Top 10 Caribbean Island Vacations
Top 10 Caribbean Island Vacations Overview
Paradise: a place, situation, or condition in which somebody finds perfect happiness. By definition, finding paradise is no easy task, yet it somehow feels effortless on the Bahamian island that shares its name! But you don’t have to escape to the Bahamas – or even an island with paradise in its name – to have a spectacular Caribbean island vacation. And thanks to our list of Top 10 Caribbean Island Vacations, you don’t even have to sort through the region’s 7,000-plus islands, islets and cays to find one that’s perfectly suited to your version of heaven-on-earth. From Anguilla’s world-class beaches to St. Barthélemy’s enticing French cuisine, you’ll discover a whole new world of sights, sounds and even tastes on your Caribbean island vacation!
Jade Mountain Resort - Soufriere, St. Lucia
Words can’t do justice to this breathtaking island sanctuary, situated on the southwest coast of one of the most beloved Caribbean islands. Simply put, this adult-only luxury resort offers you a truly unmatchable experience. Upon arrival, you’ll be whisked away to one of 24 rooms – Star, Moon or Sun Infinity Pool sanctuaries or a Sky Suite. All rooms feature infinity pools or Jacuzzis, 15-ft. ceilings and, here’s the kicker – no fourth wall, giving you a complete view of the island, mountains and sea. The bathrooms are part of the open-floor plan, making your shower and bath time views just as enjoyable as the view from your king-size bed. Once you get over the initial shock of the beauty of your room, check out the rest of the resort. Dine on the elite Jade Cuisine in Jade Mountain Club, stroll the expansive grounds and stop by Kai en Ciel, Jade Mountain’s boutique spa and fitness studio.
Pink Sands Resort - Harbor Island
The 20-acre resort comprised of 25 quaint yet lavish cottages is located in Harbor Island, part of the Out Islands of the Bahamas. We’re pretty positive that all you’ll need on your island vacation will be cordially provided for you in your one- or two-bedroom Ocean View or Garden View rooms and on the grounds of this luxury resort, but we think you’ll like the surrounding areas too. After a candlelight Caribbean bistro dinner at the onsite Garden Terrace Restaurant, you just might want to relax in the oversized freshwater swimming pool and ready yourself for a day of sunny adventure on the nearby Eleuthera Island. Or try out bone, reef and deep sea fishing in the aqua Atlantic Ocean. Rather stay in Pink Sands? Meander along the pathways through the lush gardens and official bird sanctuary and arrange an oceanside massage. Don’t wait – the unspoiled Bahamas beauty is waiting for you.
Cap Juluca, Maundays Bay, Anguilla - Maundays Bay
The resort’s 179 acres of tropical landscape and beaches embodies pure island beauty. It was also voted by Travel Channel as one of the World’s Sexiest Beaches in 2008, and you’ll understand what they mean when you feel the powdery sand between your toes. Nothing makes you feel prettier than being surrounded by more than 60,000 vibrantly flowering plants. And the Executive Chef Rene Bajeux, one of only 50 French Master Chefs in the U.S., encourages the romance with the delicious menus of the resort’s four restaurants, including Pimms, Spice, Blue and Maundays Club. You’ll be inspired by the Pan-Asian and Eurobbean (blend of European and Caribbean flavors) cuisines during your beachfront experience. After a delectable meal and a stroll along the Herb Garden Walking Trail, you be ready to kick off your sandals and relax in one of 18 separate beachfront villas with amenities like 40-inch LCD flat panel TVs, solariums and private, covered terraces.
Grenada - Grenada
We know what you’re (soon to be) thinking. We practically just told you not to stray from Grenada’s scenic coasts, and now we’re going to ask you to forsake these Caribbean beaches in favor of inland adventures. Call us fickle if you dare, but we think Grenada’s tropical waterfalls are a must-see on your Caribbean island vacation. We started with the relatively-accessible Annandale Falls and worked our way in from there. Next was the trio of scenic cascades known collectively as Concord Falls. And you’ll work the hardest for the last stop, Royal Mt. Carmel Falls, but when you behold its 70-ft. twin cascades, we think you’ll agree it was worth the hike! But let’s go back to that “spice” we first spoke of. Exotic flavorings – nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and tumeric, to name a few – are all harvested from Grenada’s fertile soil. It’s an impressive feat, but one that isn’t all that surprising. This is the Isle of Spice, after all!
Grace Bay Club - Providenciales
The Hotel at Grace Bay Club, geared toward couples, features one-bedroom suites with private balconies, twice-daily maid service and fresh-cut flowers and fruit inside your room upon arrival. Families will love the spacious resort living at the Villas at Grace Bay Club with nearly 50 feet of ocean front. For the ultimate luxury stay, try the 3,600-sq.-ft. penthouses. Oceanfront showers that open into an outdoor terrace and private outdoor Jacuzzis are only two features that push the accommodations above and beyond anything you’ve experienced in the Caribbean. If you aren’t already convinced about staying at Grace Bay Club, then we know the Infiniti Bar will push you over the edge – literally. Known as the longest bar in the Caribbean, it stretches 90 feet to the ocean’s waves. Outdoor beach beds, personal concierge services and the Kid’s Town educational programming and amenities make this resort a must on your Caribbean vacation.
Sandy Lane Resort - St. James
Host of the 2006 World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup, Sandy Lane boasts the Green Monkey, the Country Club and the Old Nine courses made up of a variety of holes created for all skill levels. The 55,000-sq.-ft. Clubhouse features a fine dining and panoramic views of the courses. Not a golfer? That doesn’t mean that Sandy Lane isn’t for you! The spa offers treatments that blend traditional cultural therapies from the Caribbean, the Far East and Europe and the resort’s seven boutiques and salon make for an exciting shopping experience. Choose from 112 spacious rooms and suites in the Orchid, Dolphin, Turtle and Seahorse wings. Rooms include vanities, marble bathrooms and stunning views of the garden and the Caribbean Sea. The Sandy Lane Treehouse Club is dedicated to children three to 12 years old and offers a fun and safe environment for your kids while you unwind.
The Landings St. Lucia - St. Lucia, Florida
This place is breathtaking! One- to four-bedroom apartments and condos speckle the lush grounds, while all have beautiful water views. Why so grand? Well, as St. Lucia’s first freehold luxury waterfront residential development, The Landings provides not only luxury resort amenities and activities, but a chance to fulfill your dream of living in the Caribbean. A tennis and health club, seven swimming pools and your own private yacht harbor create the ultimate place to kick back and relax. And with 24-hour concierge service, your every need will be met. After a treatment in the 7,000-sq.-ft. spa, join your friends at the St. Lucia Golf and Country Club with your complimentary membership, only minutes away on the island.
Raffles Canouan Resort - Hermitage
You’ll know you’ve arrived at a five-star resort when you step inside the Raffles Canouan. More than just a resort, this vacationer’s paradise is a total island community. A challenging par 72 golf course, the resort’s signature Amrita Spa rooted in the ancient Sanskrit legends and The Moorings, the nearby world-renown yachting company, make for a unique island experience, both on and off the resort grounds. Play blackjack, roulette and craps at the European-style gaming center Villa Monte Carlo and let the kids enjoy the programs and fun provided by the Sugar Palms Kids Club. With so much to do, you’ll be happy knowing there is a deep soaking tub waiting for you in your one- or two-story room or suite located either in the orchestra or mezzanine levels of the resort’s amphitheater setting. Personality Suites feature private swimming pools. European, Italian and fresh Caribbean cuisine can be found at the resort or on the island.
Aruba
A flurry of wings brushes past your face, but don’t be alarmed. It’s not the leathery arm span of a bat or even a rabid seagull in search of leftovers; it’s just the delicate wings of exotic butterfly species inside Aruba’s butterfly farms. Your little island-goers will love the feel of butterfly wings tickling their nose, and you’ll appreciate the relative peace and quiet their awed state brings. We both know your kids won’t stay this still for long, but Aruba has plenty of land adventures to keep them occupied all day! Aruba’s land is pretty impressive in itself, but this Caribbean island really shines beneath the water’s surface. With nearly a dozen shipwrecks lurking beneath its waters, Aruba has earned a reputation as the Caribbean’s diving destination. The ill-fated German freighter Antilla is by far the island’s most famous wreck, but you’ll find a host of other underwater treasures to explore on your Aruba vacation!
Nikki Beach Turks and Caicos Resort and - Turks and Caicos Islands
This 48-suite luxury resort offers a great alternative to the usual beach resorts. Besides being surrounded by the aquamarine Caribbean Sea, you can set sail on your yacht and store it at the world’s first-ever ecologically-friendly mega-yacht marina boasting 110 slips. The ultra-chic suites are equipped with European-designed kitchens and flat screen HDTVs, and the expansive infinity pool is surrounded by VIP cabanas and private bottle services. Ah yes, the personal assistants. When you make your reservation with Nikki Beach, you will have direct contact with a personal assistant prior and throughout your stay. They will help with arranging limo services, private tours, mini bar preferences and even pillow menu selections. They might even help you pick out an outfit to wear dancing at the Nikki Beach Club or for a nightcap at the Nikki Beach Ultra Lounge. If this doesn’t make you feel like a rock star, nothing will!
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