Tag Archives: Stay

Resorts with Swim-up Suites in St. Lucia

October 6, 2022

Pool lovers will find this to be the ultimate set- up; a resort where you walk out of your lux room onto your private patio and into the pool. There’s no walking through lobbies, waiting for elevators, or climbing stairs to get in or out of the water. These three resorts offer just that; a few steps right off your patio and you are in the pool.

Calabash Cove

This boutique adults-only hotel sits on the hillside overlooking Bonaire Bay. Views of the beach and bay are paramount here as the restaurant and infinity pool are poised just right for guests to take in the non-stop view. There’s a striking stretch of sandy beach that feels like it’s just for the guests at this small enclave of 26 keys. A meander through the gardens will take you to the beach or a secret corner all your own among the tropical flowering plants. Swim-up suites come with a jacuzzi on your patio and of course the ability to take a dip on a whim– it is your option round the clock. Swim out to the main infinity pool where the water is cool and the drinks are handy. The swim-up bar will entice you with tropical cocktails and stunning sea views. For details: https://www.calabashcove.com/

Interior of the swim-up junior suite at Calabash Cove with an option of an all-inclusive plan allowing time to immerse in their Caribbean charm and hospitality. Photo: Calabash Cove

Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort

This all-inclusive resort gives guests the option of booking in a swim-up suite with butler service so never venturing outside your space is your decision. You’ll get 24-hour room service, a butler who will take care of all your needs during your stay and, a fully stocked bar with premium liquor. The Beachfront Crystal Lagoon swim-up suites are the perfect recipe for romance with a scoop of privacy. Fringed with tropical gardens your private patio is set with a tranquil soaking tub for two and, when you want to be all alone just draw the privacy curtains. From your patio, you’ll enter the Crystal Lagoon pool where you can unwind and float to your heart’s content, soak up the sun’s rays and take in the views of the Caribbean Sea. For more information: https://www.sandals.com/halcyon-beach/

Swim-up access from your patio and limitless views of the sea are yours when you stay in the Beachfront Crystal Lagoon suites at Sandals Halcyon Beach Photo: Sandals

Coco Palm Resort

Set in the heart of vibrant Rodney Bay Village where shops and eateries line the main drag, this 83-room boutique property offers an island vibe with West Indies décor. Rooms are dressed in a mix of tropical and contemporary fabrics with Mahogany furniture and plenty of St. Lucian artwork hanging on the walls. Ti Bananne Caribbean Bistro & Bar is the spot for Sunday brunch with a Creole twist. Choose a lux swim- up suite with a king or two queens and you’ll be right in line for a morning swim. Later have a quiet morning with coffee on your private outdoor space and then head back into the pool for a day of floating. When you want to get your toes in the sand Reduit Beach is just a five- minute walk away. To find out more: https://www.coco-resorts.com/

From your French doors to your private patio the pool is just steps away at Coco Palm Resort in the town of Rodney Bay. Photo: Coco Palms/Flickr

Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Grenada, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Lucia

Best Caribbean Beach Resorts to Restore Your Mind, Body and Soul

January 27, 2022

Leave a comment

Who isn’t ready for a beach vacation? After more than a year of lockdowns, new safety protocols and travel restrictions it’s time for a change of pace and scenery. An escape to the Caribbean is a safe bet when you maneuver your way back into the world and a view of the sea is just what you’ll need to rejuvenate mind and body.

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia

You’ll find every luxury imaginable at this seaside splendor. The setting is pristine, sexy and classy, retaining Old World Caribbean charm while delivering New World amenities. Immersed in nature and surrounded by forest and ocean, the hillside venue provides views of the twin mountain peaks of the Pitons. One-of-a-kind villas are scattered throughout the grounds, most with private pools overlooking the sea. Villas come dressed in white furnishings and beds are draped in white mosquito netting. The Rainforest Spa is a collection of wooden suites suspended over the tropical forest floor offering healing treatments with coconut and detox powers of red clay. Down at the bottom of the hill lies an arc of sand and the turquoise waters home to the Marine Reserve where a snorkeling trip will promise sightings of angelfish, butterflyfish, moral eels and more. https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/sugar- beach

Set on the grounds of an 18th-century sugar plantation, the Sugar Beach Resort lies between the twin mountains of Gros Piton and Petit Piton. Photo: Sugar Beach

Carlisle Bay, Antigua

When you stay here you’ll feel like you’re in a world away from everything, the resort is immersed in quiet and calmness nestled along a pristine crescent beach and backed by rainforest. The sounds and sights of nature abound at this private enclave with koi ponds that greet arrivals and gardens with vibrant tropical blooms alluring hummingbirds. Guests come to chill, relax and unwind. While the resort caters to families as well as couples, each has designated beach areas and accommodations. Families stay in the beachside suites while couples will lavish in their garden villas with balcony or terrace facing the sea. Yoga on the pier, Pilates in the pavilion and a spa with immune-boosting treatments will revive any tired soul. https://www.carlisle-bay.com/

Carlisle Bay Resort is the only resort on the calm bay where guest villas have water and garden views from private outdoor spaces furnished with day beds and café seating. Photo: Carlisle Bay

Park Hyatt, St. Kitts

Your heart rate and blood pressure automatically drop upon entering the open-air lobby of this resort. Fragrances of lemongrass, mint and basil infuse the sea air beckoning you to visit the spa where you’ll effortlessly let go of the built-up stress in yoga and meditation classes. Nature is foremost showcased in the palm-lined courtyard with mesmerizing koi pond and a living wall of greenery and tropical blooms. Combining a beach and spa vacation is the perfect solution to escaping a stressed-out world and restoring body and spirit. Stretch out along the golden sands that fringe Banana Bay where the soft outline of Nevis provides the backdrop and your world will be transformed. https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/saint-kitts-and- nevis/park-hyatt-st-kitts/skbph

Park Hyatt’s 125 rooms face the sea and have spa- inspired baths with soaking tubs and rainfall showers. Premier suites offer private pools and decks facing out to the ocean. Photo: Park Hyatt

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, BVI

If you enjoy the journey then Scrub Island is for you. Getting to Scrub, a private island in the BVI takes a bit of time with the final leg of travel via boat. The seclusion of staying on a private island brings extraordinary bonuses and an elevated level of privacy. There are no cars allowed, just resort vehicles that shuttle guests around the 230 acres of volcanic land cloaked in nature trails with stunning scenery. Panoramic views of the blue and green mosaic of the Caribbean are seen from the highest peak of 438 feet. The island is ideal for hiking and exploring. Guests stay at hotel suites overlooking the marina or in private villas draped over the coastline with views of neighboring islands. Two beaches offer up alternatives; the marina beach is equipped with water sports and for those wanting to get away from it all the 1,000 feet of sand on the north shore is the absolute escape. https://www.scrubisland.com/

Scrub Island Resort’s north beach provides the ultimate venue for a day at the beach. Spend time walking the beach, snorkeling the reef and floating in the pool. Photo: Scrub Island

Four Seasons, Nevis

Island hospitality and warmth radiate at this often busy and exceptionally popular resort. Although, Four Seasons Nevis is the largest on this tiny island it often feels like a small inn where everyone knows your name. Nestled between the foothills of Nevis Peak and Pinney’s Beach, there is always a view of nature among the 350 acres. Rolling hills etched in winding roads throughout the grounds of the one- time sugar plantation are dotted with huge mango trees and flowering gardens. Activities include an 18- hole golf course, tennis courts, sailing and other water sports. Botanical tours, sunset monkey tours, kite making and the summer turtle program keep families engaged. Long walks on the three miles of golden sands of Pinney’s Beach where stops might include some of the island’s best beach bars are part of the program. Head back to the resort and the staff will set you up with chaises right at the water’s edge and the resort’s own, Kastawey Beach Bar serves up tropical fare. https://www.fourseasons.com/nevis/

The Four Seasons experience begins in St. Kitts where guests board a private launch headed for the Nevis arrival at the private pier in front of the resort. Photo: Four Seasons

Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, Aruba

If your body is craving a long-awaited healthy retreat then Manchebo in Aruba will satisfy the yearning. Complimentary daily Pilates and yoga classes are offered beachside. Spa del Sol, the Balinese-focused spa, offers bamboo treatments, shiatsu and stone therapies as well as sea salt scrubs in thatched- roofed casitas overlooking the sea. The soft white sand of Eagle Beach, the island’s widest stretch, attracts the beach comer as well as turtles during nesting season, and the turquoise water is idyllic for floating and swimming. Culinary diversions range from Mediterranean and Caribbean inspired by fresh local seafood and vegans have a full menu of choices. Start the day with fresh fruit smoothies and a vegetable omelet. The daily catch and homegrown produce from the greenhouse change up the menu day-to-day. https://www.manchebo.com/

Primed for relaxation, the grounds of Manchebo Resort & Spa offer an assortment of places to chill, soak up the sun or relax in the shade of a thatched palapa. Photo: Manchebo

Silversands, Grenada

While the Spice Isle isn’t known, as much for its beaches, its green hillsides, tropical forests and waterfalls lure most to its interior. The island is fringed in white, black and golden sands with 45 beaches to explore. By far the best stretch is the white sand of Grande Anse with views of St. George’s. Two miles of creamy sand attract locals and visitors for walks, swims, a bit of socializing and even a stop at a local bar or the craft market. Silversands is the newest property along Grande Anse Beach with sprawling suites and nine private villas cascading the hillside with sea views. The sleek minimalistic design is fresh for the island; sand colored walls and warm beige furnishings complement the natural colors found beachside. Center stage is the double sized Olympic pool with catwalk waiting for the next photo opportunity. Guests stay active on and off the water with watersports and a fitness center and unwind with an expansive menu of local treatments at the spa. https://www.silversandsgrenada.com/

A contemporary version of a tropical resort Silversands brings a fresh look to Grand Anse Beach. On-site spa facilities include a sauna, Hamman steam and an ice cave. Photo: Silversands Grenada

Antigua & Barbuda, Bermuda, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Plan, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

2019 Fall Specials at Caribbean Resorts

October 3, 2019

Leave a comment

Somewhere between a summer vacation and a winter escape, there’s a travel season that, at times, goes unnoticed. Fall getaways are a good excuse to put off house chores and seasonal cleaning to enjoy a last-minute Caribbean trip before the crowds and higher rates roll in. Here are five properties with savings for the seasoned traveler.

The Reefs Resort & Club, Bermuda

This South Shore gem is bursting with old-world charm dating back to 1947. Sitting cliffside overlooking the pink sands and turquoise sea, all rooms face west allowing for mesmerizing sunsets. Guests are met with a rum swizzle and the resort’s warm staff. There are three restaurants to choose from that offer island favorites like Bermuda fish chowder with black rum and plenty of Dark ‘n Stormy cocktails. The Hot Fall rates deliver rooms as low as $295.00 per night and there are a limited number available. Book and travel by November 30, 2019. For more information: https://www.thereefs.com/specials- packages https://www.thereefs.com/

After some pool time, guests at The Reefs Resort & Club find more active pursuits beachside where complimentary paddleboards, kayaks and snorkeling equipment await. Photo: The Reefs Resort & Club

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Dominican Republic

This ultra-elegant 7,000-acre resort community on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic offers white sand beaches, fine culinary experiences and many options for active lifestyles. Guests can enjoy water sports, play three of the Caribbean’s most storied golf courses, or simply relax in the world-class spa. The Biggest Winter Sale offers rates starting at $299.00 per room and $1,199.00 per villa per night for a 3 to a 5-bedroom villa. The offer includes a complimentary four-passenger golf cart for use through the stay, unlimited use of fitness center and more. Reservations must be made by October 21, 2019, for travel between January 5 and April 30, 2020. For details visit: https://www.casadecampo.com.do/vacation-packages- offers/winter-sale/

Casa de Campo’s lobby entrance provides an elegant entryway to the Dominican Republic’s 50-year-old vacation complex where guests stay in resort rooms and sprawling villas. Photo: Casa de Campo

Bay Gardens Resorts, St. Lucia

Bay Gardens Resorts is a group of locally owned hotels in and around the popular Rodney Bay Village. Visitors are drawn to the area’s shops, galleries, bars and restaurants that line both sides of the street. Pigeon Island, Gros Islet and the calm waters at Reduit Beach round out the offerings. The Bay Gardens Resorts collection of four properties caters to families as well as honeymooners. The flagship property, Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa sits beachfront on Reduit Beach. The three additional properties include Bay Gardens Inn, a small boutique hotel, Bay Gardens Hotel located in the center of the village and the Bay Gardens Marina Haven Hotel adjacent to Rodney Bay Marina. The fall season offerings include the Creole Heritage package at all four properties with 55% off rooms. Book by October 25, 2019, and travel the month of October. For details: https://www.baygardensresorts.com/specials

Bay Gardens Hotel, one of four properties in the group offers island-inspired rooms and suites with private balconies and views of lush gardens. Photo: Bay Gardens Resorts

Curtain Bluff, Antigua

This tried and true Caribbean favorite has been around since the Sixties, remodeled and updated over the years but always retaining the laid-back glamour of the times. Caribbean culture abounds in atmosphere and cuisine. Rooms all have beach views and hammocks and the all- inclusive model is elevated with snorkeling trips, scuba diving, windsurfing and waterskiing. Curtain Bluff’s Fall Escape boasts a carefree vacation where everything is included. Save 20% on the total booking. Reserve a minimum of five nights for travel from October 26 through December 17, 2019, to be booked by November 1, 2019. Visit: http://curtainbluff.com/rates/curtain-bluff-hotel- special-travel-packages/

Curtain Bluff sits on 20 acres on the southern tip of Antigua with views overlooking the Caribbean Sea. In addition to watersports, there is tennis, squash, bocce and shuffleboard for guests to enjoy. Photo: Curtain Bluff

The Sands at Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos

This condo-style resort offers one to three-bedroom spaces perfect for groups and families. Set on 12 miles of white sand ideal for long walks and turquoise blue waters perfect for exploring with the resort’s complimentary kayaks and snorkeling gear. Three pools, a spa, hammocks strung among a coconut grove and an open-air restaurant round out the offerings. Save 15% on one-bedroom and larger for travel from August 1 to December 18, 2019. Booking window lasts until December 18, 2019; use Promo Code 15OFF2019. Visit: https://www.thesandstc.com/rates-and- reservations/current-specials/

The Sands at Grace Bay is a cluster of six three-story buildings with lush gardens surrounding the courtyards and three free-form pools connected via canals featuring small grottoes and a cascading waterfall. Photo: The Sands

Antigua & Barbuda, Caribbean, Nevis, Turks & Caicos

Luxury Yoga Retreats in the Caribbean

June 18, 2018

Leave a comment

A yoga retreat provides a chance to escape the everyday world and focus on your physical health and spiritual well being. Sometimes, this could mean living and eating simple. But not always. A select number of Caribbean luxury resorts are staging yoga weeks that allow you to work toward inner peace while also enjoying all the physical comforts, services and culinary delights of a world-class property.

Carlisle Bay, Antigua

Carlisle Bay sits on the shores of a secluded cove on Antigua’s scenic southern coast, surrounded by lush rainforest, and facing white sand beaches and the Caribbean Sea. The property blends urban chic and a touch of Caribbean charm, with 82 contemporary designed luxury suites, each with a private balcony or terrace leading directly to the shore. Active guests have access to water sports, world-class sailing, guided rainforest treks, tennis and a state-of-the-art gym. This family-friendly property also offers specialized activity programs for youngsters and teens. As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Carlisle Bay offers fine dining in four upscale restaurants and relaxing treatments at the 17, 000-square-foot Blue Spa.

The living area of an ocean-view suite at Antigua’s Carlisle Bay resort delivers direct views of the beach and the Caribbean Sea through floor-to-ceiling windows. Photo: Carlisle Bay

From August 11 to 18, 2018, Carlisle Bay will host “A Journey through the Elements,” a weeklong yoga and wellness retreat led by international yoga instructor Tanja Mickwitz. With a focus on the yogic practice of Panchamahabhutas (the five great elements – earth, wind, fire, air and space), the program will take guests on an immersive, soul searching experience through nature’s powerful and healing elements in a breathtaking Caribbean setting. Each day will focus on one of the five elements, with yoga, breathing and meditation techniques to match. Morning sessions will feature dynamic practices to invigorate for the day, while afternoons are reserved for slower restorative yoga such as Pranayama, Yoga Nidra and Shakti meditation, etc. The retreat’s all-inclusive pricing also includes off-site activities to connect guests to the island’s natural beauty, from horseback riding to helicopter tours and sunset cruises. Learn more at www.carlisle- bay.com/offers/carlisle-bay-yoga-retreat/51-13/

A hilltop perch high above the Carlisle Bay resort provides a quiet setting to sit Sukhasana and take in the natural beauty of Antigua and the expansive blue of the Caribbean Sea. Photo: Carlisle Bay

Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

At COMO Parrot Cay, guests find relaxation and wellness through the resort’s signature holistic therapies, yoga programs, and savory, healthful cuisines. Set on a private 1,000-acre island in the heart of the Turks and Caicos, and overlooking a mile-long beach, Parrot Cay underwent a recent refreshing to create brighter rooms and fresh spaces, including a new COMO Shambhala gym, a Play by COMO Space for children’s activities and an improved COMO Beach Club and Lotus restaurant. Guests can also benefit from COMO Shambhala Cuisine, designed to maximize energy and wellbeing with the use of raw foods rich in living enzymes, vitamins and sea minerals. The Shambhala Retreat offers yoga, Pilates and related treatments. The holistic centre also includes an outdoor Jacuzzi garden, two double massage rooms, Japanese baths and large fitness center overlooking the ocean and surrounding wetland. An Ayurvedic doctor is also permanently in residence. Those who enjoy outdoor pursuits can schedule diving and snorkeling trips, beach drop-offs and fishing trips, and visits to a championship 18-hole course at Provo Golf and Country Club.

The terrace of an ocean-view villa at COMO Parrot Cay sits just a few steps away from a mile-long beach on a private island where there are no other resorts or development. Photo: Parrot Cay

From November 4th to 10th 2018, Parrot Cay will host the “Well of Grace Workshop,” taught by renowned yoga teacher Elena Brower. This workshop will focus on self-awareness and self- discovery, with five days of guided yoga sequences and meditation – the ultimate goal to inspire change that can be adopted in your daily life. Elena, who has been practicing yoga since 1998, is respected across the globe for her distinct blend of alignment and attention in her teaching of yoga and meditation. Each day will include morning yoga and meditation practice, and a nourishing afternoon practice that includes Yin Yoga, restoratives, meditation and journaling. Packages for the workshop include six nights accommodation at COMO Parrot Cay, five days of yoga instruction, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner from the nutritious COMO Shambhala Cuisine menu, and one 60-minute COMO Shambhala Massage. To book the Well of Grace retreat, email [email protected]

The screened, open-air yoga pavilion at the COMO Shambhala Retreat is surrounded by pristine wetlands that enhance practices with the sounds of nature. Photo: Parrot Cay

Montpelier Plantation & Beach, Nevis

Nestled into 60 acres of lush tropical gardens on a hillside overlooking Nevis’s Caribbean coast, Montpelier Plantation & Beach is a traditional West Indies homestead that has been transformed into a world-class boutique resort. Each of the property’s 19 rooms and suites include ocean views and private terraces that invite guests to unwind and disconnect from everyday life. Originally constructed as a sugar mill in the 18th century, the property evokes the island’s rich colonial heritage, which is combined with a chic minimalist décor accented by local artworks. Guests can relax on the private beach or tranquil pool and sample innovative cuisines in three casual-elegant restaurants that feature locally sourced ingredients. It is an ideal setting for quiet relaxation, along with select activities such as chef-led cooking classes, Caribbean Nights with live music, sunset BBQs, beach bonfires and limbo dance competitions to celebrate the full moon.

The Montpelier Plantation & Beach resort is built on the grounds of a former Colonial-era sugar plantation. Reminders of the island’s past blend with elements of clean, modern design. Photo: Montpelier Plantation

In keeping with Montpelier’s mantra of “Live Fully,” the resort has created its first Yoga Week. Between December 2 and 8, 2018, international yoga coach Patti Coan will lead daily programs that will encourage participants to enhance their wellness experience by discovering benefits of Samapatti Yoga. Practices focus on creating a state of equilibrium or stillness of the mind rooted in the science and philosophy of Raja Yoga, the royal path. Following the Himalayan tradition, the practice explores the union of body and mind through breathing. Patti teaches about the eight separate limbs incorporated into the practice, including ways of living, postures, breathing, relaxation, concentration and meditation. Yoga week is a complimentary addition for guests; with room rates start at $235 including daily continental breakfast. For reservations, visit www.MontpelierNevis.com.

A pool at Montpelier Plantation & Beach provides the setting for a personal session designed to connect with the water element, and promote creativity, passion and fluidity. Photo: Montpelier Plantation

Central America, Panama, Stay, Trip Ideas

Panama City’s Premier Downtown Hotels

June 18, 2018

Leave a comment

Panama has emerged as Central America’s hub for international commerce and modern Latin American culture, and nowhere is this more evident that in the heart of its capital city. From the ultra-modern financial district to the historic streets of the Casco Viejo district, visitors will find an appealing mix of premier restaurants, eclectic shops, plazas, parks, and walking access to Pacific Ocean beaches. In recent years, the city has also seen the arrival of a number of world-class hotels and resorts. Here are four top choices for an upscale stay in the downtown district.

La Isabela Suites

Modern luxury melds with traditional elegance at La Isabela. This historic property, which dates from the mid 1800s, underwent a meticulous updating supervised by restoration architect, Francisco Montanes, who worked for almost two years with the cutting edge Spanish design group, Bersale, S.A., to restore La Isabela to its former elegance. Their vision was to adhere to UNESCO’s World Heritage Site guidelines and maintain the 19th century elements of La Isabela’s colonial architecture while incorporating touches of cutting edge design. This resulted in a unique historical harmony with an integration of styles, materials, and perspectives ranging from the 19th to the 21st century. To complement their efforts, selected pieces of Panamanian art are exhibited throughout the hotel.

An interior courtyard at La Isabela Suites. This boutique property takes it’s name from the sweetheart of the US Army captain who once owned the historic home that was later converted to the hotel. Photo: La Isabela

La Isabela combines the largest suites in Panama City with the services of a luxury boutique hotel. Each one and two-bedroom suite includes en-suite bathrooms, a large living room and full kitchen. All suites open on to large balconies, and have access to a large internal courtyard with outdoor Balinese showers, or to rooftop terraces. Among the unique services provided by the hotel are in-room spa services and The Chef- at-Home Experience, in which a Michelin chef will prepare personal meals.

The living room of a two-bedroom suite at La Isabela blends vintage artwork, rich wood accents and period touches with clean, modern design elements. Photo: La Isabela

The Bristol Panama

This upscale favorite combines the coziness of a boutique hotel with the luxurious amenities of a larger resort. It is the first member of the Leading Hotels of the World group to open in Central America. The 215- room hotel sits in the heart of Panama City’s prestigious Financial District, where contemporary luxury, gourmet Panamanian cuisine, and the city’s rich architectural heritage merge. This location puts the Bristol within walking distance to many of the city’s best restaurants, shopping malls and nightlife venues.

The lobby of the Bristol hotel is decorated to create a sense of understated elegance, while also providing an appreciation of local flavor, and showcasing the works of regional artists. Photo: Bristol

The Bristol’s interior theme delivers a sophisticated twist on timeless Panamanian design, celebrating the art, architecture and history of the country. Deluxe rooms and executive suites combine a traditional ambiance with a wide range of modern comforts. On site is Salsipuedes, an award-winning gourmet restaurant that pays homage to the region’s traditional cuisines, with a spicy, soulful menu that updates traditional regional dishes with modern infusions of fresh local ingredients. Decorated with hand painted clay tiles, contemporary photography, and plenty of flowers, the restaurant takes in the best of Panama. The Bristol also offers a wellness spa located on the 25th floor.

The bar area at the Bristol’s Salsipuedes restaurant is one of the city’s most award-winning dining venues, and a favorite with visitors and locals alike. Photo: Bristol

The Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort

Panama City’s newest luxury hotel opened in the spring of 2018, redefining the city’s standards for luxury resorts. The resort features 182 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, each decorated with carefully crafted furniture and décor that showcases the work of Panamanian artisans. Authentic handcrafted Panamanian design elements balance the history and culture of the destination. These include Guna Yala-inspired traditional Mola blankets, handmade baskets from the Embera community and wood recovered from the depths of the Gatun Lake.

The seventh-floor master suite at the Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort includes separate living and dining spaces, and a large private terrace overlooking the golf course. Photo: Santa Maria

The Santa Maria is located within an exclusive golf course development next to the Costa del Este and Santa Maria business parks and just minutes away from both the airport and Panama City’s city center. Resort amenities include a world-class spa, chef-driven restaurants, and access to the only Championship Nicklaus Design 18-hole, 72-par golf course in Panama City. The hotel offers guests custom-curated tours designed to immerse them in the authentic culture of Panama and provide access to unique cultural attractions, including the Panama Canal, the Frank Gehry-designed Biodiversity Museum, and the country’s unspoiled Pacific islands and inland rainforests.

The AQVA Pool Bar at the Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort serves a casual cuisine accompanied by golf course views, in an open-air setting that takes advantage of natural breezes. Photo: Santa Maria

Waldorf Astoria Panama City

This five-star hotel occupies an ultramodern tower in the heart of Panama City’s trending Calle Uruguay, where it is close to nightlife-lined Calle Uruguay and the Pacific Ocean. Opened in 2013 as the first Waldorf property in Latin America, the property blends classic Waldorf standards with a unique regional flair, using clean lines and neutral tones to create an upscale ambiance and an understated sense of luxury.

The lobby of the Waldorf Astoria Panama City is decorated in earthy brown and ivory tones that are intended to create a sense of quiet luxury and understated elegance. Photo: Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria has 130 rooms and suites, each with premium bedding and Egyptian cotton linens and marble baths with walk-in showers. One and two-bedroom suites add additional living areas and kitchens, along with ocean views from upper floors. Both rooms and public spaces showcase a bright, contemporary design that uses natural woods and subtle Central American influences. Dining options include a poolside terrace and bar with city skyline views, the French-American Brio Brasserie, a sushi bar and the Waldorf’s signature Peacock Alley bar and lounge. Guests can also relax in the four-room spa, fit in a workout at the Life Fitness center, or refresh in the 7th floor pool.

A water level view of the pool and hot spa at the Waldorf Astoria Panama City. The pool deck and adjacent open-air lounge are elevated several stories above city streets. Photo: Waldorf Astoria

Caribbean, Martinique, St. Lucia, Stay, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Plantation Inns

June 18, 2018

Leave a comment

If chrome-and-glass towers aren’t your idea of a vacation resort, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a select number of small hotels in the Caribbean that evoke the charms of the Colonial Era. Three of the most iconic plantation inns in the Caribbean are found on the green islands of Martinique and St. Lucia. These properties, once working plantations, remain true to their agricultural roots, while also paying homage to the elegance of days gone by.

Fond Doux Holiday Plantation, St. Lucia

This early French colonial estate pays homage to its history, as the property continues to grow cacao much as it did in the eighteenth century. Today the estate is the pride of husband and wife team Lyton and Eroline Lamontagne, who transformed the estate into a place of integrity and national pride, while also maintaining the natural environment. What first began as a heritage site for day visitors has evolved into an eco–friendly tropical resort with a nod to traditional architecture and workmanship. The plantation includes a collection of 15 one and two-bedroom cottages, with amenities such as private plunge pools, canopy beds, outdoor showers and private decks or terraces. The property has a spa that uses all natural organically grown ingredients in the treatments, a gift shop and two onsite restaurants.

The triple cascade pool at Fond Doux Holiday Plantation sits within an enveloping grove of palms and tropical greenery, creating a serene environment for relaxation. Photo: Fond Doux Plantation

Set within the crater of an extinct volcano that is part of the Soufriere caldera, Fond Doux’s 135-acre grounds are accented with flowering trees, fruit trees and walking trails. This four-mile area surrounding the plantation offers guests access to active sulphur springs and the towering peaks of the Pitons, which are St. Lucia’s fame. The town and market of Soufriere is nearby, as are beaches, zip lining or hiking the Pitons. Fond Doux translates to “sweet valley” and the sweetness of chocolate fills the air during harvest time. Guests are invited to join in the process of harvesting, drying, and rolling cacao beans, leading to the final production of chocolate bars made on property. For its attention to the environment, Fond Doux planation has been certified by Green Globe International for a number of years, and continually strives to increase greener operations.

Guest cottages at Fond Doux Holiday Plantation are handcrafted by Caribbean artisans, and furnished with an authentic and eclectic mix of period furnishings and artwork. Photo: Fond Doux Plantation

Le Domaine Saint Aubin, Martinique

Set on a hilltop near Trinity Bay on Martinique’s bucolic east coast, Le Domaine Saint Aubin is a 19th century Creole manor house set on the site of a former sugar plantation. While much of the original estate was sold to other farming families in years past, the mansion is still surrounded by farmland. Current owners Joëlle & Laurent Rosemain have restored the property to its Colonial Era roots, and now offer 30 unique guest accommodations divided between the main house, a conversion of the original stables, and a collection of cottages built in the style of the original manor. All rooms are decorated with 19th century Louisianan mahogany furnishings, and fitted with accents pieces that bring back the elegance of the time.

Before the current owners of Le Domaine Saint Aubin restored the manor house to its original splendor, it had fallen into disrepair and gained a reputation as a haunted house. Photo: Domaine Saint Aubin

Le Domaine’s park-like property encompasses a French garden, open terraces and a pool with views of the sea. The long grass lawn is flanked by groves of mango, banana, and avocado, which add to the chef’s pantry, while beds of anthuriums and heliconias are incorporated into flora arrays that brighten guest rooms. The onsite restaurant is elegantly furnished with mahogany period antiques and offers breakfast and an exceptional, fixed-price dinner to both hotel guests and visitors. Adjacent to the dining room is a similarly decorated music room that becomes the resort’s social center. While somewhat remote and quiet, the manor is close to the Banana Museum and Saint James Rum Museum.

The dining room at Le Domaine Saint Aubin showcases antique mahogany furnishings. Menus feature both classic French cuisines, and dishes influenced by local Creole traditions. Photo: Domaine Saint Aubin

Balenbouche Estate, St. Lucia

This family-owned property is a step back in time, and an immersion into a lush laid-back lifestyle of St. Lucia. Balenbouche Estate is a colonial sugar plantation and has been under the watchful eye of the Lawaetz family for three generations. Its members strive to preserve the authenticity of the estate, and share its history with guests. The 60-acre grounds include a historic sugar mill, a 180-year old colonial plantation house and five cottages where guest come to stay. The grounds surrounding the estate’s cottages and great house are covered in fruit orchards, flower gardens as well as an organic farm. It provides an ideal location for weddings, retreats and workshops. There are several secluded black sand beaches within a short walk, some of which are suitable for swimming on calm days.

The Frangipani guesthouse at Balenbouche Estate was constructed with 100-year-old wood from two houses in the nearby community of Fond St. Jacques. Photo: Balenbouche Estate

The five cottages, each unique and designed to blend with the natural surroundings, are dressed in gingerbread fretwork, wood- carved furniture and quaint decks and porches framed with flowering plants. Each cottage is named after local flora like Almond, Callabash, Nanuan and Waterlily and Banyan. Rooms are cooled by St. Lucian breezes and celling fans. Larger cottages offer guests the option to prepare their own meals, while breakfast is served daily. Dinner is served once or twice a week in the small restaurant that seats just 24. The cuisine is a blend of Asian and Creole flavors, incorporating fresh, plant-based dishes, organic produce and local seafood.

Balenbouche Estate serves dinner twice a weekly by reservation. Meals are a blend of St Lucian/Creole, Asian and International cuisines, made with local and organic ingredients. Photo: Balenbouche Estate

Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, Stay, Trip Ideas

Sayulita Yoga Resorts

June 1, 2018

Leave a comment

Sun, sand and surf. These elements alone can deliver personal renewal. Add in the scenic backdrop of a picture perfect beach town, with a combination new age/old surfer vibe, and you have the ideal setting to spend some time on yoga practice, meditation and personal rejuvenation. It is these elements that have made the Mexican beach town of Sayulita a regional epicenter for yoga and wellness. Here are four of our favorite places where practice and relaxation come together.

Yoga Los Sueños at Hotelito Los Sueños

The practice of yoga in all its diversity is the sole mission at Yoga Los Sueños. The owner is a yogi who came to Sayulita to transform a small hotel into a center for practice. This included the creation of a studio with padded floors, high ceilings and a soothing ambiance. Each day at this quiet retreat is filled with choices, from morning yoga to hatha/mediation practices, slow- pose yin, restorative practices, two-person acroyoga, core, and kundalini with chanting and pranayama. Special programs include yoga solar, which focuses on nature rhythms, seasonal changes and moon phases. Lodging choices include rooms, suites and villas decorated in traditional Mexican style, with the addition of modern comforts such as air conditioning and purified drinking water. In addition to practices, Los Sueños offers group activities such as cooking classes held on the hotel’s rooftop palapa kitchen.

Rooms at Hotelito Los Sueños face inward to focus on a quiet courtyard and pool. The owner of this boutique hotel is a practicing yogi who embraces a wide range of practices. Photo: Hotelito Los Sueños

Paraiso Yoga

Founded in 2006 by Argentine-born yogi Narayani, this intimate enclave centers around a palapa sheltered rooftop yoga space on Sayulita’s Calle Playa Azul. The center also includes lush gardens, a space for Thai massage, and rooms for physiotherapy and other forms of bodywork. Narayani teaches numerous yoga traditions, including hatha yoga, power yoga, and ashtanga yoga, but the emphasis at Paraiso isn’t just on the physical practice, but on the whole philosophy of yoga. To this end, practitioners of all levels are encouraged to work together, and welcomed in all classes. Yoga, tai chi and meditation sessions are available to walk-in guests on a day-to-day basis, and the center also offers accommodations in three modestly priced guest bungalows, each with private baths and access to a common area with a kitchen, lounge and hammocks for relaxation.

Participants on a session at Paraiso Yoga enjoy the relaxing rewards of savasana. Practices and meditation take place in a rooftop studio that rises high above the activity of the town. Photo: Paraiso Yoga

Haramara Retreat

The designers of this beachfront haven for yoga and renewal describe Haramara as a place “where Robinson Crusoe meets Architectural Digest.” Set on a hillside overlooking the ocean, the retreat’s cabañas are hand built from natural materials, and situated to offer privacy and seclusion while still taking advantage of the spectacular water views. The theme of rustic luxury takes in elements such as private hammocks for lazy afternoon naps, and oil lamps and candles for softly lit evenings. The retreat’s spacious open-air dining room sits high on the hill, facing west for jungle and ocean views. Here, delicious and healthful cuisines are tastefully prepared and artistically presented by an award winning culinary team. Daily practices take place in two yoga shalas set on separate knolls. Both feature high roofs and handcrafted hardwood floors, with open sides that invite ocean breezes. Wellness programs take place in a pavilion set in a secluded clearing near the ocean, where the rhythmic sound of surf and breezes through the trees invite a reconnection with nature.

The thatched-roof bungalows of Haramara Retreat peek through the treetops. Guests find calm and relaxation with ocean views and sea breezes enjoyed from private balconies. Photo: Haramara Retreat

Aurinko Bungalows

With bright colored stucco walls, rustic woodwork and vaulted thatched roofs, this boutique hotel epitomizes the Sayulita experience. The property is located in the heart of town, opposite the main plaza, and just a short walk from the beach. Aurinko’s six one and two-bedroom bungalows are cloistered into a courtyard setting, which also includes a small swimming pool. Guest accommodations showcase an eclectic regional décor and feature separate sitting areas furnished with couches, chairs and hammocks. Each bungalow also includes an open-air kitchen. This allows guests the option of shopping locally and preparing their own healthful meals. Daily yoga practice takes place at the on site Heart Shala. This elevated studio was designed to create a quiet oasis, with sliding glass windows, handcrafted wooden walls, and a soaring palapa roof. In addition to daily yoga practices, the Heart Shala hosts workshops and meditation sessions.

Hammocks hang on shaded balconies at Aurinko Bungalows, which is centrally located in downtown Sayulita, a block from the beach and just steps from the central plaza. Photo: Aurinko Bungalows

Islands, Oceania, Stay, Trip Ideas

Fiji’s Top Nature-Friendly Beach Resorts

May 21, 2018

Leave a comment

It would be a shame to mar the view of a perfect, palm-shrouded beach with a high-rise hotel. Fortunately, the developers of some of Fiji’s most sought after beach resorts thought the same thing. And instead of going big and going up, they chose to insert a limited number of regionally appropriate guest accommodations into the landscape, using ecologically sound building principles, and operating in a manner that honors local cultural traditions.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

It’s not surprising that a resort bearing the surname of the world’s most prominent marine conservationist is dedicated to sustainable practices and ecological initiatives. The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is set within a former coconut plantation on the shores of Savusavu Bay, just minutes away from Fiji’s premier coral reefs. Each of the property’s 25 traditional Fijian bures is designed in an environmentally friendly style, with natural ventilation provided by louvered hardwood windows that capture sea breezes, and vaulted thatch roofs that create cooling convections. There are no in-room electronics to distract from the natural ambiance and direct ocean views. The resort hosts an in-house marine biologist, sponsors a reef protection program and a giant clam breeding project, and grows most of its own organic produce. Guests can engage in a wide range of cultural and ecological experiences, including guided nature hikes and mangrove tours, traditional Fijian medicine walks, Fijian storytelling and Kava ceremonies.

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort includes just 25 one- and two-bedroom luxury garden and oceanfront bures, each offering upscale amenities, spacious floor plans and private decks. Photo: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Each bure blends authentic traditional design with luxurious touches such as deluxe king beds, over-sized bathrooms, and private decks with hammocks and ocean views. The resort caters to both families and couples. The Bula Club children’s program engages youngsters with exploration, educational games, and activities that encourage discovery of the natural world. The restaurant’s award-winning menu is inspired by Fijian, South Pacific and Asian cuisines, with an emphasis on fresh, locally caught seafood, prime meats and organic produce grown on-site. Couples can take in alfresco water views in the adults-only dining area, while families are welcomed at a poolside venue, which also offers youth centric choices. There are four pools, including a family pool with water slide, and the adult’s only Serenity pool, which is flanked by a bar and day beds. Daily yoga and spa services provide relaxation, while the range of available activities includes sailing, snorkeling, diving, paddle sports and beach activities.

Guests at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort can enjoy private oceanfront dining on elevated decks set on the beach, or reserve a private overwater table on the pier. Photo: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Nanuku

This upscale beach resort is proof that tourism development doesn’t have to come at the expense of nature, and need not eclipse local values. Sitting on a two-mile stretch of pristine beach on the south coast of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu, Nanuku blends contemporary luxury and traditional Fijian culture to create a sanctuary for relaxation and discovery. Guests can partake in a range of unique indigenous and cultural activities such as food safaris, where participants learn how to prepare unique regional dishes. Other programs visit a waterfall stream to catch local prawns, harvest coconuts, and demonstrate how spices such as vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom are cultivated and cured. Guests can sign up for overnight camping at a deserted island, take part in a medicine walk, help restore reefs with coral planting, explore a local market and taste organic seasonal produce, see how kava is grown, and learn about its medicinal properties, and the ancient cultural traditions.

Sitting on a pristine section of Viti Levu Island’s south coast, Nanuku Beach Resort is designed to blend into the natural surroundings through traditional design and construction practices. Photo: Nanuku

The resort includes 24 traditionally styled beachfront pool suites, Two- bedroom villas and three-bedroom residences. Some have private pools, and all have direct ocean views and beach access. Families will enjoy complimentary nanny services and the Adventure Club with zip lines, climbing wall and many other activities for youngsters. Adults can find relaxation with a traditional Fijian Bobo massage at the Lomana Spa and Wellness Centre, and participate in daily yoga practices, or schedule private wellness seasons for asana yoga, pranayama breathing, meditation or Reiki energy work. The Kanavata Restaurant is considered one of the finest in Fiji, and the chefs can create private dining experiences. A full range of water sports activities is available, with a highlight being boat tours to a private two-acre island for snorkeling and beach picnics.

Guests at Nanuku Beach Resort can participate in a wide range of cultural activities that includes everything from basket weaving classes to traditional lovo feasts and village visits. Photo: Nanuku

Vomo Island

Set on a private island in the heart of Fiji’s Mamanuca archipelago, VOMO resort offers an understated, organic alternative to the usual luxury resort. With just 28 villas and four premium residences set next to white sand beaches, or on wooded hillsides, this five-star property showcases a contemporary design that is sophisticated and luxurious without infringing on the island’s stunning natural surrounds. Fresh from a recent makeover, each villa features polished wood interiors, chic handcrafted furnishings, deep bathtubs, outdoor dining decks, and sun lounges. The Kui Spa offers Thai and Balinese therapists and there is a fully equipped fitness center. VOMO’s Reef Restaurant is considered one of the finest in Fiji, with a focus on fresh seafood and produce grown in the resort’s organic herb, vegetable and fruit gardens. The resort staff can also arrange private dinners on the beach, or chef prepared dinner parties in private residences.

A view from the beach at Vomo Island resort takes in the nearby uninhabited island of Vomo Lai Lai. Resort guests can schedule day trips to this island to experience true solitude. Photo: Vomo

The majority of 225-acre Vomo Island is left in an undeveloped state, and in recent years, the resort has propagated more than 50,000 indigenous plants to restore the native flora. Among the ecological initiatives established by the resort are recycling programs that generate revenue to support local communities. The island is ringed by nature trails, and surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. A short distance to the west is the small, uninhabited island of Vomo Lai Lai, where guests can enjoy some of Fiji’s finest snorkeling and diving, or be dropped off on a deserted beach for a private Robinson Crusoe experience. Water sports include stand up paddleboards, kayaks, sailing catamarans and windsurfers. Ashore, there is a 9-hole pitch and putt golf course that meanders through a coconut grove.

The premium residences at Vomo Island resort include private pools and ocean view decks. These five-star properties are widely considered to be the finest guest accommodations in Fiji. Photo: Vomo

Central America, Nicaragua, Stay, Trip Ideas

Nicaragua Eco Lodges

May 18, 2018

Leave a comment

The country of Nicaragua is a relative newcomer to tourism. It wasn’t until the late 1990s when a stable government was established, creating a secure atmosphere for travelers. Today, it is considered one of the safest countries in Latin America, Wi-Fi is ubiquitous, and U.S. dollars are happily accepted. In the past decades, a number of resorts have sprung up along the Pacific Coast, while the interior has seen the rise of adventure lodges and historic hotels in towns such as Granada. The latest trend to hit Nicaragua is the advent of luxury eco lodges. We’ve found three of the best, one on the coast one in the mountains, and one on a private island in Lake Nicaragua.

The Beach

Known as the Emerald Coast, Nicaragua’s southwest Pacific shore is Central America’s newest beach resort district. As of yet, there are a limited number of properties spaced along the coast, and the most notable is a member of the Auberge Resorts Collection, which blends luxury and ecological responsibility. Mukul is set on 1,600-acres of low-density grounds at a private beach community that is just 10 minutes away from the Costa Esmeralda International Airport. The hotel was built with regional materials, timber from sustainable forests, non-toxic paints and energy efficient windows. Environmental initiatives include the development of rainwater catchment systems, gray water reclamation, and the planting of more than 1,500 trees. There are just 38 guest accommodations, designed in a style that combines modern elegance with traditional Nicaraguan roots, with interior furnishings and decors crafted by Nicaraguan artisans. Guests can select one or two bedroom beach villas, traditional thatch roofed Bohio suites or luxurious three to five-bedroom homes, all of which enjoy all the expected amenities and services of a luxury resort.

A villa suite at Mukul includes a wrap-around deck with seating areas and a private plunge pool. Floor-to-ceiling windows are designed to maximize beach and forest views. Photo: Mukul

Mukul is the Mayan word for secret, and guests will certainly enjoy a combination of privacy and undisturbed ocean views. But private does not mean isolated. In addition to concierge level room services, the resort includes Spa Mukul, which has been named one of the world’s top spas. Each of the spa’s six sanctuaries offers a unique themed ambiance and signature spa ritual, designed to harness a different ancient healing tradition. Other resort amenities include a palapa lounge featuring dining and lounge areas, a swimming pool, and access to Tres Ceibas Beach Club. Nearby is the 18-hole Guacalito Golf Course, and guests have access to four miles of white sand beach and 12 kilometers of nature trails. The Mukul staff can also arrange a variety of adventures and cultural tours in the mountains, lake districts and historic cities of western Nicaragua. Unique experiences include helicopter flights over Nicaragua’s spectacular coastline, day trips to a private deep sea fishing lodge, and a visit to the sugar mill and sugar cane plantation, where the prized Flor de Caña rum is produced.

Guests at Mukul have access to a pair of infinity-edge pools that overlook the beach. The adjacent large palapa is the resort’s center for activities, and home to the signature La Mesa restaurant. Photo: Mukal

The Mountains

Nekupe means heaven in the indigenous Chorotega language, and a stay at the Nekupe Sporting Resort can certainly be a heavenly experience. This unique property is located within a 1,800-acre nature preserve in the mountains, an hour and a half south of the capital city of Managua. Tucked into the pristine cloud forest is an intimate resort compound that includes just four suites and four villas. Each guest accommodation is provided with its own local guide and all-terrain vehicle for navigating the jungle. The architecture follows the principles of Feng Shui, as each villa is aligned to specific cardinal orientations to receive positive and enhanced energies. Water sculptures and features are integrated into the design to replenish healthy energy, and a color palate of warm neutral tones mirrors the colors of the land. Guest rooms are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows to usher in views.

The living room of the Grand Suite Villa at Nekupe Sporting Resort takes full advantage of the views of surrounding mountains, with windows and terraces that blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Photo: Nekupe

Adventure and wellness are the dual themes at Nekupe. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, sporting clay and target shooting, bird and wildlife watching and ATV rides. More relaxing activities include daily outdoor and indoor yoga, cooking and cocktail making classes, gardening and farming lessons, spa treatments, dancing or painting classes and excursions to neighboring towns or one of the many volcanoes. The resort follows socially responsible operating principles. The resort owners have reforested the surrounding area by planting more than 14,000 trees to attract butterflies and birds. The resort is solar powered, and includes green houses, plantain and wheat fields, a henhouse and a 13,000-square-foot organic garden that provides most of the resort’s produce.

Nekupe Sporting Resort is nestled into a mountain cloud forest in the highlands of western Nicaragua. Guests have exclusive access to the forest trails of a 1,600-acre nature preserve. Photo: Nekupe

The Lake

Jicaro Island Ecolodge sits on a private island in Lake Nicaragua, just a short boat ride away from the historic Colonial-era town of Granada. This intimate off-grid retreat is the creation of Karen Emanuel, a London-based businesswoman who fell in love with Nicaragua, and purchased the island in 2007. Three years later, the resort opened with nine two-level bungalows set on the shores of the lake. Each of these spacious, stand-alone structures has kitchens, social areas and large master bedrooms that open onto sweeping views of Mombacho Volcano and Lake Nicaragua. All structures and furnishings are fashioned from salvaged wood downed by a 2007 hurricane, and during construction, no large trees or boulders were removed from the site, and instead the lodge was designed and built around them.

Jicaro Island Ecolodge is located on a small private island on the western shores of Lake Nicaragua. It is a self-sustaining and eco-friendly resort that can be reached by water taxi. Photo: Jicaro

Health and well being is a key focus at Jicaro, which has a dedicated lakefront yoga deck, and a wellness center that offers a range of massage therapies and healing programs that take place in a pair of open-air treatment rooms overlooking Lake Nicaragua. Jicaro follows both Nicaraguan and internationally accepted standards for green operations. There is an on-site wastewater treatment center, water is heated by solar panels, and the resort uses only organic and biodegradable soaps, detergents and spa products. In addition to relaxation and wellness activities, guest can kayak to nearby islands, explore Masaya Volcano National Park, engage in cultural activities in surrounding villages and visit the historic city of Granada.

Guest accommodations at Jicaro Island Ecolodge focus on the water. Each of the resort’s nine bungalows feature open floor plans that deliver views, while also ushering in cooling lake breezes. Photo: Jicaro

Islands, Oceania, Stay, Tahiti, Trip Ideas

Best Snorkeling in Moorea

May 18, 2018

Leave a comment

To call Moorea’s sparking turquoise water inviting would be an understatement. The island is surrounded by coral fringed lagoons filled with colorful tropical fish and vibrant reefs. Some of the best snorkeling sites can be found right off hotel beaches and among the pilings of overwater bungalows. Here are three top picks for travelers who want to enjoy top notch snorkeling at a first class resort.

InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa

Set between two bays and sprawling across more than 40 waterfront acres on Moorea’s north coast, the InterContinental offers a variety of snorkeling experiences. There is a fully-enclosed lagoon where youngsters and beginners can build confidence, a network of small, interconnected islands surrounded by shallow coral heads, and a beach that opens to an expansive reef and a tidal channel. Guests can enter and exit the water at numerous points, and spend hours skirting the shore or venturing across the channel to a large area of coral heads that extend to a barrier reef. The resort is also home to a dolphin research and rehabilitation program and a turtle rescue center, and offers daily boat trips to a small, uninhabited island surrounded by reefs. Serious snorkelers can also book excursions for stingray and shark encounters with Top Dive Sports, which has an on-site facility.

Bungalows at the InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa sit on the shores of a collection of small islands. Snorkelers can spend hours exploring the shores and lagoons. Photo: InterContinental

Bungalow-style accommodations line the shores of the InterContinental’s island cluster, and are nestled into the garden-like grounds, which hold more that 200 species of tropical plants and trees. The resort is more family- friendly than many other properties in Moorea, and some bungalow classes provide separate living areas with additional bedding to accommodate young guests. Three on-site restaurants offer fine dining, casual options or buffet convenience, and the staff can coordinate a number of unique private dining experiences. Also on the grounds is the award-winning Hélène Spa, which was the first full-service spa in French Polynesia.

At the InterContinental, a dolphin research facility provides guests with an opportunity to observe and interact with marine mammals in a natural setting. Photo: InterContinental

Hilton Moorea Lagoon

Many consider the waters surrounding the Hilton to have the best snorkeling reefs in Moorea. The property sits on a point of land between the clear waters of Opunohu and Cook Bays, and corals begin just a few yards from shore, and extend into the shallows underneath the pilings of the resort’s extensive collection of overwater bungalows. Snorkeling is best when waters are relatively shallow, and the Hilton provides acres of sea bottom that is four to five feet deep, and home to more than two dozen species of coral and hundreds of varieties of tropical fish. More adventurous snorkelers can roam farther afield to arrive at a barrier reef on the edge of blue water, or follow the edge of a deeper tidal channel for a chance to see eagle rays and small blacktip reef sharks.

Scattered coral heads cover the shallows at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort, where guests can begin snorkel trips from shore or the deck of an overwater bungalow. Photo: Hilton

With just over 100 rooms, the Hilton is relatively small in comparison to other properties in Moorea, but it offers all the amenities one would expect from a top-rated beach resort. Guest amenities include a fitness center, infinity pool, tennis courts and a range of complimentary water activities. The resort’s two restaurants serve traditional Polynesian and international cuisine, and the Toatea Lounge is the only overwater bar in Tahiti. Rooms are divided between overwater bungalows, beachfront bungalows, and garden bungalows, and most have most with private pools. All units come with plush beds, minibars, sleek bathrooms with stand-alone tubs and separate showers, and furnished outdoor spaces.

Reef fish gather among the corals at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort. This area benefits from the tidal flows that nurture corals and support a variety of marine life. Photo: Hilton

Sofitel Ia Ora Beach Resort

Guests who stay in Ia Ora’s overwater bungalows can catch a preview of snorkeling activity by simply looking through the glass viewing windows set into bedroom floors. Entering the liquid realm is equally easy, as steps lead from private decks right into the water. But excellent snorkeling opportunities aren’t confined to the premium overwater accommodations. A large patch of coral begins right in front of the main beach, allowing guests who stay ashore in the garden bungalows to begin their in-water explorations without having to make a long swim. The barrier reef that flanks the shoreline creates calm conditions for snorkelers, and the lagoon holds an abundance of tropical fish.

The Sofitel Ia Ora Beach Resort sits at the sheltered upper end of a sheltering lagoon. Corals grow close to the beach, and extend outward to a barrier reef. Photo: Sofitel

Ia Ora sits on one of Moorea’s best beaches. The setting is private and quiet, but also convenient to the airport, and to off-property shopping and dining. The resort itself boasts two premier restaurants and an award-winning spa that specializes in traditional Polynesian treatments. The hotel grounds are nicely landscaped, and deliver an ambiance that is a blend of French elegance, Polynesian hospitality and tropical island relaxation. Rooms are finished in a sleek, contemporary décor that showcases rich natural materials and ushers in an abundance of ambient light. Beach time and water sports are the primary focus, and guests can enjoy a range of activities that include paddle sports, sailing, fishing and cruises to small, uninhabited islands within the lagoon.

A snorkeler explores coral formations that begin just off the shores of Sofitel Ia Ora. The resort’s lagoon offers calm conditions and clear water. Photo: Sofitel

Calabash Cove

Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort

Coco Palm Resort

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia

Carlisle Bay, Antigua

Park Hyatt, St. Kitts

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, BVI

Four Seasons, Nevis

Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, Aruba

Silversands, Grenada

The Reefs Resort & Club, Bermuda

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Dominican Republic

Bay Gardens Resorts, St. Lucia

Curtain Bluff, Antigua

The Sands at Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos

Carlisle Bay, Antigua

Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

Montpelier Plantation & Beach, Nevis

La Isabela Suites

The Bristol Panama

The Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort

Waldorf Astoria Panama City

Fond Doux Holiday Plantation, St. Lucia

Le Domaine Saint Aubin, Martinique

Balenbouche Estate, St. Lucia

Yoga Los Sueños at Hotelito Los Sueños

Paraiso Yoga

Haramara Retreat

Aurinko Bungalows

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Nanuku

Vomo Island

The Beach

The Mountains

The Lake

InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa

Hilton Moorea Lagoon

Sofitel Ia Ora Beach Resort

Most Popular Articles

The Tropics are Calling

The Tropics are
Calling