Caribbean
In the Caribbean, you can hike through national parks and scuba dive along underwater mountains.
Caribbean Vacations
In the Caribbean, you can hike through national parks and scuba dive along underwater mountains. But perhaps your idea of the perfect island vacation is to plunk yourself down on the sands with a frosted drink in hand. Whether you want a veranda with a view of the sea or a plantation house set in a field of sugar cane, this guide will help you choose the vacation that best suits your needs.
Aruba
Until its beaches were "discovered" in the late 1970s, Aruba, with its desertlike terrain and lunarlike interior landscapes, was an almost-forgotten outpost of Holland. Today, vacationers come for the dependable sunshine (it rains less here than virtually anywhere else in the Caribbean), the spectacular beaches, and an almost total lack of racial tensions despite an amazingly culturally diverse population.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is one of the most geographically complicated nations of the Atlantic. A coral-based archipelago, it is composed of more than 700 islands, 2,000 cays (pronounced "keys," from the Spanish word for small islands), and hundreds of rocky outcroppings that have damaged the hulls of countless ships since colonial days.
The British Virgin Islands (B.V.I.)
Still a British Crown Colony, this lushly forested chain consists of about 50 small, mountainous islands. Come here for the laid-back lifestyle, the lovely sandy beaches, the friendly people, and the small, intimate inns.
The Cayman Islands
This trio of islands is set near the southern coast of Cuba. It's a prosperous, tiny nation. The warm, crystal-clear waters and the colorful marine life in the offshore reefs surrounding the island attract scuba divers and snorkelers. Many hotels line the luscious sands of Seven Mile Beach.
The Dominican Republic
Occupying the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola, the island it shares with Haiti, the mountainous Dominican Republic is the second-largest country of the Caribbean. The island offers lots of Latin color, zesty merengue music, and many opportunities to dance, drink, and party.
Jamaica
A favorite of North American honeymooners, Jamaica is a mountainous island that rises abruptly from the sea 90 miles south of Cuba. It offers excellent beaches, golf, eco-tourism adventures, and fine hotels in all price brackets, making it one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean.
Puerto Rico
Home to 3.9 million people whose primary language is Spanish (though English is widely spoken, too), the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is under the jurisdiction of the United States. It's the most urban island of the Caribbean, with great beaches, glittering casinos, a range of hotels in all price brackets, sports and eco-tourism offerings, good hearty food, and sizzling salsa clubs. The island's interior is filled with rainforests and ancient volcanic mountains; the coastline is ringed with gorgeous sandy beaches.
St. Kitts & Nevis
The first English settlement in the Leeward Islands, St. Kitts has a rich sense of British maritime history. This island lies somewhat off the beaten tourist track and has a very appealing, intimate charm.
Nevis was spotted by Columbus in 1493 on his second voyage to the New World. He called it Nieves -- Spanish for snows -- when he saw the cloud-crowned volcanic isle that evoked for him the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia (Loo-sha), 24 miles south of Martinique, is the second largest of the Windward Islands, with a population of around 162,000. A volcanic island with lots of rainfall and great natural beauty, it has white- and black-sand beaches, bubbling sulfur springs, and beautiful mountain scenery.
Turks & Caicos
Although these islands are actually part of the Bahamian archipelago - they are to the east of the southernmost islands of The Bahamas, directly north of Haiti and the Dominican Republic - they are governed separately.
What's beginning to put Turks and Caicos on the map is an incredible array of beaches. The islands are also home to some of the world's most magnificent underwater life.
The U.S. Virgin Islands
Formerly Danish possessions, these islands became part of the United States in 1917. All three islands offer stunning beaches, great snorkeling, sailing, and lovely scenery.
Packages
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island
From $630.00+ (USD)
Save up to 65% Luxury Included« Vacation includes anytime snacks at beachside grills, all meals and fine dining options; unlimited premium brand drinks; luxurious accommodations; nightly entertainment; water sports and guided scuba dives; basketball, tennis, and championship golf; use of fitness center and all amenities; airport transfers, tips, resort taxes and more.
Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort
From $590.00+ (USD)
All-Inclusive includes all meals, drinks, activities and more! PLUS reduced rate. (Must be booked by 12/31/09)
Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa, A Wyndham Grand Resort
From $240.00+ (USD)
Includes reduced rate PLUS Kids 18 & younger stay FREE. (Must be booked by 12/31/09)
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort
From $921.00+ (USD)
Save up to 65% Luxury Included« Vacation includes anytime snacks at beachside grills, all meals and fine dining options; unlimited premium brand drinks; luxurious accommodations; nightly entertainment; water sports and guided scuba dives; basketball, tennis, and championship golf; use of fitness center and all amenities; airport transfers, tips, resort taxes and more.
Grotto Bay Beach Resort
From $215.00+ (USD)
Ocean View. Includes 3rd night FREE PLUS Kids 16 & younger stay FREE.
Rose Hall Resort & Spa, A Hilton Resort
From $680.00+ (USD)
All-Inclusive includes all meals, drinks, activities and more! PLUS reduced rate. (Must be booked by 1/1/10)
Rosewood Little Dix Bay
From $1,217.00+ (USD)
Includes reduced rate.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
From $827.00+ (USD)
Includes reduced rate PLUS Kids 17 & younger stay FREE!
CuisinArt Resort & Spa
From $1,332.00+ (USD)
Includes daily Continental breakfast for ALL, non-motorized water sports and more!
Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa
From $690.00+ (USD)
Save up to 65% Luxury Included« Vacation includes anytime snacks at beachside grills, all meals and fine dining options; unlimited premium brand drinks; luxurious accommodations; nightly entertainment; water sports and guided scuba dives; basketball, tennis, and championship golf; use of fitness center and all amenities; airport transfers, tips, resort taxes and more.
Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel
From $556.00+ (USD)
Includes reduced rate PLUS Kids 17 & younger stay FREE. (Must be booked by 01/15/10)
Grand Pineapple Beach Negril
From $615.00+ (USD)
All-Inclusive includes all meals, drinks, activities and more! PLUS reduced rate.
Occidental Grand Aruba
From $992.00+ (USD)
All-Inclusive includes, all meals, drinks, activities and more! PLUS reduced rate.
Riu Palace Paradise Island
From $617.00+ (USD)
Ocean View Junior Suite. All-Inclusive includes all meals, drinks, activities and more! (Must be booked by 12/23/09)
Melia Caribe Tropical
From $298.00+ (USD)
Junior Suite. All-Inclusive includes, reduced rate, all meals, unlimited drinks, snacks, non-motorized water sports, daily activities, nightly entertainment and more!
Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort
From $601.00+ (USD)
Includes reduced rate PLUS Kids 18 & younger stay FREE.
Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Golf Resort
From $512.00+ (USD)
Save up to 65% Luxury Included« Vacation includes anytime snacks at beachside grills, all meals and fine dining options; unlimited premium brand drinks; luxurious accommodations; nightly entertainment; water sports and guided scuba dives; basketball, tennis, and championship golf; use of fitness center and all amenities; airport transfers, tips, resort taxes and more.
The Crane Resort & Residences
From $1,138.00+ (USD)
Junior Suite.
The Fairmont Hamilton Princess
From $604.00+ (USD)
Includes 4th night FREE.
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
From $1,557.00+ (USD)
Includes reduced rate.
Beaches Sandy Bay
From $611.00+ (USD)
Save up to 65% Luxury Included« Family Vacation. Vacation includes: anytime snacks at beachside grills, all meals and fine dining options; unlimited premium brand drinks; luxurious accommodations; nightly entertainment; water sports and guided scuba dives; basketball, tennis, and championship golf; use of fitness center and all amenities; airport transfers, tips, resort taxes and more.
Almond Casuarina Beach
From $920.00+ (USD)
One Bedroom Suite. Adults Only. All-Inclusive includes all meals, drinks, activities and more!
InterContinental San Juan
From $713.00+ (USD)
Includes reduced rate PLUS Kids 17 & younger stay FREE. (Must be booked by 01/31/10)
Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa
From $852.00+ (USD)
Includes reduced rate, $100 food and beverage credit PLUS Kids 17 & younger stay FREE. (Must be booked by 3/26/10)
Riu Negril Hotel
From $604.00+ (USD)
All-Inclusive includes, all meals, drinks, activities & more.
Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa
From $956.00+ (USD)
Save up to 65% Luxury Included« Vacation includes anytime snacks at beachside grills, all meals and fine dining options; unlimited premium brand drinks; luxurious accommodations; nightly entertainment; water sports and guided scuba dives; basketball, tennis, and championship golf; use of fitness center and all amenities; airport transfers, tips, resort taxes and more.
Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa in St. Lucia
From $800.00+ (USD)
Save up to 65% Luxury Included« Vacation includes anytime snacks at beachside grills, all meals and fine dining options; unlimited premium brand drinks; luxurious accommodations; nightly entertainment; water sports and guided scuba dives; basketball, tennis, and championship golf; use of fitness center and all amenities; airport transfers, tips, resort taxes and more.
Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Golf & Casino
From $603.00+ (USD)
Junior Suite. All-Inclusive includes all meals, drinks, activities and more!
St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino
From $753.00+ (USD)
Includes 5th night FREE, daily breakfast for two PLUS Kids 17 & younger stay FREE!
Sandals Halcyon Beach St. Lucia
From $1,113.00+ (USD)
Save up to 65% Luxury Included« Vacation includes anytime snacks at beachside grills, all meals and fine dining options; unlimited premium brand drinks; luxurious accommodations; nightly entertainment; water sports and guided scuba dives; basketball, tennis, and championship golf; use of fitness center and all amenities; airport transfers, tips, resort taxes and more.
