If you’re an avid diver in the Caribbean, chances are you’ve been to the region’s most famous diving hotspots — most notably the longtime Caribbean capital of diving, Bonaire.
But there’s a multitude of spectacular diving destinations hidden away across the region; they’re islands that may not be well known for their diving, but boast full-fledged wonders beneath their seas.
Others are just well-guarded secrets.
Here are six under-the-radar diving destinations to try in the Caribbean.
Saba It’s the best-kept secret in Caribbean diving. This tiny, rocky Dutch Caribbean island just a short flight from St Maarten has a world of undersea options, anchored by the Saba Marine Park, which was started in the early 1980s and spans the entire circumference of the island. Undersea life range from wrasses, blue tangs and chromis to green and hawksbilll turtles and even hammerhead and whale sharks. Your best bet? Try the wonderful operation at Sea Saba.
The all-inclusive space continues to surge, and more and more major brands are putting a major focus on the sector.
That includes Hilton, which has been steadily growing its Caribbean and Mexico all-inclusive portfolio in the last few years, particularly amid the pandemic.
And now the company has added another one.
The newest Hilton all-inclusive is set in the Mexican Caribbean: the new Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort, built between the Caribbean Sea and a mangrove preserve.
The Maxal taqueria.
The property has a total of 715 guest rooms and suites, which were designed by HBA San Francisco.
Amenities include a private Splash Pool; a pair of oceanfront pools; a kids’ club and a teen zone; and an on-site amphitheater.
The resort is adjacent to the in-development Waldorf Astoria Cancun, which is slated to open in the third quarter of next year.
When it does, guests at the Hilton Cancun will have access to the Waldorf Astoria Spa.
There’s also nearly 70,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting spaces.
“Hilton Cancun marks an important milestone that cements our commitment to growing our all-inclusive portfolio that we launched several years ago,” said Danny Hughes, executive vice president and president for the Americas at Hilton. “With more than 80 hotels welcoming guests throughout Mexico, including five all-inclusive resorts, Hilton is poised to continue growing in this important region and category, and Hilton Cancun is the perfect hotel to showcase our capabilities in the all-inclusive space.”
bbean
The resort has a total of 12 dining concepts, from the Mexican-focused Maxal to a trattoria called La Luce and an open-fire grill and entertainment restaurant called Auma.
“As we continue to grow our all-inclusive portfolio, the trusted standard of quality and reassurance our Hilton brands offer is now more relevant than ever,” said Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer. “We know there is a tremendous amount of pent-up travel demand, particularly to top leisure destinations. Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort is perfectly poised to welcome guests with our world-renowned friendly and reliable hospitality coupled with an exceptional all-inclusive stay experience, featuring unique dining, upscale accommodations and an abundance of on-property activities and entertainment – an ideal representation of our incredible brand offerings in this trending all-inclusive space.”
After more than 53,000 votes were cast, the world’s largest community of experts on Caribbean travel — Caribbean Journal readers — has spoken, naming their favorite places in the Caribbean, from the best luxury resort to the region’s culinary capital.
“The response to this year’s Caribbean Journal Travelers’ Choice Awards was simply overwhelming,” said Alexander Britell, editor and publisher of Caribbean Journal. “It was a strong message that the Caribbean is back and better than ever, and this year’s winners exemplify the best of this wonderful region. Congratulations to all of the winners! This is one of the highest honors in the Caribbean travel industry, coming from the most connected and knowledgeable travelers anywhere.”
Every winner can proudly display their 2021 Medal, a seal of excellence.
You may know the two mega resorts in The Bahamas — Atlantis Paradis Island and Baha Mar. They’re both outstanding, with world-class amenities and a truly unforgettable experience. But if you’re looking for a different kind of Bahamian vacation, there are myriad options for you at some of the country’s fantastic small resorts.
Here are seven of our favorites for an unforgettable vacation in The Bahamas.
Valentines, Harbour Island The only true residential resort on endlessly chic Harbour Island, Valentines is a lovely mix of condominium-style units married with a fun-loving, energetic position as the de factor heartbeat of Harbour Island. It’s the best of both worlds, home to its own private beach club on Pink Sand Beach and a privileged perch on a spectacular Dunmore Town marina.
Some are in far- off, remote islands that are secrets unto themselves. Others are in well-traveled destinations but still a bit off the beaten path. Some, well, require a little extra digging.
But isn’t that what traveling to the Caribbean is all about?
Here are some hidden beaches to discover for yourself in the Caribbean.
Half Moon Beach, Jamaica It’s not the Half Moon you know. Unlike the luxury resort with which it shares its name, this one is set just outside Negril, set through a grove of trees off the highway. If you come here, you might be the only visitor all day; if you’re lucky, you can catch a tiny water taxi to the offshore Calico Jack’s, a beach bar that’s open, well, when it’s open. It’s a wonderful little oasis in the heart of Jamaica’s most popular tourism corridor.
