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Caribbean Dreaming
Caribbean Dreaming: You're Getting Warmer!
Guana Island
Shed those heavy layers and start planning an escape to the Caribbean--you deserve it! This sea-kissed region offers almost as many cultures and natural wonders to enjoy as there are islands dotting its turquoise waters. From sophisticated St. Barth and laid-back Jamaica to vibrant St. Martin and the sleepy Turks & Caicos, there's something for every traveler.
Read on for a sampler of Caribbean destinations, fun facts, travel tips, and beachy retreats where you can be as active or laid-back as you like. And for the full scoop on the recent Jamaica travels of Darcy Allen, Hideaways Travel Services Manager, click here.
A Smattering of Things to Do in the Islands
We asked some local island staff and concierges to share their favorite off-the-tourist-map beaches, eateries, and shopping experiences. Here are a few of their fun suggestions.
Sea turtle hatchling
Dominica
It's all about raw, unspoiled nature and endangered sea turtles at Rosalie Bay Resort, a gorgeous beachfront hideaway backed by mountains and edged by the Rosalie River. During turtle nesting and hatching season, which is March through October, guests can sign up at the front desk to receive a wake-up call when Simon, the resort's turtle expert, sees a nest is ready. Mid-summer is a good time to visit if you want to see both turtles and hatchlings. There's a charge of $10 per person, which goes directly to the community turtle project.
The Dominican Republic
Staff at Eden Roc at Cap Cana recommend Mediterraneo Restaurant at Eden Roc, where a favorite dish is lobster meat stuffed with stir-fried tomatoes and coriander. Off-site, you'll want to check out Juanillo Beach Food and Drinks, right on the sand at Cap Cana, for the best fried fish in the area. For excursions, you can't miss with a trip to Scape Park at Cap Cana, where there's something for everyone, from cenote swims and cave expeditions to zip-lines and horseback riding.
Here's the Deal: If you can get away before Dec-22-16, you can save 20% on an Eden Roc two- to four-bedroom villa stay of three or more nights; book with Hideaways Travel Services (800-843-4433) for additional perks and extras.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia has stunning natural attractions, and the concierge at St. James's Club Morgan Bay suggests sitting at the lookout point above the fishing village of Dennery to capture some amazing views. There's a restaurant there called Plant, where the fish broth is so flavorful that it's a must to try. He also recommends visiting the local rum factory for a tour and a tasting of St. Lucia's ever-growing collection of award-winning rums.
Stingray City
Antigua
From cultural to action-packed, there are lots of things to do on Antigua, according to staff members at The Verandah Resort & Spa. A favorite excursion is Xtreme Adventure, a powerboat trip to see the island from the sea. The day includes four stops, for snorkeling, a picnic, and swimming with stingrays. One of the best-kept secrets on the island is Seafood Friday at the historic Copper and Lumber open-air restaurant.
The concierge at Galley Bay Resort & Spa, one of Antigua's more secluded boutique resorts, recommends the very romantic Pinching Bay Picnic, where you're taken on a short boat ride to remote Pinching Bay Beach for four hours and left there with a champagne lunch of lobster or shrimp salad, pastries, fruit, drinks--and a cell phone to call for pick-up!
Guana Island
This private island resort in the BVI indulges no more than 30 guests who enjoy 7 deserted beaches, 26 hiking trails, and total peace and quiet. Guana Island staff say a favorite don't-miss experience is a private Castaway Picnic on Bigelow Beach, which you'll have all to yourselves. You'll also love the hike out to Long Man's Point, home of the massive Chicken Rock, where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and spectacular snorkeling--again, all by yourself. Hideaways Founder Mike Thiel says he's never had more fun fishing than along pristine White Bay, where tarpon ranging from 40 to 150 pounds cruise within casting distance of the beach early in the morning and around sunset. Says Mike, "They are easy to hook, tough to land!"
Patterson's Pub Crawl, Nevis
Nevis
This elegant-but-unpretentious West Indies isle is best known as a taste of the Caribbean as it used to be. At the gracious estate hotel of Nisbet Plantation, staff members suggest that a great way to get to know the island and its locals is by taking the resort's Patterson's Pub Crawl, a rollicking adventure led by long-serving maitre'd Patterson Fleming, who guides guests off the beaten path to local bars and restaurants to sample conch, roasted breadfruit, and libations like the "Killer Bee." It's a great opportunity for guests to interact with the Nevis community and experience a bit of local flavor.
Also on Nevis is the luxurious villa resort of Paradise Beach Nevis, where they suggest you explore the Botanical Gardens of Nevis, with its resident parrots and displays of orchids and rare plants. Another good stop is at Newcastle Pottery, where you can watch red clay turned into decorative pieces that are then fired in the traditional way, outdoors on coconut shells.
St. Martin
This French-influenced island is home to Belmond La Samanna, where the concierge suggests a castaway beach experience at Pinel Island in Orient Bay. The main beach is part of a nature reserve and is one of St. Martin's best-kept secrets. Take a boat over from one of the water sports concessions on Orient Beach (about $6 roundtrip). Another fun outing is to Loterie Farm, a private nature reserve and former sugar plantation located at Paradise Pic (Peak), where guests can enjoy hiking and zip-lining or just relaxing in the shade of the rainforest canopy with a cocktail and tapas.
Did You Know?
Antigua is one of the most mispronounced island names we hear; it's actually pronounced an-TEE-ga. Another doozy is Anguilla. It's tempting to put a Spanish pronunciation to this island's name, but it's actually pronounced ang-GWILL-uh.
Kissin' in the Caribbean
The Caribbean islands were made for lovin'. Here are a few of our favorite retreats where it's easy for you to stoke the fires of romance.
Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club, St. Vincent & The Grenadines
Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club, Canouan Island, St. Vincent & The Grenadines: The setting here has a secluded castaway-island feel, pristine and very private, so it's easy to feel like it's just the two of you. Beachfront rooms and suites have balconies overlooking the sea, and the white-sand beach that edges the turquoise water seems to stretch on endlessly--perfect for long, romantic walks.
The Buccaneer, St. Croix, USVI
The Buccaneer, St. Croix, USVI: You know the setting must be romantic if they filmed ABC's The Bachelor here--which they did during its 17th season! So escape with your sweetheart to America's tropical paradise and have the same seductive experience that bachelor Sean and his bevy of beauties had, thanks to The Buccaneer's "Luxury Romance Package" with goodies like his-and-hers Buccaneer bathrobes, a 50-minute in-room couple's massage, and a private candlelight dinner.
Le Sereno, St. Barth
Le Sereno, St. Barth: If ever an island was suited to putting you in the mood for love, it's sexy St. Barth. And Le Sereno rates high on the sexy meter as well--which is why it's been chosen as the photo-shoot location for a number of Victoria's Secret swimsuit catalogs. You'll feel that same sexy, romantic vibe as you immerse yourselves in the serenity of this beachfront hotel. Relax in your exquisite villa and have the chef prepare and serve a romantic private dinner for two.
Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Round Hill Hotel and Villas
, Montego Bay, Jamaica: We suggest an intimate couple's massage or Vichy Shower at Round Hill's secluded Garden Loft, a secret hideaway tucked high in the rainforest above The Spa at Round Hill. For an even more romantic experience, The Garden Loft can be booked for massages at night, when soft candlelight illuminates the path to the loft and the treatment area.
Here's the Deal: Book the "Warm Winter" stay and get your 5th night FREE when you book with Hideaways by Dec-31-16 for travel Jan-7-17 through Apr-15-17 (blackout dates apply). Enjoy daily afternoon tea, daily shuttles to shopping and Tryall Golf Club, and non-motorized water sports.
Laluna, Grenada
Laluna
, Grenada: It's adults-only at this stunning and tranquil "Isle of Spice" hotel, so you're free to enjoy intimate walks on the beach and relaxing candlelight dinners without the interruption of children. With only 16 chic guest cottages, privacy and personalized service are a given. Book Laluna's most private Beach Cottage Deluxe, with its own lawn that leads right to the sandy beach and a sensuous indoor/outdoor shower and tucked-away veranda with plunge pool.
Did You Know?
Most of the beaches on French St. Martin are topless, including busy Baie Orientale, a.k.a. Orient Beach. Quite a few also have clothing-optional sections. Ooo-la-la!
How to Sun & Save
Here are three smart and easy ways to save on your Caribbean escape:
Palm island Resort, St. Vincent & The Grenadines
- Book between the unofficial end of winter and the beginning of summer ("shoulder season"). During this time, you'll enjoy great weather, better availability, and more elbowroom, along with discounted prices and/or deals.
- Speaking of deals, you'll find can't-beat-'em savings--for stays in the Caribbean and around the world--at Hideaways.com/LTD. These limited-time-only deals include discounts and perks, like a complimentary couple's massage, that have been specially arranged for Hideaways' savvy members.
- Make your arrangements with Hideaways Travel Services (toll-free: 800-843-4433; ts@hideaways.com). Your expert agent knows how to get you the best deal, and ensures that members of the HideawaysAficionado Club get their exclusive, member-only privileges, like a complimentary room upgrade at check-in (when available).
Did You Know?
A favorite meal in Jamaica is curried goat with rice and peas, some jerk pork, and a side of fried plantains, all washed down with the national drink--a Red Stripe beer!
Grab Your Sand Shovel & Dig Deeper!
Enjoy browsing through these Hideaways articles on the Caribbean and how best to explore this region's multi-faceted islands.
Start Planning Your Winter Escape Now!
It's just a matter of time before the snows fly and you'll be wishing you were headed to warmer climes. So don't wait another minute to book your winter or early spring getaway! Contact Hideaways Travel Services today at
800-843-4433, or email ts@hideaways.com.
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