Tag Archives: St. Lucia

Costa Rica Rainforest Tram
Caribbean, Central America, Costa Rica, Jamaica, St. Lucia

The Caribbean’s Best Aerial Adventures

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The jungle-clad highlands that rise above Caribbean coastlines provide a memorable alternative to water time, immersing visitors in rainforest realms where birdcalls and butterflies replace the sound of lapping waves. At select destinations, a visit to these green havens need not require hiking boots and a map, and instead involve high-flying activities that include both calming nature tours and adrenaline-filled aerial action.

Soaring Over St. Lucia

St Lucia Rainforest Tram

Tram passengers are treated to a bird’s eye view of St. Lucia’s upland forests as they glide above the treetops, and then enter the forest canopy for a look at life among the limbs. Photo: Chris Huxley/St. Lucia Tourist Board

Discover St. Lucia’s forest reserve by boarding a cable tramway that carries open-air gondolas on a soaring flight through the rainforest canopy. The Aerial Tram and Canopy Tour from Rainforest Adventures carries passengers past towering chatannier and gommier trees, and through groves of giant ferns and resplendent heliconia. Onboard guides identify the calls and plumage of the resident birdlife, and tell of oddities such as the strangler ficus. In addition to this 74-minute aerial tour, visitors to the reserve can hike the Fern Nature Trail, and the more adventurous can take flight on a series of zip lines that weave through the forest canopy.

Costa Rica, Like a Bird

Costa Rica Rainforest Tram

An aerial tramway carries passengers into the heart of Costa Rica’s forest canopy for a first-hand look at a unique ecosystem that is not visible to land- bound observers. Photo: Compflight

A short drive from the capital of San Jose, Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica offers exclusive access to a 1,200-acre private ecological reserve bordering the Braulio Carrillo National Park. This region of Costa Rica is a favorite with bird watchers, who can discover more than 800 species. Aerial tram rides, suitable for all ages are a centerpiece of the experience, while an extensive network of zip lines is also available. Guests wanting a longer visit can book a room at the on-site Rainforest Lodge, discover a night sky filled with stars, and fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest.

High in Jamaica

Jamaica Rainforest Sky Explorer

Leave the snow skis behind when riding the chair lift at Jamaica’s Mystic Mountain Park, but bring a camera to capture sweeping views of the island and nearby Dunns River. Photo: Compflight

Somehow, it’s not surprising that the only Caribbean nation to muster a bobsled team is also home to a ski-slope style chair lift. The Rainforest Sky Explorer carries passengers up 700 feet above the Jamaican rainforest at Mystic Mountain Park, providing magnificent views of nearby Dunn’s River Falls along the way. After taking in the views from the elevated slopes, and relaxing in the butterfly and hummingbird gardens, visitors can up the excitement quota with zip lines, waterslides and the only bobsled ride in the tropics. The park, which is rated as one of Jamaica’s best eco-adventures, is located just outside of Ocho Rios.

St Kitts Music Festival
Anguilla, Aruba, Caribbean, Curacao, Dominica, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, U.S. Virgin Islands

Best Caribbean Music Festivals

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There’s more to the Caribbean music scene than reggae and steel drums. All across the region, a growing number of festivals and concerts are added to the calendar each year. Initially, jazz was the focus of many such events, now world music is part of the mix and famous artists are heard in a diverse array of musical styles that include blues, dancehall, soca, new age jazz, fusion, R& B and more. Each event and each successive year out does the previous, upping the ante on talent, parties and attractions.

March

Moonsplash Music Festival, Anguilla

The year 2015 marked the 25th year for this local event turned international extravaganza, which takes place every March during the full moon. Hosted by local musician Bankie Banx at his beachfront bar, The Dune Preserve, the party pulls in big names in reggae, along with upcoming local talent. For more information and the lineup for next year visit www.bankiebanx.net

April

Nevis Blues Festival, Nevis

The premier of this three-day event on Nevis took place in 2015 with a stellar line-up of local and international talent. Nevis is a natural, intimate and relaxed island and the organizers created the Nevis Blues Festival to complement that vibe. Guests are immersed in island culture and enjoy local cuisine while relaxing to sounds of blues at the Sundowner Stage on Oualie Bay. For more information and tickets for the Nevis Blues Festival, visit www.nevisbluesfestival.com

Love City Live, St John, USVI

This weekend-long celebration is filled with music, plenty of beach parties and boatloads full of revelers. A reggae concert kicks off an in-town block party. Later in the weekend the party moves to Cruz Bay’s beachfront and continues on boats that head to the British Virgin Islands. Local food, chef soirees and visits to local bars and restaurants are all on the agenda. Current dates, tickets and more information visit www.experiencelovecitylove.com

Tobago Jazz Experience, Trinidad & Tobago

The quiet island of Tobago is surely on the map after the 2015 concert, which featured a stellar lineup of international artists including recording star and actress Jennifer Hudson, singer- songwriter Jill Scott and legendary R&B band Kool and the Gang. Performances take place on the coastal town of Speyside and move to Pigeon Point Heritage Park as well as other coastal spots around the island for a full week of music, culture and gastronomy. For the 2016 lineup and more information visit www.tobagojazzexperience.com

May

Soul Beach Music Festival, Aruba

This five-day festival takes in the holidays around Memorial Day and combines Aruba’s tropical charms with rhythm and blues performances. The action takes place both day and night, with parties bouncing between the Moomba Beach and the Renaissance Aruba Resort. The majority of concert performances take place Friday through Sunday, leaving Memorial Day free for one last dip in the surf. The Soul Beach Amphitheater, the Havana Beach Club, the Hard Rock Café-Aruba are some of the main performance venues. For more information visit www.soulbeach.net

Aruba Soul Beach

During the annual Soul Beach Music Festival, the island of Aruba moves to the sounds of Rhythm and Blues. Celebrating its 15th year, this event has been named one of the best celebrations in the Caribbean. Photo: Aruba Tourism Authority

St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival,  St Lucia

The St. Lucia Jazz Festival started the trend of music festivals in the Caribbean over 20 years ago, and today it remains one of the most popular in the Caribbean, drawing crowds from both Europe and the United States. Since it inception in 1992, the festival has added a mix of popular acoustical, fusion and new age jazz, as well as soca and R&B. Once centered in the capital of Castries, the festival is now a week-long celebration of local culture, fashion and food, staged at venues across the island. The main stage is set on the peninsula of Pigeon Island National Park, with the sea as a backdrop. For more information visit www.stluciajazz.org

Curacao International BlueSeas Festival, Curacao

New on the circuit in 2015 was the inaugural Curacao International BlueSeas Festival. Attracting a veritable “who’s who” of modern blues artists, the event was labeled a celebration of “traditional and gentrified” jazz music. Performances were staged at Kleine Werf in downtown Punda, and a free two-day street festival in the historic Pietermaii district. With this entree into the world of the blues, Curacao has staked its claim in the Caribbean music festival scene. For more information visit www.curacaoblueseasfestival.com

June

St. Kitts Music Festival, St Kitts

Another longtime favorite event that will hit the 20-year mark in 2016 is the extravaganza that takes place at Warner Park Stadium on the island of St. Kitts. The lineup includes a range of musical styles including R&B, jazz, hip-hop, reggae, rock, calypso, gospel and contemporary. Past performers include John Legend, Lionel Richie, Michael Bolton, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Damian Marley and Shaggy. For more on this event go to stkittsmusicfestival.com

St. Kitts Music Festival

The jazz/reggae fusions of Arturo Tappin fill Warner Park Stadium during the 2015 St. Kitts Music Festival. The performance lineup includes everything from gospel to hip-hop. Photo: Jawanza Bassue/St. Kitts Tourism

July

Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica

This Montego Bay event attracts tens of thousand of reggae fans and includes music born out of Jamaica. Reggae pulls in the masses but hard-core lovers of the island’s many musical styles will be in heaven when they hear and move to ska, dub and dancehall. Top Caribbean bands and international talent headline the event. Evening events take place at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex, which is an outdoor arena. The final day is a beach party. For more information visit www.reggaesumfest.com 

Jamaica Montego Bay Reggae

At Jamaica’s Sumfest, Damian Marley carries on the musical traditions of his father, reggae legend Bob Marley. Staged at Montego Bay, the festival encompasses the full range of Jamaica’s music scene. Photo: Jamaica Tourist Board

September

Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, Aruba

This annual event begins with a four-day warm up of performances staged at smaller venues, all leading up to the weekend’s main event. Come Friday, a full-on lineup of international and local jazz, Latin, soul and funk musicians take over the Renaissance Market Place in Oranjestad. Local bars, restaurants and food stands join in the fun with special festival menus and libations. Past events have featured George Benson, David Sanborn, Willie Garcia, Roberta Flack and Chakan Khan. This year the first band to ignite the festivities is Earth Wind & Fire. For additional information and tickets visit www.caribbeanseajazz.com

North Sea Jazz Festival, Curacao

This popular event has been pulling in talent and crowds for the past several years. The event draws enthusiasts from all over the world and has been praised for showcasing an eclectic mix of sounds to please pop revelers and die-hard jazz fans alike. This year’s line up will include John Legend, Enrique Iglesias, Usher, Wyclef Jean, Lionel Richie, legendary salsa vocalist Oscar D’León, British soul sensation Emeli Sandé, and the R&B group, The Pointer Sisters. Performances take place at Curacaos’ World Trade Center in Piscadera Bay. For tickets and more information visit www.curacaonorthseajazz.com

October

World Creole Music Festival, Dominica

An eclectic mix of music comes to the Nature Island with a festival that has been steadily increasing in size and popularity since its inception in 1997. The festival includes local celebrations and takes place during the island’s Independence Day, so everyone gets involved. Music traditions such as zouk, soukous and bouyon join reggae, calypso and soca tunes to keep crowds dancing and grooving through the three-day event. Outdoor venues such as the Botanic Gardens and the Layou River often become the site of free performances and family-oriented activities for both locals and visitors. For tickets and schedule visit www.wcmfdominica.com

st lucia marigot bay
Caribbean, Plan, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Snapshots: Marigot Bay, St. Lucia

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Ringed by green hills that provide shelter from wind and waves, St. Lucia’s Marigot Bay is what mariners call a hurricane hole. But you shouldn’t wait for bad weather to visit this scenic harbor, which author James Michener once called “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean.” Quieter than the big hotel scene in the northern resort area of Rodney Bay, and less isolated than the cloistered resorts in the Pitons region, Marigot Bay strikes an idea balance between natural beauty and appreciated amenities.

Those on the Fortune 500 list can join the lineup of gleaming mega yachts that winter here. But Marigot is also within reach for the rest of us, as tucked amid the palm-lined shores of the harbor are accommodations ranging from quaint B&Bs and budget-friendly three-star properties to exclusive villas and a five-star resort. Dining and entertaining options also run the gamut from dress-up-fancy to come-barefoot.

Marigot is also the launching point for a wide range of water sports. A short boat ride away are the reefs of the St. Lucia National Marine Reserve, and a 45-minute drive brigs you to inland attractions such as rainforest hikes and the famous “drive in volcano” at Sulphur Springs Park.

St. Lucia Pitons at Sunset
Caribbean, Plan, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Snapshots: The Pitons, St. Lucia

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The twin peaks known as the Pitons are among the most iconic landmarks in the Caribbean. Located on the west-central coast of St. Lucia, they rise dramatically from the shore to heights of just over 2,600 feet. The Arawak viewed the spires as gods; the larger of the pair, Gros Piton, being the god of thunder, fire and food, while Petite Piton was endowed with fertility, the phases of the moon and tides. Today these majestic summits are admired by visitors from around the world, and are under the protection of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The cones are actually the remains of a pair of long-dormant volcanoes, and their slopes continue downward beyond the beach, giving divers and snorkelers a coral-encrusted volcanic slope to explore. Ambitious hikers can make their way to the top of Gros Piton on a steep but manageable trail, while an ascent of Petit Piton is considered a borderline mountain climbing expedition. Those who make it to the top of either are rewarded with 360-degree views of St. Lucia, the Caribbean Sea and even the neighboring island of St. Vincent. If you’d prefer to enjoy the view in a more leisurely fashion, check in to one of the upscale resorts that nestle into nearby hillsides. Properties such as Jade Mountain offer especially impressive panoramas of the peaks from balconies and private plunge pools set high on an adjacent slope.

Puerto Rico El Yunque Bridge
Dominica, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas

Best Caribbean Islands for Adventure

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The flood of tourists who descend on the Caribbean each year has worn its native fabric almost bare in places, homogenizing and Americanizing some destinations. That’s not all bad; being stuck in a backwater five days from the nearest decent cheeseburger isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. But if you know where to look, there are still places where you can see the land and water in a more primal state, with plenty of adrenaline-worthy adventure to be had. And rugged doesn’t have to involve roughing it. You can swing through the trees by day and spend your nights in a five-star hotel. Here are three of our favorite islands for authentic adventure.

Puerto Rico

In a strictly geographic sense, Puerto Rico is a mid-size Caribbean island. But a drive along the twisting interior roads make the island seem a lot bigger, and the list of available adventures moves it to the head of the active traveler’s list. With terrains that range from open grassland and coastal swamp to highland rainforests, hikers, bikers, horseback riders and off road enthusiasts have plenty of diverse and scenic trails to discover. You can soar more than 900 feet above the jungle on the hemisphere’s highest zip line, rappel down waterfalls into a hidden river canyon or go underground to explore miles of cave passage. Along the coast there are snorkeling reefs, surf breaks and mangrove lagoons. To take it all in, you can sign up for a tandem flight in a hang glider or motorized paraglider and soar above mountains slopes. For a tamer take on flight, birders can trek the outback in search of the 320 species of birds that are found in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico Caving

Puerto Rico is riddled in limestone caves, and home to one of the longest underground rivers in the world. Outfitters offer tours that go beyond the lighted pathways. Photo: Aventuras Tierra Adentro

Dominica

This green oasis in a blue sea bills itself as “The Nature Island,” and it’s not false advertising. Ruggedly vertical, Dominica has the highest percentage of forested land of any island in the region. It is also the youngest island in the Caribbean, and its volcanic origins are on display at sites such as the Boiling Lake and the Valley of Desolation, where sulfurous volcanic vents and hot springs create other worldly landscapes. Climbing and hiking opportunities abound and range from easy rambles along coastal trails to strenuous ascents into the highland peaks. Ample rainfall creates numerous waterfalls and fast flowing rivers for the sport of canyoneering, or for drifting small rapids in a kayak or astride an inner tube. Activities that include the word “watching” don’t usually move the adventure needle, but on Dominica, flora and fauna tours into the backcountry are a bit wilder than elsewhere, and one of the island’s signature experiences is a voyage by small boat to observe sperm whales mating and nurturing their young.

Dominica Emerald Pool

Dominica’s Emerald Pool is just one of the island’s many scenic waterfalls. Some are a short walk from the roadway on a groomed path, others require hard jungle hiking to reach. Photo: Don Ford/iStock

St. Lucia

So much for roughing it. In St. Lucia you can revel in the great outdoors all day and then enjoy supreme comfort at night. The lush green island, known for its romantic resorts, also has a rough and ready side. A 12-mile biking trail through the island’s oldest sugar plantation has stunning views from overlooks along the way. Hiking the Pitons is tempting but strenuous; it’s not quite a climb, although there’s some hand-over-hand involved before you reach the 2,900-foot summit of Gros Piton. On the east side of the island is a zip-line complex containing 12 lines with nearly a mile of runs that carry riders 150 feet above the forest floor. A trio of stables offers horseback rides along the beach or into the hills, and those who prefer to pedal can explore the interior by mountain bike or all-terrain vehicle. For a loftier and less strenuous view, book a helicopter tour that takes in the coast and Soufriere volcano.

St. Lucia Pitons

St. Lucia’s green slopes not only create a stunning backdrop for views from the terraces of luxury lodges, but also provide a green playground for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. Photo: iStock

Romantic Sunset in the Caribbean
Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, Cancun, Caribbean, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas

The Caribbean’s Most Romantic Moments

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Between the soft, enveloping trade winds and the scent of hibiscus and frangipani they carry, it’s a cold heart indeed that doesn’t feel at least a little romantic in the Caribbean. Almost any moonlit beach or relaxed restaurant can be the launching pad for love, but there are some special times and places that you should experience for yourself. Here are our picks for the Caribbean’s most romantic moments.

Picnic at Fort Rodney, Pigeon Island, St. Lucia

“A Book of Verses underneath the Bough / A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread / and Thou Beside me singing in the Wilderness….” Omar Khayyam never saw Pigeon Island on St. Lucia, but no doubt it was just this sort of place he had in mind when he wrote his famous quatrain. Pack your bread and wine and head up the hiking trail to Fort Rodney. The view from on top is magnificent, sweeping across Rodney Bay and Reduit Beach. The fort and bay are named for Admiral George Rodney, who bedeviled the French, Spanish and Dutch fleets in the 18th century. There are cannons commanding the seaway leading to Gros Islet and plenty of spots to sprawl on a blanket in the shade of the ruined fortifications.

St Lucia Pigeon Island

The site of historic forts and the source of magnificent views, St. Lucia’s Pigeon Island is now joined to the main island, thanks to a man-made earth causeway added in the 1970s. Photo: St Lucia Tourist Board

Equinox, Temple of Kukulkán, Mexico

Both mysterious and mystical, the Maya temples of the Yucatan make you feel the vastness of time and spark appreciation for the pleasures and people of the present. A short drive from Cancun, the largest structure at Chichén Itzá is “El Castillo,” the Temple of Kukulkán, the Feathered Serpent. On the spring and autumn equinoxes, the steps that ascend the pyramid cast a moving shadow that looks like a large, feathered snake slowly crawling down the structure’s stone side. Avoid the hordes of addled New Agers by visiting a few days before or after the equinox. The serpent will still appear and you can enjoy each other’s company without so many spectators. How considerate of the Mayan astronomers to put on a light show just for the two of you.

Chichén Itzá’s Kukulkan, exico

Each year at the times of the spring and fall equinox, evening shadows on Chichén Itzá’s Temple of Kukulkán create patterns that resemble a giant serpent ascending the stairs. Photo: Victor Pelaez/iStock

Sunset at the Rogativa Statue, San Juan, Puerto Rico

The stone fortifications that protected San Juan have been stout enough to survive for more than 400 years. But in 1797, the city was almost forced to surrender to British troops. Sir Ralph Abercrombie and his invasion fleet lay at anchor in the harbor. The bishop of San Juan recruited scores of women and led a torchlight parade, called a rogativa, atop the city’s walls to pray for deliverance. Seeing the huge procession of torches, the Brits concluded the town had been massively reinforced. The hoisted their anchors and sailed away in the night. A statue commemorating the event stands in the Plazuela Rogativa overlooking San Juan Harbor. At sunset, the city walls and the statue are bathed in a glow thick and sweet as orange marmalade while the lights blink on across the opposite shore.

Altos de Chavon, La Romana, Dominican Republic

Perched on the heights overlooking the languid Chavon River in southeastern Dominican Republic, Altos de Chavon is a re-creation of a 16th century Mediterranean village. Cobblestone streets meander past small shops, art galleries and restaurants, while a broad walkway along the cliff’s edge invites extended gazing over a rolling landscape that encompasses the Casa de Campo golf course. Head over to St. Stanislaus Church and sit in the niche that holds the church’s bell to watch the bougainvillea lining the ravine glow as the sun disappears. Afterward, enjoy a long, lingering dinner.

Dominican Republic La Romana Altos De Chavon

An authentic replica of a medieval European village, the buildings and cobblestone streets of Altos de Chavon were fabricated from the rock spoils of a nearby highway project. Photo: Debbie Snow

Sunrise, Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas

The east side of Harbour Island, just off Eleuthera in the central Bahamas, is rimmed by three glorious miles of pink sand. The beach is wide and lapped by gentle waves muffled by the offshore reef. The distinctive color comes from tiny foraminifera, single-celled organisms that create a pink shell. They die by the millions to create a colorful carpet for lovers. Get to the beach before the sun comes up and watch as the first tendrils of light skip across the tops of the waves onto the sand. Work up your various appetites before heading back to your hotel for breakfast and a rest.

The Tropicana, Havana, Cuba

This is the Caribbean’s original den of iniquity. Although not quite as lively as it was pre- Castro when it was run by mobsters Meyer Lansky and Santo Trafficante Jr., the stage show at the Tropicana celebrates the primal Afro-Caribbean rhythms of Cuba and serves them up with plenty of skin and sizzle. A night in the Salon Bajo las Estrellas with scantily clad dancers scampering along catwalks in the towering trees that line the outdoor showroom will have you feeling the heat.

Cuba Tropicana Club

Since 1939, the cabaret shows at the Tropicana Club have remained one of Cuba’s most iconic acts. Today, the lights shine brighter than ever to welcome a new wave of tourism. Photo: Compflight

Swimming in the Bahia Fosforescente, Parguera, Puerto Rico

On the southwest coast of Puerto Rico near La Parguera is a bay with a shallow entrance that traps microscopic bioluminescent critters. Find a local guide with a small boat, take your mask and snorkel and head out on a moonless night. Test the waters by trailing your hand overboard—when you find the plankton, the friction of your fingers will cause them to glow bright green. Slip overboard and watch in amazement as the two of you literally light up the night.

Boucan Pool, St. Lucia, best views in the caribbean
Caribbean, St. Lucia, Stay, Trip Ideas

Best Views in the Caribbean

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The whole of St. Lucia is gloriously good-looking, but the island’s more rural south end boasts one thing that’s simply transcendental. Well, two things: The island’s trademark Piton Mountains—two volcanic peaks otherwise known as the Helen of the Caribbean. Like a breathtaking backdrop draped across the region, the jagged Pitons lend all the properties in the island’s south an extra dose of ooh-la-la.

Jade Mountain Resort

St lucia hotels, jade mountain

In harmony with the environment, Jade Mountain’s rooms have three walls; the fourth opens to nature. Photo: Jade Mountain

There are no rooms here—there are sanctuaries. And they come not in king or twin categories but “galaxy,” “sun,” “moon” or “star.” This crème-de-la-crème resort, persistent award winner and capital of romance is feted for its supernaturally beautiful, innovative architecture: one-of-a-kind, fiber-optic infinity pools; iridescent-tile domes that reach toward the heavens; verandas—including the magnificent “celestial terrace”— that seem to magically hang by a thread over acres of verdant rainforest. Bathrooms are individually designed masterpieces, complete with “chromotherapy” whirlpool tubs, which use underwater lighting to harness energy and impact mood. Complimentary yoga classes at the otherworldly spa complete the blissed-out experience: Behold an opulent fairy-tale land. 

Ladera Resort

Ladera, St. Lucia

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ladera delivers stunning views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. Photo: Ladera

You’ll love the suites in this storied property less for what’s there than for what isn’t: a fourth wall. That architectural detail provides for a gloriously unobstructed panorama, which allows you to pretend your linen-draped, four-poster bed and private plunge pool are nestled in the heart of those celebrated twin peaks. The resort—the only one located right in the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Pitons—divinely marries the luxurious and the rustic: tropical hardwood beds and floors, local artwork, handcrafted wicker. The all-things-Lucian approach continues at the Dasheene Restaurant, beloved for its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

Viceroy, Sugar Beach, St. Lucia

The Sugar Beach resort nestles into a small valley opening to Pitons Bay and a 200-yard stretch of sand. Photo: Viceroy

It’s called Sugar Beach for a reason. Using imported sand, Viceroy created southwest St. Lucia’s only white-sand beach—though one foot on that silky stuff and you won’t believe nature can’t take credit. This sumptuous property is feted for its beach and its size. Opulent accommodations are all-white cottages scattered down a lush seaside mountain; some feature private walled gardens, outdoor plunge pools and personalized butler service. The Rainforest Spa’s tree house-style treatment rooms more than live up to the name, and there’s even a temascal: Amerindian steam room. The chic Palm Court Lounge exudes alfresco elegance, and the uber-funky Cane Bar, with its Alice in Wonderland-style decor, is an ideal place to indulge in a midday rum punch. 

Boucan, Hotel Chocolat

Boucan, St. Lucia

The 50-foot-long black quartz infinity pool of Club Boucan offers both open and shaded areas for relaxation. Photo: Boucan

Yes, you’ve died and gone to chocolate heaven. This stunning boutique hotel, from the founders of Hotel Chocolat, is set on the grounds of St. Lucia’s 140-acre Rabot Estate, the island’s oldest cocoa plantation that is devoted to all things cacao, grown and processed on site. In other words: decadence. The Boucan Restaurant’s gourmet menu features the bean in all its offerings, from cocoa-infused butter to rich desserts you won’t regret putting on pounds for. The lush setting, right next door to the island’s feted Sulfur Springs, is equally stunning (think emerald rainforests and a dead-on view of the Pitons), as are the heavenly rooms. The Cocoa Pods, as the hotel calls them, are simple-yet-elegant cottages featuring a minimalist decor, open-air showers and absurdly comfy four-poster beds.

 

Cayman North Sound
Belize, Bonaire, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Curacao, St. Lucia, Stay, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Best Caribbean Snorkel Resorts

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One of the great joys of snorkeling tropical waters is freedom. No complex or heavy dive gear to manage, no worries about running out of air or monitoring bottom time, just the tranquility of hovering over a sun-dapple reef. It’s even better when done on your own schedule by wading right out from a resort beach, with no boat to catch and a refreshing shower and beach chair awaiting your return. Here are some of the best beachfront resorts in the Caribbean that provide immediate access to great snorkeling.

 

Grand Cayman barrier reef

Aerial view of Grand Cayman’s northern barrier reef. The outside is safe for snorkeling only in calm seas; the sheltered inner side offers more consistent conditions. Photo: Cayman Island Tourism

The Retreat at Rum Point, Grand Cayman

It’s less than eight miles from Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach to Rum Point as the crow flies, but you’ll have to drive all the way around on the island’s coastal highway or take a ferry across North Sound to get there. This relative isolation means fewer swimmers on the palm-fringed beach and a chance to explore the coral-strewn shallows inside the island’s northern barrier reef. The resort is a collection of rental condominiums that provide spectacular water views. Full kitchens save on dining out, but if the adjacent Wreck Bar saps the cook’s culinary ambitions, then head next door to the Rum Point Club for a meal.

Retreat at rum point

The Retreat at Rum Point sits along 1,200 feet of white sand beach where you might enjoy a beachside massage or a nap in a hammock under the shade. Photo: Rum Point

Fantasy Island Beach Resort, Roatan

The island of Roatan is ringed by magnificent coral reefs. But getting to many of these sites will require a boat ride. The best place to begin a snorkel from shore is at the Fantasy Island Beach Resort. Beginning just to the east of the resort beach is French Key Reef, which is an area of sheltered and protected coral reefs that rise close to the surface. A couple of minutes of finning across the sand bottom brings you to coral gardens filled with an abundance of tropical fish. As an alternative to swimming, resort guests can opt for a guided boat trip. Fantasy Island is a mid-sized resort set on a small private island just off Roatan’s southern shore in the popular Coxen Hole area. All-inclusive packages are available, and the resort is popular with divers and watersports enthusiasts.

Honduras Fantasy Island

This dock at the western edge of the Fantasy Island beach is the ideal starting point for a snorkeling exploration of the sheltered lagoon surrounding French Cay Reef. Photo: Fantasy Island

Tranquility Bay Resort, Belize

Situated on a remote beach on Ambergris Caye, 10 miles north of San Pedro and accessible only by boat, Tranquility Bay is a throwback in time. Traditional, colorful cottages are positioned just yards from the water, and inside you’ll find a surprisingly modern décor and amenities. From the beach it’s a short swim to the inner edge of Belize’s magnificent barrier reef. The resort is secluded and simple, but if clean sand and clear water trump nightlife and spa services, there are few places that can compare. 

Tranquility Bay

Tranquility Bay is the ideal spot to unplug, relax and explore nature. In addition to underwater activities, there are Mayan sites to explore on the mainland. Photo: Tranquility Bay

The Buccaneer Hotel, St. Croix

This landmark property delivers enticing views of the coral-strewn shallows that sit between Mermaid Beach and blue water. Fin east along the rocky coast towards Shoy Point and look under the ledges to discover fish and lobster lurking in the shadows. Those wanting more can catch a boat from the resort dock to Buck Island. Ashore, the Buccaneer remains one of St. Croix’s favorite resorts, providing a complete vacation experience that can include golf, tennis, spa treatments and live music.

St. Croix, best caribbean snorkel resorts

A short swim from the beach at St. Croix’s Buccaneer resort leads snorkelers to a series of coral-covered rock ledges that attract a variety of tropical fish. Photo: The Buccaneer Hotel

Fiesta Americana, Cozumel

Fish and coral are abundant off Cozumel’s west coast, but many sites lack easy beach entries, and to the north of the island, prevailing currents may pull snorkelers away from land. For an easier snorkeling experience, head south to the Fiesta Americana. This all-inclusive property overlooks a colorful stretch of shallow reef just to the north of Chankanaab National Park. There are easy entry and exit points for snorkelers, and milder currents move you southward towards the park. This upscale all-inclusive property is family-friendly, with a pair of pools, a playground and children’s activities. 

Fiesta Americana

In addition to the awesome snorkeling at the Fiesta Americana, there’s a private beach with plenty of beach lounges, umbrellas, over-the-water beds, and hammocks. Photo: Fiesta Americana

Anse Chastanet Resort, St. Lucia

Some of the best coral reefs lie off the southwest coast of St. Lucia in the shadow of the landmark Pitons. They are within an easy swim from the beach at the Anse Chastanet Resort. This protected coral habitat is a favorite with divers and snorkelers, who can wade into the shallows to discover a profusion of sea life mere yards from shore. The resort provides snorkeling equipment for self-guided explorations, or you can book a boat trip with a guide to nearby reefs. The resort itself is the stuff of tropical fantasy, with rooms hiding in the palms, and a short climb up the green hill delivers sweeping views of the Caribbean. 

Anse Chastanet

The beach at Anse Chastanet provides wade-in access to the island’s finest coral reef, which begins in shallow water just 15 yards from shore. Photo: Anse Chastanet Resort, St. Lucia

Plaza Resort, Bonaire

Bonaire’s entire west coast is flanked by one of the finest coastal reef structures in the Caribbean. But only a handful of the island’s resorts are also favored by sandy beaches. Of these, the Plaza provides the best combination of amenities and water access. The reef is just a short swim from the water’s edge, and an on-site dive shop has rental gear or replacement equipment. Ashore, the all-inclusive resort features a collection of low-rise buildings overlooking the channels of a lagoon and marina. Highlights of a stay include open-air seating at the waterfront restaurant and a weekly beach barbecue that is a favorite island tradition. 

Plaza Resort Bonaire

At Plaza Bonaire, a walk to the beach from your room invites snorkeling on a whim or the dive shop organizes snorkeling trips around the island. Photo: Plaza Beach

Sunscape Curacao Resort, Curacao

Six restaurants, six bars, water sports, a spa, first-class fitness center, daily entertainment and a casino—all for one price. Well, not the casino. But if larger all-inclusive resorts are your thing, the Sunscape is the finest on Curacao. When it’s time to submerge, novices can find fish without having to venture beyond the sheltering breakwater. More advanced snorkelers can head outside the breakwater to find vibrant patches of coral on a reef that drops from the jetty rocks to depths of 10 feet, then continues a gradual slope out toward deep water. 

Curacao Sunscape

From the beach at Sunscape Curacao Resort, novice snorkelers will enjoy calm conditions inside the rock jetty, while the more accomplished can explore the outer slope. Photo: Sunscape Curacao

tropical getaways
Bahamas, Bahamas-New Providence, Barbados, Bermuda, Caribbean, Jamaica, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Martin/St. Maarten, U.S. Virgin Islands

Easy Caribbean Getaways

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You’ve had it with the day-to-day. It’s time to fly to St. Somewhere and wiggle your toes in the sand. But what if your time is in short supply? Relax, with a bit of planning, you can still reach the beach for a long weekend without spending the majority of your getaway in transit lounges or taxi cabs. It’s all about picking a destination that’s a reasonable nonstop away, and a resort that’s not too far from where you land. To inspire you, we’ve created some sample arrivals, based on currently available nonstop flights and average transit times from arrival gateway to resort. Each of these properties was chosen not only for convenience to the airport, but also because they provide the Caribbean vacation experience you crave.

Atlanta to St. Lucia (ATL-UVF)

St Lucia Coconut Bay waterslide, caribbean getaways

St. Lucia’s Coconut Bay Resort has an adults-only wing, but grownups are free to cut loose as well. Photo: Richard Hallman/Coconut Bay Resort

 Depart at 9:51 a.m. / 4 hr. 24 min. flight time / 5 min. shuttle to Coconut Bay Resort / Check in at 3:25 p.m.

Travel Notes: After four hours on the plane, you’ll be ready to hit the beach, not spend another hour-plus on winding roads to reach one of the resorts on St. Lucia’s west-central coast. Coconut Bay is a well liked and reasonably-priced all-inclusive on the island’s southeastern corner, with separate wings for adults and families. It sits beachfront on the Atlantic, with a dedicated adult pool and spa, five restaurants, six bars, plenty of on-property water sports and short drive times to many of the island’s best day-trip adventures.

Boston to St. Thomas (BOS-STT)

St Thomas Ritz Carlton, Sailing Catamaran

The sailing catamaran Lady Lynsey cruises near the Ritz-Carlton on Great Bay, St. Thomas. Photo: Don Riddle/Ritz-Carlton

Depart at 8:57 a.m. / 4 hr. 2 min. flight time / 25-30 min. van ride to the Ritz-Carlton / Check in at 3:30 p.m.

Travel Notes: Getting to the majority of St. Thomas’ beachfront properties requires a run through downtown Charlotte Amalie. And once you are free of the traffic on Veteran’s Drive, it’s worth investing a few extra minutes of taxi time to go all the way to the island’s east end. The Ritz-Carlton sits on a quiet strand of beach known as Turtle Cove, overlooking Great Bay and St. John to the east. You’ll have plenty of time for a refreshing dip and a relaxing libation at the Coconut Cove bar before showering up for dinner. 

Charlotte to Barbados (CTL-BGI)

Coral reef club Barbados

The elegant Coral Reef Club commands prime beachfront real estate on Barbados’ calmer west coast. Photo: Mike Toy/Coral Reef Club

Depart at 10 a.m. / 4 hr. 32 min. flight time / 15 min. taxi ride to Ocean Two / Check in at 4:30 p.m.

Travel Notes: Located on calm Dover Beach, on the island’s south coast, Ocean Two offers easier access to the airport than resorts north of Bridgetown. Those willing to invest an additional 20 minutes of cab time to the west-central coast should consider the Coral Reef Club for a taste of gentile West Indies elegance.

Chicago to Jamaica (ORD-MBJ)

Jamaica Sandals Resort

Jamaica resorts such as Sandals at Montego Bay give couples a chance to enjoy private time together. Photo: Sandals Resort Montego Bay

Depart at 7:40 a.m. / 3 hr. 50 min. flight time / 10 min. shuttle to Sandals Royal Caribbean / Check in at 1:30 p.m.

Travel Notes: Arrival in Montego Bay couldn’t be easier. Once you clear customs, go right to a dedicated check-in desk for Sandals, then chill out in the on-site lounge while their staff takes care of your luggage transfers. From there, it’s a quick ride to the property, where a welcome drink awaits. To get the most out of a short stay, book a mid-afternoon return and enjoy a couple extra hours of morning beach time at the resort. The front desk will hold your bags after checkout, and there are facilities for a rinse and change before the flight. 

Cleveland to Puerto Rico (CLE-SJU)

La Concha Resort, Puerto Rico

The spectacular infinity pool at Puerto Rico’s La Concha resort overlooks blue ocean waters. Photo: La Concha

Depart at 8:45 a.m. / 4 hr. 15 min. flight time / 15 min. taxi to La Concha Resort / Check in at 2:30 p.m.

Travel Notes: There are no customs or immigration stops when flying to Puerto Rico, and once bags are in hand, you’ll have no problem flagging a taxi. Mid-day traffic should be reasonable, and the location of the La Concha couldn’t be better. The hotel sits smack in the middle of the upscale Condado district, overlooking an excellent stretch of beach that is right next door to the green spaces and lively activities of the Ventana del Mar square. Avenida Ashford is ideal for strolling and people watching, and just a mile away are the scenic streets of Old San Juan. 

New York to Bermuda (JFK-BDA)

Bermuda Hamilton Harbor

An intra-island ferry runs from Hamilton Harbour to destinations around the island nation of Bermuda. Photo: Verena Mathew/iStock

Depart at 7:30 a.m. / 2 hr. 10 min. flight / 25 min. taxi to Coco Reef Resort / Check in at 11:45 a.m.

Travel Notes: Bermuda is an easy hop from New York, but with the airport at the far north of the connected group of islands that comprise the nation of Bermuda, it can take an hour to reach the most distant resorts on the island’s southwest point. Split the distance by staying at Coco Reef Resort. It’s not the island’s fanciest or priciest, but it does sit on one of the most spectacular beaches, with direct ocean views from many rooms. 

Philadelphia to St. Martin (PHL-SXM)

St Maarten Philipsburg

St. Maarten’s capital, Philipsburg, sits beachside on a spit of land between a salt pond and Great Bay. Photo: iStock

Depart at 9:40 a.m. / 4 hr. flight time / 5 min. taxi to Azure Hotel / Check in at 3:15 p.m.

Travel Notes: You can reach most any part of the half-Dutch, half-French island of Sint Maarten/St. Marten in less than a half hour from the airport, so selecting a hotel is really about preferences: Dutch or French, leeward or windward, upscale or value-priced. One popular option that puts you within a few paces of the clear waters of Simpson Beach is the Azure Hotel. The decor is attractive, and kitchenettes allow you to dine in when you feel like it. You’ll be reminded of your proximity to the airport each time a plane takes off, but the immediate beach access can’t be beat. 

Washington, D.C. to Nassau (DCA-NAS)

Compass Point Resort, New Providence, Bahamas

Admiring the view of Love Beach from a balcony at Compass Point Resort, New Providence Island, Bahamas. Photo: Julian Bajzert/Bahamas Tourist Office

Depart at 8:40 a.m. / 2 hr. 50 min. flight time / 10 min. taxi to Compass Point Resort / Check in at 12:30 p.m.

Travel Notes: When you arrive at Lynden Pindling International Airport, you have choices. It’s about 15 minutes to the resorts on Cable Beach, which one day soon will include the ambitious Bahama Mar development, or a half hour ride through Nassau to Paradise Island. As an alternative, you could take a left on West Bay Street and arrive at one of the island’s favorite and most colorful getaways: Compass Point Beach Resort, where brightly-painted huts perch on the seawall overlooking turquoise waters. You may need to book well in advance, because this place has become one of the Bahama’s worst-kept secrets, but remains one of its best experiences. 

Caribbean beach chairs for families
Bahamas, Bahamas-New Providence, Cabo San Lucas, Caribbean, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Jamaica, Kauai, Maui, Mexico, Oahu, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

10 Top Beach Destinations for Family Vacations

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You want to get away, but not from your family. Instead, you’d like to find a place in the sun that provides both relaxing moments and exciting memories. A place where you can temper togetherness with some alone time while the younger generation pursues their passions would be ideal. This destination should also be safe, relatively easy to reach and offer a diverse range of sights and activities—just in case you want to take a break from that beach chair and have some adventures. Here are 10 tropical destinations within easy reach of North America, each ideal for a family getaway.

St. Lucia

Coconut Bay, St. Lucia Kayaking

Located near the airport, St Lucia’s Coconut Bay Resort offers a wide range of activities for adults and children. Photo: Richard Hallman/Coconut Bay

The Caribbean’s Windward Islands are green and mountainous, with surf-washed beaches to the east and calmer waters to the west. In between are waterfalls, jungles and scenic overlooks worthy of a hike, a canopy zip-line tour or a horseback ride. One of the easiest to reach from North America is St. Lucia. Currently, there are seven U.S. and Canadian cities offering non-stop flights into Vieux Fort airport on the island’s southern coast. Luxe resorts are hidden away in St. Lucia’s wooded hills and sheltered bays, but not all are suited to the lively sounds of active children. One property where children are not only accepted, but catered to, is the Coconut Bay Resort. This mid-range but highly rated property is close to the airport and departure points for island adventures such as rainforest tram rides and four-wheeler tours. The adults-only Harmony wing is separated from the lively Splash wing, which is home to a water park, paintball court and beach shack; it’s the center for a variety of supervised land and water sports. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy all the grown-up perks expected of an all-inclusive. 

Dominican Republic

With direct air service into Punta Cana, the island’s most popular resort area, getting the family to a beach in the Dominican Republic is easy. The crime rate in this region of the DR is almost non-existent, and vacation action centers around the numerous all-inclusive resorts lining the coast. Most waiters, clerks and cab drivers have at least basic English comprehension, and within the resort complexes, you may find yourself having to seek out opportunities to practice your high school Spanish. One of the best places for families, toddlers to teens, is the Club Med Punta Cana, which is just minutes from the airport and directly fronting one of the region’s finest palm-fringed beaches. From the on-site children’s buffet, complete with baby food, to the skate park, hangout lounge and teen spa, the youth programs and recreational opportunities go well beyond the usual kids’ club routine. 

Jamaica

Negril Jamaica, Beaches Resort

Negril’s Beaches Resort offers a wide range of kid-centric amenities, including a water park and lazy river. Photo: Steve Sanacore/Beaches Resort

Jamaica is ground zero for the all-inclusive lifestyle, and the resorts that focus on families go all out to deliver a complete vacation experience for the younger generation. Parents aren’t forgotten however, and thanks to a wide assortment of infant programs, kids’ camps, and all-age water-sports activities, it’s easy for a family to play together— or pursue their own passions. Montego Bay is the default arrival point for the majority of all-inclusives, and resort shuttles whisk your group directly to a beachfront complex. High on any family’s list—especially those with younger children—is the Beaches property in Negril, which is about an hour away from the airport by shuttle bus. The little ones will be rewarded for their in-transit patience when they are greeted by Elmo and other Sesame Street characters. Older children can lose themselves in a smorgasbord of age-appropriate diversions that include water sports and everything from an Xbox Play Lounge to an under-21 nightclub (relax, there’s no alcohol). Parents can join in the fun or opt for a round of golf, a spa treatment and a private candlelight dinner. For those looking to stay closer to Montego Bay, two of the best family-friendly properties are the Half Moon resort and Iberostar Rose Hall Suites. 

Costa Rica

Xandari Resort, Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Xandara Resort is centrally located, providing convenient access to San Jose and area attractions. Photo: Xandara Resort

 Once the kids reach bike-riding age and beyond, Costa Rica becomes a fantastic vacation destination for eco adventures and active water sports. By far the safest country in Central America, Costa Rica has long been a haven for U.S. expats. The country’s mountainous central regions mitigate the tropical heat and provide a magnificent backdrop for rainforest hikes, volcano tours, jungle river rafting, and high-flying zip-line tours. Equally popular are the numerous beachside resorts nestled into the green jungles of the Pacific Coast. Though the distances between regions may not seem great as the crow files, twisting mountain roads can mean drive times of several hours. Rather than try to see and do it all in one trip, it’s best to settle into a base camp resort and sample some of the more exciting adventures that are within easy range of that locale. The beautiful landscaped grounds of Xandari Resort & Spa provide commanding views and easy proximity to the capital of San José, while an hour to the north guests of the Peace Lodge can wander through the adjacent La Paz Waterfall Gardens and relax in eco-lodge luxury. A coastal destination that combines the best of jungle and beach is the Manuel Antonio National Park. The Sí Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge is the region’s premier property, while Hotel Costa Verde, with its airplane suite and resident monkeys, is certainly one of the most fun places to stay.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico El Conquistador Resort

Puerto Rico’s El Conquistador resort offers a water park and daily boat trips to a private island. Photo: El Conquistador

If you are stuck in San Juan freeway traffic, with the kids asking “are we there yet,” it might seem like you never left Miami or Manhattan. But once you steer clear of the capital’s urban sprawl, a better side of the island is revealed. Puerto Rico’s green highlands provide miles of back-road exploration and rainforest adventures, while the ocean beckons. Surfers prefer the waves of Rincón to the west, but the island’s clearest waters and sunniest skies are found to the east. Forty minutes from Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport, the coastal town of Fajardo is an epicenter for fishing, sailing and diving excursions, and a jumping off point for the out islands of Culebra and Vieques. Just north of town, the Waldorf Astoria El Conquistador overlooks the eastern water, with an on-site marina, seven outdoor pools and a water park complete with flumes and a lazy river. Families can book into the Las Casitas Village to enjoy the extra elbow room of one- and two-bedroom suites and still be within easy walking distance of all amenities, including the spa and golf course. The waterfront is lacking in sandy beaches, but a catamaran ride from the docks will deliver you to private Palomino Island for a day of beachfront relaxation. 

Turks and Caicos

The Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Village

The Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Village sits on the midpoint of Providenciales’ magnificent Grace Bay. Photo: Beaches Resorts

 In their natural state the dry, low-lying islands of the Turks and Caicos aren’t much to look at—until you reach the shore. There, soft white sand meets water that shimmers in shades of emerald and turquoise. Thanks to direct air service and ample supplies of desalinated water, this sun-swept British Crown Colony has evolved into a world-class resort destination. If you arrive on Providenciales accompanied by children, you are most likely headed for Grace Bay and the expansive grounds of Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa. This property takes the all-inclusive family resort concept to a whole new level, delivering activities and indulgences for all ages—including parents. There’s a dedicated nursery facility and toddlers are watched over by certified nannies and entertained by costumed Sesame Street characters. Older children can frolic in the Caribbean’s largest water park or join guided snorkel tours, beach games and reggae jams. If the teens managed to get tired of the beach, they can move to an age-themed game room, hangout lounge or dance club. Mom and dad aren’t slighted either, with everything from scuba diving to spa treatments, plus 19 restaurants and a dozen bars to sample. 

Cabo San Lucas

Melia Cabo Real, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Melia Cabo Real is a family-friendly resort located north of Cabo San Lucas on Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. Photo: Victor Elias/Melia Cabo Real

Cabo San Lucas can be a party town, but there’s more to Baja’s southernmost settlement than the nightly reveries of the marina district. The same sunny skies, blue waters and warm sands that draw spring breakers and incognito A-listers can also provide the backdrop for a memorable family vacation. A number of resorts are tucked along the coast between the airport at San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas itself, offering a base for self-contained recreation on-property, plus reasonable drive times to the cape’s other attractions. One favorite family option is the Melia Cabo Real All-inclusive Beach & Golf Resort, which is kid-friendly both in terms of pricing and amenities. Children under 12 stay free with parents and can enjoy a range of youth-centric activities. A good near-town option is the Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa, which sits just over the hills from downtown and at the far end of the beach near Land’s End and the Cape’s signature arch. Guests find a range of youth activities, but the real attraction is the chance for some private beach time in one of the world’s most spectacular settings, combined with five-minute access to town. 

Paradise Island

Atlantis resort, Bahamas, Tubing

The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas features a mile-long tube river with rapids and tunnels. Photo: Jeffrey Brown/Atlantis Resorts

Flying into New Providence Island, home to the capital city of Nassau, is easy from points all across the eastern United States. There are several vintage and a couple of newer resorts along the western and southern coasts worth consideration, but once the kids hear “Bahamas” they will probably be thinking “Atlantis.” The marketing machine behind this mega-resort gets the word out on the children’s channels, so there’s a pretty good chance they’ll already know what to expect. You won’t have the property’s beaches, pools or water park to yourself, but everything runs with theme park-like precision. A family of four can book into the more cost-effective Beach Tower and still enjoy all the diversions the resort complex has to offer. 

Curacao

If Curacao isn’t on your family’s vacation radar, it should be. The island tempers the practical stability of the Netherlands with a hint of Caribbean spice, providing an experience that is slightly exotic, but ultimately comfortable and safe. You may hear strains of Papiamento or Dutch when strolling through the historic districts of Willemstad, but if you need to ask directions, you’ll probably get an answer in English. Water sports are the primary draw, but the capital city has also made a name for itself in recent years as a regional center for art and culture. You’ll mingle with a mixed bag of Europeans at the cafes or on the beach. A top choice for family groups with mixed-age children is the Sunscape Curacao Resort. Close to both the airport and downtown, this all-inclusive is very kid-friendly, not only because of the various youth-central amenities and activities, but also because of its location. The sheltered beach is perfect for swimming and first-time snorkelers, and the Curacao Sea Aquarium complex is within easy walking distance. 

Hawaii

Napali Kai Beach Resort, Lahaina, Maui

Napili Kai Beach Resort, Lahaina, Maui. Photo: Jim York / Napili Kai Beach Resort

Hawaii’s resort infrastructure is second to none, and it’s a tropical destination that’s also part of the United States, so you can skip the passport and count on all the comforts of home, and then some. Each of the four major destinations has its own vibe. Oahu offers urban amenities or an escape to the north shore; Kauai is a bit wilder and ideal for outdoor adventures and relaxing natural surroundings; Hawaii (aka the big island) tourism focuses around Kona and golf and big game fishing are prime. It is the island of Maui that offers the greatest diversity of activities for children of all ages, and quite a few resorts cater to families with water parks, youth camps, game rooms, social activities and so forth. Sometimes, less is more, and if you want to focus on together time and relax at a resort where you don’t have to ride a tram to get to the dining room, consider the Napili Kai Beach Resort. Its low-rise condominium accommodations are set on ten acres of landscaped grounds fronting a quiet beach and snorkel-worthy Napili Bay.