Top 10 Caribbean Resorts,

Hyatt Regency Aruba, Resort and Casino,
Caneel Bay Resort,
Parrot Cay Resort, & Spa
Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda,
BEACHES TRUKS AND CAYEOS,
Ritz-Carlton Saint Thomas
Four Seasons Nevis, West Indies
Atlantis Resort, Paradise Bahamas Island,
Sandy Lane, Barbados Luxury,
Hotel Maroma Resorts, & Spa

Hotel Maroma Resorts, & Spa

20 miles from Cancun's International Airport, 10 miles from downtown


Located along 25 acres of beachfront on a 500-acre Riviera Maya coconut plantation, Maroma Resort & Spa is a luxurious rustic hideaway built in the tradition of Mexican haciendas. This romantic 64-room resort is bordered by one of the world's longest barrier reefs, providing world-class scuba and snorkeling. The resort is made up of several white stucco buildings with thatched roof terraces to maximize views and privacy. The buildings are joined by winding stone pathways, and lined with lush foliage and over 100 torches each evening. Room interiors feature curved lines, over-sized tubs adorned with Mexican tiles and carved lighting niches that define sensuality. All guest rooms offer ocean or garden views, hand-loomed bedding and rugs, private terraces with sofas and/or double hammocks and bamboo shutters. Combining Zen and Mayan concepts, the Kinan Spa offers a full range of spa services in unique environments ranging from treatment rooms with private gardens, outdoor pavilion rooms in the Zen Garden and a rooftop tower treatment room with 360-degree views of the ocean and jungle.


Amenities - Maroma Resort and Spa

65 Rooms, 2 Tennis Courts, Swimming Pool, Observation Tower, Meditation Room, Boutique, Sailing*, Scuba Diving*, Snorkeling*, Swimming with Dolphins*, Golf (Nearby)*, Library, Cooking Classes, Spanish Classes, Spa*, Fitness Center, 3 Restaurants, 2 Bars.

* denotes activities/services available for an additional cost. Amenities and inclusions are subject to change at any time.


Room Categories and Descriptions - Maroma Resort and Spa

Room amenities include original art, hand-loomed bedding and rugs, private terraces with sofas and/or double hammocks, bamboo shutters, telephone, in-room safes, high speed Internet connection, air conditioning, ceiling fan, hairdryer, maid service, aromatherapy and CD players.

Children Policy: No children under 16 years old are allowed on property.

Gardenview - 19 rooms with 1 King size bed, and view to garden or pool. Set amidst 1 of 3 pools, garden rooms are surrounded by lush tropical foliage, which provides cool shade while private terracotta terraces offer outdoor lounging areas overlooking the jungle. Maximum occupancy: 2 adults.

Premium - 5 rooms, partial ocean view, located close to the beach and usually on upper floors. Premium rooms have partial ocean views seen through the palm fronds that shade the terraces. Maximum occupancy: 2 adults.

Ocean View - 18 rooms and the most desirable quality of these rooms is their amazing view to the turquoise Caribbean Sea and the powder white sand beach that you can enjoy by lying in your hammock from the relaxed atmosphere of your terrace. Maximum occupancy: 2 adults.

Junior Suite - 7 suites with ocean view. These romantic and really private suites feature sitting area, large open bath with dressing room and amazing panoramic views both of the lush tropical jungle and the calming sea. Large terraces with lounge chairs and hammocks offer a realm to tranquility and relaxation. Maximum occupancy: 2 adults.

Master Suite - 7 Master Suites offering unobstructed views of the ocean and gardens these suites feature a large living room area, spacious open bath with bathtub and shower, walking closet and in-room bar area. With the option to connect to garden rooms, these rooms offer lots of comfortable seating for the perfect escape to relax alone or to entertain friends. Roll-aways can be requested for a fee. Maximum occupancy: 3 adults.

1 Bedroom Suite (Sian Nah Suites) - 9 One Bedroom Suites. These private oceanfront villas offer the most exquisite and privileged views of the ocean from their terraces and bedroom areas. Redefining the concept of luxury and comfort from which Maroma is known, these suites feature large open bathrooms with bathtub, shower, open shower, walk-in closet and the most amazing living room area and mini-bar. Designed for relaxation, they also feature a special designated area for Spa treatments, plunge pool and fitness area with cardiovascular equipment, free weights. Roll-aways can be requested for a fee. Maximum occupancy: 3 adults.

Specific bedding and/or special requests are fulfilled based on availability and cannot always be guaranteed.


Dining - Maroma Resort and Spa

Maroma Resort and Spa offers the following restaurants:

El Sol - Maroma's fine dining restaurant, offers dramatic ocean views with innovative Mexican cuisine. The wine cellar boasts a wide choice of the finest wines in the world.

El Restaurante - This restaurant offers dramatic ocean views with innovative Mexican Cuisine. The wine cellar boasts a wide choice of the finest international wines.

Cilantro - This is the newly renovated Spa Cuisine restaurant in a lush tropical setting by the pool.

24-hour room service available


Bars - Maroma Resort and Spa

Maroma Resort and Spa offers the following bars:

The Bar - This bar is located in the main building and is open daily from 5-10:30pm.

Freddy's Bar - Beverage service is available on the beach from 9am until 9pm daily. Light meals available at the bar from 11:30am to 5pm.

Sandy Lane, Barbados Luxury,

This magnificent beach is situated on the west coast of Barbados, just south of the Holetown area.

The Caribbean waters here are very calm, making this a great spot for swimming. Jet skis and catamarans pass by, along with the occasional local fishing boat.

Widely known as the "Sandy Lane" beach, this stretch takes its name from the luxurious Sandy Lane Hotel which is nestled in the mahogany trees, directly off this beach. First opened in 1961, this magnificent hotel has gained a reputation as one of the finest resorts in the Caribbean, and has welcomed royalty, celebrities, and the business elite.

Most recently the resort made headlines as the venue for the wedding of golf sensation Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren.

The Sandy Lane Estate is known for its luxurious houses. Members of the Sandy Lane Property Owners' Association have use of the facilities adjoining the beach area of the Sandy Lane Hotel. If you choose to rent a house in Sandy Lane Estate, you will likely also have access to these facilities.

The nearby Holetown area is teeming with restaurants - from casual beach bars to gourmet restaurants. The area is also well known for its duty-free shopping and nightlife.

Atlantis Resort, Paradise Bahamas Island,

The Atlantis now has a 97-acre "waterscape" with over 20 million gallons of lagoons, pools, waterfalls, not to mention its giant subterranean aquariums, all adding up to the "largest marine habitat in the world".

Giant Waterslides
Near the Royal Towers, the five-story Mayan Temple has a 60-ft. vertical drop that ends in a clear tunnel inside a shark-filled lagoon, and a pair of Challenger slides where you can race your friends.

Meanwhile, in AQUAVENTURE, the 120-foot Power Tower, has four wild slides including "The Abyss": a near-vertical 50 feet drop through darkness, and two inner-tube slides where you can ride up a conveyor to the slide.

River Loop
AQUAVENTURE redefines the river-float experience. Get on your inner tube and ride all day: through lifts and drops, white-water Rapids, 80-foot underground tunnel and caves, and even up a conveyor to the giant waterslides, if you like. Read more about the AQUAVENTURE river ride.

Beach and More Water Play Zones
Guests can variously enjoy a white-sand beach, multiple swimming pools, 7-acre lagoon with shallow sandy shore (and kayaks and water toys), large kids pool with slide and waterfalls, baby pool, Splashers kiddie waterplay zone.

The Dig, and Giant Aquariums
The Atlantis has some of the largest tanks full of sea life in the world, and you can get a subterranean view at The Dig, an Atlantis-themed maze of chambers.

Other Atlantis Features: giant casino, spectacular glass sculptures, wide choice of restaurants, spa, and Marina Village with shops and restaurants.

Four Seasons Nevis, West Indies,

Discover the undiscovered Caribbean – a quiet island basking in near-perfect weather and the warm, clear, inviting sea. Luxuriously spacious guest rooms, steps from the silken sand. Sunset dining within the sound of the surf. Mountainside views from the finest golf course in the Islands. Tennis by the water’s edge. Massages and spa treatments inspired by the rhythms of the Islands. Award-winning Four Seasons service.
There's little wonder that this Caribbean gem tops the charts nearly every year for its service and luxurious accommodations. Quite hidden away amid bounteous tropical foliage and coconut palms, The Four Seasons easily lives up to the hotel chain's worldwide reputation for the finest in everything.

Several things are exceptional here, beginning with the Robert Trent Golf Course, which garners kudos from golfers far and wide. Then there's the service at the pools, where you'll be pampered to your hearts desire. And for those in a family mode there's the nursery school-type babysitting service, which many families visiting say is the best they've found.

The hotel is situated directly on Pinney's beach. This beach is the widest, longest beach on Nevis, with coconut palms dotting the property and pathways leading between the two-story guest cottages and the Great House, pool and dining areas.

Regardless of your interests, there's something at the Four Seasons that will tickle your fancy, and tickle it with style and class. It's as near "the perfect Caribbean vacation experience" that one could imagine, located on the not so crowded, still somewhat undiscovered island of Nevis. The combination is heavenly!

Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, Ritz-Carlton Saint Thomas,

Just stayed at the Ritz for 4 nights/5 days on the Reconnect package. A couple of things: First, this hotel was not built as a Ritz...so keep that in mind and manage your expectations accordingly. The rooms are nice, but nothing special. The infinity pool is beautiful...it overlooks the (small) beach and water. Beware that the lounge chairs around the pool get "reserved" quickly in the AM -- the Ritz allows people to go down when they wake up or on their way to breakfast to put a towel on a chair and a book, magazine, etc. -- the chairs go fast...at times there was hardly anyone at the pool but almost all the chairs were taken...not sure why the Ritz allows this. How annoying that you have to wake up early just to insure you'll get a chair!!! Highly recommend going out on the Lady Lindsey (the Ritz's catamaran) for a sunset sail -- drinks and hors doeuvres included. Restaurant food was good. The "Club Level" however, is definitely not worth the price. The food in the club lounge was minimal and the variety was poor. Of all things this was one of the biggest disappointments of the hotel (that I actually paid extra for the club level...I thought it would be like the club levels at some of the U.S. Ritz's like Naples!) Overall, a nice environment to relax for a few days.

BEACHES TURKS AND CAMEOS,

Turks and Caicos Islands have set aside over 33% of its entire land and sea regions for preservation purposes: National Parks, Natures Reserves, Sanctuaries and Protected Areas. The world’s largest bio-diversity wetland reserve – Ramsar – accounts for 1/3 of East Caicos, ½ of Middle Caicos and ¼ of North Caicos. A 1% Conservation Tax has also been levied on all accommodations to provide the funding to maintain and protect these sites. Through the efforts of government and private sector initiatives, various green projects have already been developed.

To protect the near-shore reefs of Providenciales, businesses partnered with the Turks and Caicos Islands' Park Department’s Junior Warden program. Two beach-side areas in Providenciales, locally known as Smith’s and the Bight Reefs, were badly impacted by snorkeling traffic due to their ease of access. Funds were acquired through numerous concerned local donors to install snorkeling trails on each. The trails act to minimize impact by localizing it, steering swimmers through safe passages that harm neither them nor the corals, as well as providing educational and “reef etiquette” information. The trail markers are environmentally sound and unique, using specially constructed Reef Balls for the sign mounts, that provide habitat for fish and surface for corals to grow. Eventually, the mounts will become mini reefs. The signs themselves are cleverly crafted handmade tiles, graphically embedded with words of reef wisdom.

The Middle Caicos Eco-tourism Project is another example of the Turks and Caicos Islands' efforts and was a private citizens action. It has served to protect areas for hiking and biking activities, access to cavernous caves and historic ruins, as well as the traditional handcrafts. In one fell swoop, this project has protected the immediate coastline from development, preserved an historic trail used by natives of long ago, and created an economic venture for the island of Middle Caicos. The Crossing Place coastal trail starts at the furthest east end of Middle Caicos, and the trail winds through from Lorimers to Bambarra and then along the shore to Conch Bar, up over the spectacular cliffs at Mudjin Harbour, following the shore to Blowing Hole and all the way to the Crossing Place. From here, at low tide, residents would walk across the tidal flats to the lower end of Bottle Creek. The trail is marked with beautiful ceramic cameos and is an inspiration to hike.

On many of this small country's islands, visitors have a chance to stroll through the pastures of former plantations; Cheshire Hall on Providenciales, Wade’s Green on North Caicos and Haulover on Middle Caicos have been cleared, paths cut and signage in place for information, thanks to the efforts of the National Trust . These ruins depict island life long ago and from which the native generations have blossomed and grown. Numerous other sites are easily accessed or viewed from today’s roads and paths.

Digressing even further in time, evidence of Lucayan sites on Middle date back to the early 1400’s. Several archeological expeditions have unearthed fossils and facts that lead to the belief that this island was once an epicenter for these ancient Indian tribes. The most renowned site, labeled M-6, can be accessed by a 2 hr hike to an interior lake region.

Numerous other ecotourist destinations in Turks and Caicos Islands include : Conch Bar caves, Cottage Pond, Indian Cave, Flamingo Pond, Little Water Cay – all with special character and charm. The rugged, yet regal landscapes of TCI personify a place where the past has left a legacy. Not yet spoiled by the trappings of large-scale development, most of the islands manage to maintain strength of culture and character. The natural splendor of the settings are unsurpassed; the native flora and fauna revel in this yet unrivaled land. But the key to truly experiencing this lies with the inhabitants.

The people are a reflection of their surroundings, having thrived for several centuries by living in harmony with the land and sea; a precedent they actively strive to maintain. teeped in old world wisdom and idioms, the natives are filled with local legends and lore. Aside from opening their hearts and minds, the residents will open their homes to visitors for a sampling of the delectable local fare. Peas and rice, lobster, conch, chicken and the famous Middle Caicos grits are just a few of the appetizing selections. Several hand-made items are produced on island, such as woven baskets and hats, mosquito whips, whisk brooms and cloth dolls. Sample bags of the locally grown and ground grits complete with favorite recipes are also available. These items can now also be purchased at several tourist shops on Providenciales, and on Middle and North Caicos, through the efforts of the Middle Caicos Co-op.

Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda,

Every now and then you run across a holiday spot so relaxing that your body, mind and spirit almost rejoice, and once back home you can hardly wait to return again.

Little Dix Bay resort in the British Virgin Islands is one such place.

I recently spent a few days at this Rosewood property and within hours of my arrival, I learned what many others have known for years: This is a delightfully peaceful resort that seems to call its guests back year after year.

Let's start with the island itself.

Little Dix Bay — the name refers to both the resort and the crescent-shaped bay — is on the island of Virgin Gorda. Columbus is said to have named the island because the shape of it reminded him of a plump woman. The Little Dix part of the moniker is some kind of shortening of one of the island's 17th century privateers, Jost van Dyke.

Move on to the 1960s and you'll learn that this is one of the resorts created by Laurence S. Rockefeller to cater to wealthy visitors who enjoy remote holiday locales and appreciate nature and a quiet environment.

It takes a plane, a car and a boat ride to get to Little Dix Bay. As for that quiet environment, it's both seductive and surprising.

What's surprising is that cactuses of many types are everywhere. And so are some awfully skinny goats and cows. There's also not much of a town to visit, and the best shopping is at the resort's own gift shop.

That said, what the island might lack in lushness the resort makes up for in pleasantries and luxuries. Sense, the spa, sits on top of a hill, and I'll guarantee you that any treatment taken there will leave you refreshed.

Spend some time in the infinity pool either before or after a treatment and life's concerns will evaporate as quickly as the water warms you.

Leave the golf clubs at home but Little Dix Bay has tennis courts and a fitness center (one guest said it was the best he'd found in all of the Caribbean), along with opportunities to sail, snorkel and dive, nature trails, a swimming pool and of course a wonderful sandy beach.

My days began with a morning walk along the beach just before sunrise.

By late afternoon, I was flopped on a blue float in the bay counting the occasional white puffy clouds in the sky.

If you'd like to do some exploring and visit other beaches, such as Savannah and Spring Bay, simply ask and you'll be taken by boat.

And every week you can also enjoy a picnic at The Baths, where huge granite boulders have created natural small swimming pools.

The property has two restaurants: The Pavilion, where breakfast and lunch buffets are served; dinner is selected from the menu. Steps away from that is the Sugar Mill.

Although dress is very casual at the Pavilion, dinner is the only meal served in the Sugar Mill, so evening island dress is required. (Something to consider when making your reservations is taking advantage of one of the two meal plans available: I overheard a honeymoon couple sitting near me say that they wish they had.)

Little Dix Bay is a sprawling resort with about 90 cottages and villas, all with sea views and terraces.

A few have the added bonus of a wonderful outdoor shower.

Keep in mind that this property has a history. That means, it wasn't recently built, but is very well appointed and maintained. For those who want brand-spanking new, there are a number of suites to choose from.

The one I stayed in, Room 101, was in a new building and overlooked the swimming pool. I'd recommend it.

Oh, and did I mention that you won't find a television in your room or be given a room key? Neither is necessary.

And on that refreshing note, I'll leave you to think about when you'd like to book your trip to this little slice of tropical paradise where summer rates can still be had through Nov. 13.

With any luck at all, I'll see you there.

Parrot Cay Resort, & Spa

Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos is the northern Caribbean's pre-eminent private island, wrapped in sweeps of sand and peaceful seas featuring the region's best spa and healthful, haute cuisine. It combines nature - 1000 unspoilt acres, a mile-long powdered beach and a COMO Shambhala Retreat - recently awarded by Travel & Leisure as the World's Best Hotel Spa, The Caribbean, Bermuda & The Bahamas - which offers a range of holistic, Asian-inspired therapies. Accommodation, in clean whitewash with chic teak finishing, ranges from 42 airy rooms with gardens and verandas, to beach-side villas, some with private pools. The aesthetic is pared down but unerringly sleek, featuring four-posters wrapped in soft cottons that billow with the breeze. On the virgin hinterland beyond Rocky Point, find a newly-opened complex of three villas, rented together or separately. Here, the infinity pool is large enough to compete with that turquoise smudge lying at the heart of the resort, flanked by cabanas with alang-alang roofs.

Caneel Bay Resort,

WITHOUT A DOUBT, ST. JOHN'S alluring natural charms get star billing at Caneel Bay. Frigate birds, as angular as pterodactyls, soar over no fewer than seven stunningly pristine on-site strands, from vest-pocket hideaways like Paradise Beach, which you can have all to yourself, to Caneel Beach, shaded by coconut palms and sea grapes and sprawled out in front of the resort's main lobby. Some 170 manicured acres are cordoned off from the rest of the island—and the rest of the world, it seems—by a trio of 800-foot-high forested ridges. Philanthropist and conservationist Laurance Rockefeller founded Caneel Bay in the fifties, and the place still feels like a summer camp for blue bloods. There's no shortage of diversions—day trips to the British Virgins, guided shoreline hikes, couples yoga at the resort's Self Centre. But most of the clientele seem to be seeking stillness and seclusion rather than pampering. Rooms contain no phones, TVs, radios, or even alarm clocks. Management, for its part, tries mightily to preserve an old-money sense of decorum: Collars for gents, please, even on the tennis courts, and evening resort wear for ladies. Expect to see plenty of newlyweds, espadrille-shod martini sippers, and the occasional jackass: Wild donkeys sometimes roam past just in time for cocktails.

The Good Life // Architecture keeps a low profile here. Low-slung rows of 166 guest rooms—done up in dark wood, Indonesian wicker, and botanical prints—are scattered around the property in clusters of a dozen or so and linked by winding footpaths. As a rule, the food in the four dining rooms is tasty if not particularly innovative; standouts include the steaks, aged and tender, the breakfast buffet served on an open-air terrace overlooking Caneel Beach, and the 265-bottle wine list at the Turtle Bay Estate House.

Jaw Dropper // Request one of 20 rooms along Scott Beach. After you've spent hours snorkeling with hubcap-size hawksbill turtles, your private deck offers a front-row seat for virtuoso sunsets that give way to the lights of St. Thomas, four miles across the sound.

Sports on-Site // Aside from the 11 tennis courts, built into a terraced hillside, a compact fitness center, and a small pool near the courts, most action takes place on the coral formations a hundred yards from the waterline. Use of snorkel gear—plus a generous selection of sailboards, kayaks, and small sailboats—is complimentary.

Beyond the Sand // Two-thirds of St. John's 20 square miles fall within Virgin Islands National Park. Sample them by renting a jeep (from $65 a day at Sun-n-Sand Car Rentals, available at Caneel Bay from 9 to 10 a.m. daily) and heading for the Reef Bay Trail, at 2.4 miles the longest of the park's 20 hikes. Other options include half- and full-day sails to some of St. John's excellent anchorages, and sea-kayak excursions to offshore cays ($60 to $70 per person through Caneel Bay).

The Fine Print // Most major U.S. airlines fly direct to St. Thomas from various East Coast cities (about $550 round-trip from New York); Caneel Bay guests go by ferry to the resort. From December 17 to March 15, rates at Caneel Bay (340-776-6111, www.caneelbay.com) start at $450, double occupancy ($300 in low season

Hyatt Regency Aruba, Resort and Casino,

The hyatt is by far the most beautiful resort on Palm Beach. I can't say enough about how lush and gorgeous the grounds are, and how wonderful the atmosphere is. The hotel pays attention to every little detail and works hard to create a great experience for those staying there. From the moment you step foot in the open air lobby and are welcomed with a chilled glass of champagne, you know you chose the right place. They sent up wine and a cheese platter to our room and surprised my boyfriend with two pieces of chocolate cake for his birthday.

The rooms were clean, spacious, perfectly decorated, and comfortable. My only complaint is the size of the balcony, which I know many people have mentioned before me. It would be so nice to be able to sit out on the balcony, eat/read/relax and have a view of the beautiful blue water and resort grounds, but it was still nice to be able to stand out there and enjoy the breeze. The restaurants at the hotel were delicious. Ruinas del mar has a stunning setting and excellent service. Palms has great burgers, calamari, and nachos. Definitely take advantage of the swim up bar to enjoy great drinks and some of the best onion rings I have ever tasted!! We also did the Pampered in Paradise our last night at the hotel which was expensive but worth every last penny. Went to the spa for a couples massage/scrub and we were pleased with the service. Didn't spend too much time at the casino but it seemed nice enough for those who enjoy gambling and cards.

I have to say that the resort was not as crowded as I expected it to be and heard that it would be for mid March. Since it was high season, I was expecting never to find a seat at the pool or on the beach. I don't know if it is the economy or the fact that the hotel does a good job at accommodating everybody (most likely it was a little bit of both) but we didn't have any trouble with crowds. Of course, I did notice that all of the palapas were reserved very early in the morning by people who would put their stuff down and then leave for hours, but we were so busy with activities that we didn't care in the least. By the time we got back in the early afternoon, we would just have two chairs underneath the large palapa, which was never too crowded, and enjoy the sun or the shade as we pleased.
I recommend to everyone that you seriously consider taking the drive down to Savaneta to eat at the Flying Fishbone for dinner one night. I can't even say enough good things about the place so I won't even try. Just go for yourself and experience what a truly special place this is. Other than that, the Hyatt is an excellent choice for your stay in Aruba. Concierge is always helpful, there are endless activities for those who want some adventure, and it is the perfect setting if you prefer to just relax and unwind.