August in the Caribbean means hot afternoons, evenings cooled by trade winds and, in many destinations, the feeling of having a bit more of the region to yourself.

But there’s just something about the feeling of wading into bathtub-warm water in the height of Caribbean summer that’s intoxicating.

But know this: in the summer, what you love about the Caribbean, the people, the food, the energy, it’s all here.

The latest edition of Places to Visit takes you to five destinations around the Caribbean from favored island getaways to secret foodie gems.

Where are you going next?

Simpson Bay Beach in St Maarten.

St Maarten St Maarten has long been a favorite of Caribbean aficionados, and it’s in the midst of a full-fledged renaissance. You can feel the energy the moment you make your landing over the blue of Maho Bay, and St Maarten’s breezy, adventurous attitude is in full force. From sparkling new destination beach bars like Roxxy to transformed hotels like the Ocean Point and Sonesta Maho and the reinvigorated Oyster Bay Beach Resort to a sizzling culinary scene at eateries like Emilio’s, the Dutch Caribbean hotspot is back — and ready for you.