You’re looking out at a frosted window or a flurry. Even going outside is a feat, making you dream about warm waters and palm trees.
Because you could be in the Caribbean right now.
And there are few times of year when the Caribbean is more alluring than the end of fall and the beginning of winter, when the region’s warm romance and idyllic beauty are a strong siren song.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning a getaway for December — here are five of our favorite ideas for your next trip.
Puerto Rico Locals like to say that the island has the longest Christmas season on earth, lasting from November to January — but it’s December when the destination is at its most vibrant. Puerto Rico’s tourism sector has been on a rather impressive comeback push since the storms of 2017, and that means a greater offering than ever, whether you’re looking for a luxe getaway at the St Regis Bahia Beach or Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, or a hip urban getaway at the island’s most exciting new hotel, the OLV Fifty Five in Condado.
St Thomas (and St John, too) Another great comeback story is that of the USVI, and its most popular destination, St Thomas. The island’s beaches are as beautiful as ever, and St Thomas got a big boost earlier this month with the relaunch of the Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas. But you can’t go to St Thomas without making a stop in neighboring St John, the tiny natural paradise that is perfect for either a day trip or a longer combined island-hopping vacation. If you stay longer, try a stop at the charming Estate Lindholm “tropical inn.”
Aruba Aruba is one of the more dynamic destinations in the region right now, constantly upping its game and adding new layers to its identity. That means you can find more than just a simple beach getaway: inspired cuisine at world-class hotspots like Screaming Eagle and Wilhelmina; rugged adventures in the country’s Wild East; and an energetic, walkable capital in ever-changing Oranjestad. Where to stay? For a great boutique stay, try the revamped and expanded Boardwalk Boutique Hotel. Looking for a beach getaway? There’s none better than the Bucuti Tara.
St Maarten Return to St Maarten and you’ll find a full-fledged tourism renaissance. There’s a new energy in a destination that’s always been one of the most beloved stops for hard-core Caribbean aficionados, from beach bars like Roxxy and Indigo Beach to a buzzing hotel scene that includes the transformed Sonesta resorts in St Maarten and the new, soon-to-launch Adonis. What hasn’t changed? This is still one of the Caribbean’s capitals of laid-back, island fun.
St Kitts The island of St Kitts has cultivated an impressive niche: on one island you can find the sort of friendly, breezy charm that’s not so easy to find in the region these days, and a world-class, sophisticated luxury hotel product. The latter manifests itself in two very different, but equally enjoyable resorts: the eco-luxe Belle Mont Farm on the lush, far northern tip of the island, and the spectacular Park Hyatt St Kitts (the brand’s only Caribbean hotel) on the far southern peninsula of St Kitts. The perfect St Kitts getaway? A combined vacation at both resorts.
— CJ