By the time April rolls around, most travelers are already neck deep in vacation planning for a variety of occasions. Spring Break, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, summer vacation, 4^th of July, National Golf Month—the list goes on. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate and escape, and there are also undoubtedly deals galore for any holiday on the calendar. And since most of us only take one big, spectacular vacation per year, we choose our options wisely, so the last thing we need is an even more alluring opportunity.

Few occasions are as enticing and fulfilling as Earth Day—April 22—especially with so many resorts in tropical destinations redefining sustainability practices and environmentally responsible behavior. To make matters even more incredible, these properties are also developing phenomenal, year-round experiences, activities, and amenities for the sake of celebrating Mother Earth.

For anyone ready to give back as much as they love kicking back, here are some of the best Earth Day resort experiences on the planet.

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

The Maldives is a destination so spectacular that it is a once in a lifetime vacation experience for most people, which presents a heck of a conundrum: which resort do you choose? Well, if you’re an eco-conscious traveler who wants to have the most incredible getaway imaginable—Earth Day or not—Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, is always an exceptional choice. The villas alone… wow.

But as much as this resort was designed to make guests feel like the most important people in the world, it also has a huge emphasis on sustainability and offers travelers a holistic conservation experience. For starters, people can adopt both coral and hawksbill sea turtles, although don’t get too excited—you’re not taking anything home. The resort’s coral conservation and propagation projects are ideal for guests who don’t mind getting a little dirty cleaning the beaches and aiding in the preservation of the region’s stunning reefs. And as for those turtles, the Oliver Ridley Project is dedicated to protecting and preserving the critically endangered species.

Kids will be happy to give back, too, even if they don’t know that they’re making a difference. The kids’ club, for example, is entirely solar-powered, but beyond the games and activities they can also attend the “Blue School” to learn about the importance of the ocean and why it is important to preserve it.

Jamaica Inn

For travelers who would love to help the hawksbill sea turtles but can’t travel halfway around the world, Jamaica Inn is a fabulous alternative. Set on one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, this property’s mission has been conservation for 65 years and running. On track to be carbon neutral by 2025, new solar panels and a sustainable waste-water system are among the latest efforts, but guests will undoubtedly love the ways they’re able to give back, too.

Resident sea turtle expert Mel Tennant of The Oracabessa Turtle Bay Project and Sanctuary will lead visitors on the unbelievable experience watching (and helping, if necessary) baby sea turtles make it safely to the sea. And few resorts boast a turtle calendar for the sake of allowing people to book when those critters are expected to hatch.

Jamaica Inn is also partnered with The White River Fish Sanctuary for the effort to restore and preserve the island’s coral reefs, and guests can see and learn about the new coral growth in glass-bottom boat tours. Even more exciting, anyone who loves a great wellness visit can take part in the Ocean Spa’s unique Farm to Skin Foraging experience, which leads guests into the on-site tropical gardens to pick the ingredients used in making the natural spa products.

Hotel Belmar, Costa Rica

Hotels all over the world can learn a thing or two from Costa Rica’s Hotel Belmar, which not only became the first carbon neutral property in Monteverde in 2019 but just last year achieved climate positive status. Of course, that’s on top of the fact that it’s already widely considered one of the best in Central America, if not the entire world. For a Costa Rican vacation that delivers the most of this ecologically diverse destination, travelers cannot go wrong by staying at the place that asks them to “Offset Your Footprint.”

The toughest part is trying to fit every experience into one visit, as Hotel Belmar offers an astounding array of adventures, beginning with the trio of activities in the amazing 17-acre SAVIA Private Reserve. Experts are waiting to take no more than six guests at a time on a Bird Quest that will introduce them to as many of the region’s 400 species of birds as they can spot on this four-hour morning trek. They can also head into the forest’s canopies for the Morning View journey and then return later in the afternoon to explore once more and watch how the preserve changes for Nightfall.

Food always plays a crucial role in the guest experience at any resort, and visitors will likely rave about the farm-to-table dining experience, as well as the garden-to-glass cocktail class. And for anyone who simply must know where their ingredients are coming from, the hotel offers horseback tours of the family-owned Finca Madre Tierra, the country’s first carbon neutral farm.

Mount Cinnamon Resort, Grenada

At Mount Cinnamon Resort in Grenada, April is Earth Month. While travelers can learn about this property’s sustainability practices—that led to it receiving Gold Green Globe Certification—throughout the year, they should prioritize this month just for the myriad special activities.

For starters, the resort’s general manager hosts a weekly cocktail party, but in April the guest of honor is Jonnel Edwards, Marine Biologist and Environmental Sustainability Consultant for Mount Cinnamon, who speaks with guests about the team’s efforts. This month kicked off with a cocktail party for local farmers, who showcased their prize crops. Multiple beach cleanups offered guests the opportunity to see the staff’s commitment firsthand, and the resort’s gardens received extra special attention for replenishing the ingredients that are used in the two on-site restaurants.

Guests at Mount Cinnamon are also invited to take part in the Pack for a Purpose program, which isn’t an environmental endeavor but does contribute to the island’s community. By packing even a few of the supplies being collected for St. George’s Primary School, visitors can help improve the educational experience for more than 400 children.

Big Cedar Lodge, Missouri

When most of us hear the name Big Cedar Lodge, we think of the Midwest’s best golf experience and a fisherman’s paradise. But the collective Bass Pro Properties—Big Cedar Lodge, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, Wonders of Wildlife, Finley Farms, and Big Cypress Lodge in Memphis—excels at offering travelers so many opportunities for education and environmental awareness that an entire year’s worth of vacations can be spent enjoying and appreciating each one.

For the big day, guests at Big Cedar can participate in the Earth Day 5K, while the Kids Adventure Club hosts nature-focused crafts, outdoor games, and a scavenger hunt. Nearby sister property Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is taking visitors on a casual hike before they can stop by the amphitheater to learn about and meet the resident turtles. And a little further up the road in Springfield, Wonders of Wildlife is home to the only sea turtle rehabilitation facility in the Midwest, and it also one of only seven participants in the Orinoco crocodile head start program, as guests can see the park’s pair of junior crocs that will spend two years growing up here.

It’s hard to pick just one of the adventures, but no family can go wrong with Big Cedar’s Top of the Rock Lost Canyon and Nature Trail. The 2.5-mile excursion is enjoyed by electric cart, so no one will break a sweat as they marvel at the beauty of the Ozarks’ caves. Kids will love the butterfly garden, which was created to repopulate the region’s species, and an exceptional education awaits at the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.

The post It’s Always Earth Day at these Incredible Eco-Forward Resorts appeared first on Islands.

In vacation world there are beach people and there are pool people—and if you’re in the latter camp you probably prefer a comfy chaise that’s a short stroll away from a fabulous pool. Perhaps it’s in a stunning oceanfront infinity pool where you practically feel one with the sea or maybe it’s in a lagoon-style oasis that’s perfect for family fun. Does it have a swim-up bar? We certainly hope so—or at least pool bar service! 

Read on for a round-up of 10 of the best new resort pools in the Caribbean, Riviera Maya, and Bermuda.

The Morgan Resort and Spa, St. Maarten

Is it a beach or a pool? Honestly, it’s a little of both and guests haven’t been able to stop posting pics of it ever since The Morgan Resort and Spa debuted on St. Maarten in June 2021. This pool has a waterfall, slide, grotto cave, underwater music system, and Bar M Pool Bar (a swim-up bar with a blackjack table), along with private poolside cabanas. 

The 124-room contemporary-style resort is located just minutes away from Maho Beach with its famous Sunset Beach Bar and overhead jets landing at Princess Juliana Airport, so if you’re a pool lover and an aviation geek (the resort has a rooftop Observation Deck), this might be the spot for you. 

Silversands Grenada

Silversands Grenada, a relative newcomer on this lush Southern Caribbean island known for its flavorful spices, features 43 rooms and suites designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic inspired by nature. But the true showstopper is the resort’s daybed-lined infinity pool that at 330 feet is the longest in the Caribbean and stretches from the lobby to the soft sands of Grand Anse Beach. 

The luxury property, which opened in December 2018, also offers eight three- and four-bedroom villas, each featuring their own incredible private infinity pool.

Goldwynn Resort and Residences, Nassau, Bahamas

With its debut in February 2023, Goldwynn Resort and Residences became the newest boutique resort in Nassau—and of course it has a stylish place to take a dip. The heated infinity pool, designed in a distinctive elongated eye shape, seems to spill onto the white sand of Cable Beach below and features luxury cabanas as well as the open-air Amara restaurant. 

The oceanfront property celebrates the “luxury of leisure” and its 81 studios and suites channel timeless glamour with a nod to mid-century-modern lines with a beachside aesthetic. 

Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Not one, not two, not three, but an incredible seven heated pools overlooking Caribbean—plus three man-made cenotes and a rooftop pool for Preferred Club guests—all equipped with cabanas, chic lounge chairs, and poolside service await at Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen. 

The 485-suite adults-only resort, which opened in October 2022, is set on a stunning white-sand beach just outside of lively Playa del Carmen and is ideal for couples or groups of friends who want options, including wading into a sand-bottomed pool, relaxing in an overwater hammock, and grabbing a cocktail at a thatched-roof swim-up bar.

The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos

IFor many travelers without kids, an adults-only pool is a must and The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos, which opened in June 2021 on Providenciales’ spectacular Grace Bay Beach, delivers. The luxury property features 147 rooms and suites and offers guests a choice of two adjacent oceanfront pools: a family-friendly recreation pool and an adult’s only option with chic private cabanas surrounded by water. 

Plus, The Ritz-Carlton has converted two vintage VW vans into cocktail bars that are parked steps from the pool and beach, with one serving margaritas and the other mojitos. 

Falcon’s Resort by Melia – All Suites Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Families looking to make a splash and then some can now head to Falcon’s Resort by Melia – All Suites Punta Cana, which opened in early 2023 offering a unique “resortainment” hospitality experience. The all-inclusive property’s distinctive circular design (it was formerly Paradisus Grand Cana) features a trio of expansive main pools lined with swim-up suites as well as a BLAST! Waterpark. 

Guests can also enjoy the adjacent Katmandu Park – Punta Cana, a newly opened theme park with rides, mini-golf, a ropes course, and more.

The St. Regis Bermuda Resort

Prefer an elegant escape with a modern minimalist pool designed in harmony with a tranquil crescent beach in one of the most historic parishes in Bermuda? Look no farther than The St. Regis Bermuda Resort. 

The 120-room property, which opened in May 2021, is located in the enchanting town of St. George’s and its two geometric beachfront pools, one adults-only and the other for families, mimic the gentle arc of St. Catherine’s Beach and offer views of Fort St. Catherine. 

Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

If you like your beach resorts to have a sleek, modern aesthetic, be both all-inclusive and adults-only, and feature fabulous pools, Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana offers it all. Open since June 2021, the 347-room property located on a stretch of beach in the Uvero Alto district has five strikingly long and linear day-bed-lined pools, as well as swim-up suites with private terraces and plunge pools, and the casual Mediterranean eatery Huzur (one of 12 restaurants and bars) is perched above the main pool with views of the beach and ocean.

Breathless Cancun Soul Resort and Spa, Cancun

Breathless Cancun Soul Resort and Spa, a 429-room, adults-only all-inclusive, has three pools designed to suit your mood. The beachfront Energy pool with its Abyss swim-up bar is the spot both relax or socialize, while two rooftop infinity pools offer ocean and sunset views—with totally different vibes. 

The upbeat Xcelerate infinity pool has two bars: Fizz Iced Champagne Bar, which hosts champagne pool parties, and the Deep swim-up bar, which serves cocktails along with DJ-spun hit songs. The more relaxed Xhale rooftop pool is the spot to wind down with cocktails from Purple swim-up bar overlooking the Cancun skyline.  

Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana Hammock, Dominican Republic

The meandering freeform pool, one of two at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, a 519-room all-inclusive resort by Karisma Hotels and Resorts that opened in late 2021 along the soft sands of Playa Juanillo, is a relaxing and upbeat spot to laze the day away while soaking in Jimmy Buffett-inspired island vibes. 

The property offers an adults-only section called Hammock (featuring a pool exclusively for grown-ups with a swim-up bar) and a family-friendly area called Wave. And since this is Margaritaville, there are several bars located poolside no matter which area you choose.

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From arid and windy to lush and mountainous, the islands of the Southern Caribbean—namely, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Dominica, and Martinique—have a wide range of experiences to offer. And yet apart from Aruba, Barbados, and St. Lucia, they are often overlooked by U.S. travelers.

Here are seven reasons why they shouldn’t be, from their incredible scenery and nature-centric adventure to to their colorful culture and flavorful food scenes.

Natural beauty and adventure

Landscapes in the Southern Caribbean run the gamut from arid and desert-like to lush and tropical, and if you prefer the latter it’s hard to beat the beauty of St. Lucia, Grenada, and Dominica. All three islands are verdant, mountainous, and perfect for anyone seeking back-to-nature adventure.

St. Lucia is home to the Pitons, a pair of UNESCO World Heritage Site volcanic peaks—Petit Piton at 2,438 feet and Gros Piton at 2,619 feet (that latter can be hiked to enjoy stunning views)—that tower over tranquil Jalousie Bay, as well as Sulphur Springs, a “drive-in volcano” offering odiferous mud baths, and Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, where the mineral-laced water of the waterfall changes color.

Mountainous Grenada, whose tallest peak, Mt. Saint Catherine, reaches 2,756 feet, offers energetic visitors hiking trails for all fitness levels amid the waterfalls, large lake and towering mahogany trees of Grand Etang National Park.

Dominica, at just 290 square miles, is home to both natural hot springs and lush rainforests, making it a paradise for nature-loving hikers. Visit Morne Trois Pitons National Park to see 213-foot Trafalgar Falls and the steam-covered Boiling Lake.

The colorful culture

Caribbean culture is by nature colorful—think feather-and sequin-embellished costumes at Carnival time, pastel-hued wooden houses, magenta bougainvillea, and brightly hued artwork—and it all seems especially vibrant on the islands of Martinique and Curacao.

Martinique, a French island that has been shaped by West African and Indian traditions into a Creole melting pot, is known as a place where multicolor madras fabrics mix with pink Provencal rosé and curry-flavored seafood dishes.

Dutch culture on Curacao is evident in its architecture—especially in the rainbow of 16th and 17th century colonial buildings in its capital Willemstad—and to an extant in its cuisine, which thanks to its blend of African, Latin, and Jewish influences features some of the heartiest dishes in the Caribbean. Don’t miss keshi yena (stuffed cheese casserole), stoba (beef stew), and bitterballen (Dutch meatballs).

Golf courses, spas, and other grown-up activities

If teeing up in paradise is your passion, choose from five PGA-standard courses in Barbados—including Royal Westmoreland and Sandy Lane Green Monkey—and two in Aruba: Tierra del Sol and The Links at Divi Aruba, the latter of which is home of one of the Caribbean’s best golf teachers.

Afterwards, relax with a tropically inspired massage at your resort—most properties on both islands have one—and if you have the stamina to continue and check out islands’ nightlife, check out the live music in St. Lawrence Gap in Barbados or one of the dozen casinos on Aruba.

The vibrant wildlife

Only four islands in the Caribbean are home to wild monkeys and two of them—Grenada and Barbados—are in the Southern Caribbean. Brought to the region from Africa as pets in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Mona monkey inhabits the forests of Grand Etang National Park in Grenada, while the Green Vervet monkey (also found on St. Kitts and Nevis) favors the woodlands around St. John, St. Joseph, St. Andrew, and St. Thomas parishes on Barbados.

Turtle lovers can snorkel with several species just offshore in Barbados, while birders are in luck in Grenada, home to 160 species. And you don’t have to be an ornithology geek to appreciate the visual splendor of a flock of pink flamingos; you can see thousands of them at the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary on the salt pans of Bonaire or book a stay at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino to get a close-up view of a few dozen, which inhabit its private island.

The low-key vibes

Looking for an island that cruise ships don’t visit, a place with a pace that’s so relaxed you’re apt to forget what day it is—and perhaps even what year? Consider one of these three mellow islands: Bonaire, if your leisurely passions include diving and snorkeling; Dominica, if you’ll be happy hiking and tropical gardens; and the Grenadines, if your fantasy vacation involves a stay on a private island—this island chain is home to three: Petit St. Vincent, Palm Island, and Young Island.

Those glorious beaches

Yes, the Southern Caribbean is home to some pretty spectacular beaches, which is, after all, one of the top reasons people travel here. Some of them—including Palm and Eagle beaches on Aruba, Crane and Bottom Bay beaches on Barbados, and Sandy Island on Carriacou and Macaroni Beach on Mustique in the Grenadines—often land on lists of the Caribbean’s best beaches.

The flavorful food scenes

It’s hard to have a bad meal in Barbados, where even the local “fast food” known as a flying fish cutter (fried flying fish on Bajan salt bread) is quite tasty. The island is Zagat-rated and there’s a choice of great dining in Holetown—top spots include The Mews and Nishi—and great local fresh catch of the day at The Fish Pot on the northwest coast, but if a special-occasion splurge is in order, book an outside table at The Cliff.

Grenada, known as the Spice Island, is grounded in the flavors of local produce: callaloo, dasheen, pumpkin, papaya, and mango and peppered with the boldness of nutmeg, cinnamon, and curry that lingers on the palate. It’s more about authentic preparation than a restaurant scene, per se, but be sure to check out the 20-course tasting menu at Patrick’s Local Homestyle Restaurant for a meal to remember.

The post 7 Reasons to Visit the Islands of the Southern Caribbean appeared first on Islands.

Back when I was in the music industry, working festivals and performing as a DJ, travel became my passion. Visiting places like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Miami, and various destinations in Latin America was exciting—and certainly helped me overcome my fear of airplanes—but it wasn’t until I started visiting the Caribbean islands that I truly fell in love.

One particular getaway to Aruba unlocked something in me—a desire to transform and be my best. With all that we have been through over the last year, I can’t wait to get back out there and return to so many of my favorite hotels and resorts that I have visited.

I’m most eager to start booking again, and we hope you will, too. Hopefully this selection will inspire you and add a little sunshine to your future.

Silversands—Grenada

A life of luxury awaits on the mocha latte beach at Silversands. The 43 suites and hillside and beach villas at this beloved resort are enveloped in the marvelous smells of the bountiful frangipani flowers and the spices from which this island draws its nickname, “The Spice Island.” The 100-meter infinity pool holds the distinction of being the longest in the Caribbean, and it is ideal for early morning lounging or staring at the sunset’s reflection (Grenada’s sunsets are the closest thing to heaven).

More interesting and especially fascinating is how the hotel subtly integrates its spaces throughout the northern end of the Grand Anse area with local houses, all wrapped up in the rainforest. The result is a splendid atmosphere and a Caribbean getaway unlike most others.

The Cliff Hotel—Negril, Jamaica

Chilling on your terrace, lounging in a hammock while sipping a Red Stripe, and enjoying the sounds of the waves charging the rocks—this is the life at the best all-suite hotel in Negril. In addition to a beautiful, expansive pool that is ideal for kicking back, catching some rays, and enjoying some frosty Marleys, The Cliff Hotel is also home to an incredible natural saltwater pool nestled in the rocky shore.

Galley Bay—Antigua

Honed for romance, Galley Bay is the Caribbean getaway everybody needs. It is so quiet that even at full capacity (barely the case) you won’t realize you’re not the only guests. There’s a patch of sand for everyone, even Giorgio Armani—he owns a villa on Galley Bay Heights, so you’re practically neighbors.

As a tribute to the artist Paul Gauguin, the South Pacific influence of the hotel is evident, and well assumed. Every room sits right on the sand, providing the incomparable sounds and sensations of the waves washing the sand. To top it all off, the food is delicious and the crafted cocktails are addictive. That’s Galley Bay life.

Guana Island—British Virgin Islands

What do you really need to say about a glorious private island experience set on more than 800 acres and boasting seven beaches? Probably that it only allows 35 guests, with just 18 rooms and villas, making it one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive experiences from beginning to end. This really is a tropical dream come true.

And while all dreams end, and everything washes away with the tides, these memories will forever remain with you just as your name remains in Guana Island guest book. Maybe in the very near future you will have the chance come back, or maybe not. But if you do, the courteous, friendly staff will be there, smiling, ready to make your dreams come true again.

Serenity at Coconut Bay—Saint Lucia

Your fellow passengers would be insanely jealous if they knew that while they’re circling Saint Lucia for an hour and a half, you’re already enjoying your private plunge pool after a five-minute direct transfer. At Serenity at Coconut Bay, the privacy is paramount and one of the resort’s primary rules.

Here, your backyard is your playground. Pack a light suitcase and bring your sexiest bikinis, because your principal activities will take place between your private beach cabana and your suite. And you will be spoiled—even your private butler will become your best friend.

Jumby Bay Island—Antigua

What makes Jumby Bay Island so special is that it all belongs to the homeowners, and they have their own palaces hidden among the palm trees (for example, check out the magnificent Lost Puffin). They help preserve the natural beauty of the island and keep life simple, as the sheep roam free, along with the odd tortoise and ducks. Exotic fruits and plants grow everywhere. You can even dine at the farm, or, if visiting on a Wednesday, pedal your way to a West Indian hangout at the pool grille, where you’ll be accompanied by steel pan sounds.

We can feel Antigua’s old-school charm while enjoying the sophisticated dining options, refreshing bars, warm Caribbean service, and irresistible suites. Managed by the Oetker collection, Jumby Bay is inarguably one of the best in the Lesser Antilles.

Round Hill Hotel and Villas—Montego Bay, Jamaica

When the rooms are designed by Ralph Lauren, it tells you everything you need to know about where you’re dropping your suitcases, right? Deeply rooted in Jamaican culture, everything about the way Round Hill Hotel and Villas operates is authentic yet distinct, and the result is a vacation experience that caters to the individual attitude and style of each guest.

As far as accommodations, the Grand Pineapple Villa Suite delivers beyond expectations. Each villa suite is housed within one of the 27 spacious private villas that are tucked into the hillside and overlook Round Hill Bay. You could end up in a romantic villa on the edge of the hillside, or you might stay in a secret agent treehouse hanging on the cliff in the jungle. It goes without saying that there is no wrong choice.

Casa de Campo—La Romana, Dominican Republic

This legendary hotel is spread across a generous 7,000 acres and boasts three championship golf courses, including Teeth of the Dog, which is considered by many to be the best in the Caribbean. Plush rooms and suites, in addition to complete villas overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea, are available for rent.

There are phenomenal culinary experiences to try and so much to do on-site and in the surrounding region, so be ready to get the most of your golf cart. Minitas Beach Club and Restaurant is also the perfect spot for watching the sunset. Simply put, Casa de Campo has very little competition in the Dominican Republic. Just ask Jennifer Lopez.

Laluna—Grenada

No, you didn’t make a wrong turn and end up in Bali. With its carved trees, thatched roof pavilions, Umbul-umbuls, and tribal statues, Laluna feels like it is worlds away, which is great when your goal is an incredible romantic getaway.

Fronting a fabulous beach, the huts of different washed-out colors seem like they have been painted in faux-fini. This hotel is one of the most unique in the region, if not the Caribbean and beyond.

Eclipse at Half Moon—Jamaica

What could please your partner-in-crime more than staying at the place where 007 himself, Roger Moore, once set a snake on fire for that classic scene in Live and Let Die?

Perhaps the recent opening of Eclipse, a brand-new beachfront hotel with luxurious oceanfront accommodations boasting incredible décor and details, from the lovely white shutters to the outdoor showers. Not to mention the “Tulumish” Spice and Hammock bar with its swings and classic Jamaican cuisine. This place is a treat for everyone from lobster freaks and famous jerk festins to equestrians and nature lovers.

Eclipse is a pure fantasy escapade surrounded by Jamaica’s incomparable natural beauty.

Hammock Cove—Antigua

This hippest all-villa hotel in Antigua runs with 24-hour service and on-call rotating ambassadors. Each villa is equipped with outdoor patios, an infinity edge pool, and a wet bar with top shelf spirits, all curated by the in-house sommelier. Oh, and don’t forget the 500-count thread Egyptian linens in the beds. Guests might even discover turtles swimming and nesting nearby.

Michelin-starred Chef Marco Festini concocts tremendous Caribbean lobster and ravioli dishes at Lighthouse. Just ask your ambassador to put two on the side for you before you enjoy your favorite Reggae vinyl in the “secret lair” known as Chairman’s Lounge.

Nisbet Plantation Beach Club—Nevis

Steeped in history, Nisbet Plantation Beach Club seemingly never gets old, instead becoming more beautiful with each visit. The island’s only plantation hotel located right on the beach, this property is so quiet that it feels like your own little slice of heaven.

While all three of the on-site dining options offer something different (and delicious), don’t miss out on the weekly celebrations at Coconuts, where the rum punch will certainly have you feeling the Caribbean rhythm.

Excellence Oyster Bay—Montego Bay, Jamaica

Sometimes a name is just a name, but Excellence routinely strives to make guests expect the best of its resorts, from Playa Mujeres to this truly special property located in the heart of legendary Montego Bay. As soon as guests pass through the gates here, the modern style and attention to detail in the design become overwhelmingly evident.

With the festive layout of the resort’s amenities, restaurants, and lounges—not to mention the suites with their marble accents and private pools—there’s no denying Excellence Oyster Bay’s place among Jamaica’s finest. And believe us when we say that splurging for the Excellence Club is worth it, because the exclusivity makes it feel like you’re staying at a resort within a resort.

Still craving more? Rent one of the private villas directly on the sand and enjoy the best this island has to offer.

Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana—Dominican Republic

On stunning Juanillo Beach, you can spend your days in any number of ways: lounging in a sprawling infinity pool, practicing yoga by the water, or simply working on your tan. (We prefer all of the above, of course.) With a funky style and truly unique accents throughout, the accommodations provide positive vibes and views for days, while the hotel’s on-site dining options, including flavors of Tahiti at Brando’s and Indian cuisine at Journeys, are a must-try.

Or, if you’re looking to get a little more from your dining experience, take one of Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana’s daily cooking classes. They pair nicely with dance and Spanish classes, too. All in all, this place is high on energy and color, and it’s so much fun that you might forget to apply sunscreen between drinks.

Hermitage Bay—Antigua

Happiness is guaranteed for anyone who takes the dirt road leading to Hermitage Bay. Guests are rewarded upon arrival with fresh-squeezed mojitos, and the truly inspiring and original Bob Marley portraits signal your chill Caribbean break ahead.

With just 30 cottages, this resort has earned its reputation as a beacon of Antigua’s hospitality by enhancing every aspect of the guest experience. This is especially the case with the food.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay—Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

As you make your grandiose arrival aboard the hotel’s catamaran from Tortola through Little Dix Bay, your butler will be waiting to transfer your baggage to your suite. Opened in 1964 by the visionary Laurence Rockefeller, this resort is a wonderworld. And despite the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma in 2016, Rosewood used its magic wand to restore and even revamp this property to its full glory.

While visiting Rosewood Little Dix Bay, enjoy the “beach drops” to a variety of hard-to-reach local spots, but especially the rocky caverns of The Baths. And be sure to indulge in Pavilion’s Trinidadian seafood pot with a nice wine from the restaurant’s extensive list. On a sunny day, under the “hairy” palapas, swimming in the crescent-shaped saltwater bath is tough to beat.

Calabash Cove—Saint Lucia

With enticing suites, dreamy ocean vistas, mahogany loungers, a swim-up bar, and plenty of Planter’s punch, you’ll definitely find your happy place at Calabash Cove. The infinity pool is a big selling point here and is, as they say, to die for. Factor in the beach and guests will wonder why they would stay anywhere else.

The Balinese-inspired waterfront cottages will make it difficult to leave them, but the amenities will snap you out of it. Especially the Windsong Restaurant, where you’ll feel as though you’re dining on the highest platform of a cruise ship with lights in distance.

Petit St. Vincent—St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Ready for your Pirates des Caraïbes vacation? Fly to Barbados, where you’ll be whisked aboard a private charter for a quick flight, ultimately boarding a boat that provides a blue watercolor spectacle until your arrival at this magical island.

White sand beaches, coral reefs, and lush greenery beckon visitors to Petit St. Vincent. One- or two-bedroom stone cottages are dispersed across various spots of the island, with some right on the beach, where guests will be greeted by bountiful marine life. Your mobile meditation app is not required for slowing your pace here, as you are always a mini-moke ride away from a Hawaiian lomi-lomi massage with four hands.

Spice Island Beach Resort—Grenada

Dreaming of soaking up the sun at a family-run, Six-Star Diamond Award recipient in Grenada? Spice Island Beach Resort is set right on Grand Anse Beach, the most beautiful slice of paradise on this off-the-radar island. Here, refined suites rest along the sand, allowing guests instant access to the stunning water while enjoying unparalleled amenities, including especially creative gastronomy.

Also boasting one of the most devoted staffs in the Caribbean, this resort is well-known for exceeding expectations. Janelle Hopkin, president and managing director of Spice Island Beach Resort, recently recalled to us the legacy her late father established and how she will keep it going.

“Sir Royston, my father, was a giant of a man,” she explains. “The warmth and personal touches of his legacy will remain embedded in the DNA of our resort’s highly acclaimed sense of casual, Caribbean chic. He was renowned for being a leader, a trailblazer and an innovator but for also remaining grounded in Caribbean hospitality—’Quintessentially Caribbean.’ It’s upon this amazing foundation that I will continue to build with the management and team, embracing the modern conveniences of the 21st century and firmly securing our position as a premier resort destination in Grenada and the wider region, while retaining the charm and personality that has made it famous.”

It is a no-brainer why loyal guests from around the world are so impatient when it comes to arriving at Maurice Bishop International Airport again. Us, too.

Quintessence Hotel—Anguilla

With unspoiled views of Long Bay Beach, this tropical castle owned by Geoffrey Fieger is very uniquely decorated with extensive Haitian art that you’ll fall in love with, quickly. From luxury suites to the penthouse, there’s an accommodation for everyone seeking a little piece of Caribbean elegance.

It is not costly to dream at the Quintessence Hotel; in fact, this is an ideal place to unwind and explore the shores of Anguilla. You can even rent the whole tropical grand mansion for the sake of making this a family adventure.

The post 20 Caribbean Hotels We Can’t Wait to Visit Again appeared first on Islands.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure you could use a Caribbean vacation right now. After a uniquely challenging year and with winter upon us, an island getaway is something we all crave. But before you pull out your suitcase and sunscreen, know this: For now, at least, the days of the spontaneous Caribbean escape are over.

A visit now requires researching pandemic-related entry requirements pertaining to testing, quarantine and on-island protocols (each country has its own), and then planning and timing your trip accordingly. But if you’ve got Grenada in mind for your next trip, you’re in luck. I spent eight days there and returned with the scoop on making the most of your stay in the southern Caribbean paradise while abiding by pandemic protocols.

Here’s everything you need to know.

You’ll Need to Get Tested and Complete Online Paperwork

Like most of the Caribbean, Grenada has managed the spread of the coronavirus superbly, mostly by locking down quickly and conducting widespread contact tracing. Consequently, the country of 110,000 people has, to date, reported no Covid-19-related deaths and only 30+ recovered cases. Grenada is taking the virus seriously and requires visitors to do so, too. So, once you’ve decided on Grenada, you’ll need to go their website, puregrenada.com, to apply for travel authorization.

You’ll upload your passport info; complete a health questionnaire; and upload negative test results of a PCR test taken within three days of your arrival. (Note that you can begin the application at any time in advance of your trip, save it, and then upload your test results when you have them, until 24 hours before your flight.) Officials review your documents and, if approved, you’ll have your travel authorization within a day.

A word to the wise: Make sure you print your travel authorization and copy of your negative test results. You’ll need to show them both at your departing airport and when you land at GND.

You’ll Need to Choose—and Pay For—Your Hotel in Advance

When you apply for travel authorization, you’ll also need to upload proof of a paid reservation at a hotel or guest house. The hotel you choose must be “Pure Safe Travel approved,” a government designation given to hotels where staff have received training in COVID protocols. (You’ll find a list of more than 60 of them on the island’s website, so you can browse before you book.) And since the hotel already has all your payment info, this also ensures your check-in will be contactless. Why the five-night minimum hotel stay? That’s because Grenada also has a mandatory four-night quarantine.

You’ll Have to Quarantine

Regardless of where in the world you fly in from, you’re required to complete a four-night quarantine at your hotel. Although specifics may vary depending on the size of the hotel, its location, amenities and occupancy, in general you must stay in your room, with room service at mealtimes. Some resorts, such as Silversands (one of the places I stayed) may allow dining in the restaurant and use of the gym, but only by advance reservation. And wherever you stay, the beach (public property throughout the island) is strictly off-limits!

On the fourth day—at no charge to you—nurses come to your hotel to administer a nasal and oral swab PCR test. Results are returned in one to two days, which means that you could be quarantining for up to six days in total. So, choose your hotel carefully; this is one instance where your room—and not just a beachfront location—is really important.

You’ll Have to Wear a Mask

Face coverings are required in public spaces here, so once you complete quarantine you’ll need to wear one to move around the island. A good rule of thumb: If you’re not on the beach or in your room, you should be wearing a face mask. My advice: Bring plenty of them (and a supply of hand sanitizer and wipes) with you.

You’ll Have Plenty to Do

Even though it’s only 133 square-miles, Grenada punches well above its weight class in terms of attractions and things to do. A volcanic island with fertile soil, its known as the Spice Island, and apart from being the world’s second-largest supplier of nutmeg, is also famous for its world-class cocoa, chocolate and rum. (Apparently “grog” is a colonial-era acronym for “great rum of Grenada.” Who knew?!) Don’t leave without touring any of the five cocoa estates and rum distilleries here.

Grand Etang Nature Reserve is a verdant rainforest with a volcanic crater lake, troops of Mona monkeys and a bounty of tropical plants and birds. And there are more than 50 beaches and 16 waterfalls to explore. All these activities are on the island’s Pure Safe Travel list of approved attractions, also on puregrenada.com. When you visit them, expect to wear a mask; to have your temperature checked and hands sanitized on arrival; and to be asked for your contact details for tracing purposes—no exceptions!

You’ll Want to Stay Longer

In my book, five nights in the Caribbean has never been enough. And with Grenada’s four-night quarantine requirement, it certainly isn’t now! In the unlikely event that the results of your COVID test on day four take (the expected maximum) two days to come back, that means you’ll have spent six days in your room without seeing the island.

So, take my advice and book a 10-day trip. The good news is that several island hotels—including Mount Cinnamon, where I also stayed—are offering discounts and perks for longer stays. And what better way to spend all the unused vacation time you’ve earned this year?

The post How to Travel to Grenada Right Now appeared first on Islands.

Since opening its doors in December 2018, Silversands Grenada has earned considerable buzz as the first major resort built on Grand Anse beach in the last 25 years. But few glowing reviews carry as much weight as an endorsement from someone within Beyoncé’s almighty Beyhive.

In a new interview with Essence, Beyoncé’s publicist and proud Grenadian Yvette Noel-Schure shared her favorite places to visit in Grenada, including her top resort.

Said Noel-Schure: “My favorite resort is Silversands Grenada. The grounds are spectacular. There’s a 100-meter-long pool that stretches from the lobby out to the shore.”

The infinity pool, which is the longest of its kind in the Caribbean, may be the first thing guests will notice upon arrival, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The “modern-designed luxury resort” boasts 43 suites and nine hillside and beachfront residential villas. Guests can choose from Garden, Ocean View, Penthouse Level and Ocean View One-bedroom Suites, as well as the lone Silversands Penthouse, which offers the resort’s greatest view of Grand Anse from two private terraces.

Silversands Grenada features two onsite restaurants, The Grenadian Grill and Asiatique, both of which put a heavy emphasis on local ingredients. The former delivers an open-air beachfront experience, at which guests can enjoy a locally caught lobster roll with a “Four Voyages” cocktail, made with dark rum and mango and papaya juices. Open for dinner, Asiatique serves, as the name suggests, Asian-influenced food like crayfish Dim Sum and Grenadian free-range Peking Duck. Asiatique’s chefs also offer cooking classes that give an in-depth lesson on Grenadian cuisine.

While Silversands Grenada provides plenty of ways to unwind, including a spa, the resort can arrange local adventures, from scuba diving to day trips on Petite Martinique and Carriacou.

Or take Noel-Schure’s advice and grab a cab for a 10-minute ride to Prickly Bay Tiki Bar and Restaurant before spending the day on nearby L’Anse aux Epines beach.

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