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Cayo Espanto Belize
Belize, Caribbean, Central America, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Stay, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

The Caribbean’s Most Romantic Hotels

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The list of Caribbean hotels that make the pulse pound and your significant other look even more significant is a long one. Like beauty, romance is in the heart of the beholder. There are beach bungalows far from the madding crowd where it’s just you two and a couple of tiki torches and hotels in the middle of lively and historic cities; resorts with staff awaiting your every command and boutiques that let you be. Whatever your romantic style, here are our choice properties for your consideration.

Casa Brisa Belize

Your private sundeck awaits at Belize’s Cayo Espanto resort. This private island is just a few minutes by boat from the town of San Pedro, but a world apart from other resorts. Photo: Cayo Espanto

Isolated Splendor: Cayo Espanto, Belize

Even though it’s only three miles from bustling San Pedro, Cayo Espanto is a Caribbean cocoon, a private island with no access from the outside world save its own guest ferry. Seven villas are strategically spaced around the four-acre island to create maximum individual privacy. And each is unique: Casa Ventanas is built over the water and reached via a dock; Casa Olita has a private plunge pool, private beach and outdoor shower; Casa Estrella is two stories, with an elevated ocean view that goes on forever. On your way to the island, forego the ferry and arrive by helicopter to soak in spectacular vistas of sea and sky.

Once there, you’ll be greeted by the staff and your housemen who will take care of your every whim. The chef will drop by daily to discuss your dinner desires; your houseman will coordinate lunch and take you to a nearby deserted islet, where he’ll rake the sand to perfection and set you up with a cell phone to call him when you’re ready to return. After a delicious day of snorkeling, swimming, bonefishing or sunbathing you can return to your villa at Casa Brisa to take in the breezes or savor the sunsets from the west-facing Casa Solana, either villa is guaranteed to make your heart grow fonder. 

Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo Ovando House

The architecture of the Hostal Nicolas de Ovando incorporates a trio of 500-year-old homes that are the oldest European-built stone structures in the Americas. Photo: Serge Detalle/Ovando House

Hot in the City: Hostal Nicolas de Ovando, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Nicolas de Ovando arrived in the Dominican Republic in 1502 at the head of some 2,000 colonists, leading the first organized European settlement in the New World. The hotel, Hostal Nicolas de Ovando isn’t just named for him, it’s literally in his house. Actually it’s three houses and the first European-built stone dwellings in the Americas. They were erected in 1502 along Las Damas, the first street in what would become the headquarters of Spain’s American enterprises, Santo Domingo. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this hotel oozes historic charm: In fact, it would be accurate to say there is no more historic hotel in the western hemisphere. The stone-walled structures enclose a central courtyard graced by a fountain and surrounded on four sides by a two-story gallery, it’s arched openings and columns a rhythmic counterpoint to the brick and stone.

Inside, the owners have done a masterful job of blending modern decor with the structure, highlighting the eccentricities of the half-millennium-old buildings rather than hiding them. The 74 rooms aren’t cookie-cutter, as they’ve been designed to work with the building. There’s a pool in a walled garden with plenty of room for lounging and just outside the door all of the charms of the colonial city. Wandering the narrow, cobblestone streets past the home of the conquistador Hernán Cortés leads you to the Alcazár de Colón, the family home built by Diego Columbus, Christopher’s son, which is now a museum. Nearby there are quaint restaurants, small shops filled with art and keepsakes and the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, the first Catholic church in the Americas. Buy a freshly rolled cigar at the shop across the street and check out menus at the nearby restaurants until you find one with a paella and an atmosphere that suits your mood. Afterwards, head back to the Ovando house and listen to the live jazz echoing off centuries-old bricks. 

Jamaica Half Moon Resort Entrance Montego Bay

Jamaica’s Half Moon resort is a diverse and expansive property that commands a significant swath of coastline and offers private villas and cottages with direct water views. Photo: Half Moon Resort

Traditional Luxe: Half Moon, Montego Bay, Jamaica

If you suspect that the uber wealthy know something the rest of us don’t, you need no further proof than Half Moon, near Montego Bay, Jamaica. In the mid-1950s, a group of industrialists and heirs to some of America’s largest fortunes began to build winter cottages on a picturesque private beach. The cluster of cottages evolved into the full-size resort Half Moon, which attracted the rich and famous to luxuriate in the naughty atmosphere of the North Shore. Far from prying eyes in London, New York and Hollywood, celebrities could let down their hair for some serious fun. Errol Flynn spent years on the North Shore as did James Bond author Ian Fleming. JFK and Jackie stayed at Half Moon; so did Audrey Hepburn, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford and most of the current generations of British royals.

Half Moon now sprawls over 400 seaside acres, encompassing a Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course, several dozen (that’s right, dozen) pools and a shoreline embroidered with small palm- shaded coves. There’s an equestrian center, multiple fine dining restaurants and a 68,000-square-foot spa. While you can be perfectly happy in one of the luxury rooms, if romance is what you’re reaching for, one of the original West End cottages or a Royal Villa offer the ultimate in pleasurable pampering. The residences are staffed and you’ll have a butler, cook and housekeeper making sure you want for nothing. You can loll by a private pool and just keep telling each other how lucky you are. 

Parrot Cay COMO Turks and Caicos tiki hut

It will take a boat ride from Providenciales to reach the secluded grounds of Parrot Cay. Once there, guests have coral reefs and miles of secluded beaches to enjoy in solitude. Photo: Parrot Cay

Hip Hangout: Parrot Cay by COMO, Turks and Caicos

Owned by the stylish Como organization, Parrot Cay is a 1,000- acre private island just east of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos. For such a secluded resort, it’s remarkably easy to get to: It’s a half-hour boat ride from the well-served airport in Provo, just south of the Bahamas. The name and location attract celebrity A-listers like Ben Affleck and Christy Turlington with simplicity and superior service. The design is understated: modern but with a clear nod to the regional plantation style. If you’re looking for acres of hand-carved mahogany paneling, this isn’t your jam. But if you’re looking for acres of deserted beach, this is the place. There are three miles of powder-white sand lapped by calm, laser-green water, the Atlantic swell tamed by the offshore reefs.

Grab a lounger and soak up the ambience at the infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean; when you feel ambitious, take a ramble down the beach and remember to look down, there are beautiful shells underfoot, including partridge tuns, turban tops, sand dollars and queen conch. Turks and Caicos is one of the few places where you can reliably see live queen conch underwater, and the empty shells wash up on beaches and can be found in shell piles left behind by local fishermen. There are water toys on the beach or you can arrange a private boat excursion to Iguana Cay or fish on the enormous flats behind the islands. The resort rooms are clustered around the main pool, but for enhanced privacy oceanfront villas have their own pools—some are heated, ensuring year-round 24/7 skinny dipping. If you’re not coupled out by then, head for a his and her massage in the very private treatment cottage at the highly rated Shambhala Retreat. 

Canouan Resort St Vincent and the Grenadines

The Canouan Resort sprawls over expansive and meticulously landscaped grounds that rise from the beach to high bluffs that provide expansive views of the central Grenadines and the Caribbean Sea. Photo: Canouan Resort

The Jet Set: Canouan Resort, Canouan Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Canouan is not a place you get to instantly. It does have an airport, but the closest international service is in St. Vincent or Barbados, so you have to want to go there. And you definitely want to go. Canouan Resort at Carenage Bay occupies about a third of a 1,200-acre former plantation, complete with a 17th- century Anglican church. Down here south of St. Vincent, the islands are lumpy leftovers from a series of volcanic explosions. The resort fronts the beach and spills up onto the hill. Most of the rooms and villas are beachfront, though a few very private dwellings are perched on a 900-foot bluff with views that reach all the way to the Tobago Cays.

The property owners are Italian and there’s a sense of style throughout, especially in the restaurants and Bellini’s bar, so pack your killer heels and some sparkly accessories. You’ll get to dinner without breaking a sweat, too. You’ll be given a golf cart on arrival so you never have to walk unless you want to. The property received major upgrades just last year and a new ultra-exclusive boutique, Pink Sands Club, opened next door so expect to see private jets lined up on the runway. When you’re not relaxing over a fine wine just drinking in the ambience, stroll Shell Beach or take a charter to snorkel with turtles in the Tobago Cays. 

 

Jamaica Trident Hotel
Caribbean, Jamaica, Stay, Trip Ideas

Sexy Jamaica Retreats for the Ultimate Escape

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A sizable island chockablock with alluring resort areas, Jamaica is ever-ready to delight sand-and-sea-loving vacationers. But what about those seeking a bit more style and a bit of quirk in their choice of lodgings? They too are covered, thanks to a collection of unique resorts that both blend and bend tradition in consort with modish design and funky, one-of-a-kind statements of individuality. On an island already noted for original styles, these five properties stand out, delivering ambiance and amenities rolled into an extra helping of style.

Trident, Port Antonio

Trident Hotel, Jamaica Retreats

Trident’s modernist design and sculptures complement the luxurious rooms’ contemporary style. Photo: Trident Hotel

Ceramic sheep on an electric-green lawn? Bright orange pillows as a dash of color in a minimalist, all-white villa? Welcome to Trident: an always-whimsical collection of villas that’s part retro-trendy, part contemporary chic. There’s an antique billiards table and an uber-sleek infinity pool. There’s Mike’s Supper Club, modeled after a 1920s-style speakeasy, and a private beach with its own bar—so very 2014. The hotel’s modish style is that much more inimitable on account of its location: the sleepy parish of Portland, known more for rustic cottages than this sort of SoHo-style fabulosity. 

Goldeneye, Oracabessa Bay

Golden Eye, Bizot Bar, Jamaica

Begin each evening with cocktails at the Bizot Bar overlooking the pool. Photo: Goldeneye

In Oracabessa, on Jamaica’s northeast coast, the one-time home of James Bond creator Ian Fleming is now a sublime Goldeneye beachfront resort owned by former Island Records impresario Chris Blackwell—aka the man who introduced Bob Marley. It would certainly be excellent enough for 007 himself. By day, the place abounds in barefoot-friendly funkiness: album-art walls, a soundtrack that veers from Bob Marley to U2, a lazy seaside lagoon adorned by flying fish and electric-bright butterflies. By night, elegance takes over: the swinging footbridge over the lagoon is torch-lit, guiding you to some of the best locally-sourced fine dining in Jamaica. Later, just try to drag yourself from the massive outdoor bathroom in your beachfront cottage: That tree really is a shower, and that bathtub looks even better under the moonlight. 

Jakes, Treasure Beach

Jakes, Jamaica

Book this tropical ocean-view room and drift off to the sounds of lapping waves. Photo: Jakes

It’s tough to nail down the coolest thing about Jakes. The location, Treasure Beach? It’s a rural, delightfully sleepy slice of Jamaica’s south coast, where tourism doesn’t consist of all-inclusive resorts and fruity drinks. Or maybe it’s the hotel’s cultural history: Jake’s is owned by the family of Perry Henzell, director of the classic Jamaican film The Harder They Come; it was designed by Perry’s wife Sally, set director on that film. Ah, no—it’s probably that design: the whimsical cottages—with names like “Cockles” and “Octopussy”—are individually crafted, incorporating the unexpected: sticks and stones, old bottles, seashells embedded in the walls. It’s wonderfully unpretentious, yet supremely luxurious. 

Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Montego Bay

Round-Hill-Jamaica-Double-Edge-Infinity-Pool

Originally opened in 1953, Round Hill is steeped in tradition, yet contemporary in design.   Photo: Round Hill Hotel & Villas

61 never looked so good. As one of Jamaica’s oldest hotels, Round Hill—just outside of Montego Bay—has more than an air of sophistication about it; it’s old-world elegance personified, complete with rooms designed by Ralph Lauren and a hyper-professional staff who treat guests like old friends—which many are. Repeat visitors have claimed Round Hill as their ultra-classy home-away-from home for decades. The oceanfront spa boasts some of most experienced masseuses on the island; many of the restaurant’s spices are sourced from the new onsite garden. And for a dose of the contemporary, there’s a modish infinity pool—though dragging yourself away from that lavish beach is a chore. 

Strawberry Hill, Irish Town

Jamaica Strawberry Hill Bird's Hill

Strawberry Hill feels like a magical village full of luxurious details. Photo: Island Outpost

Location, location, location. Strawberry Hill has it, in spades: gloriously perched 3100 feet above sea level, boasting surreally beautiful panoramas of the Blue Mountains. The hotel also gets points for its colonial elegance and illustrious history: an 18th-century-coffee-plantation-turned-vacation-home-turned-hotel, once frequented by the likes of Bob Marley and Mick Jagger. Handcrafted, uniquely appointed Georgian-style cottages feel like tree houses ensconced in the Blue Mountains; the restaurant menu showcases “New Jamaican Cuisine,” made from locally sourced, organic meats and produce and fusing international recipes with Jamaican classics like conch fritters and callalloo soup. And the Living Spa focuses on organic healing, customized treatments and Ayurvedic practices. Try the Blue Mountain Body Elixir, which
combines massage, hydrotherapy and exfoliation using a natural Blue Mountain Coffee scrub. 

 

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.

 

Little Cayman Beach resort, The Best Caribbean Resorts For Diving and Relaxation
Bahamas, Bahamas-New Providence, Bonaire, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Central America, Cozumel, Curacao, Honduras, Mexico, Stay, Trip Ideas

Sun, Sand, Scuba: Six Best Caribbean Dive Resorts

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Divers crave clear waters and colorful reefs. But while the most dedicated scuba fanatics may be willing to compromise on above-water amenities to gain proximity to the best sites, most vacationing divers want to surface to something more. The good news is that there is no need to sacrifice topside pleasures to gain underwater treasures. Some of the best islands in the Caribbean for scuba divers are also home to premier waterfront resorts that don’t ignore the rest of the vacation experience. Here are some of my favorites, based on my 20-plus years of diving the Caribbean.

Bonaire

Captain Don’s Habitat

Bonaire is home to a number of dive-centric waterfront resorts, and for nearly 40 years, Captain Don’s Habitat has remained among the island’s best. Its namesake founder was one of the first to promote scuba tourism in the Caribbean, and he was instrumental in the creation of the Bonaire Marine Park. What started as a modest shoreside lodge has kept pace with the times, and now includes a series of attractively landscaped oceanfront rooms and villas, perched on a low rock bluff overlooking Kline Bonaire. Rum Runners, the property’s open-air cliffside restaurant, delivers memorable meals and dramatic water and sunset views. The only thing lacking is a beach, but most guests gladly exchange this for the convenience of stepping from the resort pier to one of the island’s favorite reefs. A fleet of well-maintained dive boats take advantage of the resort’s mid-island location to provide quick run times to many popular sites.

Alternate: The Plaza Resort is a larger resort complex situated on a white-sand beach just south of the town of Kralendijk. Toucan Diving is located on the premises.

Curacao

Lions Dive & Beach Resort

Lions Den, caribbean dive resorts

Lions Dive & Beach Resort is home base for the island’s largest dive operation, providing guests with an easy walk from room to boat, as well as a fine swimming beach. Photo: Walt Stearns

The clear waters of Curacao are ideal for both shore and boat diving. Most of the latter takes place along the islands southeastern shore, and the boats from Lions Dive & Beach Resort are the best choices to reach these sights. Located adjacent to the Curacao Sea Aquarium and less than two miles from downtown Willemstad, this property houses not only the island’s premier diving service, but also a spa and the island’s most popular waterfront bar and eatery: Hemingway’s. During surface intervals, guests can spend time on the private palm-fringed beach, or head into town to stroll the waterfront and nosh at open-air cafes.

Alternate: A bit to the west, the Sunscape Curacao Resort is an all-inclusive with a wide range of activities and a private beach. It’s walking distance to popular Mambo Beach and serviced by a satellite facility of Lions Dive.

Cayman Islands

Little Cayman Beach Resort

Little Cayman Beach Resort, Palapa

Little Cayman Beach Resort overlooks a quiet stretch of beach on the island’s south coast, with dive boats leaving from the on-site dock. Photo: Beth Watson/Little Cayman Beach Resort

The Cayman Islands are famous for clear waters and lively reefs. The most discriminating divers head for remote Little Cayman, home to the famed underwater landscapes of Bloody Bay Wall. With a resident population of less than 200, Little Cayman is a puddle-jumper flight and a world away from the bustle of Grand Cayman. A single road circles the island to connect a handful of small lodges, and not much else. The premier property for mixing diving and beach time is Little Cayman Beach Resort, which overlooks a solitary stretch of palms and sand that is the stuff of postcards. Diving is the focal point of resort life, with shoreside activities trending towards a casual bicycle ride or time in a hammock.

Alternate: For a more upscale and cosmopolitan take on the Cayman Islands’ diving scene, skip the commuter flight and stay on Grand Cayman. Check into the Westin Grand Cayman on Seven Mile Beach, which is serviced by Red Sail Sports.

Cozumel

Cozumel Palace

Cozumel Allegro Acoz Hotel, Mexico

The Allegro resort sits on one of Cozumel’s nicer stretches of beach and is conveniently located near favorite southern dive sites. Photo: Occidental Allegro Cozumel Resort

You can’t beat the view from the upscale rooms and suites of the Palace, which faces west to overlook the turquoise waters of the Cozumel Strait. On an island known for its all-inclusive properties, this one raises the bar for both amenities and service. The resort’s in-town location makes for an easy walk to San Miguel’s charming zocalo (plaza), but this same proximity means there’s no sand beach at the water’s edge. If the stunning pool deck doesn’t suffice, you can catch a shuttle south to the affiliated Playa Mia beach park. Diving services are handled by on-site Aqua Safaris, which is one of Cozumel’s highest-rated operators.

Alternate: Those who want to get away from the crowds can move south to the expansive beachfront grounds of Allegro Cozumel, which is another top-shelf all-inclusive property. Pro Dive services the resort, and its southern location means shorter boat rides to some of the prime sites along Palancar reef.

Bay Islands, Honduras

Laguna Beach Resort

Laguna Beach, bay islands, Honduras

The private bungalows of Laguna Beach Resort face a quiet mangrove lagoon and are just steps away from a Caribbean beach and the resort’s dive boats. Photo: Walt Stearns

Isolated on a peninsula on the quiet island of Utila and accessible only by boat, the Laguna Beach Resort is the epitome of the Caribbean away-from-it-all dream. Individual bungalows sit on the water’s edge overlooking a mangrove lagoon, while just steps away via sandy paths is the ocean, where you can wade in and find your way to one of the best reefs in the region. Native hardwoods and tin roofs set the tone, and activity centers around daily dive trips aboard a trio of spacious boats. Other water-centric pursuits include fishing and excursions to outlying islands. Evenings are quiet time, with perhaps a game of billiards and conversation at the clubhouse.

Alternate: On the nearby island of Roatan, Anthony’s Key Resort provides a similar vibe and equally fine diving. Guests can opt for hillside bungalows overlooking the shore or take a short taxi boat ride to beachfront cottages nestled on a private island.

New Providence, Bahamas

Stuart Cove’s Aqua Adventures

Stuart Cove, aqua adventures, Bahamas

Stuart Cove’s is the largest and most diverse dive operation in the Bahamas, offering accommodation packages and a range of activities that include diving, snorkeling and mini-submarine tours. Photo: Stuart Cove

From humble beginnings as a beachfront scuba concessionaire, Stuart Cove’s has created a business that dominates the Central Bahamas diving scene, and is the go-to location for underwater filmmakers. From a small harbor on the southern shore of New Providence, Cove’s fleet of dive and snorkel boats departs daily to stage shark feeds and wall dives for the adventurous or lead trips to picturesque wrecks and snorkel-friendly reefs. The dive operation is not currently offering accommodation packages with the nearby South Ocean Resort, as the property is in flux, and instead works with the Wyndham Nassau Resort and the Sheraton Cable Beach Resort on the north shore, which have the advantage of being closer to Nassau.

Alternate: Valentine’s Resort sits just north of the town docks on exclusive Harbour Island. In addition to unique dive adventures, guests will find themselves within walking or golf-cart distance of the island attractions, including the fabled pink sand beaches, which lie just over the bluff.

Hermitage Plantation Cottage, Nevis
Caribbean, Nevis, Stay, Trip Ideas

Nevis Legacy Inns

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Nevis had its fair share of expansive plantations during the colonial period. These estates often hosted the international elite, who came as guests of plantation owners to indulge in an island style of life. Formidable great houses hosted elegant dinners and clever conservation. Now these restored charmers boast modern comforts, cuisine to appease the gourmand and wine lists that would impress any oenophile. A world apart from the modern resorts of today, these gems of past retain their former charm and intimacy and are run by a host of welcoming innkeepers who just happen to be family members.

The Hermitage Plantation Inn

Hermitage Plantation Bar

The former great house of the Hermitage Plantation is now the resort’s gathering point, including an intimate bar. Photo: Debbie Snow

The allure of a bygone era captivates you upon entering the Hermitage compound, sending your imagination adrift to languid days of a savored and splendid lifestyle. The family-run Hermitage Plantation Inn is essentially a collection of chattel houses—some built to match the style of the great house, others lifted and moved from locations around the island. The process began in 1971 when they bought the Hermitage and rebuilt it as their home and by 1984 they converted the surrounding 20 acres into an inn and began to welcome guests. The result is an enchanting village of 15 small homes, with names like Pink House, Pasture House and Twin Gables, that provides guests ample privacy and a connection to the past. Porches are strung with hammocks and accented in timeless wicker, all overlooking the gardens and rainforest. Four-poster canopy beds draped in a shimmer of mosquito netting, ceiling fans, plantation shutters and curios from another period atop antique furnishings transport guests back in time.

Today the transformed great house has an elegant library, sitting room and bar, all leading to a terraced dining area where tiny twinkling lights are strung over latticed architectural arches. Inside, the walls lit by candelabras display equine and nautical photos; the tables and shelves are stacked with bronze, wood, silver and china collectables. Antiques acquired throughout the Caribbean by the Lupinacci family are of museum-quality. Settle in with a book, then pause for afternoon tea and conversation with other guests, including visiting artists who come for the inspiration the place exudes.

The result is a welcoming, elegant and comfortable family-run inn with warm and gracious hosts—Richard and Maureen Lupinacci along with their three daughters and son Ritchie. 

Montpelier Plantation & Beach

Montpelier Plantation Inn, Nevis

At Montpelier Plantation, the intact remains of a sugar mill attest to the property’s agricultural origins. Photo: Debbie Snow

The Hoffman family, three generations of hoteliers, lives at and runs the Montpelier Plantation & Beach. If a family member doesn’t greet you as you pass through the iron- gated entrance, then Ziggy or Neptune might. A greeting by a labrador is not what you would expect at a Relais & Chateau property, but here on Nevis the lifestyle and service is relaxed and low-key, even with a five-star rating.

The 60-acre patch of land once a well-cared-for sugar plantation was purchased by the Hoffmans back in 2002. An intact sugar mill and great house, where a giant ficus tree stands guard, are elegantly embedded in the surroundings, and rooms are scattered about the gardens. For updates, they pulled in an interior designer from Miami; rooms as well as common areas were completely renovated.

Today stone walls, wooden shutters and casement windows maintain the 18th- century plantation ambience. A mix of period and contemporary furnishings, pineapple motifs as accents and monochromatic fabrics cast against dark woods exude an Architectural Digest chic. Contemporary artwork hangs against walls of stone at precise opportunities—simple elegance is delivered.

On a rolling green hillside with amazing sea views, guests can fade off in one of the hammocks strung between trees or enjoy the vista and afternoon sea breezes in a pair of Adirondack chairs. A display of Nevis’ flamboyant trees provides texture and shade; petals of red and yellow flowers lie atop green grass creating impressions of madras.

In the evening the stone staircase is illuminated with hurricane lamps, and tiny lights dangle from the tree outside the great house. Guests come to congregate in the communal living room for an evening of cocktails and canapés before dining on the outdoor terrace. Special occasions are celebrated with a five-course tasting menu enjoyed at tables lit by candles inside the circular stone walls of the sugar mill. 

 

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

Cap Juluca Beach Villas, Anguilla
Anguilla, Caribbean, Florida, Florida Keys, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Stay, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Beachfront Rooms Just Steps from the Water

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There’s nothing like waking up- or falling asleep – to the soothing sound of waves. Whether the roar of the Atlantic or the soft swish of the Caribbean Sea, the rhythm signals the presence of water and a beach. Imagine that early morning walk along the shore or gazing at the moon in total darkness as waves lap at your feet. Here are five hotels that couldn’t get any closer to the shore if they tried.

Moorings Village, Islamorada, Florida

The Moorings Village & Spa, Rooms just steps from the beach

Enjoy your morning coffee with a view of the Atlantic from the porch of the Maroni House. Photo: the Moorings Village & Spa

Think of a coconut plantation, where 18 cottages are tucked in among a variety of palm trees and blooming hibiscus and bougainvillea add splashes of color to the greenscape. This is the Moorings Village & Spa. A top spot to book is the white Maroni House, with its lush green front yard that meets the sandy shoreline and faces the Atlantic Ocean. Sit on the big wrap-around porch with a cup of Joe and watch the sunrise. (Florida Keys’ sunrises are just as spectacular as the famed sunsets.) With just a few steps you’re on the water’s edge taking a stroll, followed by a swim or some paddleboarding. The bedroom has a king-size bed and French doors that open onto the porch, providing a dreamy view of feathery palms, beach and water. Go ahead, open the doors and feel the island breezes. The cottage’s oak-wood floors and crisp decor complement the tropical environment. Bonus: A midday siesta in one of the hammocks draped between the beach’s many palm trees is total bliss. 

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra, Florida

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

Miles of the Atlantic shoreline greet you when you wake up at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Photo: Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

 A real Florida classic, the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Northeast Florida has beachfront rooms that allow you to step out the door and right onto a wide stretch of the Atlantic shore. The rooms are exquisitely furnished with heavy wooden beds, complete with carved headboards and posts, and dressed in comforters and pillows in rich seascape tones and floral and stripe patterns. Wide moldings define the walls and ceilings and add a regal touch to the decor. The ocean rooms are so close to the Atlantic that the sound of waves will lull you to sleep. 

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Bolongo Bay, St. Thomas

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is a water-sports playground, but at night it takes on a romantic aura. Photo: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

 A low-key property on Bolongo Bay, this smaller resort is a water-sports playground. First-floor rooms open their doors onto the sand, and with a few steps you’re at the shoreline. Move between your room, the sand, the Caribbean waters and the toys—kayaks, paddleboards, aqua bikes and paddle boats. Nestled against hillside tropical foliage, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is a cool little hideaway. Rooms are decorated in sunny oranges and yellows with bamboo-inspired furniture. Bonus: At the weekly Snorkel Booze Hunt, snorkelers search for a bottle of rum staff members hid under the sea. 

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kapulehu, Island of Hawaii

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii

From the outdoor area of this Four Seasons suite, Hawaii’s shore is just steps away. Photo: Four Seasons

Go for an oceanfront Superior Suite on the lower level so you can walk out through the patio and onto the beach at this Four Seasons gem. Hawaiian art and nature-inspired furnishings are well executed to create a luxurious décor reminiscent of Hawaii’s golden age (the boom years from 1893 to 1941). The beach’s fine white sand blends with black lava landscapes and Pacific blues to dazzle the eye. 

Cap Juluca, Anguilla

Photo: Cap Juluca

Having the beach just outside your door makes a stay at the impeccably designed Cap Juluca perfect. Photo: Cap Juluca

From your perch on the patio of these Moorish-style beachfront villas, the architecture’s stark white arches frame the intense blues and greens of the beach just outside your door. Strikingly romantic and as close as you can get to the brightest sands in the Caribbean, Cap Juluca’s rooms and suites boast white walls and floors that connect with the alabaster sands just beyond. Columns, domes and more arches give this resort its intriguing aura. 

 

Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort, Marathon, Florida

Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort

Sand, palm trees and water creates an amazing tropical vibe at Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort. Photo: Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort

In the Florida Keys, you really have to search to find a sweeping beach, which is why a stay at the Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort is such a treat. Walk out the French doors of a two- or three-bedroom beachfront house onto the porch and savor the expansive view of sparkling white sand that leads to the Gulf of Mexico. Palm trees, lounges, a swimmer’s beach and even TJ’s Tiki Bar are right there. And the two-story beach house couldn’t be prettier. Its white walls and linens serve as a canvas for brightly colored furniture, bed accessories and accent walls boasting playful floral and sea coral patterned wallcoverings. The full kitchen allows you to brew your own coffee—or mix your own cocktails—to enjoy curled up in an Adirondack chair on the porch or the second-floor balcony. 

 

Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, USVI
Anguilla, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Florida, Hawaii, Miami, Miami Beach, Oahu, South Beach, Stay, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos, U.S. Virgin Islands

Tropical Vacation Resorts with the Coolest Swimming Pools

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No doubt, every vacation to the tropics includes at least one day at the pool. Whether you jump in and splash around, peacefully float on your back or hang out poolside with a good book, the pool is important. So make sure you find the swimming pool that works for you. From lazy-river styles to infinity-edge designs to even works of art, these pools all have what it takes to make your time in the sun the best.

Zoetry Agua, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Zoetry Agua, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, tropical vacation resorts

At dusk a tropical sky casts a romantic aura over the pool at the Zoetry Agua resort. Photo: Debbie Snow

So well designed is the swimming pool at the Zoetry Agua in Punta Cana that you’ll feel as if you’re surrounded by the rainforest. Soft sensual curves make the pool inviting, and tiny islands home to tall lean palm trees rise up from the water. The pool shaped like a serpent weaves its way through the lush grounds, past hut-like buildings with cane-thatched roofs. 

Raleigh Hotel, South Beach

Photo: The Raleigh

Its art-deco design from the 1940s makes the Raleigh Pool a South Beach icon. Photo: Raleigh Hotel

They don’t make swimming pools like the art-deco pool at the Raleigh Hotel on South Beach anymore. Its iconic curves, now accentuated in black, date back to 1941 when architect L. Murray Dixon designed the hotel. Everything about it screams elegant, sexy and cool. From its high dive-turned-waterfall to its funky lifeguard stand-inspired tower, it retains its bygone-era style. After several facelifts and booms and busts Miami-style, this hotel swimming pool still ranks as one of the top places to swim, hang out and, most importantly, be seen. 

 

Viceroy, Anguilla

Viceroy, Anguilla

The Viceroy’s modern architectural forms carry through to the infinity pool area. Photo: Viceroy

One of the swankiest swimming pools ever, the infinity-edge pool at the Viceroy Hotel in Anguilla is surreal in its design. Perched on a small promontory, the hotel’s modern architectural elements interact with the natural surroundings, making way for a pool with the illusionary effect of shimmering water that meets the Caribbean Sea and extends to the horizon. 

Parrot Cay by COMO, Turks and Caicos

Parrot Cay by COMO, Turks and Caicos

A serene sheet of water, the Parrot Cay by COMO’s infinity pool is the ultimate place to de-stress. Photo: Parrot Cay Resort

Situated on a private island, the beautifully understated infinity pool at the Parrot Cay by COMO is set against scrub-covered sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean. From your perch on a chaise lounge, the vast pool is so cleverly crafted it visually becomes one with the beach. Bonus: Poolside tiki huts transform into private dining rooms for a romantic evening. You’ll feel like you’re having dinner on the beach. 

Halekulani, Waikiki, Hawaii

Photo: Halekulani

Besides being a work of art, the Halekulani pool offers tantalizing views of Hawaii’s coastline. Photo: Halekulani

Like an artist’s canvas, the bottom of the swimming pool at Waikiki’s Halekulani resort has been turned into a stunning piece of artwork. Using 1.2 million glass tiles, an eye-popping blue mosaic of a Cattleya orchid was created. Whether you swim above the flower with eyes open or view it from the pool’s deck, the design is breathtakingly beautiful. 

Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

Photo: Ritz Carlton

The infinity pool at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas blends beautifully with its tropical surroundings. Photo: Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

From your chaise lounge on the deck of the infinity pool at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, you can watch the feathery shadows of palm trees dance on the water. As your eye moves with the ripples, the pool water seems to extend into the Caribbean Sea, where fishing boats bob against the soft peaks of the island’s green mountains in the distance. Who would ever imagine a swimming pool could create such a picturesque panorama? 

 

 

gale south beach, best boutique hotels in florida
Amelia Island, Florida, Key West, Miami, Miami Beach, Naples, South Beach, Stay, Trip Ideas

Top Boutique Hotels in Florida

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Big is not always better, especially when it comes to finding the right accommodations. We scoured the state to find the places that offer all the amenities you need for a great vacation in a setting that’s just the right size. So if you prefer more intimate hotels, where you don’t have to wait in long check-in lines or fight for a poolside lounge, then these Florida gems are perfect for you.

Gale South Beach

Photo: Gale South Beach, Best Small Hotels in Florida

The Gale South Beach’s rooftop pool provides views of art-deco architecture and the Atlantic Ocean. Photo: CoreyWeiner/The Gale South Beach

Transforming two 1940s art-deco hotels into one very cool SoBe hot spot is what put the Gale South Beach on the hipster map. The five-story boutique hotel sits on the corner of 17th Street and Collins Avenue, right smack in the middle of the scene with neighbors like the iconic Delano and the oh so trending SLS Hotel. Walk into a lobby where elements of art deco—a chrome backlit front desk—blend with modern white leather chairs and mirrored windows. Black-and-white photos of 1950s Miami Beach are a nostalgic reminder of a former heyday. The hotel’s 87 rooms have raised ceilings for spaciousness, and balconies with faux green-leaf walls provide a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean. Enter through the former Regent Hotel on James Avenue and you’re in the cozy Regent Cocktail Club where mixologists whip up retro drinks like Negronis and Mai Tais. As for the beach? It’s just across the street. 

Inn on Fifth, Naples

Inn on Fifth, Naples Fl

The Inn on Fifth’s prime location offers easy access to downtown Naples restaurants and boutiques. Photo: Inn on Fifth

This elegant three-story hotel sits on Fifth Avenue South, downtown Naples’ palm tree-lined six-block shopping-and-dining stretch. Despite its urban location, the Inn on Fifth is just minutes away from the white-sand beach and fishing pier thanks to a complimentary shuttle. A 2013 redo and expansion gave the hotel a fresh modern décor of red and gray with geometric accents, along with a second building across the street. Book a second-story poolside room and sneak out the door at midnight for a hot-tub soak. If you really want to splurge, the Club Level suites in the new building are huge with balconies overlooking the avenue. Everything old is new again at this meticulous gem in Old Naples. 

The Reach, Key West

The Reach Resort, Key West

Located on Key West’s quieter side, The Reach has private balconies with direct ocean views. Photo: The Reach Resort, Key West

Set off from all the hustle and bustle of Duval Street, Key West’s main drag, The Reach is an intimate and sophisticated hideaway. Painted a cheerful yellow with white trimming, the four-story Waldorf Astoria property sits on the Atlantic Ocean. Cross the front yard—a carpetlike lawn with rows of palm trees, delicate flowers and a life-size chess set—to reach the private beach (the 450-foot-long stretch is a real find on Key West), where a weather-worn pier with its own gazebo extends into the water. It’s the ideal spot for sunset gazers. Crisply decorated rooms, with contemporary furnishings that blend neutrals with bursts of orange and rust, have balconies that look out over the ocean or courtyard. The pool below was designed for sunbathing, and there’s no competition for a lounger since the resort has only 150 rooms. Contrasting with the property’s sunny island vibe is the hotel’s Strip House restaurant. Red walls, mood lighting and provocative photography that picks up on the steak house’s name make for a cozy, and somewhat seductive, dining experience. 

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Florida

A Nantucket vibe and direct ocean views make Elizabeth Pointe an attractive year-round escape.  Photo: Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

Deviating with the Sunshine State’s tropical image, this northeast coastal hideaway on Amelia island surprises with its 1890s Nantucket shingle-style main house. Enjoy coffee in a rocking chair on the big wraparound porch facing a shore populated by long slender sea oats and the roaring Atlantic Ocean. Whether you stay in the main house where a turn-of-the-20th-century décor mirrors the Victorian homes in nearby downtown Fernandina Beach, or opt for a room in the newer West Indies-style Ocean House, the relaxed elegance of Elizabeth Pointe Lodge is always present. With 13 miles of beach right in front of you, a sunrise or moonrise stroll is always in order. 

Bentley South Beach

Photo: Bentley South Beach

The Bentley is just steps from all of the action, dining and nightlife of Ocean Drive.   Photo: Bentley South Beach

Across the street from the Atlantic’s shore, the Bentley South Beach sits on the corner of Fifth Street and Ocean Drive. It’s a favorite with Europeans and South Americans who appreciate the smaller surroundings. Yet despite its size, all of the rooms, from studios to one- or two-bedroom options, are designed as suites with living space. Plus you score a kitchenette where you can prepare your own mojitos. The Bentley is one of the few SoBe hotels to actually have a rooftop pool, in fact make that a lap pool where you can get some serious swimming in or just cool off with a nice soak. The views of sunrises and sunsets are a bonus. If you’re the beach type, stroll over to the hotel’s private beach club, where beach butlers set up your lounger—as well as serve you cocktails. Located near the edge of the less frenetic South of Fifth (SoFi) neighborhood, the Bentley is walking distance, past art-deco buildings, to landmark restaurants like Joe’s Stone Crab and celeb-fave Prime One Twelve. Or you can head north into the heart of Ocean Drive, where alfresco tables spill onto sidewalks and music blares from crowded bars.