Imagine falling asleep to sea breezes and the sound of the surf. Or waking to a sunrise over the water. A select number of resorts around the world have elevated the bedroom into a showroom, rewarding guests with spectacular one-of-a-kind views that make water and sky star attractions to create a slumber like no other. Here at the One & Only Reethi Rah Maldives resort sunset’s afterglow sets the mood for relaxation on a cabana bed perched on the deck of an over water villa.
Photo: One & Only
Cayo Espanto, Belize
What a way to end the day. Cayo Espanto is a private tropical island off the coast of Belize, where your waterfront villa opens to sea and sky. As the sun sinks in the west, you can take a refreshing dip in your personal infinity pool before retiring and sliding between fine Egyptian cotton sheets. Photo: Cayo Espanto
Banyan Tree Bintan Island, Indonesia
How’s this for a night-light. Bedrooms at the Banyan Tree resort on Indonesia’s Bintan Island open to a private deck and pool, where mood lighting accentuates nighttime water views of the bay, and the open doors usher in the sounds of the sea breeze in the palm trees. Photo: Banyan Tree
Anantara Kihavah, Maldives
Perched between rainforest and reef, a villa at Anantara Kihavah Maldives enjoys ocean views across the framing waters of a private pool. Just behind, the lush foliage of Baa Atoll cradles the resort in a blanket of green. It’s the perfect place to dream about the outings you’ll take on the nearby reefs, which lie within a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Photo: Anantara
Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Baja California
Your personal oceanfront oasis awaits at Las Ventanas al Paraiso. Pool suites at this Cabo San Lucas resort blend the indoors and outdoors seamlessly, making use of rich woods, hand-crafted furnishings and native stone to create a warm and inviting setting. The beach and the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez lie just beyond the private pool. Photo: Las Ventanas
Phuket Banyan Tree, Thailand
Talk about your glass houses. The Double Pool Villa at the Phuket Banyan Tree resort surrounds sleepers with calming waters set within an encircling privacy wall. Dim the lights and you can drift off to sleep by the starlight reflected in the calm waters. Photo: Banyan Tree
Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia
The Galaxy Sanctuary at St. Lucia’s Jade Mountain sits between sea and sky. This elevated, open-air pool villa sits on a hillside above Anse Chastanet Bay, delivering spectacular views of the Piton peaks and the Caribbean Sea below. In the evening the 900- square-foot pool is illuminated with fiber optic lights where the color can be controlled by the guests. Each sanctuary has only three walls, the forth is left open to the sky and deck. Photo: Jade Mountain
One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
The only thing better than sleeping near the water is sleeping on the water, where you are lulled to sleep by the soft ripples of water against the pilings of your over-water bungalow. When daylight returns, you’ll be rested and ready to discover the underwater world right below your bedroom. Photo: One & Only
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Thailand
No matter which pool villa bedroom you choose at the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, you will be treated to ocean views across a small lawn, and the tranquil waters of a private pool. The resort is located on a secluded stretch of sand at Layan Beach on the Andaman Sea. Make plans for private torch-lit dining on the beach, and then enjoy an evening dip before heading in to sleep. Photo: Anantara
One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos
At One & Only Palmilla, waters of the Sea of Cortez create a stunning backdrop for open-air living spaces. In winter months, migrating whales can be seen passing by offshore, and each night when the suns sets, the cool ocean air brings in scents of wild fig and mesquite into beachfront bedchambers. Photo: Nickolas Sargent/One & Only
Amanyara, Turks and Caicos
Sink into the bedding at the pavilions at Amanyara and it’ll seem like you are floating on water as you gaze up at the nighttime stars. The resort is set within a nature preserve far removed from the lights and sounds of Provo’s resort district. Glass doors on the adjacent bedroom can be left open when the weather is perfect for open-air sleeping. Photo: Amanyara
Imagine falling asleep to sea breezes and the sound of the surf. Or waking to a sunrise over the water. A select number of resorts around the world have elevated the bedroom into a showroom, rewarding guests with spectacular one-of-a-kind views that make water and sky star attractions to create a slumber like no other. Here at the One & Only Reethi Rah Maldives resort sunset’s afterglow sets the mood for relaxation on a cabana bed perched on the deck of an over water villa.
The islands of the Caribbean are ringed by coral reefs. These colorful underwater gardens are special places. But some are more special than others. There are a number of qualities that put certain sites at the top of divers’ and snorkeler’s aquatic bucket lists, including the clarity of the water, the health of the corals and the variety of fish life. When these factors are tallied up, a handful of reefs always top the list. Here are five of the best.
The entire island of Bonaire is surrounded by a marine park that protects some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the Caribbean. At points all along the island’s calm western shore, divers and snorkelers can wade in from shore to discover a wealth of underwater diversity. But to discover the very best of Bonaire’s underwater treasures requires a short boat ride to the small, uninhabited island of Kline Bonaire. There isn’t much to look at above the surface, as the land is a barren limestone plateau almost devoid of vegetation. Slip below the waves, however, and you will be immediately immersed in riotous growths of colorful soft corals and sponges. The exceptionally clear water allows ample sunlight to penetrate and brighten this underwater garden, which begins just below the surface and continues into the depths in a series of slopes and ledges.
The shallow reefs of Kline Bonaire give snorkelers a prime window to the underwater world. These sites are noted for colorful coral formations and abundant fish life. Photo: David Stahl/Flickr
Imagine hovering weightless on the face of a sheer cliff that drops vertically into unseen depths. This is wall diving, and for many, it is the Holy Grail of scuba. The Cayman Islands have long been a mecca for wall diving, as they sit atop oceanic plateaus that plunge dramatically into the depths just a short distance from shore. The most famous of these aquatic precipices is found off the northern shore of Little Cayman island. While most underwater walls in the Caymans start at depths of 70 to 80 feet, Bloody Bay Wall rises to within 20 feet of the surface, and then falls away abruptly to a depth of more than a mile. Adding to the drama is the site’s extremely clear water, which creates the illusion that divers are floating in air. For added adventure, there are canyons and tunnels that cut into the wall, creating an underwater maze ripe for exploration.
A diver hovers on the face of Bloody Bay Wall. This mile-long underwater formation is the prime attraction on quiet Little Cayman island, which is home to fewer than 200 people. Photo: Erwin Poliakoff/Flickr
Marine life thrives on the nutrients brought by moving water. And the steady oceanic currents that wash the western shores of the Mexican island of Cozumel create a bountiful buffet for both fish and corals. Small wonder that Cozumel has remained one of the Caribbean’s top diving destinations for more than 40 years. In addition to nurturing a rich variety of marine life, the moving waters are ideal for drift diving—a technique in which divers are dropped at one end of the reef, then picked up by the boat down current after enjoying the underwater equivalent of a soaring Superman flight. A series of shallow coral formations closer to shore allow novices and snorkelers to get in on the action, but the big ticket are the outside reefs, which rise on the edge of an underwater abyss that plummets to unseen depths.
At Cozumel’s Palancar Reef, a grove of gorgonians extends webs of finger– like appendages to capture nutrients carried by the currents that wash over this site. Photo: Tam Minton/Flickr
One of the thrills of diving is never knowing what might swim up from out of the blue. And one of the best places for these chance encounters are the reefs of West Caicos island. Here, just a chip shot from shore, a coral- encrusted sea wall faces the open ocean. These reefs are especially colorful, home to huge, bright-orange elephant ear sponges and multi-hued vase and barrel sponges. Stands of pillar coral shelter colorful butterfly, angel and parrot fish, along with large groupers, toothy barracuda and swirling schools of jacks. As captivating as these reef scenes can be, divers often keep one eye on open water while exploring these reefs. At any given moment, a squadron of spotted eagle rays may glide by, a curious sea turtle may come in for a closer look or patrolling reef shark may be seen in the distance. For the truly lucky, there may even be a visit from a passing pod of dolphins, and each winter humpback whales have been known to swim by on their way to southern breeding grounds.
A coral head near West Caicos island becomes a gathering point for numerous species of tropical fish, while the crevices hide lobster and crabs. Photo: Benignorco/Flickr
When Christopher Columbus sailed into this archipelago of 250 coral and mangrove islands on Cuba’s southern coast, he was overwhelmed by the beauty of the waters, and christened the area Jardines de la Reina—Gardens of the Queen—to honor his Spanish Queen Isabella. These waters later caught the attention of another historic figure. In the 1990s, Fidel Castro declared the entire area a marine sanctuary, and banned all forms of commercial fishing and industry. A diver himself, Castro was reputed to enjoy exploring the reefs in his younger years, and considered the waters to be his private fishing spot. The gardens have since been opened for limited dive tourism, and those who visit proclaim the reefs to be the most vibrant and pristine in the entire Caribbean. As an added bonus, divers can move from the corals into nearby grass beds and mangrove lagoons that hold a wealth of juvenile fish species. The truly adventurous can seek out the North American crocodiles that visit certain reefs, and are said to be non– aggressive when encountered in clear water.
A school of colorful grunts patrol a garden of soft corals in Cuba’s Gardens of the Queen. This protected area supports thriving fish populations. Photo: Jon McClintock/Flickr
There’s nothing like a refreshing dip in the ocean at the end of a good ride. And it’s not just humans who enjoy the cooling waters. Horses are natural swimmers, and when the conditions are right, they will gladly wade right in and splash about in the shallows, or even take a rider for a swim. Here are some of the best places in the Caribbean to make this happen.
This green and scenic island offers two different chances to swim with the ponies. In the heart of the Roseau Valley, the Hoof Print Horse Riding Ranch schedules a variety of tours suitable for both novices and seasoned riders. The signature route leads through forests and banana plantations on the way to the remote sands of Roseau Bay, where horses and riders can wade in for a refreshing dip, then stay for a beach barbecue. To the north, the town of Gros Islet is the home of the International Pony Club. The club’s signature rides lead to the Atlantic coast beach of Cas en Bas. Sign up for the two-hour tour and you’ll have time to change into swimwear and ride into the surf. Go for the four-hour option and the club will organize lunch on the beach as well. www.hoofprintranch.com, www.internationalponyclub.com
Riders gallop at waters edge along the sands of St. Lucia’s Roseau Bay. Before ocean swims, horses are often stripped of saddles while riders change into swimsuits. Photo: Stuart Godfrey/Flickr
The best place on the island of Antigua to find rolling hills and elevated ocean views is along the island’s southwestern coast, near English Harbor. And that’s where the Antigua Equestrian Center is located. When you arrive, you may find some locals working their mounts through dressage and jumping routines, but the stables also provide daily trail rides through the hills with scenic views. These rides, which are limited to groups of four or less, can include a stop at Falmouth Bay for a canter in the shallows or a full soaking. The stables also offer longer riders to the pristine beach at remote Rendezvous Bay. www.antiguaequestrian.com
The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands is another destination offering two unique horseback rides that include beach swims. On the island’s north shore, where rainforest-clad hillsides overlook Caribbean beaches, riders begin a journey through the historic sugar plantation of Rust Op Twist and the village of Lavalle. The ride continues onto the beach and arrives at Cane Bay, and after a ride along the surf line, humans and animals end the adventure with a refreshing plunge and a photo op. Similar adventures await on the island’s west cost near the port of Frederiksted, where family– owned Cruzan Cowgirls leads tours through forests to historic landmarks, and along sandy beaches, where riders have the option of taking the horses into the water. A specialty of the stables is sunset rides, and the operation supports a horse rescue and community education program. www.horsebackridingstcroix.com, www.cruzancowgirls.com
When horseback rides through the countryside of Bonaire lead to the sand- bottom lagoon at Lac Bay, riders have a chance to do more than wade with their mounts. While humans change into swim trunks, the guides remove saddles for a true bareback swim. As depths increase gradually, and the adventure transitions from a wade to a swim, riders are instructed to maintain a body position that will allow the horse to use all four legs and keep its head above water. These swimming exercises are supervised to ensure the safety of horse and rider, creating a unique and memorable adventure. www.horseranchbonaire.com
A horse pauses for a snack during a ride at Bonaire’s Lac Bay. The island’s favorite breed is the Paso Fino, which is known for its smooth gait and “no- bounce” ride. Photo: Ellison Acosta/Flickr
Dominica is one of the greenest and most pristine destinations in the Caribbean, with much of the island covered in rainforests and wooded mountain slopes. One of the most memorable ways to experience the island’s natural beauty is by horseback, on an excursion organized by Rainforest Riding. Rides of various durations follow the Waitukubuli Trail, a 115-mile wilderness path that winds its way across the island. A favorite route leads to Purple Turtle Beach, where riders can experience a bareback swim with their horse. Another popular choice is a ride on a section of the Waitukubuli Trail that leads through wetland and swamps that are prime habitat for native and migratory birds. This ride leads to the black sand beaches of Douglas Bay. www.rainforestriding.com
The island of Providenciales is known for its long and spectacular beaches, which open onto the turquoise tinged shallows of the Caicos Banks. At Long Bay Beach, the shallow water continues far offshore, giving horseback riders a perfect chance to lead their mounts into the water for some splashing fun. Rides begin at the stables of Provo Ponies, and lead to the beach. Unlike some tours, which include a short swim as part of a longer trail ride, these tours spend most of their time at the beach and in the water. More experienced riders are allowed to canter in the shallows when the tides are out, and the horses don’t play follow the leader on any ride. Instead, everyone is encouraged to spread out and enjoy their time on the sand or in the shallows. There are plenty of chances for photo ops with the wading ponies. www.provoponies.com
There’s nothing more enticing that a pristine Caribbean beach, with towering palms waving in the trade winds. And for the ultimate in beachfront bliss, this scene should be paired with adjacent accommodations that provide unlimited access to the sands, along with ultimate comfort and stellar service. These select resorts deliver all this, and more.
This Moroccan-themed enclave overlooks the white sands and turquoise waters of Maundays Bay Beach. Bone-white Moorish villas adorned with parapets, domes and turrets nestle into gardens of bougainvillea and hibiscus that add splashes of bright color to the ever-present views of cerulean seas and creamy sand. The resort exudes a Zen feel, and delivers a high level service to match the scenery. Begin each day with a walk on a long crescent of powder-fine sand, spend the day relaxing on your private terrace to the sound of lapping surf, or relax seaside under an umbrella, with attendants to deliver chilled towels and refreshing fruit. For a change of scenery, stroll to the end of the beach for a swim or snorkel where the water is the clearest and calmest on the island.
The iconic white-walled villas of Anguilla’s Belmond Cap Juluca overlook the sands of Maundays Bay, which has been named as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Photo: Belmond Cap Juluca
Grace Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean, and the Grace Bay Club occupies a prime location on this 12-mile stretch of powder-fine sand. The resort offers expansive villas ideal for a family, while all rooms and suites in the hotel building are reserved for adults. A signature pool overlooking the beach is also reserved for mature guests. When it comes time to leave your private space there is plenty room to spread out on the property’s 1,000 feet of beach frontage. Find your spot with canopied daybed just steps from the turquoise water and let the beach attendant cater to your every whim.
Villas and suites at the Grace Bay Club include private patios and balconies that deliver water views and easy accesses to a 12-mile- long beach. Photo: Grace Bay Club
This private island resort offers not one but five world-class beaches, each with its own atmosphere and charm. The iconic coconut palm-lined sands of White Bay Beach are said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Guests can reserve a private tiki hut and arrange for a picnic to be delivered. Deadman’s Beach is the island’s longest and liveliest stretch of sand, home to the Deadman’s Bar & Grill, and lined with water toys such as kayaks, paddleboards and sailboats, all available for guests to enjoy. Those seeking a bit more privacy can move to nearby Little Deadman’s Beach, or follow the path to intimate Honeymoon Beach, which features a single thatch- roofed shelter for one couple to enjoy. On the island’s windward side, surf-washed Big Reef Beach is a favorite for walks and solitude.
Beachfront rooms at the Peter Island Resort & Spa are just steps away from Deadman’s Beach, which is the island’s hub for water sports fun. Photo: Peter Island Resort
The distinctive pink great house of this iconic resort perches on a hillside overlooking 340 landscaped acres and three beaches, each with a distinct personality. The palm-shaded sands and calm waters of Mermaid Beach create the perfect setting for waterfront recreation. This strand is home to the Mermaid Restaurant and the resort’s water sports center, where guests can swim, kayak, take scuba lessons or join in a game of beach volleyball. Nearby Grotto Beach offers a quieter take on beach time, whether relaxing at the waterfront pool and grill, or enjoying a book in the shade. For the ultimate in seclusion, guests can follow a walking path to intimate Whistle Beach, which remains in a natural state.
The Buccaneer resort takes in three beaches. Shown here is Mermaid Beach, which is a favorite for water sports and beach games. Photo: Buccaneer
Grande Anse is the grande dame of beaches on this green and scenic island. Spice Island sits near the far end of this strand, securing a bit more privacy for the guests. Suites and bungalows are just steps from the water. Opt for one of the beachfront bungalows where you can watch the water ebb and flow along the golden sands from your double hammock or your ensuite tub, or sit under your private umbrella, with toes in the sand as you relax, read and renew to the sound of the sea. Early mornings and late afternoons bring out the beachcombers, and impromptu social gatherings along the two miles of creamy white sand that surround the calm bay.
Enjoy Grande Anse beach, just steps from your beachfront suite. Photo: Spice Island Beach Resort
This eco-lux complex sprawls across 483 acres of a former coconut plantation, and encompasses stands of pristine maritime forests. Beach lovers delight in the uninterrupted two-mile stretch of café au lait colored sands, which are backed by coconut palms and dotted with chaises and umbrellas. The setting is natural, but beach attendants are on call to deliver any desired indulgence or refreshment. The grounds adjacent to the beach are laced with hiking trails, and framed by the Espritu Santo River State Preserve, where manatees often gather. The resort is committed to environmental sustainability, and employs a special “green team” that is dedicated to protecting indigenous plants and trees.
Guests at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort have exclusive access to a two-mile stretch of beach adjacent to a nature preserve. Photo: St. Regis
With accommodations spread out over 170 acres, there’s plenty of natural serenity to go around, which is exactly what founder Laurance Rockefeller intended when he established Caneel Bay, and donated more than 5,000 adjacent acres to the Virgin Islands National Park Service. With seven secluded beaches, there’s one for every day of the week, and every mood. Families gravitate to Caneel and Little Caneel, where youngsters can enjoy water sports, with snacks not far off. The small sandy cove at Turtle Bay promises sea turtle sightings, while Hawksnest is a favorite snorkeling beach, with gentle waves and sea grape shading. Both Scott Beach and Paradise Beach are popular for taking in the sunset in a tranquil setting, while remote Honeymoon Beach delivers intimate solitude.
On the island of St. John, Caneel Bay Resort offers guests seven different beaches —one for every day of the week. Shown here is Scott Beach. Photo: Caneel Bay
Sports Illustrated invented the swimsuit issue more than 50 years ago, tempting readers with images of bathing beauties vamping in some of the most scenic locations on earth. The supermodels may take center stage, but the resorts and beaches that provide the backdrop also draw oohs and aahs from readers and viewers. Here are some of the featured locations where you can indulge in an amazing beach vacation and maybe convince your mate to help recreate a few iconic poses from spots like the Pitons on St. Lucia. Photo: Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
Picture the Caribbean and what typically comes to mind is lounging on white beaches, pina colada in hand. And while this is certainly the place for chilling out, you can also score big thrills. There are plenty of ways to jump— or rappel, snorkel, kayak, kite- board or surf—out of your comfort zone for a bigger adventure. After all, a little bit of adrenaline goes a long way toward making any Caribbean getaway much more memorable. Besides, that colada will always be waiting for you upon your return.
Grand Turk, the largest of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is a stop along a whale super-highway leading to an offshore breeding and birthing grounds called the Silver Banks. When the captain of the Oasis Divers’ snorkel tour gives the command, leap into the water and just start kicking. Once the bubbles from your splash-in clear, you’ll behold one of nature’s most marvelous wonders. Responses to encountering these jumbo-sized mammals range from speechless awe to tears of joy. Whatever you’re feeling, keep your legs moving because these big animals swim fast.
Only the first few feet of the descent feel truly dangerous—as if you’re free falling into nothingness. Then the harness catches on the descent line. You breathe. You look around and realize that the vista from 200 feet above the Belize rainforest canopy is stunning. You feed rope through the carabineer to control the speed of your drop into Actun Loch Tunich sinkhole. It’s all perfectly calming—just don’t look down.
The only rule of hunting bioluminescence is: The darker the night, the better. Bioluminescence, or biolume, is a neon light certain creatures emit. In the ocean, the organisms are microscopic, so dipping a paddle into the drink stirs up thousands, even millions of dinoflagellates reacting to the movement. Biolume is easiest to see in bio-bays formed when water rich with these organisms stays in a concentrated area unimpeded by tidal exchange. Fajardo, a city on Puerto Rico’s northeast tip, has just such a location. For the best experience with this green and blue light, join a kayak tour on a night with no moon.
In Cabarete, those staying for last-call on the water are usually kiteboarders. Conditions here follow a consistent pattern, and since surf is best in the early morning, that crowd hits the hay early. The wind starts to pick up in the early afternoon, so kiters don’t gear up until after lunch. The reliable conditions also make this beach city one of the best places to learn to rig a kite and ride the waves. The Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding School will hook you up with gear and the know-how. Next thing you know, you’ll be body-dragging—that is, letting the kite power you across waves sans board—and having so much fun, you won’t stop laughing. And don’t worry, it’s just as entertaining with the board.
Timing is everything in surfing, so good instruction up front is key. Guides at the Mono Loco Surf School begin with theory in the classroom, so you understand the whys behind riding waves. Then in the water, nothing is more helpful than a pro shouting “now” when it’s time to pop up and find your balance on the board. Plus, the idyllic location of Bocas del Toro in Panama—an area more chilled out and undeveloped than the neighboring eco hotspots in Costa Rica—does wonders for the psyche.
For many years, the islands of the Turks and Caicos have remained a faint blip on most North Americans’ tourism radar-despite the fact that these islands lie just below the Bahamas, hours closer to the mainland than the majority of more familiar Caribbean destinations. And proximity isn’t the only attraction. The varied islands of this British Overseas Territory offer spectacular beaches and a range of vacation experiences from the posh and exclusive to the simple and reclusive. If you aren’t familiar with the T&C, it’s time to discover what awaits.
The most stunning asset, and the one your fellow visitors won’t stop talking about, is the water. These may be the most geographically fortunate islands in the region. The Caicos Bank, Turks Bank and nearby Mouchoir and Silver banks butt up to vertiginous cliffs that plunge more than a mile below the surface. This interface of shallow and deep has created an aquatic wonderland below and a feast for the eyes above. The mottled tourmaline and laser-like jade of the shallows fades to ultramarine and then deepest cobalt just offshore. There are many islands with beautiful water, but the colors here are unique and unequalled.
Rimming the north shore of Providenciales island is one of the best beaches in the region. Period. The sand is soft, the beach is wide, and the water that licks at the toes of the joggers, walkers and sunbathers is bathtub warm and gin clear. It’s hard to believe that a few short decades back, there were zero resorts on this beach. The beach itself is public, so you can walk it end to end and check out the many styles and varieties of accommodations along the way. Many have pools overlooking the beach and most have loungers set up for their guests, with territorial boundaries marked by different colors of umbrellas— one resort all pink, another all white. If you make the seven-mile hike along the full length, you’ll find plenty of rest stops where one can relax on a shaded deck and enjoy a nosh and an ultra-cold Turks Head lager.
Despite its emphatically off-the-beaten-track atmosphere, it’s very easy to get to the Turks and Caicos from the eastern United States. There are direct flights from Miami, Atlanta and New York. Flying time is 90 minutes from Miami, three hours from Atlanta and four hours from New York. The proximity, access and atmosphere have attracted New York’s glitterati class, who’ve discovered a place in the sun they can get to—and reliably get back from—over a long weekend.
The spillover of high expectations from celebrity and high-power corporate visitors has created a demand for chic on Providenciales and raised the bar for restaurants and other services across the board. The dusty days of undersupplied general stores is long gone, and, while there aren’t any Lilly Pulitzer stores as of yet, the boutiques at the more expensive resorts do offer exceptionally stylish and appropriately pricey clothing and accessories. Parrot Cay and Amanyara resorts cater to the trend conscious, and the general tone on Provo is genteel and well- heeled.
While the power players concentrate at the priciest places, plenty of accommodations throughout the country cater to those placed otherwise on the economic scale. There are high-value (though not necessarily inexpensive) accommodations on Provo in the condo-tel vein and even more located in private homes and apartments around the island. Once away from Provo’s population center, you’ll find guesthouses, B&Bs and small boutique hotels of all stripes. It’s possible to go completely troppo, rent a small room for a month and barely feel it in your bank account. Instead of perusing an extensive wine list, you can spend your time chowing down on fresh conch ceviche, snorkeling untrammeled reefs and exploring uninhabited islets.
The competition among restaurants, especially on Provo, has created a surprising and robust culinary culture. Food on the island is well above average for the region, and the best is on par with the swank eateries of South Beach or SoHo. The secret? Seafood—ultra fresh and lots of it. Provo has the world’s only conch farm, and the national dish is conch and grits (yes, grits—the island was colonized by planters from the American South). You may have fallen in love with conch fritters in the Bahamas or Key West, but the chefs here have taken them to a whole new plane of existence. In addition to tender, juicy conch served ceviche, Creole and cracked, there’s grouper, snapper, mahimahi, tuna and more caught in the morning and served to you by lunch. Most menus offer them in relatively simple dishes, but that just lets the incredible flavor shine more.
Midway between the beaches and the ocean depths are shallow coral reefs that provide hours of exploration and underwater cliff faces that tempt scuba-equipped divers to delve a little deeper. On a number of islands, access to these coral gardens requires nothing more than a short swim from shore, while tour services deliver passengers to more distant reefs in a flotilla of craft that range from sleek speedboats to relaxed sailing catamarans. Operators offer a range of half-day adventures, but some of the best sites are reserved for all-day trips that include stops on deserted beaches.
If you’re looking for uncrowded, this is it. The mid-winter holidays will bring out a crowd in some parts of Grace Bay as snowbirds descend on the loungers, but even on comparatively bustling Provo, if you want your own private stretch of sand, you can find it. Head around the corner past Northwest Point and you’ll have your pick of empty beaches. If you’re staying on one of the other islands, merely heading a few hundred yards away from the resort’s beach will get you all the elbow room you could want and, often, your own private reef to snorkel.
The dearth of population also means no Disney-esque lines at the few well-known tourist sites or any of the scores of cool, but lesser-known, attractions: There are caves on Middle Caicos, 200-year-old graffiti atop Sapodilla Hill, salt pans on South Caicos and Salt Cay, a tidal estuary on Grand Turk plus hundreds of rocky islets all wrapped in a mantle of unfathomable depths.
The majority of Turks Islanders are descended from Bermudian salt rakers, brought here to gather and bag salt deposits evaporated from seawater. They’re gracious hosts, only too happy to welcome visitors to the islands. The tourist economy means that just about anyone who wants a job can have one, which also means that crime is very infrequent. You’ll meet people who are genuinely glad you’re there and are anxious to help you have a good time.
The list of Caribbean hotels that make the pulse pound and your significant other look even more significant is a long one. Like beauty, romance is in the heart of the beholder. There are beach bungalows far from the madding crowd where it’s just you two and a couple of tiki torches and hotels in the middle of lively and historic cities; resorts with staff awaiting your every command and boutiques that let you be. Whatever your romantic style, here are our choice properties for your consideration.
Your private sundeck awaits at Belize’s Cayo Espanto resort. This private island is just a few minutes by boat from the town of San Pedro, but a world apart from other resorts. Photo: Cayo Espanto
Even though it’s only three miles from bustling San Pedro, Cayo Espanto is a Caribbean cocoon, a private island with no access from the outside world save its own guest ferry. Seven villas are strategically spaced around the four-acre island to create maximum individual privacy. And each is unique: Casa Ventanas is built over the water and reached via a dock; Casa Olita has a private plunge pool, private beach and outdoor shower; Casa Estrella is two stories, with an elevated ocean view that goes on forever. On your way to the island, forego the ferry and arrive by helicopter to soak in spectacular vistas of sea and sky.
Once there, you’ll be greeted by the staff and your housemen who will take care of your every whim. The chef will drop by daily to discuss your dinner desires; your houseman will coordinate lunch and take you to a nearby deserted islet, where he’ll rake the sand to perfection and set you up with a cell phone to call him when you’re ready to return. After a delicious day of snorkeling, swimming, bonefishing or sunbathing you can return to your villa at Casa Brisa to take in the breezes or savor the sunsets from the west-facing Casa Solana, either villa is guaranteed to make your heart grow fonder.
The architecture of the Hostal Nicolas de Ovando incorporates a trio of 500-year-old homes that are the oldest European-built stone structures in the Americas. Photo: Serge Detalle/Ovando House
Nicolas de Ovando arrived in the Dominican Republic in 1502 at the head of some 2,000 colonists, leading the first organized European settlement in the New World. The hotel, Hostal Nicolas de Ovando isn’t just named for him, it’s literally in his house. Actually it’s three houses and the first European-built stone dwellings in the Americas. They were erected in 1502 along Las Damas, the first street in what would become the headquarters of Spain’s American enterprises, Santo Domingo. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this hotel oozes historic charm: In fact, it would be accurate to say there is no more historic hotel in the western hemisphere. The stone-walled structures enclose a central courtyard graced by a fountain and surrounded on four sides by a two-story gallery, it’s arched openings and columns a rhythmic counterpoint to the brick and stone.
Inside, the owners have done a masterful job of blending modern decor with the structure, highlighting the eccentricities of the half-millennium-old buildings rather than hiding them. The 74 rooms aren’t cookie-cutter, as they’ve been designed to work with the building. There’s a pool in a walled garden with plenty of room for lounging and just outside the door all of the charms of the colonial city. Wandering the narrow, cobblestone streets past the home of the conquistador Hernán Cortés leads you to the Alcazár de Colón, the family home built by Diego Columbus, Christopher’s son, which is now a museum. Nearby there are quaint restaurants, small shops filled with art and keepsakes and the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, the first Catholic church in the Americas. Buy a freshly rolled cigar at the shop across the street and check out menus at the nearby restaurants until you find one with a paella and an atmosphere that suits your mood. Afterwards, head back to the Ovando house and listen to the live jazz echoing off centuries-old bricks.
Jamaica’s Half Moon resort is a diverse and expansive property that commands a significant swath of coastline and offers private villas and cottages with direct water views. Photo: Half Moon Resort
If you suspect that the uber wealthy know something the rest of us don’t, you need no further proof than Half Moon, near Montego Bay, Jamaica. In the mid-1950s, a group of industrialists and heirs to some of America’s largest fortunes began to build winter cottages on a picturesque private beach. The cluster of cottages evolved into the full-size resort Half Moon, which attracted the rich and famous to luxuriate in the naughty atmosphere of the North Shore. Far from prying eyes in London, New York and Hollywood, celebrities could let down their hair for some serious fun. Errol Flynn spent years on the North Shore as did James Bond author Ian Fleming. JFK and Jackie stayed at Half Moon; so did Audrey Hepburn, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford and most of the current generations of British royals.
Half Moon now sprawls over 400 seaside acres, encompassing a Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course, several dozen (that’s right, dozen) pools and a shoreline embroidered with small palm- shaded coves. There’s an equestrian center, multiple fine dining restaurants and a 68,000-square-foot spa. While you can be perfectly happy in one of the luxury rooms, if romance is what you’re reaching for, one of the original West End cottages or a Royal Villa offer the ultimate in pleasurable pampering. The residences are staffed and you’ll have a butler, cook and housekeeper making sure you want for nothing. You can loll by a private pool and just keep telling each other how lucky you are.
It will take a boat ride from Providenciales to reach the secluded grounds of Parrot Cay. Once there, guests have coral reefs and miles of secluded beaches to enjoy in solitude. Photo: Parrot Cay
Owned by the stylish Como organization, Parrot Cay is a 1,000- acre private island just east of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos. For such a secluded resort, it’s remarkably easy to get to: It’s a half-hour boat ride from the well-served airport in Provo, just south of the Bahamas. The name and location attract celebrity A-listers like Ben Affleck and Christy Turlington with simplicity and superior service. The design is understated: modern but with a clear nod to the regional plantation style. If you’re looking for acres of hand-carved mahogany paneling, this isn’t your jam. But if you’re looking for acres of deserted beach, this is the place. There are three miles of powder-white sand lapped by calm, laser-green water, the Atlantic swell tamed by the offshore reefs.
Grab a lounger and soak up the ambience at the infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean; when you feel ambitious, take a ramble down the beach and remember to look down, there are beautiful shells underfoot, including partridge tuns, turban tops, sand dollars and queen conch. Turks and Caicos is one of the few places where you can reliably see live queen conch underwater, and the empty shells wash up on beaches and can be found in shell piles left behind by local fishermen. There are water toys on the beach or you can arrange a private boat excursion to Iguana Cay or fish on the enormous flats behind the islands. The resort rooms are clustered around the main pool, but for enhanced privacy oceanfront villas have their own pools—some are heated, ensuring year-round 24/7 skinny dipping. If you’re not coupled out by then, head for a his and her massage in the very private treatment cottage at the highly rated Shambhala Retreat.
The Canouan Resort sprawls over expansive and meticulously landscaped grounds that rise from the beach to high bluffs that provide expansive views of the central Grenadines and the Caribbean Sea. Photo: Canouan Resort
Canouan is not a place you get to instantly. It does have an airport, but the closest international service is in St. Vincent or Barbados, so you have to want to go there. And you definitely want to go. Canouan Resort at Carenage Bay occupies about a third of a 1,200-acre former plantation, complete with a 17th- century Anglican church. Down here south of St. Vincent, the islands are lumpy leftovers from a series of volcanic explosions. The resort fronts the beach and spills up onto the hill. Most of the rooms and villas are beachfront, though a few very private dwellings are perched on a 900-foot bluff with views that reach all the way to the Tobago Cays.
The property owners are Italian and there’s a sense of style throughout, especially in the restaurants and Bellini’s bar, so pack your killer heels and some sparkly accessories. You’ll get to dinner without breaking a sweat, too. You’ll be given a golf cart on arrival so you never have to walk unless you want to. The property received major upgrades just last year and a new ultra-exclusive boutique, Pink Sands Club, opened next door so expect to see private jets lined up on the runway. When you’re not relaxing over a fine wine just drinking in the ambience, stroll Shell Beach or take a charter to snorkel with turtles in the Tobago Cays.
No doubt, every vacation to the tropics includes at least one day at the pool. Whether you jump in and splash around, peacefully float on your back or hang out poolside with a good book, the pool is important. So make sure you find the swimming pool that works for you. From lazy-river styles to infinity-edge designs to even works of art, these pools all have what it takes to make your time in the sun the best.
At dusk a tropical sky casts a romantic aura over the pool at the Zoetry Agua resort. Photo: Debbie Snow
So well designed is the swimming pool at the Zoetry Agua in Punta Cana that you’ll feel as if you’re surrounded by the rainforest. Soft sensual curves make the pool inviting, and tiny islands home to tall lean palm trees rise up from the water. The pool shaped like a serpent weaves its way through the lush grounds, past hut-like buildings with cane-thatched roofs.
Its art-deco design from the 1940s makes the Raleigh Pool a South Beach icon. Photo: Raleigh Hotel
They don’t make swimming pools like the art-deco pool at the Raleigh Hotel on South Beach anymore. Its iconic curves, now accentuated in black, date back to 1941 when architect L. Murray Dixon designed the hotel. Everything about it screams elegant, sexy and cool. From its high dive-turned-waterfall to its funky lifeguard stand-inspired tower, it retains its bygone-era style. After several facelifts and booms and busts Miami-style, this hotel swimming pool still ranks as one of the top places to swim, hang out and, most importantly, be seen.
The Viceroy’s modern architectural forms carry through to the infinity pool area. Photo: Viceroy
One of the swankiest swimming pools ever, the infinity-edge pool at the Viceroy Hotel in Anguilla is surreal in its design. Perched on a small promontory, the hotel’s modern architectural elements interact with the natural surroundings, making way for a pool with the illusionary effect of shimmering water that meets the Caribbean Sea and extends to the horizon.
A serene sheet of water, the Parrot Cay by COMO’s infinity pool is the ultimate place to de-stress. Photo: Parrot Cay Resort
Situated on a private island, the beautifully understated infinity pool at the Parrot Cay by COMO is set against scrub-covered sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean. From your perch on a chaise lounge, the vast pool is so cleverly crafted it visually becomes one with the beach. Bonus: Poolside tiki huts transform into private dining rooms for a romantic evening. You’ll feel like you’re having dinner on the beach.
Besides being a work of art, the Halekulani pool offers tantalizing views of Hawaii’s coastline. Photo: Halekulani
Like an artist’s canvas, the bottom of the swimming pool at Waikiki’s Halekulani resort has been turned into a stunning piece of artwork. Using 1.2 million glass tiles, an eye-popping blue mosaic of a Cattleya orchid was created. Whether you swim above the flower with eyes open or view it from the pool’s deck, the design is breathtakingly beautiful.
The infinity pool at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas blends beautifully with its tropical surroundings. Photo: Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
From your chaise lounge on the deck of the infinity pool at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, you can watch the feathery shadows of palm trees dance on the water. As your eye moves with the ripples, the pool water seems to extend into the Caribbean Sea, where fishing boats bob against the soft peaks of the island’s green mountains in the distance. Who would ever imagine a swimming pool could create such a picturesque panorama?
You want to get away, but not from your family. Instead, you’d like to find a place in the sun that provides both relaxing moments and exciting memories. A place where you can temper togetherness with some alone time while the younger generation pursues their passions would be ideal. This destination should also be safe, relatively easy to reach and offer a diverse range of sights and activities—just in case you want to take a break from that beach chair and have some adventures. Here are 10 tropical destinations within easy reach of North America, each ideal for a family getaway.
Located near the airport, St Lucia’s Coconut Bay Resort offers a wide range of activities for adults and children. Photo: Richard Hallman/Coconut Bay
The Caribbean’s Windward Islands are green and mountainous, with surf-washed beaches to the east and calmer waters to the west. In between are waterfalls, jungles and scenic overlooks worthy of a hike, a canopy zip-line tour or a horseback ride. One of the easiest to reach from North America is St. Lucia. Currently, there are seven U.S. and Canadian cities offering non-stop flights into Vieux Fort airport on the island’s southern coast. Luxe resorts are hidden away in St. Lucia’s wooded hills and sheltered bays, but not all are suited to the lively sounds of active children. One property where children are not only accepted, but catered to, is the Coconut Bay Resort. This mid-range but highly rated property is close to the airport and departure points for island adventures such as rainforest tram rides and four-wheeler tours. The adults-only Harmony wing is separated from the lively Splash wing, which is home to a water park, paintball court and beach shack; it’s the center for a variety of supervised land and water sports. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy all the grown-up perks expected of an all-inclusive.
With direct air service into Punta Cana, the island’s most popular resort area, getting the family to a beach in the Dominican Republic is easy. The crime rate in this region of the DR is almost non-existent, and vacation action centers around the numerous all-inclusive resorts lining the coast. Most waiters, clerks and cab drivers have at least basic English comprehension, and within the resort complexes, you may find yourself having to seek out opportunities to practice your high school Spanish. One of the best places for families, toddlers to teens, is the Club Med Punta Cana, which is just minutes from the airport and directly fronting one of the region’s finest palm-fringed beaches. From the on-site children’s buffet, complete with baby food, to the skate park, hangout lounge and teen spa, the youth programs and recreational opportunities go well beyond the usual kids’ club routine.
Negril’s Beaches Resort offers a wide range of kid-centric amenities, including a water park and lazy river. Photo: Steve Sanacore/Beaches Resort
Jamaica is ground zero for the all-inclusive lifestyle, and the resorts that focus on families go all out to deliver a complete vacation experience for the younger generation. Parents aren’t forgotten however, and thanks to a wide assortment of infant programs, kids’ camps, and all-age water-sports activities, it’s easy for a family to play together— or pursue their own passions. Montego Bay is the default arrival point for the majority of all-inclusives, and resort shuttles whisk your group directly to a beachfront complex. High on any family’s list—especially those with younger children—is the Beaches property in Negril, which is about an hour away from the airport by shuttle bus. The little ones will be rewarded for their in-transit patience when they are greeted by Elmo and other Sesame Street characters. Older children can lose themselves in a smorgasbord of age-appropriate diversions that include water sports and everything from an Xbox Play Lounge to an under-21 nightclub (relax, there’s no alcohol). Parents can join in the fun or opt for a round of golf, a spa treatment and a private candlelight dinner. For those looking to stay closer to Montego Bay, two of the best family-friendly properties are the Half Moon resort and Iberostar Rose Hall Suites.
Costa Rica’s Xandara Resort is centrally located, providing convenient access to San Jose and area attractions. Photo: Xandara Resort
Once the kids reach bike-riding age and beyond, Costa Rica becomes a fantastic vacation destination for eco adventures and active water sports. By far the safest country in Central America, Costa Rica has long been a haven for U.S. expats. The country’s mountainous central regions mitigate the tropical heat and provide a magnificent backdrop for rainforest hikes, volcano tours, jungle river rafting, and high-flying zip-line tours. Equally popular are the numerous beachside resorts nestled into the green jungles of the Pacific Coast. Though the distances between regions may not seem great as the crow files, twisting mountain roads can mean drive times of several hours. Rather than try to see and do it all in one trip, it’s best to settle into a base camp resort and sample some of the more exciting adventures that are within easy range of that locale. The beautiful landscaped grounds of Xandari Resort & Spa provide commanding views and easy proximity to the capital of San José, while an hour to the north guests of the Peace Lodge can wander through the adjacent La Paz Waterfall Gardens and relax in eco-lodge luxury. A coastal destination that combines the best of jungle and beach is the Manuel Antonio National Park. The Sí Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge is the region’s premier property, while Hotel Costa Verde, with its airplane suite and resident monkeys, is certainly one of the most fun places to stay.
Puerto Rico’s El Conquistador resort offers a water park and daily boat trips to a private island. Photo: El Conquistador
If you are stuck in San Juan freeway traffic, with the kids asking “are we there yet,” it might seem like you never left Miami or Manhattan. But once you steer clear of the capital’s urban sprawl, a better side of the island is revealed. Puerto Rico’s green highlands provide miles of back-road exploration and rainforest adventures, while the ocean beckons. Surfers prefer the waves of Rincón to the west, but the island’s clearest waters and sunniest skies are found to the east. Forty minutes from Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport, the coastal town of Fajardo is an epicenter for fishing, sailing and diving excursions, and a jumping off point for the out islands of Culebra and Vieques. Just north of town, the Waldorf Astoria El Conquistador overlooks the eastern water, with an on-site marina, seven outdoor pools and a water park complete with flumes and a lazy river. Families can book into the Las Casitas Village to enjoy the extra elbow room of one- and two-bedroom suites and still be within easy walking distance of all amenities, including the spa and golf course. The waterfront is lacking in sandy beaches, but a catamaran ride from the docks will deliver you to private Palomino Island for a day of beachfront relaxation.
The Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Village sits on the midpoint of Providenciales’ magnificent Grace Bay. Photo: Beaches Resorts
In their natural state the dry, low-lying islands of the Turks and Caicos aren’t much to look at—until you reach the shore. There, soft white sand meets water that shimmers in shades of emerald and turquoise. Thanks to direct air service and ample supplies of desalinated water, this sun-swept British Crown Colony has evolved into a world-class resort destination. If you arrive on Providenciales accompanied by children, you are most likely headed for Grace Bay and the expansive grounds of Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa. This property takes the all-inclusive family resort concept to a whole new level, delivering activities and indulgences for all ages—including parents. There’s a dedicated nursery facility and toddlers are watched over by certified nannies and entertained by costumed Sesame Street characters. Older children can frolic in the Caribbean’s largest water park or join guided snorkel tours, beach games and reggae jams. If the teens managed to get tired of the beach, they can move to an age-themed game room, hangout lounge or dance club. Mom and dad aren’t slighted either, with everything from scuba diving to spa treatments, plus 19 restaurants and a dozen bars to sample.
The Melia Cabo Real is a family-friendly resort located north of Cabo San Lucas on Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. Photo: Victor Elias/Melia Cabo Real
Cabo San Lucas can be a party town, but there’s more to Baja’s southernmost settlement than the nightly reveries of the marina district. The same sunny skies, blue waters and warm sands that draw spring breakers and incognito A-listers can also provide the backdrop for a memorable family vacation. A number of resorts are tucked along the coast between the airport at San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas itself, offering a base for self-contained recreation on-property, plus reasonable drive times to the cape’s other attractions. One favorite family option is the Melia Cabo Real All-inclusive Beach & Golf Resort, which is kid-friendly both in terms of pricing and amenities. Children under 12 stay free with parents and can enjoy a range of youth-centric activities. A good near-town option is the Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa, which sits just over the hills from downtown and at the far end of the beach near Land’s End and the Cape’s signature arch. Guests find a range of youth activities, but the real attraction is the chance for some private beach time in one of the world’s most spectacular settings, combined with five-minute access to town.
The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas features a mile-long tube river with rapids and tunnels. Photo: Jeffrey Brown/Atlantis Resorts
Flying into New Providence Island, home to the capital city of Nassau, is easy from points all across the eastern United States. There are several vintage and a couple of newer resorts along the western and southern coasts worth consideration, but once the kids hear “Bahamas” they will probably be thinking “Atlantis.” The marketing machine behind this mega-resort gets the word out on the children’s channels, so there’s a pretty good chance they’ll already know what to expect. You won’t have the property’s beaches, pools or water park to yourself, but everything runs with theme park-like precision. A family of four can book into the more cost-effective Beach Tower and still enjoy all the diversions the resort complex has to offer.
If Curacao isn’t on your family’s vacation radar, it should be. The island tempers the practical stability of the Netherlands with a hint of Caribbean spice, providing an experience that is slightly exotic, but ultimately comfortable and safe. You may hear strains of Papiamento or Dutch when strolling through the historic districts of Willemstad, but if you need to ask directions, you’ll probably get an answer in English. Water sports are the primary draw, but the capital city has also made a name for itself in recent years as a regional center for art and culture. You’ll mingle with a mixed bag of Europeans at the cafes or on the beach. A top choice for family groups with mixed-age children is the Sunscape Curacao Resort. Close to both the airport and downtown, this all-inclusive is very kid-friendly, not only because of the various youth-central amenities and activities, but also because of its location. The sheltered beach is perfect for swimming and first-time snorkelers, and the Curacao Sea Aquarium complex is within easy walking distance.
Napili Kai Beach Resort, Lahaina, Maui. Photo: Jim York / Napili Kai Beach Resort
Hawaii’s resort infrastructure is second to none, and it’s a tropical destination that’s also part of the United States, so you can skip the passport and count on all the comforts of home, and then some. Each of the four major destinations has its own vibe. Oahu offers urban amenities or an escape to the north shore; Kauai is a bit wilder and ideal for outdoor adventures and relaxing natural surroundings; Hawaii (aka the big island) tourism focuses around Kona and golf and big game fishing are prime. It is the island of Maui that offers the greatest diversity of activities for children of all ages, and quite a few resorts cater to families with water parks, youth camps, game rooms, social activities and so forth. Sometimes, less is more, and if you want to focus on together time and relax at a resort where you don’t have to ride a tram to get to the dining room, consider the Napili Kai Beach Resort. Its low-rise condominium accommodations are set on ten acres of landscaped grounds fronting a quiet beach and snorkel-worthy Napili Bay.
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