It’s one of the region’s best-kept secrets: the Caribbean is an even cooler place in the summer. It might be the summer breezes, or the emptied-out beaches or the great deals. But when you’re planning your summer vacation, look no further than the Caribbean. The beach is just as cool, the water is warmer, swimming and water sports are more fun and even the frozen rum drinks taste better. We’ve put together some of the best ways to spend your vacation this summer, whether with your family, your significant other or by yourself.
Hiking, Snorkeling and Kayaking in St John
St John is mostly covered by park land. The Virgin Islands National Park is lined with hiking trails, surrounded by coral reefs and beaches dot the island from coast to coast. For a combination of nature and luxury we recommend Caneel Bay opened in 1956 and founded by Laurance Rockefeller, Caneel Bay has consistently ranked among the world best luxury resorts. Caneel Bay is a destination in itself but wet amidst the natural beauty and marine environment you will feel the island of St John calling to you begging to be explored.
Foodie paradise in Martinique
Eat at Chef Jean-Charles Bredas’ eponymous mountain restaurant and you can enjoy a Millefeuille — alternating layers of foie gras and plantains. It’s an example of the kind of inventive, classically French but creatively Caribbean food you can find in Martinique. Right now, it’s the must-visit destination for foodies this summer in the Caribbean — with a higher number of inventive, top-shelf restaurants than just about anywhere.
Golfing in the Dominican Republic
Pete Dye’s Teeth of the Dog is, by most accounts, the best golf course in the Caribbean, and the Casa de Campo resort in La Romana is the perfect place to come for a summer golfing vacation in the Caribbean — and it’s one of three world-class courses at the resort. (And if it gets too hot, just bring some extra Presidentes with you.
Tennis in Nevis, anyone?
The Four Seasons Nevis has one of the best tennis centres in the entire region, with 10 courts (with five lit for night play) under the oversight of Peter Burwash International. And the property even offers special couples tennis packages.
A tiny island getaway in the Guadeloupe Islands
The oh-so-small island of Terre de Haut in the Guadeloupe Islands is one of the more untouched in the Caribbean, a Breton-style fishing village in the heart of the Caribbean sea. In the heat of summer, you can stay cool and calm in a quiet paradise.
Cruise the Caribbean
Enjoy the summer trade winds right on the sea with a Caribbean cruise. Royal Caribbean has some great itineraries out of Fort Lauderdale, from seven-night Eastern Caribbean trips to an upcoming seven-night western Caribbean cruise early next month on Oasis of the Seas.
Shop Puerto Rico in Condado
It’s the chic corner of the Caribbean you may not know — Condado, the tony enclave of San Juan filled with high-end hotels and even higher-end shopping. Stay at the San Juan Marriott and you’ll be within steps of some of the region’s best shopping.
Charter Sailing in the Virgin Islands
A fully-crewed yacht charter is an all-inclusive yachting experience. You can do as much of the sailing as you wish or leave all the sailing, rigging, cooking and cleaning to someone else and you just enjoy as you float by on your million dollar yacht with no stress or worries in the world. It’s an exquisite luxury experience to live as a floating king and queen as your crew navigates and manages all details of provisioning, maintenance and service. Invite the family and friends as there’s plenty of room on one of these luxury sailing catamarans like those of Virgin Islands Sailing, Ltd. The experience builds character in children a bonding and quality time for any family.
Romance in the French West Indies
It’s still something of a secret, but St Barth is a different world in the offseason. The beaches are quieter, it’s easier to reserve dinner and — most importantly — the prices are significantly lower. The best way to experience St Barth is with a villa vacation through Peg Walsh.
Adventure on (not under) the water in Bonaire
Yes, Bonaire is famous for its world class diving and snorkeling, but it’s also a terrific destination on the water. From kite surfing to kayaking to paddleboarding, Bonaire is a watersports lover’s dream.
Cool down with cocoa in St Lucia
The romantic island of St Lucia has a secret — it’s a great destination for Caribbean chocolate, in large part thanks to the Boucan By Hotel Chocolat hotel, where you can do everything from a cocoa massage to create your own chocolate.
Diving and Snorkeling: Dominica
Dominica is a nature lovers delight and mecca for underwater and marine enthusiasts. Stay at the Fort Young hotel in Roseau and venture out to dive in Scotts Head Marine Reserve. You will dive in a dormant offshore volcanos surrounded by dramatic peaks, walls and corals. Snorkel at Champagne Reef (above) and swim through millions of tiny bubbles from volcanic vents. In the north theres Cabrits National park. With lots of great dive and snorkel spots, top operators and hotels Dominica is an adventurer’s dream vacation.
Bring the Kids: Beaches Turks and Caicos
When it’s really all about getting your family to the beach and you want the best, there is really no better choice than Beaches Turks and Caicos. And with the new Key West Village, there’s a new shine with brand new luxury accommodations. The beaches of Grace Bay are spectacular and the the snorkeling reef is right off the beach is world class. There’s even a 45,000 square foot water park, along with six swimming pools, a Red Lane Spa, 19 restaurants and 12 bars.
Family Reunion: a villa vacation in Jamaica
At the peak of all luxury vacation experiences is the fully-staffed villa vacation. For a special occasion like a wedding, special birthday or reunion a villa like the Fortlands Point on the beach in Discovery Bay Jamaica is one of the best there is. And when the extended family is involved, you have a full staff to help make it all happen; a driver, butler, chef and gardener see that every need is met. You can book the above villa through Villas by Linda Smith for the full experience and the best service.
A cultural odyssey in Haiti
Yes — Haiti. The Caribbean’s second-most-populous country is still largely for more intrepid travelers, but those willing to make the leap will find one of the most culturally rich countries in the region — and Haiti’s National History Park is alone worth the visit.