Tag Archives: Stay

Dominican Republic Grand Palladium Bavaro Swim Up Pool Suite

Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Stay, Trip Ideas

Punta Cana’s Best Swim-up Suites

December 21, 2016

The Dominican Republic is known for its upscale all-inclusive resorts. At these premier beachside properties, guests want for nothing, and enjoy a rich smorgasbord of activities, entertainment and fine dining. And forget hotel rooms, the trend here is suites, rivaling the average Manhattan apartment in size, and decorated as lavishly as a Park Avenue penthouse. And as icing on the cake, a number of resorts have added in a final element of indulgence: immediate access to a private terrace and swimming pool. Here are three of our favorite resorts in the Punta Cana resort area that offer swim-up suites.

Majestic Elegance Punta Cana

The swim-up suites at this five-star property open to one of the most spectacular pools in the Caribbean. This free form waterway stretches for more than 800 feet through the heart of the resort, and just beyond the pool’s outer edge are the white sands of Bavaro Beach and big views of the Atlantic Ocean. With both indoor and outdoor whirlpools, Bali beds and separate living and sleeping spaces in each thousand-square-foot suite, there is a wealth of private relaxation spaces to enjoy. But there are even more incentives to venture out and discover the Majestic Elegance’s full range of upscale amenities and services. Seven on-site restaurants offer a range of international cuisines, along with 16 bars spaced from lobby to pool, beach and casino. The property includes both family-friendly areas and an adults-only Elegance Club. Also on site are an on-site spa, two-story fitness center, theatre and nightclub.

In addition to providing easy access to a prime section of Bavaro Beach, ground floor suites at the Majestic Elegance are just steps away from a huge pool. Photo: Majestic Resorts

The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real Resort

This resort within a resort is a boutique enclave designed with families in mind. In addition to direct access to a dedicated family-friendly pool, the recently completed suites of The Reserve are designed with numerous private spaces for family leisure including a large shaded terrace with a whirlpool and a garden area with a thatched cabana that creates a Caribbean beach feel right outside the room. Each suite features a pull out second bed, and suites can connect for added space. Guests at The Reserve are served by a family concierge, and a dedicated lobby with a relaxation area with snacks, a reading corner and Internet service, all specially designed for children ages 2 to 12. Teens and adults are not slighted either, as they have access to all of Paradisus Palma’s extensive amenities, including two additional pools, a beach club, private golf course and the YHI spa. The resort in noted for the quality and variety of its dining options, and for an extensive program of activities, workshops, parties, shows and live music, suitable for all ages.

The family friendly suites of The Reserve at Paradisus Palma add a touch of Caribbean charm with thatch-roofed palapas, gardens and private verandahs. Photo: Melia Hotels

Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites

As part of a recent property-wide renovation, the Grand Palladium added six oceanfront suites that became an instant favorite with honeymooners and anyone else seeking to transform a vacation into a truly memorable stay. The views are unrivaled, with each suite opening onto a private terrace, with direct ocean views framed by palms and a sparkling pool reserved for the exclusive use of suite guests. Private amenities include Bali beds, indoor and outdoor whirlpools, king-sized memory foam bedding and, should you want to bring the youngsters, a pull out bed in the living area. With 14 restaurants and 15 bars on site, and full privileges at two adjacent Palladium properties, guests have an almost overwhelming range of choices for dining, relaxation and entertainment. The something-for-everyone appeal is enhanced by dedicated adults-only areas, a highly rated kids club, and a full range of complementary land and water sports to sample.

The beachside pool at the Grand Palladium is reserved for guests staying in the adjacent suites. Interiors feature marble floors and rich mahogany woodwork. Photo: Palladium Hotels

Cancun, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Stay, Trip Ideas

Rustic-Luxe Caribbean Retreats

November 29, 2016

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There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the tropical experience than to stay in a resort built from local resources, surrounded by nature and far removed from the congested hotel zones and tourist hustle. At these select resorts, nature and comfort come together to create unique spaces for relaxation and reconnection.

CasaSandra Boutique Hotel, Holbox, Mexico

When Cuban artist and poet, Sandra Pérez, discovered Holbox Island, she knew it would become home. Though just 30 miles north of the mega resorts of Cancun, Holbox is a very different world; a place of deserted beaches, sand roads and traditional village life. The beachside retreat she created now welcomes guests seeking a respite from the 21st century in a relaxing atmosphere inspired by both nature and art. The whitewashed, thatch-roofed buildings of CasaSandra are finished with beamed ceilings of native wood, earth-tone tile and bright carpets and tapestries. Original artworks by Pérez and other Cuban artists adorn the walls, and each of the 18 rooms is individually decorated in handmade Mexican furniture and Cuban antiques. Luxuriant mattresses are covered in Egyptian cotton sheets, and set within white netting. With no telephones, televisions or clocks to distract, guests can take in views of the beach and the bright waters of the Caribbean from their room or terrace.

Native woods, whitewashed walls and thatched roofing set the tone for public spaces at CasaSandra Hotel. Guests are just steps away from a deserted beach that stretches for miles. Photo: Frank Lynen/CasaSandra

Holbox Island lies within Mexico’s large ecological reserve, Yum Balam, which encompasses more than 38 million acres of protected areas. The diverse ecosystems of the reserve are home to more than 500 species of birds, including pink flamingos and white pelicans. Hawksbill turtles come ashore to nest on the island’s long expanse of wild beach, and each summer huge but harmless whale sharks return to area waters, giving adventurous snorkelers a rare chance to swim with the biggest fish in the sea.

The setting, architecture, furnishings and artwork of CasaSandra all come together to represent the artistic vision of the resort’s founder: artist, poet and musician Sandra Pérez. Photo: Frank Lynen/CasaSandra

The Caves, Negril, Jamaica

Native stone, natural woodwork and thatch roofing set the tone for the cliffside villas of The Caves, which seem to have sprung organically from limestone bluffs on Jamaica’s far western shore. This boutique resort offers just 12 oceanfront cottages, plus one ultra private four-bedroom villa, all set in a lushly landscaped 10- acre compound. Each guest cottage or suite is unique in design, with vaulted ceilings and open floor plans that invite ocean breezes and big views of the Caribbean Sea. Interiors are finished with handcrafted wood furnishings, batik print fabrics and stained glass accents. Colors are primary and tropical, a blend of tones often combining blues from periwinkle to aqua to deep Mediterranean blue. Unexpected pieces of art are found over doors, on tables and even around the outdoor showers. These details come together to deliver a seductive casual stylishness that permeates through the property, where winding paths flanked with tropicals and palms connect individual cottages.

On Jamaica’s western coast, The Caves resort is perched on the edge of a limestone cliff, providing guests with panoramic ocean views from rooms built of local rock and woods. Photo: Adrian Boot/The Caves

Cliffside water views from rooms and terraces encourage relaxation, and the on-site spa all but guarantees a state of physical bliss. Those seeking active adventures can swim, snorkel or explore the hidden sea caves and grottoes by kayak. For the intrepid willing to make a 30-foot plunge into the clear waters below, there are even cliff jumping lessons. Nighttime brings stargazing and private candlelight dining inside a candlelit grotto, where couples can linger over sumptuous five-course meals or enjoy a local taste of Jamaican barbecue. This secluded and sexy spot is ideal for reconnecting with your significant other, honeymooning or just finding romance.

Each room at The Caves is unique, and designed to highlight the surroundings. Rooms are nestled into a 10-acre garden, and perch on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Photo: Nilolas Koenig/The Caves

Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge, Barahona, Dominican Republic

What began as a family’s private summer home has since evolved into an intimate country inn that provides a limited number of guests with an unrivaled combination of luxury and natural beauty. Set in the midst of a lush tropical landscape on the south coast of the Dominican Republic, the resort provides both a haven for relaxation and a base for active adventures. Each of the resort’s 12 rooms provides private balconies positioned to provide views of the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Barahuco Mountains. Interiors feature high ceilings adorned with natural woods, simple yet elegant wood and wicker furnishings, and bedding covered with 300 count thread cotton linens, down feather pillows and duvets. Graphic art by acclaimed conservation photographer Eladio Fernandez grace the walls, and bathrooms include both indoor and outdoor showers.

Once a private vacation retreat, Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge is nestled into a landscape of palm and mahogany trees on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Photo: Casa Bonita

Casa Bonita maintains a strong connection to the environment and the local community by purchasing from local artisans, employing from within the area, and supporting local initiatives in education, medical assistance and beach preservation. Much of the cuisine served at the resort is grown at Pat’s Organic Garden, the onsite organic farm named after visiting horticulturist Pat Kennedy. Guests may even take part in the harvesting of organic vegetables, fruits & herbs. For those seeking more than relaxation, a canopy tour delivers a 1,000-meter journey through the treetops of the Sierra Barahuco Mountains with 10 platforms positioned with optimal vantage points. The resort’s yacht cruises the Barahona coast to explore nearby reefs and mangroves and to discover hidden beaches and snorkeling reefs, as well as fishing in the Curro Bay. In addition, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking are all part of the outdoor experience.

The dining room at Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge serves a savory array of farm-to-table cuisines, with most ingredients sourced from local farmers and from the resort’s on-site organic garden. Photo: Casa Bonita

Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Oahu, Stay, Trip Ideas

Hawaiian Resorts With Holiday Traditions

November 14, 2016

So staying home for the holidays isn’t your thing… but you do enjoy celebrating the Christmas spirit. You can have it both ways at several of Hawaii’s premier resorts, where traditions of the season unfold against a backdrop of sunny skies, surf-washed beaches and the blue ocean.

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Oahu

Hula dancers and island-style holiday music welcome Santa to the shores of the Outrigger Waikiki. On December 10, children can greet Santa as he makes his first visit, where he will arrive by outrigger canoe. A chat with Old Saint Nick and a photo session takes place in the resort’s main lobby, which is the site of more family holiday festivities through the month of December. The resort is decked in traditional Hawaiian Christmas decorations, gingerbread houses and edible Christmas trees. Eggnog is at Friday evening receptions on the 16 and 23 of December, and festivities staged throughout the month give guests the opportunity to learn about Hawaiian Christmas culture and celebrate the holidays with island style. http://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/hawaii/oahu/outrigger- waikiki-beach-resort

When Santa makes his yearly visit to the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, he leaves the sleigh up north and makes his entrance to the beach by riding a canoe through the surf. Photo: Outrigger Waikiki

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kona, Big Island

From December 19, 2016 until January 3, 2017, in-house resort guests and homeowners at the Four Seasons can look forward to an array of special activities to celebrate the holidays. Premier events are the luaus and Polynesian shows that take place on December 20 and 27, adding a touch of the islands to the holiday season. On Christmas Eve, families gather at the resort’s Hualalai ballroom for arts and crafts, face painting and a special appearance from Santa. The following day, Christmas dinner takes the form of a buffet at the ULU Ocean Grill with sushi, seafood cold bar, carving board selections, and seasonal-inspired favorites. New Year’s Eve kicks off with a buffet under the stars, and afterward guests are encouraged to kick off their shoes and head to the sand for dancing and a dessert buffet. As the year comes to a close the fireworks begin. http://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai

Beachfront dining and a midnight fireworks show on New Year’s Eve are just two of the memorable holiday traditions enjoyed by guests of the Four Seasons Hualalai resort in Kona. Photo: Four Seasons

Sheraton Waikiki, Oahu

Each December for nearly a decade, guests heading into the lobby of this Waikiki oceanfront resort are greeted by holiday images in the form of sand sculptures. Every year the hotel ships in several tons of sand and invites skilled sand sculptors to create unique wonders. The first creation of the 2016 holiday season is a family of four ready to surf, snorkel and hit the beach. The most iconic creation of 2015 was a tableau of Santa Claus playing the ukulele and singing to Mrs. Claus. These sculptures bring people in from all over the islands and returning guests come back year after year to participate in this unique tradition. On Christmas Day, guests enjoy a special dinner buffet masterfully prepared by Executive Chef Darren Demaya and his team, served at Kai Market overlooking the infinite edge pool and Waikiki Beach. http://www.sheraton-waikiki.com

Each year since 2007, the Sheraton Waikiki has invited talented sand sculptors to create unique works for the holiday season; this work known as “Santa’s Selfie” was created in 2015. Photo: Sheraton Waikiki

Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Nevis, St. Lucia, Stay, Trinidad & Tobago, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Best Caribbean Resorts for Holiday Celebrations

November 8, 2016

You won’t have to choose between a white Christmas and a Caribbean holiday getaway at these resorts, which honor holiday traditions, but with a tropical spin. And for the white stuff? Look no farther than the beach.

The Buccaneer, St. Croix, USVI

Santa comes to the tropics to visit this beachfront classic resort on Christmas morning, with presents for the children staying there. Midday is devoted to lounging on the beach and listening to live local bands, then guests gather at the historic Great House to enjoy a holiday buffet created by Executive Chef Dave Kendrick. A week later, when it’s time to ring in the New Year, the party moves to The Terrace restaurant, which sits high on the hill overlooking the grounds and beach. Guests enjoy a New Year’s Eve buffet complete with carving stations, followed by a champagne toast at midnight. There are fireworks, which can be enjoyed from The Terrace bar or from private room patios or balconies. www.thebuccaneer.com

After a morning visit from Santa, Christmas Day is spent enjoying live bands and sunshine on the beach at St. Croix’s Buccaneer resort. Photo: The Buccaneer Resort

Windjammer Landing, St. Lucia

The Windjammer Landing goes all out for Christmas, with a tree lighting ceremony, special Christmas menus and a visit from Santa, who makes a visit to the sun and sand at Labrelotte Bay. Guests wanting a taste of sweet holiday spirit will find eggnog stocked at the bar and restaurant during the season. The resort is popular for family and group holiday getaways, with villas of two to five bedroom boasting private pools where everyone can gather before heading out to the resort’s festivities. www.windjammer-landing.com

Families and groups can gather for private celebrations at the villas of St. Lucia’s Windjammer Landing, and then join a range of resort-wide activities. Photo: Windjammer Landing

Montpelier Plantation & Beach Resort, Nevis

This elegant enclave brings in a holiday choir to kick off the festivities on Christmas Eve. In keeping with the resort’s tradition, guests are invited to join in to sing The 12 Days of Christmas. The evening continues with refreshments in the stone walled Restaurant 750 before moving to the terrace for an elegant meal paired with fine wine to celebrate Christmas Eve. As the holiday spirit progresses, guests can join the “Save Water, and Drink Champagne” event at the poolside restaurant Indigo. Here, the bubbles flow all afternoon, accompanied by light canapés. On New Year’s Eve, there is a white party held on Montpelier’s private beach. The night unfolds with a big beachside bonfire as guests dine and dance to live music before ringing in the New Year. www.montpeliernevis.com

One of the signature traditions at the Montpelier Plantation & Beach Resort on Nevis is the poolside known as “Save Water, and Drink Champagne.” Photo: Montpelier Plantation

Mango Bay Hotel, Barbados

Located in historic Holetown, this small all-inclusive resort offers guests of all ages a range of holiday activities. During afternoon tea, a primary school choir visits the hotel to serenade guests. Santa Claus arrives on Christmas morning, and during the day guests indulge in Christmas breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are candy hunts and a piñata party for the youngsters, and Boxing Day brings races, sand building workshops and an evening movie on the beach. Entertainment and fireworks follow the resort’s annual New Year’s Eve Grand Buffet. mangobayresort.com

Special Christmas activities at Barbados’s Mango Bay Hotel include choir concerts, a visit from Santa beach parties and holiday foods. Photo: Mango Bay

Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada

Music fills the resort during the weeks leading up to Christmas, with a mix of Grenada top brass bands, steel bands and choirs, all rotating nightly to put guest in the holiday spirit. Christmas Eve is a time for caroling and the following morning begins with a champagne brunch. Guests head beachside to round out the day with a buffet lunch to the background sounds of the Jolly Boys—a local group playing Caribbean tunes. Dinner is a traditional Christmas meal served at Oliver’s restaurant. On New Year’s Eve, a culinary journey begins at 7pm and guests dance until midnight when the firework welcome in the New Year. www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com

Music enlivens the holiday season at the Spice Island Beach Resort, where the sounds of Grenada’s favorite brass bands, steel bands and choirs put guest in the holiday spirit. Photo: Dehoog/Spice Island Resort

Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is home to the Christmas Elf Village, an edible community of 12 elves, which are brilliantly colored showpieces made of pure chocolate and fondant. In addition, there are two holiday dessert-making classes hosted by pastry chef, Melissa Logan. The Gingerbread House workshop brings families together to decorate a pre-made house with edible decorations. The second class is devoted to making the chocolate roulade and butter crème Yule Log. In this class guests learn how to roll the log with different filling and add decoration. The New Year’s Eve ball includes a festive dinner with music of Spinphony, a string group. After dinner the DJ takes over and couples hit the beach for dancing and fireworks at midnight. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/grand-cayman

The Christmas Elf Village is a tasty tradition at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. These chocolate confections are just for show, but guests can create their own gingerbread houses. Photo: Irene Corty/Ritz-Carlton

Peter Island Resort & Spa, Peter Island, BVI

Christmas Eve kicks off with a visit from the Peter Island Choir, followed by dinner and guitar music. Christmas Day takes guests to the beach for a sandcastle building competition while waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. At the resort, a steel band plays holiday music and moko jumbies entertain guests. New Year’s Eve begins with a pre-gala cocktail hour featuring flowing champagne and oyster stations. Dinner is a grand gala buffet while the Elvis White band plays. After the meal a DJ spins and fireworks bring in the midnight hour. Guests are free to find their own private holiday moments on the 1,800 acres that make up the island resort. peterisland.com

Guests at Peter Island Resort can start with caroling and a visit from Santa, then go tropical with steel band music and a parade of stilt-walking moko jumbies. Photo: Peter Island Resort

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia

Magic, meditation and mind reading ring in the holidays at Sugar Beach as well as traditions of lantern lighting and tree decorating. Holiday activities include appearances from Michal Sindelar, magician and illusionist, who will engage guests in his defying magic tricks with cards, coins and balloons. Gerard Senehi, the master mentalist, will perform mind reading, telekinesis and telepathy in his show. A small session is open for moonlight crystal mediations with Latham Thomas. And, for the little ones, Santa arrives on Sugar Beach by boat to hand out presents. New Year’s Eve begins with a young DJ, Fulano Librizzi, and as the evening progresses DJ Marc JB takes over to usher in the New Year. A highlight of the night is the fireworks show against the backdrop of the pitons. www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/sugarbeach

At the Sugar Beach resort, the holidays are enlivened by visits from magicians and mind readers, and a New Year’s Eve fireworks show with a backdrop of the Pitons. Photo: Sugar Beach

Hyatt Regency, Trinidad

Everyone in the culturally rich islands of Trinidad & Tobago celebrate the holidays. Children go from house to house for festive food and drink, with holiday favorites that include pastelles, spicy meat filled corn patties, and black fruitcake. At the resort guests can enjoy holiday specialties like sorrel, which is a crimson-colored drink obtained from a local flower, ginger beer, and ponche de crème, which is a sweet milk and rum-based drink similar to eggnog. At the end of the day, celebrants can take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool and enjoy the views overlooking the city, with a sorrel mojito in hand. trinidad.regency.hyatt.com

One of the favorite seasonal libations offered at Trinidad’s Hyatt Regency is sorrel, which is a crimson-colored drink, here, in the form of a mojito. Photo: Hyatt Regency

Hermitage Plantation, Nevis

The Hermitage holiday experience is reminiscent of a home party. The halls are decked, the sorrel and black cake is served and carolers come to visit. Because the planation is a family home, guests are made to feel like family members. When the children make Christmas cookies, guest can join in. On Christmas Eve, the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes is served. Christmas Day is typically spent at the beach after a Christmas buffet brunch. Afterward, guests come home to a visit from carolers from nearby church choirs. Christmas dinner its roast goose and all of the trimmings followed by Victorian figgy pudding. New Year’s Eve is a more subdued dinner of beef and salmon followed by drinks and relaxing music. www.hermitagenevis.com

At the family-owned Hermitage Plantation on Nevis, guests enjoy an intimate setting and holiday traditions such as caroling, and a Christmas dinner with roast goose. Photo: Hermitage Plantation

Laluna, Grenada

The white sand beach at Laluna replaces snow to create a tropical white Christmas, where villas are decked out with holiday decorations. Every year, carolers visit the Laluna Sunset Lounge, and guests gather around to enjoy the music and sip Ponche Crème, a local version of eggnog that infused with rum. Christmas lunch is celebrated as a barbecue on the beach. For holiday tastes from the tropics there is sorrel and black cake. www.laluna.com/

Each December, the beachside villas of Grenada’s Laluna resort are decorated and lit for the holiday season. Guests gather at the beach on Christmas day for a mid-day barbecue. Photo: Laluna Resort

Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach and Palace, Dominican Republic

These sister properties offer a wealth of special activities for the two weeks around Christmas and New Years. Both resorts are decorated with lights, trees and wreaths by early December, and Santa makes his first appearance for the lighting of the main Christmas tree a few days before Christmas. On the night of December 24, a live nativity scene is set on the beach and Santa comes for his visit in the late afternoon on December 25, landing by parachute to deliver presents to each of the kids at the resort. On New Year’s Eve, there is a huge party with Olympics games, live music and a gala dinner and show. The holiday activities continue until January 6. www.vivaresorts.com

In the Dominican Republic, the adjacent resorts of Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach and Palace liven up the Christmas season with a live nativity scene and a visit from Santa. Photo: Viva Wyndham

Caribbean, Nevis, Stay, Trip Ideas

Celebrate the Broadway hit “Hamilton” on Nevis

November 3, 2016

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The Broadway smash-hit Hamilton wowed audiences and critics alike, earning 11 Tony Awards, a Grammy and a Pulitzer Prize. The musical tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton in the language and music of hip-hop and R&B, breaking boundaries in what we have known as the typical American musical. The show is the creation of Lin-Manuel Miranda, a young composer who drew inspiration from the biography “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow. The show has already sparked newfound interest on the man pictured on the 10-dollar bill, and “Hamilton Fever” will likely continue as the show goes national in 2017.

One of many interesting biographic details the musical brings to light is Hamilton’s Caribbean origin. Born on the island of Nevis, young Alexander spent his early years in the island’s capital city of Charleston. His childhood home site is one of the favorite attractions for visitors to this quiet island. Now, in celebration of the island’s native son, a number of the island’s historic inns and hotels have created special packages and incentives to encourage Hamilton fans to come for a visit that blends American history and Caribbean relaxation.

The Hermitage Plantation Inn

The Hermitage Plantation Inn has introduced the Full Hamilton History Package, a fitting program for a property that is itself a historic landmark. The resort includes a group of meticulously restored chattel houses clustered around the 350-year-old great house that is said to be the Caribbean’s oldest surviving wooden building. Highlights of the package include a specially curated island history tour, a copy of the newly published book of the musical, and an afternoon sail to view Hamilton’s homeland from the sea. A portion of package proceeds will be donated to the Graham Wyndham Foundation, the orphanage founded by Hamilton’s widow, Eliza. www.hermitagenevis.com

A collection of restored chattel houses sits among orchid gardens and groves of cocoa, mango and breadfruit trees at Nevis’ Hermitage Plantation Inn. Photo: Debbie Snow

Montpelier Plantation & Beach

History and luxury come together with the Hamilton Package at the Montpelier Plantation & Beach. A member of the elite Relais & Chateau hospitality group, the Montpelier occupies the restored grounds of 300-year old sugar plantation, and has been named one of the Caribbean’s top boutique hotels. Guests are provided with a half-day excursion to Charlestown to visit Hamilton House at the Museum of Nevis History and enjoy a tour of the historic sights of the capital city. Upon returning, participants can then relax with a “Hamiltonian Green” couples massage in a relaxing outdoor tropical setting, and end their evening with signature nightcap cocktail, the “Brandy Alexander Hamilton”. www.montpeliernevis.com

On the restored grounds of a 17th century sugar plantation, the Montpelier Plantation combines five-star service with a quiet hillside setting overlooking the Caribbean. Photo: Debbie Snow

Nisbet Plantation Beach Club

In honor of our first Secretary of the Treasury’s legendary financial acumen, the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club has created the Alexander Hamilton “Take-It-To-The-Bank” Package, which provides substantial discounts or a resort add-on package. Constructed around an 18th-Century great house, this intimate resort overlooks a golden sand beach framed in majestic palms. Package perks include an island tour with a visit to Hamilton House Museum, a professional photo in front of the house, a candlelight dinner on the beach, and a treatment at the Palms Spa. This package can be combined with other specials to create additional savings and value. nisbetplantation.com

Stately palms and green lawns are signature elements of the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club. The resort’s tradition of afternoon tea adds a touch of British charm. Photo: Debbie Snow

Four Seasons Resort Nevis

The Four Seasons Resort has caught Hamilton Fever with the Perfect Union Package. At the island’s premier beach resort couples can rediscover their own “more perfect” union with variety of included experiences designed to reaffirm life, liberty and happiness. Highlights include a private candle-lit beach dinner featuring a colonial era-style or customized menu served to the accompaniment of a historic storyteller. Also in the mix are a private guided hike of Hamilton Estate, visits to the History of Nevis Museum and Hamilton House a spa under the stars experience and VIP treatment on arrival and departure. www.fourseasons.com/nevis

Guests at the Four Seasons Nevis enjoy sweeping views of Nevis Peak and direct access to the island’s finest golden-sand beach, premier golf course and a spa. Photo: Debbie Snow

Paradise Beach Nevis

Travelers who book a luxurious four-bedroom ocean or garden villa at Paradise Beach Nevis can shave 17 percent off their housing budget with the Hamilton 1755 Package. This upscale enclave brings a touch of Bali to the Caribbean with thatch-roofed villas that feature open floor plans and rich wood accents that complement sweeping ocean and island landscapes. In addition to the savings, the 1775 package includes a private island tour of historic sites, including Alexander Hamilton House / Museum of Nevis History. Guests will also be gifted with a copy of Alexander Hamilton, Ron Chernow’s bestselling book that inspired the play. www.paradisebeachnevis.com

The thatch-roofed villas of Paradise Beach Nevis are nestled in lush landscaping, and have private pools and exclusive beach access. Photo: Ken Hayden/Paradise Beach

Islands, Oceania, Stay, Tahiti

Bora Bora’s Best Over-the-Water Bungalows

October 31, 2016

It’s the ultimate tropical island fantasy. You are ensconced in a thatch- roofed bungalow perched above turquoise waters. Colorful tropical fish flit among the pilings, while across the lagoon an emerald peak is lit by the setting sun. Over-water accommodations are a signature offering in the islands of Tahiti, and no place on earth can equal the magnificent collection that graces the lagoons of Bora Bora. For the ultimate island escape, these prime properties have no equal.

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

The bungalows at the Four Seasons Resort epitomize the over-water experience. Glass floor panels provide provocative peaks at what lies below, verandas and gazebos command unobstructed views of iconic Mount Otemanu, and infinity edge plunge pools and soak tubs blur the boundaries between water and sky. Mornings begin with breakfasts delivered by ceremonial Polynesian canoe; 24-7 butler service provides for every need throughout the day; and intimate personally catered sunset dinners can be enjoyed on private decks or on a remote beach.

Bora Bora Four Seasons OVerwater Bungalows

The over-water bungalows at the Four Seasons Bora Bora include private infinity edge plunge pools and soak tubs, plus direct access to the waters of the lagoon. Photo: Moevea de Rosemont/Four Seasons

A stroll down a connecting boardwalk leads to Four Season’s private 54-acre island, where four restaurants and beach bars offer a range of cuisines and unsurpassed views of lagoon and reef. Equally stunning is the view from the relaxation spaces of the signature spa, which features a number of treatments that incorporate traditional Polynesian ingredients. Guests have exclusive access to an over-water yoga platform and the Ruahatu Lagoon Sanctuary, where snorkel excursions are supervised by the resort’s in-house marine biologist. At night, bedrooms can be opened to the lagoon to invite sea breezes and the gentle sound of lapping waves.

A complementary shuttle boat brings guests from the airport to the Four Season’s private 54-acre island. Snorkelers enjoy exclusive access to the Ruahatu Lagoon Sanctuary. Photo: Barbara Kraft/Four Seasons

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort

Tucked between an aquamarine lagoon and the sapphire blue water of the Pacific Ocean, Motu Piti Aau deserves its nickname: the islet of two hearts. This small strip of land is home to the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort, where water lovers will indeed have much to take to heart. Here, bungalows don’t just sit over the water; they embrace the aquatic realm in every way possible. Floor to ceiling glass walls bring panoramic views of the lagoon into every room. Glass topped coffee tables give unique views of tropical fish, and even the bathtub offers a picture perfect view of the water.

Bora Bora InterContinental Bungalow Overhead

An aerial view of an over-water bungalow at the InterContinental Bora Bora. Steps lead from the shaded verandah to a sun deck where guests can plunge into the sparkling lagoon. Photo: Tim Mckenna/InterContinental

The décor is a blend of sleek contemporary and traditional Polynesian design touches, leading seamlessly from inside to waterfront verandahs that offer both shaded porches and warm sundecks. The property includes an array of casually elegant restaurants and bars, and the Deep Ocean Spa – is the first seawater therapy spa in French Polynesia. In over-water treatment rooms fitted with glass floors, guests can experience thalassotherapy, which blends modern wellness techniques with ancient Polynesian healing rituals, making use of essential elements exacted from cool, nutrient rich waters pumped from ocean depths of 3,000 feet.

InterContinental Bora Bora Lagoon At Night

Spectacular sunset views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu come standard with every over-water bungalow at the InterContinental Bora Bora. The resort’s spa also faces the water. Photo: InterContinental

St. Regis Resort Bora Bora

The views may draw your attention outward, but at the St. Regis, inner spaces are equally spectacular. Sprawling over four private islands defined by white sand beaches, lagoons and tidal channels, this resort offers the most spacious and luxurious overwater accommodations in the South Pacific. One-bedroom units offer up to 2,000 square feet of private living space, while the premier two-bedroom Royal Overwater Villa is one of the largest overwater hotel rooms in the world. Waterfront decks and private gazebos flank plunge pools where cantilevered lights hang over the bright waters of the lagoon. Sun beds and heated whirlpools provide additional opportunities for relaxation, while interiors are adorned with custom Polynesian sculptures and scenic paintings by local artists.

St Regis Bora Bora Private Whirlpool Villa

Over-water villas at the St. Regis Bora Bora include shaded gazebos and heated whirlpools. Interiors are adorned with Polynesian sculptures and original works by local artists. Photo: Eric Pinel/St. Regis

Though expansive, the immaculate landscaped resort grounds maintain an intimate feel, and include all the amenities and luxuries associated with the St. Regis brand, including their legendary butler service and a signature over-water restaurant by star chef Jean-Georges. Sitting on its own island is the Clarins spa, which features luxurious Polynesian, Asian and proprietary Clarins Touch treatments.

The over-water villas at the St. Regis Bora Bora are the largest and most luxurious of any resort in Polynesia. The property stretches across four immaculately landscaped private islands. Photo: Eric Pinel/St. Regis

Belize, Central America, Stay, Trip Ideas

Belize’s Best Diving Lodges

October 27, 2016

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Belize provides divers and snorkelers with some of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean. This small country also has some of the most memorable and picturesque places to stay. Instead of high-rise resorts, the small barrier islands that lie between the mainland and the Caribbean Sea are home to a number of lodge-style properties that deliver a more organic and personal beachfront experience. Here are four of Belize’s best dive lodges.

Ramon’s Village Resort

Just a short walk from the village of San Pedro, the thatched-roof cabanas of Ramon’s Village are Belize’s original dive resort. Situated on the shores of Ambergris Caye, within sight of the Belize Barrier Reef, Ramon’s caters to divers and snorkelers with boat trips to nearby reefs, and longer excursions to the famous animal interactions of Shark Ray Alley and day-long cruises to the pristine coral formations at Turneffe and Lighthouse reefs. The property is styled after a Polynesian village, but also incorporates Mayan sculptures into enveloping canopies of bougainvillea, lilies and hibiscus. The pool and a waterfront restaurant overlook a 500-foot stretch of coral-sand beach, and the on-site dive star is a PADI Gold Palm facility.

The distinctive thatch-roofed cottages of Ramon’s Village are styled to resemble Polynesian long houses, but the resort grounds and interior room decors feature traditional Mayan artwork. Photo: Ramon’s Village

Hatchet Caye Resort

Several miles off the fishing village of Placencia, Hatchet Caye gives divers and snorkelers easy access to the Gladden Spit Silk Cayes Marine Reserve. This area is famous for seasonal appearances of the largest fish in the sea— the impressive but harmless whale shark. The reserve is also home to some of the best coral reefs in Belize, and miles of shallow flats ideal for fishing and paddling. Guests who stay on this private island resort enjoy easy and exclusive access to prime dive sites, along with a mile of private beach. The resort includes a central lodge with five guest rooms and several stand- alone cabanas set in a waterfront palm grove. Unique adventures are the night snorkel encounters that happen when lights at the end of the island pier attract rays, squid, octopus and lobster.

Hatchet Caye Resort is located in an undeveloped area of Belize’s south- central coast, giving guests easy access to the Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, where whale sharks make seasonal visits. Photo: Hatchet Caye

St. George’s Caye Resort

There are no roads, no cars and no crowds on St. George’s Cay. This private island resort is just a short taxi boat away from Belize City, but blissfully removed from daily life. Forget television and phone service—though there is Wi-Fi connectivity in the main lodge. Scattered across the island are a collection of intimate garden, beachfront and over-water cabanas featuring open thatch roofs and rich Belizean hardwoods. Excellent diving and snorkeling sites are less than five minutes from shore. First-time divers can enjoy a complementary Discover Scuba program, and beach is stocked with complementary kayaks, windsurfers and sailboats. For an added indulgence, there is an on-site spa.

St. George’s Caye is a private island where guests can leave the world behind while still enjoying the comforts of civilization, along with exclusive access to great diving and snorkeling reefs. Photo: St. George’s Caye

Itza Lodge

Forty miles off the coast of Belize, one of the only coral atolls in the Caribbean rises from blue water to provide divers with colorful reefs, towering underwater walls and one of the world’s natural wonders: the Great Blue Hole. Not far from this dramatic World Heritage site is the Itza Lodge, which sits on remote Long Caye, surrounded by the reefs, lagoons and mangrove forests of Lighthouse Reef. The lodge is a masterpiece of elegant rustic simplicity, with rooms finished in natural wood planking, and balconies and verandahs open to sea breezes. The lodge offers all-inclusive lodging, meal and diving packages that allow guests to focus only on what matters.

Itza Lodge is located on the unspoiled coral atoll known as Lighthouse Reef. Located 40 miles off the coast, the lodge provides easy access to the famous Blue Hole and numerous other dive sites. Photo: Blake W. Ross/Itza Lodge

Anguilla, Caribbean, Nevis, St. Barts, Stay, Trip Ideas

Best Caribbean Family-Run Boutique Hotels

October 27, 2016

It’s great to be treated like family. And though many resorts will make that claim, the places that are best suited to deliver that special brand of warm, familiar service and welcome are those small hotels that are, in fact, family owned and operated. These are the places where the owners not only know your name, but also may stop by your table at dinner to share conversation and a drink. Here are three of our favorite family-owned Caribbean resorts.

Hotel Le Village, St. Barth

The red-roofed cottages of Le Village perch on a terraced hillside overlooking Petite Baie de St. Jean. A short walk from this scenic enclave brings you to St. Jean Beach. This lively strand is lined with trendy restaurants, casually elegant beach bars, and the fashionably chic shops that St. Barth is all about. It’s a great place to people watch as you soak up the sun. When its time to reconvene to your hideaway, Le Village offers peace and solitude, something the hotel has been known for since it first opened in 1969.

Rooms at Hotel Le Village open to hillside terraces that welcome sea breezes and provide a private retreat for guests who value both privacy and the intimacy. Photo: Le Village

The property is a 25-unit enclave of one- and two-story rooms and suites, each individually decorated in island colors. Each offers a kitchen and a large covered terrace that doubles as living and dining spaces, all opening to outdoor sundecks. Guests relax in the gardens that surround their cottage, lounge by the pool or head for renewal at the Well Being Cottage. This glass-enclosed space offers massages and yoga classes set against panoramic views of the bay. The Charneau family has been receiving guests—some famous, others not so much—in a relaxing yet elegant manner for decades, and happy guests keep coming back year after year.

Hotel Le Village provides elevated views of St. Barth’s St. Jean Beach and its namesake bay. Just a short walk down the hill, a collection of chic cafes and shops awaits. Photo: Le Village

The Hermitage Plantation Inn, Nevis

Guests of the Hermitage Plantation Inn are treated to cooling afternoon breezes, and monkeys. The inn sits near the base of rainforest-clad Nevis Peak. These forests are home to vervet monkeys, who come down from the slopes in search of sweet mangos, and their whimsical presence is a guest favorite. The scene is bucolic, with horses in the pasture and an English-style garden filled with fruit, flowers and herbs. This is what Maureen and Richard Lupinacci visioned when they arrived in Nevis in 1967 and discovered the property. This husband and wife team fell in love with the location and nurtured it into the splendid village it is today.

Nevis’ Hermitage Plantation features furnishings and artwork from around the island. This meticulously restored structure is the oldest wooden building on the island. Photo: Hermitage

While the keys have since been handed to son Richie Lupinacci, the inn maintains a loving family essence with a bit of Italian heritage. Wednesday night’s West Indian pig roast spread is still hands-down the best on the island, and Friday nights now ring in the weekend with pizza and cichetti, as guests mingle around the bar and wander the great house filed with antiques and curios. Staying at the Hermitage is recasting the past, as each chattel house features a different motif. Furnishings and artwork collected from around the island are brought together in 15 individually decorated retreats, each of which feels like a private home. And being at home is exactly how you will feel when spending time on this family planation.

Cottages at the Hermitage began as dwellings known as chattel houses, which were used to house farm workers. Today, they sit in the inn’s lushly landscaped grounds. Photo: Hermitage

Frangipani Beach Resort, Anguilla

On an island known for spectacular beaches, you’ll want to stay in a waterfront property. Frangipani is located in the center of Meads Bay. This mile long stretch of shore has powder-white sand so soft you’d think it could be used to bake a cake. The resort includes just 19 rooms and suites, sets just steps from the sand. The active young couple running the resort, Scott and Shannon Kircher, were married at the resort and now live and love it. When time permits they share their love of watersports with their guests.

Frangipani Breakfast On Balcony Anguilla

Frangipani Beach Resort’s private balconies open to expansive views of Meads Bay. This west-facing beach provides spectacular sunset views. Photo: Thierry Dehove/Frangipani

Water sports are a focal point at the resort, and all equipment is complementary for guests. Spend your days sailing a Hobie, waterskiing, paddle boarding or just float on a raft. Head directly from room to the sand, find your personal palapa and let the day unfold. In addition to the beach, there is an infinity pool backed by the salmon-tinted Spanish Mediterranean enclave from which the sea is always in view. The island’s famed Straw Hat restaurant is now located in the resort. Owned and operated by another husband and wife team, it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Another marriage made in heaven.

Frangipani Beach Resort is a boutique property of just 19 intimate rooms and suites. On site is one of the island’s favorite restaurants, the Straw Hat. Photo: Thierry Dehove/Frangipani

Bermuda, Cancun, Caribbean, Mexico, Playa del Carmen, St. Lucia, Stay, Trip Ideas

Amazing Water Treatments at My Favorite Caribbean Spas

October 24, 2016

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Whenever I visit a spa, I look for the unique treatments I can’t find back home or at just any spa. Among my favorites are those therapies that involve exotic ingredients, state of the art equipment and time-honored therapies that have roots in past cultures. These five resort spas break the mold by offering out-of- this-world treatments that involve water, steam and even ice.

Water Massage

Release physical and emotional tension with Jansu therapy at Belmond Maroma, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Watsu is an in-water treatment that resembles Shiatsu. You relax in warm, chest deep water while the therapist gently cradles you and works you through various dancelike movements that encourage relaxation and create a healing experience.

Relaxation begins as your walk down the long outdoor corridor to the Kinan Spa. The spa is aligned with the stars to create positive energy flow, treatment rooms point east and west and offerings include authentic Mayan treatments. Photo: Maroma

At Maroma these sessions are called Jansu and take place in an isolated area far from the center of the resort. Here in the mediation pool, your therapist will guide you through movements, stretches, twists and even submerge you for brief moments. Opt for a mid-day treatment just after the sun has warmed the pool, when sunbeams dapple the water’s surface.

At the Belmond Maroma in Riviera Maya, Jansu treatments involve an immersion in a pool of warm water, where a therapist guides you through a series of relaxing movements. Photo: Ingrid Rasumussen/Maroma

Cleansing Steam

Cleanse body, mind and spirit in the steam of a Temascal treatment at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia

Embraced by the majestic valley of the Pitons, the Rainforest Spa is secluded in 100 acres of tropical rainforest. Tree house gazebos become treatment rooms; each reached by wooden walkways and spaced for ultimate privacy.

Built of local materials, the seven thatched roofed tree house treatment rooms offer complete privacy and a connection to the natural surroundings within the rainforest of the Pitons. Photo: Sugar Beach

The on-site earthen steam room is inspired by the traditions of the indigenous people of Mesoamerica, who used steam ceremonies to purify the body and improve health. You’ll sit in a circle around a mound of hot rocks that are periodically doused with water to produce steam. Some people have visions; others just relax, as the treatment can be very cathartic. After a stint in the hot, moist heat, you head for a cool shower and drink liquids and juices to replenish lost electrolytes. Most people note that this treatment induces some of the best sleep.

The Rainforest Spa at St. Lucia’s Sugar Beach resort draws on the healing traditions of the indigenous people of Mesoamerica, using cleansing steam to relax and detoxify the body. Photo: Sugar Beach

Rain and Mist

Transport yourself to the rainforest of Thailand as you experience the Rain Walk at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico

This Asian-inspired spa brings centuries of Eastern healing wisdom and knowledge to each of its treatments, which are based on the traditions and techniques of Thailand. You could spend your entire stay experiencing a different therapy each day, but the Rain Walk is unlike any other.

Treatment rooms are set out over a peaceful fresh water lagoon where relaxation comes easy. Here, at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Thai trained therapists deliver Asian inspired treatments in absolute tranquility. Photo: Debbie Snow

This extensive treatment can take an afternoon, as it includes eight unique hydrothermal therapy experiences. You begin with a walk on a pathway of river stone, where streams of water flow gently down from above. It’s immediately relaxing and takes your mind to another level. You’ll then move from room to room to experience even more unique sensations. There is the eucalyptus steam chamber, a summer storm chamber, a brine fog, and a chamber of ice fountains and cool winter rains. Treatments follow a sequential flow that culminates with an immersion into a vitality pool where water jets create gentle acupressure.

The Rain Walk experience at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba culminates with an immersion in the vitality pool, where water jets create the aquatic equivalent of an acupressure session. Photo: Debbie Snow

Not Just a Shower

Splish-splash away with a Tropical Rain Splash in the Silver TAG shower at Sense spa at Tucker’s Point on Bermuda.

The Sense spa at Tucker’s Point offers all of the world-class treatments you would expect from a Rosewood Resort. Treatments also incorporate natural materials found on the islands. Honey and sugar cane are used to exfoliate; cedar oils to relieve tension and stress; and papaya to nourish the skin.

At Sense spa at Tucker’s Point, Bermuda, patrons are enveloped in a soothing and cleansing spray delivered by the 18 separate water jets of the Silver TAG shower. Photo: Debbie Snow

You can add the Silver TAG shower to any spa treatment, or opt for an experience such the Bermuda Triangle, which is geared toward those arriving after long flights. You begin by entering the chamber where 18 showerheads massage you from top to bottom, both cleansing and relaxing the body. You then move to the massage table for a rubdown with aloe freshly plucked from the garden and end with a citrus inspired facial. You can come back the next day just for the shower, or combine it with another treatment.

Spa guests at Tucker’s Point can enjoy a private space along the calming reflection pool before and after treatments. Opt for a Rum Swizzle and enjoy the cocktail as part of the signature manicure and pedicure. Photo: Debbie Snow

The Colors of Relaxation

Receive the effects of crystal healing and color therapy at Cambridge Beaches on Bermuda.

The resort’s private and secluded setting is conducive to canoodling, but it’s not just for couples. Singles will also love the pool area, the four beaches and the many options for treatments at the Ocean Spa.

Soothing crystalline illumination sets the mood in the Experiential Suites, which are a signature element of the Ocean Spa, in Bermuda’s Cambridge Beaches resort. Photo: Debbie Snow

A signature element is the Experiential Suites, which provide a four-stage journey of color, temperature and moisture. Chambers allow each guest to enjoy private spaces as they move through a steam room, cooling mist room, rainfall shower and sauna. Along the way, glowing crystals set the mood as they change colors to invoke a sense of well-being. The whirlpool, relaxation pool and lap pool are also available before or after the experience. Many of the Ocean Spa Experiences are longer treatments that also include a stint in the Experiential Suites. Couples can partake in a Sauna Ritual where they exfoliate each other with sea salt before retiring to their couples massage.

The tiered infinity pool at Cambridge Beaches overlooks Morning Beach, the resort’s Zen beach. Guests have space for swimming laps or relaxing to the sounds of the water falling. Photo: Debbie Snow

Central America, Honduras, Stay, Trip Ideas

Best Over-Water Rooms in Honduras

October 3, 2016

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The only thing better than staying near the water is staying on the water. One of the best places to do this is on the Honduras island of Roatan, where tranquil lagoons face green hills, and some of the finest coral reefs in the Caribbean lie just a short swim from shore. Here are three resorts where you can take a dip right from your front porch.

Anthony’s Key Resort

This landmark property began as a simple dive lodge, but over the course of four decades has evolved into one of Roatan’s signature resorts. Yet despite it’s success, Anthony’s Key retains an intimacy with its surroundings that are reminiscent of a peaceful island village. A number of the resort’s private bungalows perch on a palm-studded hillside, while others line the shore of a small island in the adjacent lagoon. The premier accommodations are the dock bungalows, which sit over the water, with large louvered windows to take in the view, and decks that offer breezy hammocks on the shaded area below and an open deck above for sunbathing or star gazing.

In addition to over-water bungalows, the private island at Anthony’s Key Resort is lined with a number of waterfront gazebos where hammocks are slung on shaded decks. Photo: Cesar Rodas/Anthony’s Key

A short boat ride connects bungalows on the private island to the resort’s main grounds, where the on-site restaurant and bar are perched high on a hillside surrounded by towering coconut palms. At the waters edge are the photo, gift, and dive shops, where a fleet of modern dive boats depart daily for diving and snorkeling adventures. Right next door is the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences, where guests can join trained naturalists to interact with dolphins or discover the island’s indigenous plants and animals on guided hikes. Guests have access to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, and can schedule activities such as beachside horseback rides or treatments at the Ixora Spa.

The over-water bungalows at Anthony’s Key Resort are located on a small private island that is reached via a short boat ride from the resort’s central facilities on Roatan. Photo: Anthony’s Key

Coco View Resort

Sitting on a small spit of land, with a mangrove lagoon on one side, and the Caribbean Sea on the other, every room at Coco View focuses on the water. If that isn’t enough, guests can opt for one of the resort’s over-the-water bungalows and cabanas, which provide sweeping views of the Caribbean’s longest barrier reef. The cabanas are the resort’s most spacious guest rooms, with decors that showcase traditional Honduran textiles and woods, and private decks with hammocks.

Wooden walkways connect the over-water cabanas at Coco View Resort. From private decks, guests can enjoy a nearby coral reef or paddle into a network of mangrove lagoons. Photo: Coco View Resort

Wooden walkways connect cabanas to the garden-like grounds of the resort, which include amenities such as a full-service dive and snorkeling concession and an on-site spa. The property includes swimming beaches, snorkeling reefs and mangrove lagoons and canals that guests can explore by kayak. A small private island known as Hawksbill Key provides quiet seclusion, and is also the site of weekly beach parties hosted by Coco View. Scuba diving and snorkeling are favorite activities, but a full range of additional activities is available, including golf, zip-line canopy tours, fishing excursions, dolphin encounters and private in-room massages.

Calm waters envelop the over-water cabanas at Coco View Resort. From these private accommodations, it is just a short walk to the resort’s full range of amenities, and to a private island sanctuary. Photo: Coco View Resort

Mango Creek Lodge

Nature takes center stage at Mango Creek Lodge, which nestles into the wooded shoreline of Port Royal Harbor on Roatan’s sparsely settled east end. A lagoon that was once the haunt of pirates now houses a collection of brightly colored cabanas that perch on pilings in clear, shallow water, with private docks providing access to the wooded shoreline. These traditionally styled structures are separated for privacy, with spacious interiors that showcase Honduran hardwood floors, mahogany and cedar louvered windows, and unique, hand carved decorative doors and furniture. Private waterfront porches are hung with hammocks, and adjacent sundecks provide direct access to the waters of the lagoon.

Cabanas at Mango Creek Resort feature traditional Honduran styling, with tin roofs, bright colors and interiors that showcase native materials and hand-carved fixtures. Photo: Mango Creek

Mango Creek sits on 22 acres of landscaped grounds that adjoin the Port Royal Wildlife Refuge. The traditional central lodge overlooks the beach, while the resort’s bar and restaurant are set over the water to capitalize on expansive water views and sunsets. Fishing, kayaking, snorkeling and nature hikes in the surrounding hills are all favorite activities. With few roads on this wilder end of the island, walking paths and travel by boat become the preferred methods of transportation, and socializing at the clubhouse or relaxing on the deck is made easier without the distractions of big screen televisions or the late night revelry of a next-door beach club.

Ease into a hammock on the deck of an over-water cabana at Mango Creek and you may forget you are still tied to the land. The inviting waters of Port Royal Sound are just a splash away. Photo: Mango Creek

Majestic Elegance Punta Cana

The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real Resort

Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites

CasaSandra Boutique Hotel, Holbox, Mexico

The Caves, Negril, Jamaica

Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge, Barahona, Dominican Republic

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Oahu

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kona, Big Island

Sheraton Waikiki, Oahu

The Buccaneer, St. Croix, USVI

Windjammer Landing, St. Lucia

Montpelier Plantation & Beach Resort, Nevis

Mango Bay Hotel, Barbados

Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada

Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Peter Island Resort & Spa, Peter Island, BVI

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia

Hyatt Regency, Trinidad

Hermitage Plantation, Nevis

Laluna, Grenada

Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach and Palace, Dominican Republic

The Hermitage Plantation Inn

Montpelier Plantation & Beach

Nisbet Plantation Beach Club

Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Paradise Beach Nevis

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort

St. Regis Resort Bora Bora

Ramon’s Village Resort

Hatchet Caye Resort

St. George’s Caye Resort

Itza Lodge

Hotel Le Village, St. Barth

The Hermitage Plantation Inn, Nevis

Frangipani Beach Resort, Anguilla

Water Massage

Cleansing Steam

Rain and Mist

Not Just a Shower

The Colors of Relaxation

Anthony’s Key Resort

Coco View Resort

Mango Creek Lodge

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