Tag Archives: Stay

Bonaire Buddy Dive
Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, Bonaire, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Central America, Curacao, Honduras, Stay, Trip Ideas

Best Caribbean Resorts to Learn to Dive

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Forget your hometown pool or lake. Where better to learn to scuba dive than in a Caribbean resort where the waters are warm and clear, and colorful coral reefs are just a fin kick away. We’ve picked five top resorts that combine first class instruction and comfortable amenities with immediate access to world-class reefs.

Sunset House, Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Island is the Caribbean’s number one dive destination, and Sunset House remains a favorite with scuba divers. Just steps from oceanfront rooms are shallow reefs where calm, warm waters are ideal for learning the basics of scuba, then venturing out to discover sights such as wrecks and the island’s iconic underwater mermaid sculpture. Rooms are reasonably priced and well equipped, and the open-air bar and sea view restaurant are a favorite with the local dive crowd.

Grand Cayman Sunset House

Grand Cayman’s Sunset House Resort is a favorite with the scuba crowd. A short swim from shore leads to a maze of coral-covered ledges and a submerged mermaid sculpture. Photo: Cathy Church/Sunset House

Buddy Dive, Bonaire

In addition to being one of Bonaire’s premier waterfront resorts, Buddy Dive is home to the only PADI 5-star Career Development Center in the southern Caribbean. The same facility that turns out dive instructors and specialists is ideal for learning the basics, which can be practiced right off the resort docks, where Bonaire’s famously colorful reefs are just yards offshore.

Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire

The waterfront scuba center at Buddy Dive resort is the starting point for boat trips to area dive sites. Divers can also enter right from the dock to discover a pristine reef just offshore. Photo: Buddy Dive

Lions Dive, Curacao

Sitting right on the edge of the National Curacao Underwater Park, the lushly landscaped Lions Dive Beach Resort houses the island’s number one dive shop and scuba training facility: Ocean Encounters. With the help of attentive instructors, newbies can master the basics in the 50-meter pool, and on shallow reefs just offshore of the Sea Aquarium Beach, and then catch the daily dive boats for visits to nearby coral gardens.

Curacao Lions Dive Beach Resort

Daily boat trips from Lions Dive Resort carry divers to sites within the Curacao Underwater Marine Park, where submerged slopes are covered in colorful growths of corals and sponges. Photo: Lions Dive Resort

Bimini Big Game Club, Bahamas

Though best known as a fishing lodge, the Big Game Club is also a great place to learn to dive, thanks to an affiliation with Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center. The calm shallows around the island are ideal for practicing basic skills, and a bonus for newly-minted “bubble blowers” is the chance to dive some of the region’s most famous underwater attractions, such as the mysterious Atlantis Road and the playful pods of dolphins that gather nearby.

Bimini Big Game Club Bahamas

The docks of the Bimini Big Game Club are just a short boat ride away from prime dive sites such as the Mysterious Bimini Road, which is said to be the remains of the lost city of Atlantis. Photo: Bimini Big Game Club

Utila Lodge, Bay Islands

The Bay Islands of Honduras are famous for their lush coral reefs and thriving fish populations. Perched in the heart of the island diving scene is Utila Bay Lodge. This charming family owned lodge offers both dorm-style lodging and private ocean view rooms, and it is also home to the Bay Islands College of Diving. Snorkeling and introductory dive sites are right off the dock, and as skills are mastered, new divers can discover Utila’s many famous underwater attractions.

Honduras Bay Islands Utila Lodge

With warm, calm waters right off the docks, and pristine coral reefs just a short swim or boat ride away, the Utila Bay Lodge is an ideal location to learn to scuba dive. Photo: Utila Bay Lodge

St Lucia Jade Mountain
Cancun, Caribbean, Grenada, Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, St. Lucia, Stay, Trip Ideas

Best Private Pools in the Caribbean

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Resort pools can be spectacular. Unique designs, water features like fountains, waterfalls and cascades are all designed to wow, and infinity edges that meld into the ocean are breathtaking. But there’s nothing like your own private pool to jump in whenever you have the desire. The private pools at these Caribbean resorts offer up a bit more space than the typical plunge pool allowing you room to splash, kick and immerse in any way your heart desires.

Royal Isabela, Puerto Rico

At first glance, you might think you were in Scotland or Ireland when you survey the rolling green hills that cascade down to blue water. But you are in one of Puerto Rico’s finest resorts, where a collection of luxurious casitas sits terraced along the cliff tops overlooking the Atlantic. The hotel is set within a 1,800-acre golf course community, so there is plenty of open space to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. Each of the 20 casitas has a private pool and terrace to take in the outdoors and view the starlight nights.

Puerto Rico Isabela Royal Pool

The casitas of Puerto Rico’s Royal Isabela resort sit on a wooded hillside overlooking a magnificent golf course and the Atlantic Ocean. Each includes a private deck and pool. Photo: Joann Dost/Royal Isabela

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St Lucia

This collection of British colonial-styled cottages and villas are tucked away in a glade of tropical foliage on slopes near the base of the Pitons. Over the years the property has changed names and received upgrades, but the villas still stair step up the hillside, each with its own pool hidden from the next, but with views of the Pitons. Here your private outdoor space has a covered area to retreat from the sun and take an afternoon nap between dips in your pool. Call for a ride or take a stroll down the hillside to the sugar white sand beach, experience the tasting menu at the Great House and succumb to a tropical treatment at the Rain Forest Spa.

St Lucia Sugar Beach Luxury Villa With Pool

Cottages at St. Lucia’s Sugar Beach resort open to expansive private terraces that include a pool, sun lounges, al fresco dining nook and a sheltered cabana ideal for afternoon naps. Photo: Sugar Beach/Viceroy

Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Situated among the canals and cenotes of the Riviera Maya, the Banyan Tree is all about water. The resort’s front entrance is a giant lily pond. Dining and lobby areas open to additional waterways and ponds. Suites are either adjacent to the canals and channels or overlooking the waterway that carries guests to and from the beach via launches. Here you’ll find villas with complete privacy where you can float the afternoon away in your private pool while the fragrance of frangipani fills the air. When a need arises, attentive service is just a call a way.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba Private Pools

Water dominates at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, where suites set in lush natural foliage offer private pools and terraces. Boats carry guests to the beach via a central canal. Photo: Debbie Snow

Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada

Much more than rooms, the Royal Collection Pool Suites at Spice Island are sanctuaries from the outside world. A private door leads to your walled terrace where day beds, an outdoor dining area and a private pool awaits. These pools are large enough to do some serious splashing about, and maybe swim a few strokes. The suites are also exceptionally large, covering up to 1,500 square feet including living room and private cedar saunas. Once you are ready to face the world, Grand Anse Beach, the longest stretch on the island, is just outside your door.

Grenada Spice Island Pool Villa

Spice Island Beach Resort offers three types of private pool suites. Shown here is the Royal Collection Pool Suite, which features the largest water feature. Photo: Spice Island Beach Resort

Le Toiny, St. Barts

Hotel Le Toiny is located on the uncrowded southeastern corner of St. Barts. This boutique property offers 14 villa suites tucked into a 42-acre hillside garden overlooking Anse de Toiny beach. Each villa provides dramatic and direct ocean views and has its own private pool, which is heated during winter months. Inside the one-bedroom villas the coastal theme continues with a décor in beige and white, accented with warm brown that brings in the palette of the hillside and the beaches below. Simplicity and sophistication blend easily, and guests are pampered accordingly. When it comes time to socialize, head to the oyster shell bar overlooking the half moon shaped pool to share an appetizer and sip champagne.

Le Toiny Hotel Pool Villa St Bart

The one-bedroom villas at Le Toiny open onto private terraces set high above one of the best beaches in St. Barts. The adjacent private pools can be heated for comfort. Photo: Le Toiny

Sandals LaSource, Grenada

When ensconced in your elevated private sanctuary, you may never want to leave. The one bedroom Skypool Villa not only offers private butler service but also a personal mobile phone to summon everything from meals and snacks, to floats for the pool and buckets of ice with cold champagne. Your pool offers up enough space to kick to the end and when you want to take relaxation to another level, there is a private Jacuzzi to slip into when the moment arises. Eventually, you may want to leave your retreat to head down to Gin Beach. This pink stretch of sand is one of the best in the Caribbean.

Grenada Sandals Private Pool

The Skypool Villas at Grenada’s Sandals LaSource include not only a large private pool, but also an adjacent hot tub. Guests have a direct number to a personal butler. Photo: Sandals

Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia

Your private pool becomes an extension of your suite, as the fourth wall of each room at Jade Mountain is omitted to provide cinematic-quality views of the Pitons and Caribbean. Right before your eyes the morning golden sky lights up the mountain range, and come sunset the pink and blue fill the sky and light bounces off the hillside and reflects in the sea. Small wonder many honeymooners start their life journey with a stay here. Each villa has a unique color scheme and design, but full living room, bedroom and pool open to the splendid scenery. With no phones, no television and absolute no distractions, this resort knows how to provide sanctuary to guests seeking ultimate seclusion.

St Lucia Jade Mountain Private Pool

Hillside rooms at Jade Mountain Resort are left open to the elements, ushering in sea breezes and grand views of the coast and the iconic Piton peaks. Private pools perch on the edge to heighten the drama. Photo: Jade Mountain

Dominican Republic La Romana Casa de Campo Pool Cabana
Anguilla, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Stay, Trip Ideas

Three Best Caribbean Pool Cabanas

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There’s an art to enjoying a day at the pool, and it’s all about location and accessories. You’ll want a spot with enough personal space to stash your bag, book, lotion, sunglasses and hat. And while the sun is nice, there are times when shade and a cool breeze are equally desirable—especially if you want to take a quick snooze between dips. What you want is a poolside cabana, and we’ve found three of the best the Caribbean has to offer.

Casa de Campo, La Romana, Dominican Republic

The sprawling resort complex of Casa de Campo is a tropical playground for activities from big game fishing, snorkeling and windsurfing to tennis, horseback rides and championship golf. And if you just want to chill out for the day, the hotel pool is the coolest spot at the resort. Sun worshipers can recline on waterside lounges dressed in subtle tones of creams and whites, or settle under an umbrella. For the ultimate in shaded relaxation, cloth-shrouded cabanas offer both privacy and convenient access to the water. If you want to combine a cooling dip and a cocktail, there’s a swim-up bar. La Caña Restaurant and Lounge is just above, with outdoor seating if you choose to leave your spot. If not, just lie back, order a cocktail and watch the day unfold.

Dominican Republic La Romana Casa De Campo Pool

At Casa de Campo, the pool is flanked by a row of linen-draped cabanas that sit on an elevated deck. Butler service brings libations right to chaise lounges. Photo: Casa de Campo

Sonesta Ocean Point, St. Maarten

This adults-only, all-inclusive property offers a choice of two pools, both with cabanas reserved solely for guests of Ocean Point. The Point Pool is centrally located and surrounded by a deck dotted with cabanas, while the Edge Pool takes you to the beach without ever leaving the hotel. The pool is lined with silica- based sand, and the surrounding area is sculpted and landscaped to resemble a beach, with chaises lined up by the simulated shoreline and cabanas scattered about, right on top of the soft granules. The spot exudes serenity, with tropical gardens that fill the air with fragrant frangipani and sea breezes. Find your cabana, settle in, order food and drinks—it’s all included. You can curl your toes in the sand without leaving your cabana.

Sonesta Ocean Point St Maarten

No need to go down to the beach, as the Edge pool at St. Maarten’s Sonesta Ocean Point resort brings the sand and palm trees to an exclusive oasis on the bluff. Photo: Sonesta

Malliouhana, Anguilla

Malliouhana dazzled guests on it’s opening some 30 years ago, and it has remained one of the most iconic properties in the Caribbean. In 2014, the resort unveiled a fresh new décor, and is still known for its high level of service. It doesn’t hurt that the hotel is perched on a bluff overlooking a pristine stretch of sand on Meads Bay, delivering astonishing views from rooms, restaurant and the pool area. The double-tiered design of the infinity-edge pool creates a lower level that hosts families, while the upper level is reserved for adults. Grownups can settle into chaises set among marigold-yellow umbrellas, or relax and indulge on day beds set under indigo-and-white striped cabanas. The Sunset Bar is close by, tempting one to order aged Caribbean rum on the rocks with a twist of lime, and then relax in style.

Anguilla Malliouhana Pool

At Anguilla’s Malliouhana resort, the two-tiered pool features a family-friendly lower deck and an adults-only upper area that includes private cabanas. Photo: Malliouhana

 

Royal Playa del Carmen Swim Up Room
Caribbean, Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Stay, Trip Ideas

Playa del Carmen’s Best Swim-Up Suites

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Water plays a prominent role in most tropical vacations. Whether sailing, snorkeling, relaxing beachside, splashing about in the pool, or relaxing in a private soaking spa, chances are you are planning to get wet. Hoteliers understand this, and a growing number are offering what might be considered the ultimate take on a water themed vacation: a room that opens directly onto a pool. These “swim-up suites” are a signature feature of properties along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, and we’ve found four of the best.

Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort

The Grand Hyatt combines the amenities of a world-class resort with the convenience of a downtown location. The property sits directly on the beach and fronts Playa del Carmen’s lively Fifth Avenue shopping and entertainment district. Rooms feature a clean modern design with rich woods and open spaces that invite sea breezes. The resort is family friendly, with dedicated children and teen facilities and activities. But adults are also indulged with onsite spa services, a fitness center, entertainment spaces, and exclusive beachside cabanas. A select number of rooms also offer terraces that open directly onto pools surrounded by gardens or the native mangrove thickets that have been incorporated into the resort’s landscape. Floor to ceiling windows bring views inside to create a personal oasis of calm that is just steps away from water, and from all that Playa del Carmen has to offer.

Grand Hyatt Swim Up Playa del Carmen

At the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort, rooms with floor to ceiling windows open to terraces that combine privacy with garden views and direct access to pools. Photo: Ruben Hidalgo/Grand Hyatt

Azul Fives

The Karisma Azul Fives Hotel provides an all-inclusive atmosphere that is equally welcoming to couples, groups and families. Azul is Spanish for blue, and blue water features prominently in the décor and resort grounds. Guests can snorkel directly from the beach; relax in private cabanas, or head poolside for refreshments at a swim-up bar. Azul Fives offers a wide range of engaging youth programs, while adults can discover indulgences such as moonlight couples massage. A variety of on-site shops, bars and restaurants provide all one could want in a beachside resort experience. In addition, the attractions of Playa del Carmen are just ten minutes away. For the ultimate water feature, guests can select a one-bedroom suite with an adjacent water deck that opens right into the main pool. These suites offer a separate living room with a sofa bed and a kitchenette, making them an especially good option for families or those wanting to entertain.

Playa del Carmen Azul Fives

Water elements feature prominently throughout the grounds of the family- friendly Azul Fives, where first floor suites open directly to the resort’s main pool. Photo: Moris Moreno/Azul Fives

Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla

Located on a private bay fronted by coral reefs and the blue waters of the Caribbean, the adults only La Perla blends luxury and exclusivity with a high level of personal service. Though convenient to all of the attractions of the Riviera Maya, and just ten minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen, guests may never feel the need to leave the property. Fourteen onsite restaurants and 16 bars provide a wealth of dining and entertainment options, with spa services for relaxation and a range of water sports for the active. Pools offer swim-up bars and private lounges, while on the beach Balinese sun beds enjoy butler service. All guest suites provide the indulgences of rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs, while a number also include terraces with whirlpools and direct access to swimming pools via private steps.

Paradisus Playa del Carmen Swim Up Suites

Stairs lead from terraces to pools at Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla. This upscale, adults only resort provides an oasis of relaxation just minutes from downtown attractions. Photo: David Massey/Paradisus

The Royal Playa del Carmen

For guests who can’t decide between a swim-up suite and a waterfront walkout, the Royal Playa del Carmen offers a solution: have both. This all- inclusive, adults only property is located directly on the ocean in the heart of downtown Playa del Carmen. As an upscale, all-suite property, it offers all the amenities one would expect, including a diverse range of cuisines at seven onsite restaurants, sparkling pools, a spa and fitness center, and private cabanas on the town’s best beach. While upper floor accommodations offer balconies and sweeping waterfront views, a number of first floor rooms feature private terraces that incorporate personal splash pools. For the ultimate combination of water features, a select few rooms sit directly on the beach and also include a private pool. After sunning at a private oceanfront cabana, guests are just steps away from their own private pool, where they can take a refreshing dip.

Outdoor The Royal Playa del Carmen

A number of rooms at the Royal Playa del Carmen resort are fronted by pools. A select few also offer direct ocean views and beach access. Photo: VRX Studios/Royal Resorts

Mexico Riviera Maya El Dorado Maroma Palafitos Overwater Bungalows
Cancun, Caribbean, Jamaica, Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Stay, Trip Ideas

New Caribbean Over-Water Bungalows

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The Caribbean has its share of beachfront resorts where rooms and suites open to sweeping views of beach and ocean. What the region has traditionally lacked are the more exotic over-water accommodations found in destinations such as Tahiti, Indonesia and the Maldives. That’s changing, as 2016 marks the arrival of a new and spectacular collection of over-water bungalows at upscale resorts in Jamaica and Mexico’s Riviera Maya. If you are looking for an intimate connection with water, combined with the highest levels of privacy and personal indulgence, these two properties are sure to deliver.

Sandals Royal Caribbean – Montego Bay, Jamaica

Built over turquoise waters on the western edge of the resort’s private island, the over-the-water villas at Sandals Royal Caribbean resort are billed as a first in the Caribbean. Villas open onto private decks that blend indoor and outdoor spaces and incorporate luxe features such as private infinity pools, shaded veranda seating, over-the-water hammocks for two, private floating docks and a tranquility soaking tub, all facing the lagoon and the blue waters of the ocean beyond.

Jamaica Montego Bay Sandals Overwater Bungalow

Each private villa features infinity pools, over-the-water hammocks and interior spaces that open to private decks and expansive ocean views. Photo: Sandals

Mahogany king-size beds are adorned with soft Egyptian linens and plush pillows, and just forward of the bed is a unique see-through glass floor that provides a revealing look at the underwater landscape. Villa stays include the services of a personal butler, who is trained in accordance to the exacting standards of the Guild of Professional Butlers, and is on call day or night. Villas are connected to the resort’s private island by wooden docks, where spa services and dining await. Private boat transfers also connect the villas to the numerous all-inclusive amenities of the Royal Caribbean resort, which is just a short ride away.

Montego Bay Jamaica Sandals Overwater Bungalow

Glass floors bring the colors of the reef into the bedrooms of over-the-water villas. Photo: Sandals

Palafitos, El Dorado Maroma – Riviera Maya, Mexico

Powder-fine white sands and pristine water make Maroma Beach one of the most desirable destinations on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. With the opening of the Palafitos in September of 2016, the El Dorado Maroma, a Karisma property is poised to become the region’s premier resort. This collection of 30 overwater bungalows combines thatch-roof charm with an extensive roster of upscale amenities. Large private decks provide sunrise to sunset views, with stairs leading directly into the ocean below. Additional opportunities for immersion include private infinity pools, indoor Jacuzzi tubs for two and the El Dorado’s signature aguas del amor outdoor showers.

Riviera Maya El Dorado Maroma Palafitos Exterior

Each Palafito suite provides quests with expansive private decks and stairs leading directly into the ocean. Photo: Karisma

Bedrooms feature glass floor cutouts for fish watching, and guests enjoy the services of a 24-hour butler for attentions such as in-room breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres and cocktail service. Sharing the waterfront with the Palafitos is the Overwater Grill and Wine Bar, with a private glass- floored dining room, and the Naay Spa over the ocean, offering treatments inspired by traditional Mayan herbal practices. Ashore, guests can choose from four bars and six restaurants serving national and international cuisines, engage in a full range of water sports and activities, and experience the upscale indulgences of the resort’s gourmet inclusive program.

El Dorado Maroma Palafitos Overwater Bungalow Interior

Palafito suites include separate sitting areas, where guests can enjoy in- room breakfasts, happy hour relaxations and 24-hour butler service. Photo: Karisma

BVI Scrub Island
Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Stay, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

The Caribbean’s Best Private Island Resorts

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Imagine an escape from stress and distractions, a place accessible by boat, where you can relax or recreate far from the crowds, enjoying unrivaled personal attention or a blissful solitude. This is the private island experience, and we have found four Caribbean islands that provide the ideal combination of luxury, seclusion and personal relaxation.

Scrub Island Resort, BVI

The location is ideal for anyone who loves the water. Scrub Island sits one mile from the east end of Tortola, and is ideally situated for a wide range of waters sports and nautical adventures. Fisherman are close to the rich waters of the North Drop, known as some of the best waters in the world for tuna and blue marlin fishing. The British Virgins are also known as the hub of sailing in the Caribbean, and bareboat and captained charters typically begin in nearby Tortola. The resort’s marina provides provisioning for boats as well as 55 slips for overnight dockage. And, the surrounding shallows and reefs are a must for snorkelers and divers. Guests can experience new adventures at on-site sailing and diving schools, sign up for island hopping boat tours or take a relaxing cruise to the spectacular rock formations at the Baths.

Scrub Island Marina BVI

The Marina at Scrub Island provides a starting point for aquatic adventures including sailing excursions, fishing trips, scuba diving and snorkeling charters. Photo: Scrub Island Resort

A stay on the island at one of the 52 water view rooms at Marina Village make for easy access to shops, bars, restaurants and pools. Larger parties will want to book one of the villas. Offering two or three bedrooms these private homes are equipped with full chef’s kitchens, private pools and views of Great Camanoe Island. Soothing views of blue waters complements a trio of upscale restaurants, private candlelit beachside dining and a top rated spa. The island’s natural ecosystem remains intact, with hiking trails leading to private coves and hilltop views. Three sandy beaches can be reached by walking or a ride in the resort’s shuttle—the only vehicles on the island.

Scrub Island Village Marina BVI

The Marina Village at Scrub Island includes a number of restaurants, shops and bars, allowing guests to enjoy a range of indulgences without having to leave the relaxation of their private island retreat. Photo: Scrub Island Resort

Kamalame Cay

Perched on a three-mile stretch of white sand beach overlooking the world’s third longest barrier reef, this five-star boutique resort includes just 27 suites, cottages and villas on a 96-acre private island. Residences are positioned for privacy; yet within easy strolling distance of neighbors and central amenities for recreation, fine dining and social activities. Villa interiors feature soaring beamed ceilings, Indonesian furniture and sun decks overlooking the sea. Kamalame Cay operates on eco-friendly principles, and is moving toward 100 percent solar power. An onsite garden supplies many of the greens and herbs used in locavore-themed meals, and free-range chickens supply fresh eggs for morning omelets.

Kamalame Cay Deck Andros Island Bahamas

A waterfront deck at Kamalame Cay overlooks a three-mile stretch of white sand beach and blue waters, which are home to the world’s third longest barrier reef. Photo: David Scarpati/Kamalame Cay

In addition to beach time, guests can enjoy a full range of water sports, including kayaking, snorkeling, diving and fishing on the reefs that plunge into the vivid blue waters of the Tongue of the Ocean. Ashore, beach bikes are a favorite for cruising the shaded sand road that runs the length of the island, while an the overwater spa with ceiling to floor windows face the turquoise lagoon. Cottages and villas include full-equipped kitchens, with private chef services available, while the Great House is home to one of the top-rated restaurants in the Bahamas. In addition to monthly wine pairings the newest social mixer on the island is a progressive dinner where guests dine at a different villa for every course, ending up on the beach for desert.

Kamalame Cay Exterior Bahamas Andros

Villas at Kamalame Cay are set beachside amidst a lush tropical landscape on a private island just off the coast of Andros, the largest and least settled island in the Bahamas. Photo: David Scarpati/Kamalame Cay

Peter Island Resort, BVI

The largest private island in the British Virgins, Peter Island is separated from the bustle of Tortola by the blue waters of the Sir Francis Drake channel. A private yacht ferries guests to this 1,300 acre oasis of tropical solitude, where guests can settle into seaside suites and villas and enjoy all the perks of a world-class resort. As one might expect, water sports such as sailing, diving and snorkeling feature prominently, but many guests come for relaxation, and find it at the world-class spa, and on nature walks along paths that lead to quiet coves and hidden beaches.

BVI Peter Island Deadmans Bay Beach Watersports

Peter Island offers a wide range of water sports for the active, and private beaches for those who prefer to relax in the shade and enjoy a book or a favorite libation. Photo: Preston Schlebusch/Peter Island Resort

Peter Island offers a beach for every mood and every day. For an active day, Deadman’s Beach has all of the water toys including windsurfers, snorkel gear and paddle boards. Instruction is available and after an energetic day on the water, Deadman’s Bar & Grill is right there to replenish and nourish. Away from the activity yet great for a swim is nearby Little Deadman’s Beach. For the quintessential palm tree-studded sandy beach where waves gently roll onshore, there is Big Reef Bay. The spa overlooks this area, which is a perfect tropical escape in the early mornings and evenings. Aptly named Honeymoon Beach provides the romance of a grass-roofed shelter where private catered picnics are served, and on the opposite side of the island sits the pristine shores of White Bay where you can spend the day snorkeling with sea turtles.

Peter Island Little Deadmans Beach

Deadman’s Beach is the center of water sports activity on Peter Island. This beach and cove takes its name from the uninhabited island in the background, which is the storied Dead Man’s Chest of pirate lore. Photo: Peter Island Resort

Parrot Cay

When guests depart from Providenciales for a half-hour boat ride to Parrot Cay, a 1,000-acre island, it is as if they are stepping into another world, where everyday cares and responsibilities are put on hold. Surrounded by the shimmering turquoise waters for which the Turks & Caicos Islands are famous, this East Indian inspired resort and expansive natural surroundings become a canvas to create your formula for recreation, relaxation and rejuvenation. Walk the 3.2 miles of sugary sands that surround the island, snorkel in the shallows or commune with nature in the tranquility of the nature preserve. The island’s mangrove forests and wetlands are home to 175 species of birds.

Parrot Cay Yoga Pool Turks And Caicos

Relaxation and rejuvenation take many forms at the tranquil setting of Parrot Cay, which sits on a thousand-acre nature reserve surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Turks & Caicos. Photo: Debbie Snow

It’s hard to return to reality after spending time at Parrot Cay, but easy to depart in better shape than when you arrived. On the tranquil eastern side of the island you will find the COMO Shambhala Retreat, an Asian-influenced spa with gardens, pools, terraces and pavilions for yoga and mediation overlooking the wetlands towards the North Caicos channel. Mind body connections are endemic to Parrot Cay and part of the experience of staying there. Asian-based therapies range from shiatsu to Ayurvedic detox programs. An Ayurvedic doctor is a permanent resident, for those who wish to undergo a consultation and program. You can be as active as you wish and most guests take in a yoga class in the early morning, a Pilates session midday and an afternoon swim. Guests also relish the Asian and Mediterranean influenced cuisines as well as the healthy Shambhala cuisine, which is designed to energize and nourish; yet delivering a delicious distinctive gourmet experience. Homemade organic carrot cake is on the dessert menu.

Parrot Cay Healthy Food

At Parrot Cay, Asian and Mediterranean-influenced cuisines are mated with Shambhala principles to energize and nourish while providing a delicious distinctive dining experience. Photo: Debbie Snow

 

Bonaire Plaza Aerial
Bonaire, Caribbean, Stay, Trip Ideas

Bonaire’s Best Snorkel Resorts

 

Bonaire is known as the diver’s paradise. The island is ringed by colorful coral reefs that begin just yards from shore, and at points all along the sheltered western coast, one can simply wade in from shore. But you don’t have to don scuba tanks to enjoy the view, because this same combination of shallow reefs and calm, clear waters that divers crave also make Bonaire one of the best places in the Caribbean for snorkelers.

A rental car provides access to dozens of snorkel sites scattered along the island’s west coast, but even easier are the waterfront resorts where reefs are just a short stroll from rooms. There are more than a dozen waterfront hotels on Bonaire, but some cater more heavily to divers, and others perch on low limestone bluffs that don’t provide easy water entry. For the ideal combination of amenities, water access and ambiance, these three resorts are our favorites.

Plaza Beach Resort Bonaire

On an island not known for its beaches, the Plaza Resort overlooks a half- mile swath of natural white sand on the island’s calm western shore. The resort’s expansive grounds are also punctuated by the channels of a man- made lagoon, giving most every room a water view. All the amenities one would expect from an upscale all-inclusive property are in place, including spacious suites, beachside dining, complementary water sports and weekly themed parties that include the island’s favorite beach BBQ.

Bonaire Plaza Aerial Canals

An aerial view of the grounds of Plaza Resort show the white sand beach and the lagoon that meanders through the property, providing waterfront views to rooms and common areas. Photo: Plaza Bonaire

For snorkelers, what truly sets the Plaza apart is the ease of getting to the water. Just yards from the beach, the soft sandy bottom transitions into a fringing reef that attracts hundreds of species of tropical marine life. With no waves or currents to contend with, and a PADI five-star dive center to provide support and instruction, even novices will soon find themselves immersed in the underwater world. Snorkelers can also opt for boat trips to shallow reefs along the coast and on the nearby island of Kline Bonaire. The more adventurous can sign up for snorkel tours of a mangrove lagoon or a guided night snorkeling experience.

Bonaire Plaza Beach

The beach at Plaza Resort is an ideal starting point for snorkeling excursions, and the site of the island’s favorite beach party, which features live music and dancing by torchlight. Photo: Plaza Bonaire

Harbour Village Beach Club

The four-acre grounds of the Harbour Village Beach Club contains all the requisite elements for a Caribbean getaway, including a seaside restaurant with phenomenal sunset views, two pools, an on-site spa and fitness center, member’s lounge, and even meeting spaces and high-speed Internet for those who can’t leave business behind. But it is the waterfront that makes this mid-sized resort a top pick for snorkeling. As the name promises, the property fronts 100 yards of private, palm-fringed beach.

Harbour Village Bonaire

Tucked between a marina and the Caribbean Sea, the landscaped grounds of Harbour Village face a private white-sand beach, where snorkelers wade in to discover a wealth of marine life. Photo: Harbour Village

Premier ocean-view suites are just steps away from the water, and after gearing up in the sand-bottom shallows, snorkelers can make a short swim out to a shipwreck, explore a reef where an underwater webcam streams live images of passing fish and a forest of man-made “coral trees.” Complementary equipment and instruction is available from an on-site dive shop. Guests also have access to water sports such as kayak and paddle board use, while the adjacent marina is a launching point for deep sea fishing trips and sunset cruises. Ashore, the beach offers lounges for sunning, hammocks for napping and a spectacular setting for private torch- lit dinners.

Harbour Village Beachfront Suite Patio Bonaire

Oceanfront suites at Bonaire’s Harbor Village resort open onto terraces and balconies just a few feet away from a sandy beach. The uninhabited island of Kline Bonaire lies just offshore. Photo: Harbour Village

Buddy Dive

Bonaire is home to a number of resorts that cater primarily to divers, and Buddy Dive is one of the favorites. But you don’t have to be scuba certified to enjoy this waterfront property, as many of the area reefs and on-site amenities that draw the bubble-blowing crowd are also well suited to snorkelers. True, there is no beach to speak of—though the resort has covered a portion of the limestone shoreline with soft sand for sunbathers. Water access isn’t a problem, however, as snorkelers can walk down a short set of steps adjacent to the dive shop, and are immediately greeted by tropical fish, with a shallow coral reef just yards away.

Bonaire Buddy Dive Resort

The Buddy Dive resort sits on a shelf of coastal limestone rather than a sandy beach, but water access is easy on docks and broad stairways leading to a shallow coral reef that begins in shallow water. Photo: Buddy Dive

What sets Buddy Dive apart from other dive-centric resorts is the range of additional activities that would appeal to families or mixed group of divers and non-divers. The resort can arrange for adventures such as boat snorkeling, island hikes, off-road bike trips and even snorkel tours of an underground lake. Apartment-style accommodations with full kitchens are also well suited for families and groups, and include all the comforts and indulgences one would expect in a vacation property. Buddy Dive would be an especially good choice for snorkelers who are considering a move to scuba, as the highly rated PADI five-star dive center offers training programs that range for youth and introductory classes to advanced diving practices.

Buddy Dive Pool Bonaire

The apartment-style accommodations at Buddy Dive are a favorite with families and groups. The seaside setting includes two pools and a waterfront restaurant with sunset views. Photo: Beth Watson/Buddy Dive

St Maarten Coral Beach Club
Caribbean, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Stay, Trip Ideas

St. Maarten’s Top Dutch Resorts

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Though the dual nation of St. Martin/St. Maarten is small and you’re never really that far away from restaurants, nightlife, casinos, and all the island has to offer, those 10 extra minutes spent driving to your destination could be better spent on the beach. Whether you like the hustle and bustle of a busy resort area or prefer a little tranquility, our picks for the top resorts on St. Maarten’s Dutch side are all within a five-minute drive—or walk, in some cases—to the island’s most popular areas. And they’re all located on beautiful, white sandy beaches. What more could you ask for?

The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa

Tucked into the south side of beautiful Dawn Beach in the popular Oyster Pond area and backed by The Westin name, you can’t go wrong with this resort. The feeling of calm and serenity so closely linked with being on vacation begins the moment you enter the large, breezy lobby where neutral colors are accented by pops of turquoise. The twinkling lights of the resort casino beckon you to try to your luck, while the large infinity pool and surrounding deck area look out over the brilliant blues of the Atlantic. Meander among the grounds where plush green lawns and perfectly placed palm trees keep the calmness and serenity alive. From ice-cold drinks and casual fare at the poolside bar to fine dining at the resort’s Aura restaurant, The Westin has your dining options covered. This resort’s suites offer an unparalleled level of comfort; their Heavenly Bed lives up to its name, and the large tub is ideal for a soothing soak at the end of a day in the sun. From the entrance to the suites to the grounds, decor is seamless and chic. If you can tear yourself away from this beautiful property, the surrounding area has much to offer including restaurants, bars and shopping, and both the French border and Philipsburg are a short drive from The Westin.

St Maarten Westin

Upscale amenities are a hallmark of the Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, which overlooks a prime section of Dawn Beach. Photo: Westin Dawn Beach

Coral Beach Club

Location, location, location is what it’s all about at Coral Beach Club, which is nestled on the Dawn Beach waterfront in the popular Oyster Pond area. Several bars and restaurants are within walking distance including Mr. Busby’s Beach Bar and Big Fish Seafood Grill, and you can stock up on freshly baked pastries, coffee, ice cream, and essentials at nearby Pier Grocer. A plethora of shops and dining options await in Philipsburg, just a short drive away, and the island’s French border is conveniently nearby. Coral Beach Club’s modern buildings gleam white on the beautiful beachfront, and are backed by Oyster Pond.

Coral Beach Club St Maarten

The sleek modern architecture of the Coral Beach Club provides a fitting backdrop to waterfront views of Dawn Beach. Photo: Coral Beach Club

From condos to townhouses to two-, three-, and four-bedroom villas, this sleek resort can accommodate parties of various sizes. Attention to detail is paramount; travertine floors, central air conditioning, rain showerheads, and fully equipped Italian kitchens add an air of luxury to your vacation. The on-site concierge takes the stress out of planning excursions, and is on hand to assist with whatever need should arise during your stay. Enjoy snorkeling at the offshore reef, then go for a refreshing dip in the common pool or your own private swimming pool, depending on which accommodation you choose.

Royal Palm Beach Resort

If you like to stay in the midst of restaurants, shops, activities, and more, Simpson Bay is the place to be. And the Royal Palm Beach Resort is ideally located a stone’s throw from the airport and a short drive to the island’s best shopping in Philipsburg. Despite all that is nearby and though it’s one of the larger resorts on the island, Royal Palm offers a homey, peaceful atmosphere.

Simpson Bay St Maarten

The Royal Palm Beach Resort sits on a white sand beach in the heart of the popular Simpson Bay resort area. Photo: iStock

Just off the gorgeous white sand beach you’ll find intriguing snorkeling, where beautiful tropical fish gather around large underwater boulders. There’s plenty of beachfront seating from which you can take in the island’s rolling green hills and sparkling blue waters, and the pool and swim-up bar offer the ultimate refreshment. There’s no shortage of activities based right at Royal Palm, like scuba diving, shopping, scheduled events, and more, but be sure to take the time to pause for sunset. Watching the sun sink into the Caribbean Sea at the end of a perfect day is one of those unforgettable vacation experiences that’s not to be missed.

Divi Little Bay

Situated on a peninsula just west of Philipsburg with amazing sweeping views of the bay and cruise ships that come to call, Divi Little Bay offers an air of seclusion despite its proximity to one of the Caribbean’s best shopping destinations. Whether you want to jump right in to Philipsburg’s bustling streets lined with duty-free jewelry, clothing, and souvenir shops or you prefer to watch mammoth cruise ships as they approach and depart from the busy harbor, the Dutch side’s capital is sure to entertain.

Divi Little bay St. Maarten

Just minutes from Philipsburg, Divi Little Bay offers sweeping water views and more secluded setting than in-town properties. Photo: Joel Collins/Divi Little Bay

Families and couples both young and old will find what they’re looking for at this Divi property. Several on-site swimming pools, restaurants, and poolside bars offer land-based entertainment, while numerous watersports including windsurfing, scuba diving, and more are ideal for exploring the beautiful waters of Little Bay. This property offers an all- inclusive option as well, eliminating the decision-making and budget considerations that come with dining out. In the guest rooms you’ll find modern amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a flat screen TV, as well as your own private balcony. The Divi Little Bay’s combination of a tranquil, private setting and proximity to Philipsburg makes it hard to beat.

Simpson Bay Resort & Marina

Restaurants, activities, and shopping abound in Simpson Bay, where lovely Simpson Bay Resort & Marina stands tall on the beautiful white sand beach. Nightlife and casinos are also within walking distance, or if you prefer to stay close to home, the resort offers plenty of on-site entertainment options including watersports, a tennis court, a casino, and multiple dining venues. Several pool areas, some with swim-up bars, help you keep cool on those hot Caribbean days.

St Maarten

Simpson Bay Resort & Marina is a favorite with families and groups, offering a wide range of water sport and land activities. Photo: Simpson Bay Resort

Rooms at this large resort feature tropical-themed decor and can sleep from two to eight people. Each unit has its own kitchen should you wish to prepare a meal from the comfort of your room, and a private terrace or balcony, ideal for watching the sunset. If you’re looking for more of a high-end experience, the adjacent recently renovated Villas at Simpson Bay offers larger rooms and a sprawling free-form pool. No matter which property you choose, be sure to take advantage of Simpson Bay’s extensive watersports program, whose offerings include water skiing, windsurfing, stand up paddleboards, Simpson Bay Lagoon cruises, and many more. The noticeably cheery attitude of the staff is contagious, making it hard to be unhappy during your vacation here.

Punta Mita Four Seasons
Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, Stay, Trip Ideas

Punta Mita’s Luxury Resorts

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At the northern cusp of the Bay of Banderas, a teardrop-shaped headland meets the blue Pacific. Ringed by surf-washed rock promontories and warm sand beaches, it is an oasis of scenic tranquility that is far removed from the everyday, yet just a short drive from the civilized comforts of Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit. This is Punta Mita, one of the most desirable addresses in all of Mexico. Only a lucky few can call this place home, but visitors are always welcome, and can stay in style in a pair of luxurious resorts located on prime pieces of beachfront.

Four Seasons Punta Mita

Four Seasons Punta Mita Pool

In addition to the signature infinity-edge pool, the Four Seasons Punta Mita offers the quiet respite of the adults-only Tamai pool. Photo: Murphy O’Brien/Four Seasons

Punta Mita’s original luxury retreat delivers a perfect blend of nature and nurture. The resort sits on a bluff above the area’s finest sandy beach, and both rooms and common areas are designed to complement and usher in the big views of sea and sky. Buildings nestle comfortable into lush landscaping, giving the entire property a relaxed, causal feel that reflects the warmth and charm of the local culture.

The property is family friendly, with youth-oriented amenities such as a lazy river, kids’ club and special menus. Adult offerings include a full-service spa, fine dining options; a 55-foot charter yacht, bedside yoga, a well-equipped fitness club and direct access to Punta Mita’s signature Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses.

Especially memorable is the infinity pool, which sits cliffside above the waves. An additional signature experience at the Four Seasons encourages guests to join the resort’s chef beachside when local fishermen land to offload their morning catch. Participants can pick out the seafood offering of their choice, discuss how it should be prepared, and later enjoy a personally crafted lunch or dinner. It is personal touches such as this that keep guests coming back year after year.

St. Regis Punta Mita

St Regis Punta Mita

The lobby atrium at the St. Regis Punta Mita is the setting for a nightly celebration where guests gather for a sunset champagne toast uncorked with the use of a saber. Photo: St. Regis

Immaculate is the first word that comes to mind when you survey the landscaped grounds of the St. Regis from the open-air lobby. Twin rows of manicured palms flank an infinity fountain pool that leads the eye towards the blue waters of the Pacific. Quiet pathways lead through 22-acres of lush lawns and perfectly groomed landscaping to small clusters of casitas and suites, each situated to take advantages of sea breezes and ocean views.

Rooms blend modern amenities with traditional Mediterranean and Mexican accents such as polished clay floors, handcrafted tiles and natural wood furniture, along with relaxing outdoor showers. All the amenities one would expect from the region’s premier luxury destination are in evidence, from world-class golf and spa services to the area’s premier dining experience.

A trio of spectacular pools overlooks a private white-sand beach and a collection of small islands. During winter months, whales can often be seen breaching just offshore. The St. Regis is noted for its high levels of service, which includes dedicated butler service for each group of casitas. Between the butlers, wait staff and concierge desk; the staff can fulfill almost any guest request with elegant efficiency.

 

Anguilla Malliouhana
Anguilla, Aruba, Caribbean, Nevis, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, Stay, Trip Ideas

Five Top Caribbean Luxury Resorts

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Luxury means different things to different people. It could be about the setting, the service, the food or the amenities. Whatever your definition of a luxurious Caribbean vacation, you’ll likely find it at one of these new or recently-refurbished properties, which represent the epitome of island-style indulgence.

Ritz-Carlton Aruba

Luxury rose to new heights when the Ritz-Carlton opened on Aruba’s fabled Palm Beach in November of 2013. The entire top floor of this 320-room property is devoted to an exclusive Club Level. Here, guests enjoy unrivaled views of the powder-white beach and the Caribbean Sea, both from private balconies and from the Club Lounge, where floor-to-ceiling windows provide a stunning backdrop, complementary meals and snacks are available throughout the day, and a dedicated concierge is always on call.

Aruba Ritz Bar

The Ritz-Carlton sits on Aruba’s Palm Beach, where white sands and bright turquoise waters create stunning panoramas. Floor-to- ceiling windows in the lobby bar take in the view. Photo: Don Riddle/Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton is home to the island’s largest spa, offering both traditional and locally influenced treatments that feature aloe, coconut and cactus blended with healing components of herbs and rich earth minerals. Dining options include the signature BLT Steak restaurant, serving a world-class selection of USDA choice meats. Four additional dining experiences add Italian, seafood and an Argentine grill to the mix. The property also includes a 24-hour casino, fitness center, beach club, children’s programs and a full range of waters sports through Red Sail Sports.

Belle Monte Farms at Kittitian Hill, St. Kitts

Luxury meets sustainability at St. Kitts’ $600-million Kittitian Hill project. The visionary team behind this development describes it as a community where guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant beauty of the West Indies, enjoy fresh food foraged from the land and sea, and connect with the island’s rich culture. The first phase of this development, Belle Monte Farms, includes a collection of stand-alone guesthouses and villas, each built by island craftsmen to honor the region’s vernacular styles. Set amid lush natural landscaping, dwellings offer private infinity pools, garden baths surrounded by tropical foliage and private verandahs with mountain, garden and sea views.

St. Kitts Belle Monte Farms

The Kittitian Hill development blends luxurious accommodations into a natural environment where there is an emphasis on sustainability and respect for the island’s traditional culture. Photo: Kittitian Hill

Set on a former sugar plantation, the 400-acre Kittitian Hill project is home to a working organic farm that supplies much of the produce served at onsite restaurants, where cuisines are inspired by executive Chef Cristophe Letard’s farm-to-table philosophy. In the works is the 18-hole Irie Fields golf course, which provides challenging play in a setting that encompasses gardens and fruit trees—it’s being called the world’s most edible golf course. Additional elements of the community include a spa with indigenous treatments and a village with more eateries; shops, galleries and artisan’s studios will open as the development unfolds.

Condado Vanderbilt Hotel San Juan, Puerto Rico

Luxury meets tradition at San Juan’s Condado Vanderbilt and takes guests back to the days of the Roaring 20’s. This historic hotel opened in 1919, and over the years attracted visiting dignitaries, royalty and celebrities like Bob Hope and Errol Flynn to the shores of the vibrant Condado district, where iconic nightclubs and lounges heated up the tropical nightlife. Nearly a century later today’s guests will find nostalgic elements mixed with modern amenities and ongoing updates. The hotel’s culinary scene rose to new heights when Michelin-starred Chef Juan Jose Cuevas took the helm at the acclaimed 1919 restaurant. Most recently, a second internationally acclaimed dining spot opened in the form of Ola, where local ingredients are the focus.

San Juan Condado Vanderbilt

Dark leather furnishings, iconic artwork and spiral staircases set the tone at San Juan’s historic Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. A roaming champagne cart delivers tempting libations. Photo: Magda Biernat/Condado Vanderbilt

A sweeping $200 million revitalization of the hotel was completed in December 2014, with more than 400 elegant guestrooms and suites re-imagined with inspirations from the hotel’s oceanfront setting and eclectic history. A sleek décor features dreamy neutral hues and textures representing ocean tides, dark wood furniture and plenty of brass accents. The on-site spa includes an aromatherapy bar and the island’s first Hammam. In addition to the beach, guests can take in the trade winds from a palm-lined roof top pool with butler service.

Malliouhana, An Auberge Resort, Anguilla

Luxury kicks off its shoes as one of the Caribbean’s favorite getaway resorts returns after a major renovation and a three-year closure. Anguilla’s Malliouhana, known for its intimacy, open-air setting and stellar service, is now under the Auberge Resort umbrella. The location can’t be beat, with 360-degree views of the sea and a gorgeous stretch of sand at Meads Bay, one the island’s best beaches. The renovation transformed the property’s 44 ocean view rooms and suites with a fresh island palette of mango, mint, saffron and white to blend the spaces with the environment.

Anguilla Malliouhana Beach

Anguilla’s Malliouhana resort overlooks Meads Bay, which is one of the island’s finest beaches. Water and beach views abound, both from guest rooms and the top-rated restaurant. Photo: Malliouhana

Guest rooms also showcase some of Malliouhana’s original treasures, which include a collection of animated jungle scenes depicting the Garden of Eden, and painted by distinguished Haitian artist Jasmin Joseph. Also new are a pair of infinity-edged swimming pools and a signature Auberge Spa, which is cloistered in a setting of ponds, tropical vines and flowering plants. On an island known for its culinary expertise, the signature restaurant sets new standards in an open-air space situated on the bluff overlooking the sea. Under the direction of Executive Chef Jeremy Bearman, the menu embraces Caribbean flavors and traditions such as jerk spices, passion fruit, tamarind and guava.

Paradise Beach, Nevis

Luxury becomes personal at Paradise Beach. This new arrival to Nevis takes in a small, all-villa property that delivers the ultimate in private settings for extended families or groups of friends. The resort’s seven Balinese-style thatch-roofed villas include dramatic details such as 20-foot vaulted ceilings, outdoor dining areas and ocean views. Each three or four bedroom home also includes spacious common living area, full kitchens and private patios with pools.

Nevis Paradise Beach

Designed for families, friends and small corporate retreats, the garden and beach villas of the Paradise Beach Resort combine privacy with a wealth of on-call personal services. Photo: Ken Haydent/Paradise Beach Resort

Kitchens are outfitted with everything needed to prepare memorable meals, but if cooking isn’t on your agenda, the on-site concierge can arrange a visit from one of the island’s accomplished chefs, who can prepare a multi-course dinner or whip up appetizers and cocktails for the entourage around your pool. Your personal butler can summon a masseuse, or a certified personal trainer for those who want to maintain their fitness program. If not, a private beach bar awaits, and it’s just a short walk down Pinney’s Beach to Sunshine’s, where one of their famous Killer Bee cocktails is guaranteed to put you in that relaxed island state of mind.