From Aruba to St Maarten, 5 Marriott Resorts to Try for Active Caribbean Vacations

We all love the beach. But the Caribbean is so much more than that, particularly if you’re someone who wants to venture out and enjoy the natural environment. If you’re an active traveler, you may be looking for those extra experiences, whether it’s an afternoon on the links, a snorkeling journey or sunrise wellbeing session.

If that sounds like you, then you’re looking for resorts that combine the classic sandy leisure you crave with the ability to explore, to adventure. That’s where Marriott properties come in.

The portfolio  has a diverse array of resorts that are practically tailor-made for active travelers like you, from luxury Ritz-Carlton-branded resorts to energetic, wellness-focused beach hotels.

Here’s our guide to five Marriott-portfolio resorts perfect for an active Caribbean vacation – and some of the unique ways these resorts are adding programming for wellness and exploration.

The Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas You can see the island of St John from just about anywhere at this resort, its sweeping green hills calling to you, beckoning you to island hop. Here, island-hopping isn’t just a dream — it’s an amenity. That means you can journey on the resort’s own 65-foot catamaran, the Lady Lynsey II, and explore not just neighboring St John but magnificent island getaways like Jost Van Dyke (the home of the world-famous Soggy Dollar Bar) and the otherworldly Baths of Virgin Gorda, both in the nearby British Virgin Islands. It’s an adventure-within-a-vacation, the quintessential expedience for the active Caribbean visitor.

JW Marriott St Maarten Beach Resort and Spa If you know St Maarten, it’s likely you know the sweeping, stunning sands of Dawn Beach. You also know that there’s an almost mystical quality to the setting of this coastline, somehow tucked away from the rest of the island. Now it’s home to a new resort: the JW Marriott St Maarten, which opened its doors last year and has become the island’s premier resort for active travelers, from daily yoga on the sand to a full-service watersports offering to innovative activities like water trampolining.

Curacao Marriott Beach Resort The Dutch Caribbean island is just an active place, period. It’s a destination where something is always happening, from the colorful historic streets of Willemstad to the never-ending scenes at Jan Thiel and Mambo. It’s a place where you can get out on the water and snorkel or dive right offshore, or explore its sophisticated brand of cosmopolitan cool. At the Curacao Marriott Beach Resort, you get that same spirit: guided snorkeling, kayaking, an array of wellness options, yoga, tennis and all-day games and sports. And did we mention that Curacao is one of the best dive destinations in the Caribbean?

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman It’s already home to the best spa in the Cayman Islands, whether you’re savoring an ocean-inspired massage or a Harley Street facial. But this luxury resort has another very cool amenity for travelers seeking something a little different: a “botanical tour.” You can take a walk through lush gardens on the property that include some of the Cayman Islands’ signature flora, enjoying the vibrant colors and the stirring aromas of local plant life. Even better? It’s a self-guided tour, meaning you can do it any time of day, whenever the inspiration calls.  Then, it’s up to you as you enjoy your surroundings — and maybe take part in some desert meditation  while you’re at it.

Aruba Marriott Resort & Steallaris Casino Looking for something a little bit different? At the Aruba Marriott, they call it “desert bathing.” It’s an immersive experience in Aruba’s rugged wilderness environment. So, what does it entail? You get a picnic basket (with healthy food, of course) and a ride to a secluded corner of Aruba.. [MP1] Then, it’s up to you as you enjoy your surroundings — and maybe take part in some desert meditation  while you’re at it. (Here’s how to book it: (Here’s how to book it: mhrs.auaar.roomservice@marriott.com)