Caribbean

Dream Getaways in the Caribbean

The Caribbean islands offer a diverse selection of stunning getaways, whether you are looking for an intimate hotel on a private island or a larger full-service resort.

The Bahamas

The Bahamas are easy to get to and offers quite a choice of luxury hideaways. There are 29 islands and hundreds of cays in the Bahamas, with accommodations ranging from large mega-resorts near Nassau to intimate hideaways on smaller islands. Bahamas enjoy tropical climate and feature beautiful sandy beaches. Vacation ideas include scuba diving, boating, sailing, fishing and other water sports.

There are many luxury hotels to choose from. Old Bahama Bay by Ginn Sur Mer, located on Grand Bahama, has its own marina, so you can bring your own boat from Florida, just 64 miles away. In addition to beautiful sandy beaches, Grand Bahama offers vacationers cultural experiences, dolphin encounters, natural preserves, eco-adventures, jeep safaris, scuba diving and bike tours. Plan your trip around one of the many festivals or events, such as a film festival, triathlon, crab fest, regatta, celebrity weekend featuring benefit performances, Junkanoo (a Bahamian cultural event), and others.

Bimini are the closest to the mainland United States. North Bimini and South Bimini are the largest. Book a suite at Bimini Bay Resort and enjoy 1,100+ square feet of living space with a full kitchen.

Pink Sands Resort on Harbour Island is famous for its privacy and seclusion, frequently attracting celebrity guests. Spend your time relaxing, watching romantic sunsets and snorkeling. Atlantis, famous for its attractions, waterslides, mega pools and an array of accommodation choices, is close to Nassau.

The U.S. Virgin Islands

USVI consist of the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas as well as some smaller islands popular with honeymooners looking for an intimate experience. Many getaways offer beachfront wedding ceremonies where you can get married with a view of the sunset and the Caribbean Sea.

There, you will find a slowed pace of life, privacy and seclusion. USVI are located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean, enjoying sunny tropical weather. The best known are the islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas.

There are many beautiful sandy beaches to choose from, as well as great resorts with stylish rooms and relaxing spas. Caneel Bay is nestled within the 5,000-acre Virgin Islands National Park and is surrounded by seven beautiful secluded beaches. The Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas is a luxury hideaway offering five star service and a spa. Frenchman's Reef Marriott features many activities, ranging from scuba diving and snorkeling to catamaran rides and sunset cruises.

If you are traveling to St. Croix, fly to the Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport. The Cyril E. King International Airport serves St. Thomas and St. John. If you are renting a car, you will have to drive on the left.

British Virgin Islands

BVI are home to private island getaways like Peter Island Resort and Necker Island where you can enjoy the ultimate in privacy and seclusion. The 1,200-acre Peter Island is only accessible by boat and has five beautiful private beaches. There is awesome snorkeling, scuba diving and a number of other vacation activities. Ask for a suite with a private terrace, jacuzzi tub and ocean views.

The Meridian Club on Pine Cay in Turks and Caicos has only 13 accommodations. If you are looking for a luxury private villa getaway, take a look at Katitche Point Greathouse located on the west side of Virgin Gorda.

St. Barts

St. Barts is famous for intimate hideaways especially popular with couples. You can spend time in the sun and get pampered at five star spas. The the turquoise waters around the islands are home to countless tropical fish, colorful coral and marine turtles. There are many reefs reefs, caves and islets to explore. Go snorkeling and plan a scuba diving trip.

St Barts measures just over 9 square miles in size but seems much bigger because of its diverse landscape, featuring volcanoes, valleys and sandy beaches. There are many romantic restaurants where you can sample delicious cuisine while enjoying great views.

Events and festivals on St Barts include music, film and book festivals, regattas and other events. Shops sell handmade jewelery, skincare, bikinis, shirts and gifts.

There are many luxury villa rentals, hotels and resorts to choose from. Hotel Guanahani has beautiful rooms with their own terraces and gardens. Hotel Le Toiny has 15 spacious villa suites, spa, fitness center and a restaurant serving delicious French cuisine. Hotel Carl Gustaf has all-suite accommodations and a boutique spa.

You can reach St. Barts by air via Juliana Airport in nearby Dutch St Maarten. From St Maarten, taka a local 10-minute flight to St. Barts aboard Winair, Air Caraïbes or St Barth Commuter.

Jamaica

The third largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica offers accommodations for every budget, including hotels where you will get pampered from head to toe. From your luxury oasis, you'll be able to explore the island's waterfalls and tropical rainforest.

Jamaica's resorts include Royal Plantation featuring a European-style spa, suite accommodations and butlers providing guests with five star service. Round Hill Jamaica offers an array of activities, a freshwater pool and elegant villa suites, great for honeymooners.

The Tryall Club is a luxury villa getaway with scenic championship golf. Popular with families who enjoy fun in the sun, accommodations at this resort are spacious and luxurious.

If you are traveling with children, Island Village in Ocho Rios is a theme park featuring a water sports center, shopping, a Reggae museum, art gallery, arcade and a cinema. The theme park extends to white sandy Ocho Rios Bay.

Sandals Whitehouse is an all-inclusive getaway with many great activities. Red Lane Spa offers European treatments with a Caribbean flair. Although there are three villages with distinct Italian, Dutch or French architectural features, you don't have to worry about having a view at this unique resort since all accommodations at Sandals Whitehouse are ocean-facing and within yards of the ocean.

Barbados

Barbados is home to many exceptional resorts, some of which offer all inclusive vacation pricing. The Sandpiper has just 47 luxury rooms and suites surrounded by lush tropical gardens. All accommodations at The Fairmont Royal Pavilion have a private balcony or terrace where you can enjoy ocean and garden views. Sandy Lane Resort is located on the western coast of Barbados where you can enjoy romantic sunset dinners, spacious rooms and many activities.

Tips for Families

Since there are so many great places for families, here are some tips to help you narrow down your options.

• Is the bay protected by a reef so that the waves do not get too large?
• What kind of activities are there: snorkeling, surfing, golf courses, spas and shopping?
• Would you rather be on a large stretch of sand, or a smaller bay?
• Do you want the luxuries of a five-star resort or do you prefer to keep the costs down by staying in a condo and cooking some of your own meals?
• Consider the season - where can you get the best deals now?
• Is all inclusive pricing right for you? If your family likes to participate in many activities and dines primarily at the hotel you are staying at, these getaways offer substantial savings.