We can’t stress it enough – the Caribbean is even better in the summer. You get more beaches to yourself, the water is deliciously warm and the nights are breezy and beautiful. The latest edition of Places to Go takes you from a private island in the Grenadines to an up-and-coming beach town in the French Caribbean. Where are you headed next in the Caribbean?
Palm Island.
Palm Island, The Grenadines It’s not easy to navigate the vast landscape of private island resorts in the Caribbean. But when it comes to the combination of raw natural beauty, adventure, luxury and the Crusoe factor, nothing compares to Palm Island in the heart of the Grenadines. This legendary all-inclusive by Elite Island Resorts property is just about everything you dream about in a Caribbean hotel, all set on a private, 135-acre island.
Antigua has always enjoyed a reputation for stellar resorts — think Curtain Bluff, Galley Bay, Jumby Bay, and Hermitage Bay, and, most recently, Hammock Cove, to name just a few — but now smaller sister island Barbuda is getting some star power of its own, with Hollywood star Robert De Niro part of the team behind the new Nobu Beach Inn luxury resort. The property now taking shape on Barbuda’s Princess Diana Beach is just one reason why Antigua and Barbuda should be on your short list of Caribbean islands to visit this year.
Nobu Barbuda.
Nobu Barbuda … and More to Come
The island of Barbuda got particularly hit hard by Hurricane Irma in 2017, and a key piece of the island’s revitalization effort is a high-profile resort project backed by actor Robert De Niro, celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and film producer Meir Teper. The first piece of the project is now a reality: in 2021, the Nobu Barbuda restaurant debuted on the island’s southwest coast, and in May 2022 an affiliated beach club debuted. Billed as an all-day experience, the Asian/Caribbean restaurant is now paired with five beach cabanas with personal hosts offering food service as well as amenities like towels and massages. The club also has a beach bar where you can raise a toast to the memory of Princess Diana, who considered the K Club located on the beach now named in her honor a special hideaway. Still to come: the Nobu Beach Inn, a resort hotel, spa, and wellness retreat with private residences and an organic farm, could open as soon as next year.
Carnival is Back!
After a two-year hiatus, the party billed as the “Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival” is returning to Antigua. Antigua Carnival will be celebrated July 27 to Aug. 2, 2022; unlike other Caribbean Carnival celebrations, which take place around Lent, Antigua Carnival has long been a summer event. But it still includes all of the classic elements of Carnival, including road marches, music competitions, elaborate costumes, and the wild night party known as J’ourvert.
Tour Laviscount Island
A new eco-tour from Adventure Antigua makes it easier to visit Laviscount Island, a nature preserve off the coast of Antigua that is home to a rare colony of Giant Aldabra Tortoises, considered the world’s oldest living animal. Tours, which can be taken in combination with the far better known Stingray City, also include hiking to see Lesser Antilles Iguanas and parrots and snorkeling off the beach.
Vaccinated Travelers Don’t Need COVID-19 Tests
Fully vaccinated against COVID-19? You don’t need to take a test to get into Antigua and Barbuda; in fact, you don’t even have to bring along proof of vaccination. If you’re unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, however, you will be required to produce a negative certified PCR result taken no more than three days before arrival, or a Rapid Antigen Test taken no more than 24 hours prior to arrival. (Alternatively, you can submit to an RT-PCR test upon arrival at your own expense.) You can find more on the destination’s travel protocols here.
The Verandah Resort and Spa.
Check Out the Upgrades at the Verandah Resort
The all-inclusive Verandah Resort is a classic address for Antigua visitors, but the resort has kept up with the times by investing in a wide range of renovations. All 80 of its Waterfront Suites at the Elite Island Resorts property, for example, have been upgraded with new furniture, bathrooms, flooring and artwork; the resort also has added a new pool at Rasta Beach, a new coffee shop and gift shop, freshened up the decor at Nicole’s restaurant and renovated its fitness center.
It’s Easier to Get to Antigua
High demand is driving increased air access to Antigua, with several airlines adding more flights to VC Bird International Airport. Perhaps most notably, American Airlines announced in June that it is increasing service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Antigua through at least the end of 2022, offering daily flights to the island into fall and winter. United Airlines, Frontier Airways, and WestJet also have added flights to Antigua as post-COVID tourism has picked up on the island.
An overwater bungalow at the Royalton Antigua resort.
Try Your Luck at Antigua’s First Resort Casino
Antigua has long taken a liberal view of gambling, and the island has several standalone casinos. For the first time, however, travelers can now roll the dice at a resort-style casino in Antigua. Debuting in December 2021, the Casino Royale at the Royalton Antigua resort has 80 slot machines and six table games spread out over 4,305 square feet of casino floor, as well as a sports bar. Gambling aside, the Royalton Antigua is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and bills itself as a “family friendly all-inclusive resort.” Even better? It’s also home to the country’s first-ever overwater suites.
Sneak Away to the New Ocean-View Suites at Tamarind Hills
The Tamarind Hills residential resort on Antigua’s West Coast has made a major expansion with the addition of 43 new ocean-view suites spread along the top of an ocean bluff between Darkwood and Ffryes beaches. Some of the suites have jetted tubs on their terraces; all have kitchenettes, four-poster beds, and oversized bathrooms. It’s a bit of a stroll to the sand, but the walk is made delightful by an elevated boardwalk that runs in front of the new suites and connects the resort’s two beaches.
Raise a Toast on Shirley Heights
It’s the opposite of “new,” but the tradition of sunset drinks on the Shirley Heights Lookout while drinking in the views of historic Nelson’s Dockyard and the Caribbean Sea, is an essential part of any Antigua experience. And don’t forget to tour the Dockyard itself, once a major base for the British Navy and now home to shops, restaurants, hotels and museums.
The Dominican Republic’s most popular vacation destination, Punta Cana has hundreds of resort hotels, including at least 90 all-inclusive resorts. Many are family friendly, but there are dozens of resorts — all-inclusive and not — that only allow adults as guests. Here are the top adults-only resorts in Punta Cana.
[ ]’Sanctuary Cap Cana.
Sanctuary Cap Cana Set in the exclusive resort community of Cap Cana, the Sanctuary is a five-star luxury resort with Spanish Colonial style guest suites, shopping at Sanctuary Town, and the top-rated Sanctuary Spa. It’s the premier adults-only in Punta Cana, newly part of the All-Inclusive by Marriott portfolio. Make sure you go for the stunning swim-up suites.
Secrets Cap Cana This all-inclusive resort, part of the AMResorts (and now Hyatt, too), has 16 bars and restaurants, a Pevonia spa, freeform swimming pool, and Preferred Level suites for extra pampering. It’e the flagship Secrets resort in the Dominican Republic, and among the top luxury all-inclusives in the region.
Secrets Royal Beach Secrets Royal Beach occupies 700 yards of Punta Cana beachfront and features a spa, lazy river pool, and a menu of activities and multiple dining and drinking options under its Unlimited Luxury inclusive package.
Royalton CHIC Punta Cana Billed as a “tropical playscape,” the Royalton puts the emphasis on providing a youthful, high-energy experience, highlighted by a signature foam pool party. With 320 rooms on Uvero Alto Beach, the all-inclusive welcomes couples as well as friends groups and bachelor/bachelorette parties to enjoy dining in seven restaurants, drinks at five bars, casino action and spa relaxation. It’s also part of the All-Inclusive by Marriott portfolio.
Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana This Uvero Alto all-inclusive is a great choice for adults looking for a sophisticated Punta Cana getaway with extras like suites with balcony infinity pools, gourmet dining, and a private beach club. It’s one of the newest resorts in Punta Cana, and the first-ever Live Aqua resort in the Dominican Republic.
The Hyatt Zilara resort in Cap Cana.
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana A recent addition to the Cap Cana community, the Hyatt Zilara lets adults be kids, too, with a water park with slides, lazy river pool, and swim-up bars and guest suites. Yoga, pool parties, and dance lessons are all part of the all-inclusive experience.
Melia Punta Cana Beach What’s a “Wellness Inclusive Resort,” you ask? You’ll find the answer at this five-star property on Bavaro Beach, which features distinctive resort spaces dedicated to different aspects of wellness: Social, Silent, Sensory, Culinary and Personal. Spa treatments are included when you stay in The Level suites for five nights or more (one service per stay) or in The Level Wellness Suite (one service per day per person), and the resort’s Healthy Traveler offerings include vegan and vegetarian dining and detoxifying cocktails.
Breathless Punta Cana Couples looking for a high-energy vacation flock to this 750-room all-inclusive resort, where activities like DJ-led parties at a multi-level pool, white parties on the beach, and evening masquerade parties could definitely leave you “breathless” by the time your stay end. But relaxation space are offered when you need to unwind, too.
TRS Turquesa A Ibiza-style beach club, Helios, is one standout aspect of the TRS Turquesa, an all-inclusive resort on Bavaro Beach that — in addition to having its own exclusive dining and amenities — grants guests access to everything the nearby Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa, the Grand Palladium Bávaro Suites & Casino, and the Grand Palladium Palace Resort & Spa have to offer. The TRS Cap Cana offers similar amenities along with its more exclusive Cap Cana address.
Iberostar Grand Bavaro Fine works of art line the walls of this luxury, adults-only resort, but it has a whimsical side, too, including a bar built into a full-scale replica of a sailing ship. Most rooms have views of pools or the ocean, including some swim-out suites, and guests can dine in 7 restaurants and indulge in butler and concierge service.
Punta Cana Princess Every room is a spacious suite at the Punta Cana Princess on Bavaro Beach, and that includes 256 Luxury Suites and 14 Honeymoon Suites — the latter enhanced with whirlpool tubs, lounge areas and balconies and services including a gourmet dinner for two, 20 minute massages, and a bottle of rum upon arrival.
Le Sivory A boutique hotel is a relative rarity in Punta Cana, but the Sivory, part of Spain’s PortBlue group, combines the intimacy of a small (55 room) spa hotel for adults only with an all-inclusive package that includes unlimiting dining and drinks at a half-dozen restaurants and bars (including the acclaimed Gastroatelier), 24-hour room service, and use of non motorized water toys.
It’s hard to imagine St. Croix — or at least tourism in St. Croix — without the Buccaneer resort. When Douglas and Rachel Armstrong originally opened their 11-room inn on Beauregard Bay in 1947, sugar was still king on St. Croix. In fact, the Armstrongs previously raised cattle on their Estate Show property, and tourism wouldn’t start overtaking agriculture as the island’s prime business until the following decade.
In the 75 years since, the resort has grown to include 138 guest rooms, an 18-hole golf course, a spa, two pools, three beaches, and three restaurants. One thing hasn’t changed, however. Ownership in the hotel has always remained with the Armstrong family, now in its third generation of running the hotel.
That’s why there was some alarm in 2021 when it was announced that the Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort was joining the Wyndham family of resorts, making it the first Wyndham property on St. Croix.
Both island residents and longtime guests wondered what would change when a family-run resort affiliated with a global hotel brand.
I’m happy to report that, after a recent visit, the answer is: not much. And that’s a good thing. The resort is the same placid retreat it always has been, the tradition of taking an evening stroll on the golf course remains, and guests still make their way to the hilltop great house for sunset cocktails and live entertainment, much like generations of visitors have done before.
“Remaining an independent hotel while enjoying the benefits of the Wyndham Rewards program is a great fit for The Buccaneer,” said Elizabeth Armstrong, third generation owner of the resort. “We look forward to introducing their members to our beautiful island destination and all it has to offer. As our Wyndham affiliation is as part of their Trademark Collection, our personality remains intact, and guests can experience the same gracious service and warm hospitality that The Buccaneer is known for.”
The 18-hole course is one of the best-kept secrets in Caribbean golf.
Vicki Locke, director of sales and marketing at the Buccaneer, refers to a “soft branding” with Wyndham, which has allowed the resort to retain its independence and original ownership and management. “The resort remains the grand dame of the Virgin Islands,” she said.
What the 83 million members of Wyndham Rewards will find at the 21st century version of the Buccaneer is one of the most complete resort experiences in the Caribbean. The last major addition to the hotel was in 2018, when the popular Beauregard’s on the Beach restaurant and bar opened (and recently reopened Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.), and while the resort weathered the 2017 hurricanes and the worst of COVID-19 with minimal impact, the Armstrongs did take the opportunity to use the pandemic-driven lull in business to refresh rooms and public spaces.
Built amid the ruins of a former sugar plantation, the Buccaneer — the first hotel on St. Croix to be founded by island residents — has never strayed far from its original tropical/colonial design.
Four-poster beds and draperies printed with verdant flower designs remain common in guest accommodations, including the luxe Dubloon Room where I spend a few days in early 2022.
Ceiling fans still turn lazily over tables in the open-air dining room in the Terrace Restaurant, where guests can take in views of coast and sea between an arched colonnade while refreshing with a daiquiri or pina colada.
It all feels very casually elegant, although you can skip the elegant part down by the shore, where the Mermaid restaurant serves beach-friendly frozen cocktails, salads, burgers, and fish tacos. My Dubloon Room was conveniently close to the Mermaid, which was my go-to spot for a snack and drink during the day; I also loved the proximity to Mermaid Beach and the tennis center, even if the rooms were not directly on the beach.
Of course if you want a truly seaside room you can get that, too: the most popular rooms at the resort overlook the shore between Grotto and Mermaid Beach. The best-value accommodations can be found in the Great House itself.
The grounds of the Buccaneer are an attraction themselves: at 340 acres, there’s plenty of room to roam and explore, including finding your way to the “secret” Whistle Beach.
A fair amount of the resort’s real estate is taken up by the resort’s historic par 70 golf course, which has ocean views from 13 holes, but even if you don’t play golf you can walk or jog the cart paths in the early morning or evening when play ends.
It’s a wonderful way to start or end a day spent at St. Croix’s timeless, landmark resort.
Bahamasair, has relaunched a major route between Florida and The Bahamas.
The Bahamas’ national flag carrier just restarted service between Orlando International Airport and Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport.
The flights, which resumed this week, will be operating twice each week, with service on Mondays and Thursdays.
The flights will be operating through Sept. 10, according to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.
The service will then resume again between Nov. 17 and Jan 12, 2023, for the peak winter tourist season.
A villa in Grand Bahama.
“Travel is back in a big way this summer, and we are ready for it. We are making travel for Floridians easier than ever with more nonstop service to The Bahamas,” said Chester Cooper, The Bahamas’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “Florida remains a priority market for The Bahamas, and we are thrilled to expand our flight offerings from the state with these weekly nonstop options from Orlando on Bahamasair.”
It’s a significant boost for Grand Bahama, which has been seeing a tourism resurgence since the country first reopened for tourism amid the pandemic.
Indeed, travelers increasingly have the island on their radar, drawn to Grand Bahama’s collection of natural beauty, copious white-sand beaches and a growing slate of activities, including the return of the popular Goombay Summer Festival.
