Don’t just go on a great vacation to the Caribbean this year. Go on an interesting one. Explore the Caribbean in new ways — see parts of the region you may have never considered, or find new corners of the places you’ve already been to. While we know Caribbean Journal readers travel all over the Caribbean (and often), there are always new places to discover. And that’s where our Where to Travel list comes in. This year, we’ve offered a mix of well-known destinations and up-and-coming getaways, hip hideaways and must-visit hotels. These are our favorite destinations in the Caribbean for 2016. Happy exploring.

Saint Martin

When we say Saint Martin, we mean the French side. Because this half of the twin-country island is one of the greatest places to visit in the Caribbean — blessed with world-class food, marvelous beaches, friendly people and service that acknowledges the importance of tourism. If it’s the cool factor you’re after, look no further than Karibuni Lodge, the hillside hotel in Cul-de-Sac that has its own private shuttle to the unforgettable islet called Pinel Island. For a more full-service resort, try the CJ favorite Grand Case Beach Club (a short walk from the delicious row of restaurants in town), or if it’s luxe you’re after, head to Belmond La Samanna. And for an unforgettable meal, try Le Pressoir in Grand Case, the Caribbean’s culinary capital. In Saint Martin, it’s very hard to go wrong.