, and faces a protected cove that provides easy water entry for snorkelers. Coral heads begin just a short swim from shore, and the currents that sweep the island’s western coastline are often mitigated by nearby reefs. The Presidente is a full-service resort that accommodates for everyone from the business travelers to honeymooning couples and vacationing families. Amenities include an oceanfront pool, spa, tennis courts, fitness center and three on-site restaurants. The Chiqui Club provides youngsters with a range of age-appropriate activities, including the hotel’s signature iguana hunt. Adults are similarly indulged with a full range of concierge services.

The protected swimmers cove at the InterContinental Presidente resort provides an easy water entry for snorkelers, who can make a short swim to a collection of shallow coral reefs. Photo: InterContinental

Landmark Cozumel

Guests can enjoy views of Cozumel’s most famous snorkeling reef from the balcony of their two- or three-bedroom suite at the Landmark. This five-star residential resort delivers a full range of creature comforts and amenities, including full kitchens, living and dining areas and large sea-view balconies. There’s a pool and outdoor hot tub on site, but many guests prefer the adjacent beach club, which provides exclusive access to the coral gardens of Dzul Ha Reef. This site has been named the best snorkeling destination in Cozumel, thanks to its shallow depths and abundant marine life. Expect to see lobsters, stingrays, colorful parrotfish and swarms of colorful tropicals, all just a short swim away from the beach. For a special experience, rent an underwater flashlight from the watersports center and head out at sunset for a twilight snorkel. This is when many creatures such as octopus that have been hiding during the day come out to forage. Time it right and you’ll finish your explorations just about the time the live band starts up at the beach club.

A school of small snappers find shelter in the shadow of a coral head at Dzul Ha reef. This shallow snorkeling site is located directly off the waterfront of the Landmark Cozumel resort. Photo: Landmark Cozumel

Fiesta Americana

Snorkel excursion boats often bring their passengers to the reefs right in front of the Fiesta Americana Resort. This gives guests of this popular all- inclusive resort a home-field advantage, as they are not constrained by schedules, and can make the short swim from shore at their leisure. And should they want to take a boat ride, the on-site concession for Dive House can provide transportation to other areas along Cozumel’s southern coast, getting snorkelers to prime areas ahead of the tour groups from the cruise ships. But easy access to the best reefs isn’t the only reason to stay at the Fiesta Americana. With a water sports center, two pools, seven restaurants, a fitness center, dedicated children’s programs and a large on-site spa, there’s something for everyone. All of the resort’s spacious studio and one- bedroom suites feature oversize private balconies or terraces with partial or full ocean views, and attractions such as Chankanaab Park and Playa Palancar are nearby.

The Fiesta Americana resort overlooks one of the best snorkeling reefs on the Cozumel coast. The hotel’s beach club provides changing areas, showers and a waterfront bar and restaurant. Photo: Fiesta Americana

British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Play, Stay, Trip Ideas

Five Best Snorkel Resorts in the British Virgin Islands

July 25, 2017

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The British Virgin Islands are ringed in colorful coral reefs. But getting to many of these snorkel-worthy sites will require a boat ride, which means showing up on time, and getting in and out of the water on a time table. Wouldn’t it be great if you could just wade in from shore, make a short swim to the reef, then stay as long as you like? At these select beachfront resorts, that’s exactly what can happen.

Bitter End Yacht Club

This landmark property is a favorite with both visiting yachtsmen and shore side guests, who enjoy sweeping views of Virgin Gorda’s North Sound from hillside cottages. The resort bustles with activities that include sailing regattas, dive excursions and fishing charters. The resort offers 15 weekly snorkel trips to area reefs and more distant sites such as the Baths and Anegada. Guests can use one of the resort’s Boston Whalers to create their own snorkel cruise, or simply walk down the beach to Wedding Point to discover a reef line where colorful tropical fish hide among the corals and rocks close to the shore. A swim into slightly deeper water provides a chance to see stingrays, turtles, and silver-sided tarpon. Keen-eyed snorkelers may even catch a glimpse of relics from the days of sail such as anchors and cannon balls, now encrusted within the corals of the reef.

Bitter End Yacht Club operates a snorkel boat that makes regular trips to the reefs around Virgin Gorda. This stable and spacious vessel has ample room for families and groups. Photo: Bitter End Yacht Club

Mango Bay Resort

On a quiet beach on the west coast of Virgin Gorda, the private villas of Mango Bay Resort overlook a large coral reef that begins less than 50 feet from shore, and stretches the entire length of Mahoe Bay. The waters are rich in fish life, but not accessible by boat, so resort guests have the reefs all to themselves. The property includes six villas, two located directly on the beach, and four more tucked into a tropical garden just inland. Interiors feature upscale Italian contemporary furnishings, with studio to five- bedroom floor plans that allow for flexible groups. Each unit includes kitchens, living and dining areas and expansive outdoor terraces with BBQ grills and outdoor showers.

The Mango Bay Resort is located right on the beach at Virgin Gorda’s Mahoe Bay, giving guests exclusive access to one of the island’s best coral reefs. Photo: Kent Smith/Flickr

Peter Island Resort & Spa

Each of the five beaches on this private 1800-acre island resort has its own personality, from the lively water sports scene at Deadman’s Beach to the intimate seclusion of Honeymoon Beach. To find the best snorkeling reefs, guests can check out complimentary equipment from the water sports center, follow a footpath over a low hill to White Bay and settle in to a beachfront tiki hut. The reef is just a short swim away, and the fish life is abundant. With more than 70 percent of the island left in its natural state, guests have miles of trails to bike and stroll, plus a variety of active pursuits that include beach volleyball, tennis and morning yoga. Accommodation choices include ocean view rooms, beachfront suites and private hillside villas. The spa offers 10 indoor treatment rooms, two outdoor pavilions and a couple’s suite, all with spectacular views of Big Reef Bay.

A split level view of the shoreline at Peter Island’s White Bay reveals corals growing on the rock formations that begin right at water’s edge, and provide habitat for tropical fish. Photo: Armando Jenik/Peter Island Resort

Marina Cay Hotel

Just off the eastern shore of Tortola, the green speck of land known as Marina Cay sits within a coral-rimmed lagoon. Snorkelers can wade in from most any point on the white sand beach that rings this eight-acre private island, and a few fin strokes will bring them to reefs swarming with a wealth of colorful fish life. The boutique resort offers just eight hillside rooms, decorated in a casual island style with wicker furniture, louvered windows and verandas that provide expansive views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The resort is owned by the Pusser’s Rum company, and is a favorite stopover for sailors, who come to shop in the Pusser’s Company Store and dine at the on-the-beach restaurant, which specializes in traditional West Indian-style and Caribbean dishes like conch chowder, spicy jerk chicken, and cod-and-potato fish cakes.

An aerial view of Marina Cay shows the large area of coral reef that begins just offshore of the island. Snorkelers can spend hours exploring this formation. Photo: Martin Ronchetti/Flickr

Cooper Island Beach Club

Sitting on the northwest shore of its namesake island, the Cooper Island Beach Club is a family owned eco resort that delivers a lifestyle of tropical barefoot luxury. Ten beachfront guest rooms sit nestled among palm trees and tropical flowers, with expansive views of Sir Francis Drake Channel and the islands beyond. Interiors blend whitewash timbers with the warm tones of recycled teak furniture and the elegance of gauze-shrouded canopy beds. With mask and snorkel in hand, guests can enter the water at the resort’s dingy dock and swim along the shoreline to a u-shaped reef that holds schools of blue tang, butterfly fish and snapper, along with passing eagle rays. Sea turtles are also a common sight, and the resort sponsors a turtle tagging and conservation program. After returning to shore, guests can freshen up and take in the sunset at the resort’s rum tasting room and on- site microbrewery. Order the signature Turtle IPA and a portion of the sale will go towards turtle conservation.

A large tarpon cuts through a massive school of silverside minnows swarming on a reef that is located just offshore of the Cooper Island Beach Club. Photo: Alex Fox/Cooper Island Beach Club

Bonaire, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Cuba, Mexico, Play, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

The Caribbean’s Best Coral Reefs

July 17, 2017

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The islands of the Caribbean are ringed by coral reefs. These colorful underwater gardens are special places. But some are more special than others. There are a number of qualities that put certain sites at the top of divers’ and snorkeler’s aquatic bucket lists, including the clarity of the water, the health of the corals and the variety of fish life. When these factors are tallied up, a handful of reefs always top the list. Here are five of the best.

Kline Bonaire, Bonaire

The entire island of Bonaire is surrounded by a marine park that protects some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the Caribbean. At points all along the island’s calm western shore, divers and snorkelers can wade in from shore to discover a wealth of underwater diversity. But to discover the very best of Bonaire’s underwater treasures requires a short boat ride to the small, uninhabited island of Kline Bonaire. There isn’t much to look at above the surface, as the land is a barren limestone plateau almost devoid of vegetation. Slip below the waves, however, and you will be immediately immersed in riotous growths of colorful soft corals and sponges. The exceptionally clear water allows ample sunlight to penetrate and brighten this underwater garden, which begins just below the surface and continues into the depths in a series of slopes and ledges.

The shallow reefs of Kline Bonaire give snorkelers a prime window to the underwater world. These sites are noted for colorful coral formations and abundant fish life. Photo: David Stahl/Flickr

Bloody Bay Wall, Little Cayman

Imagine hovering weightless on the face of a sheer cliff that drops vertically into unseen depths. This is wall diving, and for many, it is the Holy Grail of scuba. The Cayman Islands have long been a mecca for wall diving, as they sit atop oceanic plateaus that plunge dramatically into the depths just a short distance from shore. The most famous of these aquatic precipices is found off the northern shore of Little Cayman island. While most underwater walls in the Caymans start at depths of 70 to 80 feet, Bloody Bay Wall rises to within 20 feet of the surface, and then falls away abruptly to a depth of more than a mile. Adding to the drama is the site’s extremely clear water, which creates the illusion that divers are floating in air. For added adventure, there are canyons and tunnels that cut into the wall, creating an underwater maze ripe for exploration.

A diver hovers on the face of Bloody Bay Wall. This mile-long underwater formation is the prime attraction on quiet Little Cayman island, which is home to fewer than 200 people. Photo: Erwin Poliakoff/Flickr

Palancar, Cozumel

Marine life thrives on the nutrients brought by moving water. And the steady oceanic currents that wash the western shores of the Mexican island of Cozumel create a bountiful buffet for both fish and corals. Small wonder that Cozumel has remained one of the Caribbean’s top diving destinations for more than 40 years. In addition to nurturing a rich variety of marine life, the moving waters are ideal for drift diving—a technique in which divers are dropped at one end of the reef, then picked up by the boat down current after enjoying the underwater equivalent of a soaring Superman flight. A series of shallow coral formations closer to shore allow novices and snorkelers to get in on the action, but the big ticket are the outside reefs, which rise on the edge of an underwater abyss that plummets to unseen depths.

At Cozumel’s Palancar Reef, a grove of gorgonians extends webs of finger– like appendages to capture nutrients carried by the currents that wash over this site. Photo: Tam Minton/Flickr

West Caicos, Turks and Caicos

One of the thrills of diving is never knowing what might swim up from out of the blue. And one of the best places for these chance encounters are the reefs of West Caicos island. Here, just a chip shot from shore, a coral- encrusted sea wall faces the open ocean. These reefs are especially colorful, home to huge, bright-orange elephant ear sponges and multi-hued vase and barrel sponges. Stands of pillar coral shelter colorful butterfly, angel and parrot fish, along with large groupers, toothy barracuda and swirling schools of jacks. As captivating as these reef scenes can be, divers often keep one eye on open water while exploring these reefs. At any given moment, a squadron of spotted eagle rays may glide by, a curious sea turtle may come in for a closer look or patrolling reef shark may be seen in the distance. For the truly lucky, there may even be a visit from a passing pod of dolphins, and each winter humpback whales have been known to swim by on their way to southern breeding grounds.

A coral head near West Caicos island becomes a gathering point for numerous species of tropical fish, while the crevices hide lobster and crabs. Photo: Benignorco/Flickr

Gardens of the Queen, Cuba

When Christopher Columbus sailed into this archipelago of 250 coral and mangrove islands on Cuba’s southern coast, he was overwhelmed by the beauty of the waters, and christened the area Jardines de la Reina—Gardens of the Queen—to honor his Spanish Queen Isabella. These waters later caught the attention of another historic figure. In the 1990s, Fidel Castro declared the entire area a marine sanctuary, and banned all forms of commercial fishing and industry. A diver himself, Castro was reputed to enjoy exploring the reefs in his younger years, and considered the waters to be his private fishing spot. The gardens have since been opened for limited dive tourism, and those who visit proclaim the reefs to be the most vibrant and pristine in the entire Caribbean. As an added bonus, divers can move from the corals into nearby grass beds and mangrove lagoons that hold a wealth of juvenile fish species. The truly adventurous can seek out the North American crocodiles that visit certain reefs, and are said to be non– aggressive when encountered in clear water.

A school of colorful grunts patrol a garden of soft corals in Cuba’s Gardens of the Queen. This protected area supports thriving fish populations. Photo: Jon McClintock/Flickr

Cancun, Mexico, Play, Trip Ideas

Cancun’s Amazing Eco Adventures

July 10, 2017

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Cancun has long been known for beaches and a lively party scene. Now, the destination is also becoming known for unique eco adventures. Both the government and area businesses are committed to nurturing a sustainable tourism sector, by offering a variety of responsible tourism experiences that allow visitors to give back to the community and the environment while having a fantastic time on vacation. Here are five of the most popular.

Swimming with Whale Sharks

Don’t let the word “shark” scare you off. The biggest fish in the sea only eats really tiny things like plankton. And when these oversized filter feeders show up in the nutrient-rich ocean waters near Cancun each summer, they provide a unique opportunity for humans to don mask and snorkel and swim alongside. The swim season lasts from mid-May to September, and several operators in Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox offer excursions.

The whale shark is the biggest fish in the sea. These heavyweights pose no threat to humans, and swimming alongside them is an once-in-a-lifetime experience. Photo: Stephanie Munarriz

Underwater Art

The Cancun Underwater Museum of Art is the world’s largest underwater sculpture garden. Created by renowned artist Jason deCaires Taylor, the exhibit sits in calm, clear water near Isla Mujers, and can be visited by scuba or seen from the surface with mask and snorkel. There are currently more than 500 individual pieces in the collection, and new statues are constantly being designed and submerged every year, adding to a collection of underwater galleries of more than 500 statues.

At the Cancun Underwater Museum, the figure known as the Man on Fire now sports a coat of live fire coral. The statue sits in 25 feet of clear Caribbean water. Photo: Barcroft Media

A Visit to Xibalba

The jungles around Cancun hide hundreds of pools of sparkling fresh water, which flow up from underground rivers. The ancient Mayans considered these to be sacred portals to the underworld of Xibalba. Visitors can experience these mystical waters on the Ruta de los Cenotes, a trail featuring eight subterranean freshwater pools that connect with each other through underground streams. These natural subterranean sinkholes are ideal for diving, snorkeling and swimming.

Tree roots reaching downward to the waters of a fresh water cenote create curtain-like patterns. These cool bodies of water are a favorite with swimmers and snorkelers. Photo: iStock

See Sea Turtles

Between May and November, hundreds of sea turtles make their way to Cancun to build nests in the soft sand and lay thousands of eggs. Most hotels participate in turtle egg preservation programs that give the species the best chance to survive and make it out to sea. Beach patrols build nest barriers to keep the eggs safe from predators, and hotels offer guests the chance to help release the baby turtles back out to sea once hatched—a memorable activity for kids and families.

A tiny sea turtle, just minutes after emerging from its egg. Release programs along Cancun beaches help return thousands of these vulnerable youngsters to the wild each year. Photo: Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau

What a Croc

The native creatures of the Cancun area are alive and well at the Crococun Zoo. Don’t let the name fool you; this place isn’t about viewing caged animals. This crocodile farm is part of a broader program that protects the conservation of local species. It’s not advised to pet the crocodiles, but guests can interact with a wide variety of native species from butterflies, to monkeys, parrots, snakes, wild cats, deer, and the Mexican hairless dog known as a Xolo.

Cancun’s Crococun Zoo provides a refuge for the Cocodrilo de Pantano, aka the Mexican crocodile. These reptiles can grow to nine feet long, and live for 70 years. Photo: Flickr

Bonaire, Caribbean, Dominica, Turks & Caicos

Best Caribbean Horseback Riding on the Beach and in the Water

June 26, 2017

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There’s nothing like a refreshing dip in the ocean at the end of a good ride. And it’s not just humans who enjoy the cooling waters. Horses are natural swimmers, and when the conditions are right, they will gladly wade right in and splash about in the shallows, or even take a rider for a swim. Here are some of the best places in the Caribbean to make this happen.

St Lucia

This green and scenic island offers two different chances to swim with the ponies. In the heart of the Roseau Valley, the Hoof Print Horse Riding Ranch schedules a variety of tours suitable for both novices and seasoned riders. The signature route leads through forests and banana plantations on the way to the remote sands of Roseau Bay, where horses and riders can wade in for a refreshing dip, then stay for a beach barbecue. To the north, the town of Gros Islet is the home of the International Pony Club. The club’s signature rides lead to the Atlantic coast beach of Cas en Bas. Sign up for the two-hour tour and you’ll have time to change into swimwear and ride into the surf. Go for the four-hour option and the club will organize lunch on the beach as well. www.hoofprintranch.com, www.internationalponyclub.com

Riders gallop at waters edge along the sands of St. Lucia’s Roseau Bay. Before ocean swims, horses are often stripped of saddles while riders change into swimsuits. Photo: Stuart Godfrey/Flickr

Antigua

The best place on the island of Antigua to find rolling hills and elevated ocean views is along the island’s southwestern coast, near English Harbor. And that’s where the Antigua Equestrian Center is located. When you arrive, you may find some locals working their mounts through dressage and jumping routines, but the stables also provide daily trail rides through the hills with scenic views. These rides, which are limited to groups of four or less, can include a stop at Falmouth Bay for a canter in the shallows or a full soaking. The stables also offer longer riders to the pristine beach at remote Rendezvous Bay. www.antiguaequestrian.com

St. Croix

The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands is another destination offering two unique horseback rides that include beach swims. On the island’s north shore, where rainforest-clad hillsides overlook Caribbean beaches, riders begin a journey through the historic sugar plantation of Rust Op Twist and the village of Lavalle. The ride continues onto the beach and arrives at Cane Bay, and after a ride along the surf line, humans and animals end the adventure with a refreshing plunge and a photo op. Similar adventures await on the island’s west cost near the port of Frederiksted, where family– owned Cruzan Cowgirls leads tours through forests to historic landmarks, and along sandy beaches, where riders have the option of taking the horses into the water. A specialty of the stables is sunset rides, and the operation supports a horse rescue and community education program. www.horsebackridingstcroix.com, www.cruzancowgirls.com

Bonaire

When horseback rides through the countryside of Bonaire lead to the sand- bottom lagoon at Lac Bay, riders have a chance to do more than wade with their mounts. While humans change into swim trunks, the guides remove saddles for a true bareback swim. As depths increase gradually, and the adventure transitions from a wade to a swim, riders are instructed to maintain a body position that will allow the horse to use all four legs and keep its head above water. These swimming exercises are supervised to ensure the safety of horse and rider, creating a unique and memorable adventure. www.horseranchbonaire.com

A horse pauses for a snack during a ride at Bonaire’s Lac Bay. The island’s favorite breed is the Paso Fino, which is known for its smooth gait and “no- bounce” ride. Photo: Ellison Acosta/Flickr

Dominica

Dominica is one of the greenest and most pristine destinations in the Caribbean, with much of the island covered in rainforests and wooded mountain slopes. One of the most memorable ways to experience the island’s natural beauty is by horseback, on an excursion organized by Rainforest Riding. Rides of various durations follow the Waitukubuli Trail, a 115-mile wilderness path that winds its way across the island. A favorite route leads to Purple Turtle Beach, where riders can experience a bareback swim with their horse. Another popular choice is a ride on a section of the Waitukubuli Trail that leads through wetland and swamps that are prime habitat for native and migratory birds. This ride leads to the black sand beaches of Douglas Bay. www.rainforestriding.com

Turks and Caicos

The island of Providenciales is known for its long and spectacular beaches, which open onto the turquoise tinged shallows of the Caicos Banks. At Long Bay Beach, the shallow water continues far offshore, giving horseback riders a perfect chance to lead their mounts into the water for some splashing fun. Rides begin at the stables of Provo Ponies, and lead to the beach. Unlike some tours, which include a short swim as part of a longer trail ride, these tours spend most of their time at the beach and in the water. More experienced riders are allowed to canter in the shallows when the tides are out, and the horses don’t play follow the leader on any ride. Instead, everyone is encouraged to spread out and enjoy their time on the sand or in the shallows. There are plenty of chances for photo ops with the wading ponies. www.provoponies.com

Europe, Islands, Plan, Play, Trip Ideas

Art Under the Waves

May 10, 2017

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The latest creations of underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor lies under 40 feet of clear water in the Canary Islands. In recent years, Taylor has created iconic underwater sculpture displays in Grenada, Cancun and the Bahamas. The Museo Atlántico exhibition is located in the Bahía de Las Coloradas, just off the south coast of the island of Lanzarote.

The work known as Crossing the Rubicon shows a group of figures walking towards a gateway in a 100-foot underwater wall. This is said to represent the absurdity of creating barriers. Photo: Jason deCaires Taylor

The submerged gallery includes 12 tableaus with more than 300 life-size human figures. Taylor says that the collection is designed to provoke environmental awareness and social change. As an added element, the collection also serves as an artificial reef that attracts and shelters marine life. The exhibition can be toured by scuba divers and snorkelers, who follow a trail to discover the site’s narrative.

The work known as Los Jolateros depicts a group of children paddling a type of small skiff that island youth traditionally fabricate from oil drums and scrap metal. Photo: Jason deCaires Taylor

Among the noteworthy pieces is a Wall to Nowhere sculpture created to emphasize that notions of ownership and territories are irrelevant to the natural world. The final piece on the swimming tour is The Human Gyre, which is a large circle of over 200 life-size human figures representing all ages and all walks of life. The site can be visited by excursion boats departing from the island’s Marina Rubicón. More can be seen at www.cactlanzarote.com.

The Raft of Lampedusa is dedicated to a group of sailors who drifted to the island of Lanzarote on a life raft after being lost at sea when their ship sank off the coast of Senegal. Photo: Jason deCaires Taylor

Tortuga Club

Sunset House

Retreat at Rum Point

Anthony’s Key Resort

Coco View Resort

Turquoise Bay Resort

Fantasy Island Beach Resort

1 Visit a Mountain Village: Strawberry Hill, Jamaica

2 Swim with a Mermaid: Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France, St. Bart

3 Spot a Monkey: Four Seasons Nevis

4 Blend Your Own: Nayara Springs, Costa Rica

5 Mix a Dirty Banana: Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios

6 Art Walk: Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Bermuda

7 Pick Tomatoes Off the Vine: CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, Anguilla

8 Immerse in the Culture of Curacao: Sonesta Kura Hulanda Village & Spa, Curacao

9 Explore an Ecological Park: Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club, Punta Cana, DR

10 Salute the Sun: W Retreat & Spa, Vieques, Puerto Rico

InterContinental Presidente Cozumel

Landmark Cozumel

Fiesta Americana

Bitter End Yacht Club

Mango Bay Resort

Peter Island Resort & Spa

Marina Cay Hotel

Cooper Island Beach Club

Kline Bonaire, Bonaire

Bloody Bay Wall, Little Cayman

Palancar, Cozumel

West Caicos, Turks and Caicos

Gardens of the Queen, Cuba

Swimming with Whale Sharks

Underwater Art

A Visit to Xibalba

See Sea Turtles

What a Croc

St Lucia

Antigua

St. Croix

Bonaire

Dominica

Turks and Caicos

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