Casa de Campo is the kind of place that is loaded with pleasant surprises. From the stunning views and challenging holes of the celebrated Teeth of the Dog golf course to the luxurious new spoils of the Premier Club, this spectacular resort community offers guests so many activities and adventures, and one of my favorite elements is the marvelous Altos de Chavón.

This charming replica of a 16^th century Mediterranean village is home to several dining options that make it, first and foremost, the perfect stop after a round or two on the Dye Fore courses. Chilango Taqueria alone is a must-visit for anyone seeking the best mezcal cocktails on the entire island. And even if you’re simply stopping in to admire the architecture, the amphitheater’s ancient vibes will make you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to watch history’s greatest plays or a brilliant philosopher explain the meaning of the universe.

That is, until one of today’s biggest stars takes the stage for the concert of the year.

On September 30, Michael Bublé will make his debut in the Dominican Republic as a special addition to his 2023 Higher Tour. Fans will undoubtedly flock to the 5,000-seat venue for this once in a lifetime performance that slotted perfectly between his Puerto Rico show and a run of dates in Mexico. Bublé joins prestigious company, as the amphitheater’s 40-year run began with Frank Sinatra and has included legends like Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estefan, Andrea Bocelli, and Sting, among many others.

General ticket sales launched on June 28, so if anyone was somehow on the fence about visiting this spectacular golf haven in the fall, this should seal the deal. And if that’s still not enough, the brand new Spa at Casa de Campo is the cherry on top. Believe me, I’ve seen it all with my own eyes and can’t wait to get back.

The post It’ll Be a Beautiful Day at Casa de Campo when Michael Bublé Makes his Dominican Republic Debut appeared first on Islands.

Mention Casa de Campo Resort and Villas around any serious golfers and you’re almost guaranteed an ear-to-ear grin. If they haven’t played one of the iconic courses here, they most certainly want to, and if they have? Prepare to hear a very detailed recap of every hole on Teeth of the Dog, because this design is a modern miracle that people of all skill levels won’t soon forget. After all, Pete Dye’s magnificent effort is No. 20 on Golf Digest’s “World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses,” so simply being here is an incredible bragging right.

But if you’re not a golfer, here’s the most important thing to know about Casa de Campo: This place is still phenomenal, even if you’ve never picked up a club in your life. Staying here might actually tempt a novice to at least try playing golf for the first time—especially with an affable, patient pro like Parker LaPointe standing by to offer tips—but even if a guest has absolute-zero interest in simply trying, this property will still thrill and entertain all types of guests.

In fact, it’s the kind of place that makes you think that it couldn’t possibly be any better, and yet there’s always something new or creative around the corner. If it’s not a concert set in the amphitheater at the impossibly cool Altos de Chavon, then it’s a resort upgrade that will keep Casa de Campo at the front of the pack—a seemingly impossible task given that the rest of the Dominican Republic’s resorts are constantly bettering themselves just to keep up with this one.

It all begins with the newest cherry on top concept that will spoil guests and keep them right in the heart of the action. 

Welcome to the Club

Upon arriving at Casa de Campo, the size is shocking. It’s like an island within the island, and anyone might be mystified by the task of getting from reception to the beach club and then back to the room before heading to dinner at the Chilango Taquiria in Altos de Chavon. The easy answer is, of course, one of the property’s shuttles, but the better answer is one of the golf carts included in the new Premier Club experience.

So many properties now offer a “resort within a resort” concept, but Casa de Campo has always been a trendsetter and the Premier Club raises the bar with ease. Especially at a time when the Dominican Republic is hotter than ever—both in terms of popularity and temperature—laidback jet-setters will cherish an opportunity to avoid the crowds by escaping to a private bar and lounge for those little moments in between the bigger moments. The Premier Club has that, as well as a staff that treats every guest like the only person in town.

The centerpiece of this experience is the exceptional comfort of the accommodations, as the 58 suites—27 Premier Junior suites with double beds, 26 Premier Junior suites with kings, four Premier one-bedroom suites, and the oh-so-glorious Premier Presidential Suite—provide subtle elegance and the creature comforts we need for the downtime spent in rooms, away from the myriad reasons we choose such a destination.

But no one should miss the golf courses, dining options, tennis courts, or Minitas Beach Club too much, because the golf carts are ready to whisk everyone back to the fun.

Beyond the World Class Courses

When it comes to this massive property, it might seem like everything is about the golf, but that’s hardly the case. In fact, while most guests are trying to conquer Teeth of the Dog or the equally phenomenal courses that comprise Dye Fore, that’s the time for non-golfers to strike, because there are so many other activities to enjoy, from other fitness-focused opportunities to a movie theater showing the latest blockbusters.

Aspiring marksmen can head to the shooting center, where 200 stations are available for trap, skeet, and sporting clays, as well as pigeon rings and the more challenging Rancho Peligro. What’s really cool about this setting is how it complements the golf experience by offering a secondary group opportunity that also provides a competitive edge for friends and family. And just like with the Golf Learning Center, guests can learn to get better here as well.

That’s sort of the overall theme here—teaching people to be better while they get the best of the Dominican Republic. Beyond golf and shooting, there’s also horseback riding, fishing, and even the Fundación Real Madrid Soccer School. Heck, guests can take Spanish lessons poolside, because why not? Why not push ourselves to be better people in one of the most beautiful settings in the Caribbean?

It’s almost exhausting just thinking about it all over again but thank goodness there’s something special to help us all relax.

Take a Break—You’ve Earned It

If Casa de Campo had left its spa as it was, it would still be an amazing health and wellness concept for anyone from travel-weary beach bums to golfers looking to work out the kinks and soreness before heading out for another round. With yoga classes and the meditation garden, it was already one of the finest facilities on the island, but nothing is ever good enough here. Enter: The all-new Spa and Wellness Center at Casa de Campo.

From the moment guests step through the front doors, they’ll know what’s in store at this stunning, modern oasis. More than 18,000 sq. ft. of space is dedicated to rest and relaxation, therapeutic treatments, and even wedding party preparation. Truth be told, the VIP and Bridal Suite alone might make this place No. 1 on every destination wedding wish list for the coming years.

Thirteen treatment rooms will be available for making guests feel like they’re on cloud nine, with hands-on and even hands-free experiences set to make it feel like time has stopped. JetPeel Facials, Triple Detox Therapy on the MLX i3 Dome, Binaural Acoustic and Dynamic Stimulation on the Welnamis Table—sure, these all sound like phrases out of science fiction movies, but the gospel is real. The bliss is oh so real.

And there’s even a green juice or Dominican coffee waiting at the Spa Café at the end. Not that you’ll want it to end.

And Yet There’s Still More to Come

What else can be created or improved here? Golf, obviously. After all, as Golf Digest pointed out in its massive ranking, Casa de Campo is the reason the Dominican Republic has become an unparalleled golf destination. Other resorts have seen what this brilliant monument to Caribbean excellence has created and they try to emulate the best aspects.

Sometimes it works, but that just means it’s time for this property to step it up again. And that will start with reseeding Teeth of the Dog, a dauntless task no doubt, but one that will only enhance the playing element that is made a billion times better by the unrivaled views. Eventually, Dye Fore will receive some enhancements as well. But that’s for another time.

Today, it’s all about living in the moment at Casa de Campo Resort and Villas. And right now things are looking especially luxurious.

The post You Don’t Have to Be a Golfer to Fall Madly in Love with Casa de Campo appeared first on Islands.

Seven hours, three airports, two flights, and a quick shuttle ride after closing my garage in the pre-sunrise doldrums of a grey, tree-bare, and still-cold Midwest morning, I was closely tracking a smiling bellman down the hallway at The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club while sipping on a lemon, mint, and honey island-concoction en route to an ocean-view guestroom.

Following an early wakeup call and full day of air travel, the tropical elixir hit all the right notes in all the right ways, equal parts flavorful as it was wildly refreshing. So delicious was said beverage that, prior to leaving the check-in counter for mi casa for the next six nights, other sampling lobbygoers repeatedly wondered aloud, “Why is this soooo good?” A fair question indeed, especially given its alcohol-free status.

By the time we reached my contemporary fourth-floor abode, I had unapologetically guzzled my drink in celebration of the fortysomething-degree temperature jump that my sun-seeking skin had accomplished since leaving the house in a puffy winter coat that morning, where my breath could be seen in the brusque March air. That’s when the bellman, after offloading my suitcase and golf clubs, unveiled the encore of my arrival as he peeled the curtains back and opened the balcony’s sliding door.

“Oh wow!” we exclaimed in unison as if reading from a script. The shade of my blue eyes instantly fell flat when set against the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic’s Photoshop-blue waters. Suddenly, I felt like Renée Zellweger in the famous Jerry Maguire scene when Tom Cruise unexpectedly returns at the end: “You had me at hello.” Given my Latin American coordinates and overwhelming desire for a multi-day Vitamin D bender, the view from my perch had me at “hola.” 

Without delay, I kicked off my shoes and stripped my socks, resting every muscle of my fatigued body in a slouched position on the terrace lounge chair. The bellman, whose name drifted away during my prolonged Caribbean trance, read the room perfectly and quietly slipped out the door, sensing my awe and gratitude for this long-awaited greeting two time zones away. For the next hour, I watched kiteboarders ride the offshore surf just beyond the resort’s Tahiti-esque overwater gazebo, reached by a boardwalk that juts out from an idyllic snow-white beach. Overhead, thatch palms deejayed nature’s soundtrack, swaying in the breeze as I floated between awake and asleep.

These are the moments, inert and simple, that have long kept (and will forever keep) the Caribbean high on my “Return To” list. I’ve swam and lounged beachside in the Bahamas, Dominica, Anguilla, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Mexico to name a few, all impressive and expressive with their varying hues of blue, but I’d soon come to discover—and little did I know—that Punta Cana’s resplendent turquoise tinge would wind up topping them all.

It wouldn’t be all R&R on my first voyage to the Dominican Republic, however, as I had timed my visit with the Corales Puntacana Championship, an opposite-field PGA Tour event hosted by Corales Golf Club since 2018. For four days, I laid greenside and watched some of the best golfers on the planet duke it out in paradise for some hard-earned silverware and much-needed FedEx Cup points. When it was all said and done on late Sunday afternoon, Englishman Matt Wallace earned his first PGA Tour trophy with a one-shot victory over rising Danish star Nicolai Højgaard.

The Dominican has long been awash with first-class tracks—Casa de Campo’s “Teeth of the Dog” and Punta Espada are perennial ‘Top 100 Courses You Can Play’ in the world. Pound for pound, the island is easily the foremost golf destination in the entire Caribbean. And while Casa and Punta swallow most of the critic’s attention for their challenge and views, Corales Golf Club lured the PGA Tour, and, as I soon learned, was the preferred daily play for travelers and numerous Dominican golfers I spoke to. Come Monday, the morning after the pros jetted home, I took a lap around the annual PGA Tour stop—peak conditions, Sunday pin positions, and all.
Corales, like many a renowned track, has a famed three-hole challenge of its own: El Codo Del Diablo, or “The Devil’s Elbow.” What the Snake Pit is to Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course, Amen Corner is to Augusta National, the Bear Trap is to PGA National, and the Green Mile is to Quail Hollow, the Devil’s Elbow is to Corales. It instantly became my choice nickname of the bunch, never mind saying it in Spanish, a debate-ending mic drop.

Players aren’t introduced to Satan’s Stretch until the closing three holes, each with oceanside real estate. Sixteen is a rather straightforward par-4 that plays directly into the prevailing winds. Seventeen, a 147-yard par-3 on the water, feels like a Scottish one-shotter went on holiday to the Caribbean. Don’t be fooled by its short length as the cross-breeze and crashing sea mist—sure to dampen your face at some point on the tee box—is the bewitching equalizer. To date, the hole cracks my ‘Top 10 Par-3’s in the World’ list.

And lastly, the eponymous 18^th hole, which I opted to play from the tips because “When on a PGA Tour course in the Dominican,” right? Beautiful as it is, the cove-carrying tee shot, named for Lucifer’s anatomy, tops the intimidation charts. The bolder the line taken, the shorter the approach shot. Safer the line, longer approach. In other words, it rewards the fearless golfer. My game might be more reckless than fearless, but I play how I play how I play. After narrowly covering the dogleg right’s cove, I narrowly covered the fairway bunker’s lip on my second shot from 205 yards out. Following the greenside flop shot of my life… from a swale… with a downhill lie… over a ridge… to a short-sided flagstick… to three feet, par from the professional tees (a 481-yard par-4!) was all but certain. Until I cooked my putt over the hole’s right edge, that is.

At Corales, what’s lost amidst the greatness of the Devil’s Elbow is Tom Fazio’s epic three-hole stretch to close out the front nine. In my humble opinion, there’s no equal on the course to the double cove-carrying eighth hole, one of the best drone photographs in the game of golf. There, I watched multiple pros take drops on the short-but-strategic par-4 after misgauging the breezy layup off the tee. My Haitian caddie gave me two good numbers and I capitalized with a couple of nice swings and a birdie, or “Pajarito!” as he yells in Spanish after watching my ball disappear.

Like Corales, The Westin is part of the lush 15,000-acre Puntacana Resort & Club. Golf is certainly one of its shiniest amenities, but there is plenty to do away from the course. 

Westin guests would be remiss to not visit Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve, a surreal 1,500-acre subtropical reserve a short shuttle ride away from the hotel. Twelve freshwater lagoons fed by an underground river highlight the oasis named by the Taino Indians. Before I jumped off the wooden platform into the 26-foot deep Guama Pool (this is the one you should swim in), a glittering-green Hispaniolan Mango hummingbird perched in the foliage feet above me as if to lifeguard my impending cannon ball.

Across the street at the Sustainability Center, guests can take a guided tour to learn about coral reef restoration, see an endemic rhinoceros iguana, discover the world of Puntacana Forest Honey at the on-site apiary, walk through the fruit and vegetable garden, and spot a nesting pair of Ridgway’s Hawks, critically endangered raptors endemic to the Dominican Republic.

When you’ve had your fill of adventure, a treatment at the Six Senses Spa, located at La Cana Golf & Beach Club—Puntacana Resort & Club’s other beachside golf course—is an indoor oasis. My massage therapist, Daniela, opened and closed my treatment with a Tibetan singing bowl. In between, her hands of gold worked out some overly ripe kinks in my neck, elbow, and back.

Each of The Westin’s 200 rooms will get a modern refresh to be completed no later than September of this year. Its restaurants, Brassa and Anani, will also be made over. Two new themed dining options will be unveiled in the coming months just as well, a steakhouse and a Pan-Asian concept helmed by Chef Bryan Emperor, who cut his teeth in kitchens like Nobu. Adding to the ambience is a fish-filled cenote that sits just outside the soon-to-be restaurant’s front door.

Before heading back to the mainland, where highs of 83 and lows of 74 only happen in the movies, I took a long dip in the clear blue ocean on my final morning. On my way to checking out, I nabbed one of the Dominican’s finest stogies for my grandpa at the hotel’s Don Queco Cigar Bar, just off its newly renovated lobby.

No matter the season (or reason), a voyage to the Caribbean is balm for the soul. From its beaches to its golf, adventure to its luxury, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club has the perfect dose of it all.

The post You Really Can Have It All at the Westin Puntacana Resort & Club appeared first on Islands.

If you’re like me, once you’ve arrived at your vacation villa, you don’t want to spend your time worrying about what to do or how to get there. Enter Homebelike, a new rental company in the Caribbean and Latin America that provides every guest with the ultimate amenity: a personal concierge who can suggest activities, make reservations, and provide inside intel on the best ways for your group to have fun. Even better, since each “experience specialist” is physically located in the community where they work, they’re a true local resource who can find a restaurant open on a Sunday night, make tee times or even call a doctor should the need arise. 

“Our experience specialists come from top hotel groups including The Ritz-Carlton and Relais and Chateaux, so they take their work seriously and are great problem solvers,” says Miguelina Butron, partner and vice president of sales and marketing for Homebelike. “They are experienced in their markets, too, so they have all the resources a visitor needs.”

Though Homebelike was founded just a year ago, the company’s portfolio already includes more than 500 properties in the Dominican Republic and Mexico, with Costa Rica and St. Barth up next. There’s a property for many budgets, too, from luxury one-bedroom condos to sprawling villas with 10 or more bedrooms that come with chefs, live-in Experience Specialists, and housekeeping. 

My recent Dominican Republic experience with Homebelike in Casa de Campo and Cap Cana was seamless, starting with my arrival at the airport, where a VIP manager met me planeside before whisking me through immigration and straight to an air conditioned lounge where I tapped away at my computer and sipped a cold Presidente as I awaited my suitcase. That VIP service, which also includes access to the Punta Cana airport’s swanky departure lounge—it has its own outdoor pool—is a free perk to anyone renting a property at a rate of $2,000 or more per night. Some villas, particularly those in Cap Cana, also include airport transfers.

Casa de Campo

Our first villa was Maison Larimar, an eight-bed, 10-bath stunner located on a shady street in Casa de Campo’s Las Palmas neighborhood. Within the large back yard there was a pool, a basketball court, and numerous sitting areas, some shaded, others perfect for sunning. Though the house had numerous outdoor eating areas, an indoor dining room with air conditioning and a gigantic table was a nice bonus, as was the well-equipped exercise room. 

Chef-prepared meals were bountiful and delicious; our only job was to let the team know what we wanted to eat and what time we wanted to dine. Housekeeping was equally efficient—by the time I returned to my room from breakfast each morning, the bed had been made and the bedroom and bathroom cleaned.

Many Homebelike rentals include a golf cart, which is practically a necessity in Casa de Campo, which sprawls over 7,000 acres and is home to three golf courses (including Pete Dye’s famous Teeth of the Dog course); a marina; bars and restaurants; lots of shopping and a replica of an Italian village complete with an outdoor amphitheater, a church and outdoor cafes. Although we could have driven, we chose to walk along the resort’s trails whenever we could. Hearing our plans, our experience manager showed up an hour or so later with maps for us to use.

Cap Cana

Located in the tony Juanilla section of Cap Cana, our second Homebelike villa resembled a boutique hotel. Set within several structures that encircled a huge pool were eight bedrooms with en suite bathrooms; a gazebo and bar; an air-conditioned dining room; cinema; steam room; cigar room; squash court; gym; and game room with a pool table. There was also an outdoor pizza oven, a massage area and a multi-use court for tennis, basketball, or volleyball. 

The lucky person who scored the downstairs master bedroom has access to a private plunge pool located just off the bathroom. As before, we indulged in three meals a day as well as snacks; a highlight was an Argentinian meat feast, or asado, that our Argentinian chef cooked up on the outdoor barbecue setup. 

Like Casa de Campo, Cap Cana is filled with pedestrian pathways that loop around the property and make it easy—and safe–to stroll and ogle the majestic homes. Most are paved and are accessible to strollers, bikes, and wheelchairs.

Since Cap Cana is more beach-focused than Casa de Campo, many of Homebelike’s properties, large and small, sit on the resort’s beautiful palm-studded strands. Our house was several blocks from the beach but came with access to the Eden Roc Hotel’s Beach Club and an eight-seat golf cart to get there. Since this home also comes with airport transfers—Cap Cana is located just 10 minutes from the Punta Cana airport—a car was unnecessary. 

Throughout the trip, I was impressed with the level of service that Homebelike provided. One day in Cap Cana, my cell phone cord disintegrated just as I was getting ready to get on a call. Without hesitating, our butler (yes, the house comes with a butler) unplugged his phone from the wall and handed me his charger to use until someone could get to the store and get me a new one. It was an unnecessary, but greatly appreciated gesture that illustrated how seriously the company wants guest to feel welcome and taken care of. 

The post Live the Luxurious Villa Life in the Dominican Republic with Homebelike appeared first on Islands.

In vacation world there are beach people and there are pool people—and if you’re in the latter camp you probably prefer a comfy chaise that’s a short stroll away from a fabulous pool. Perhaps it’s in a stunning oceanfront infinity pool where you practically feel one with the sea or maybe it’s in a lagoon-style oasis that’s perfect for family fun. Does it have a swim-up bar? We certainly hope so—or at least pool bar service! 

Read on for a round-up of 10 of the best new resort pools in the Caribbean, Riviera Maya, and Bermuda.

The Morgan Resort and Spa, St. Maarten

Is it a beach or a pool? Honestly, it’s a little of both and guests haven’t been able to stop posting pics of it ever since The Morgan Resort and Spa debuted on St. Maarten in June 2021. This pool has a waterfall, slide, grotto cave, underwater music system, and Bar M Pool Bar (a swim-up bar with a blackjack table), along with private poolside cabanas. 

The 124-room contemporary-style resort is located just minutes away from Maho Beach with its famous Sunset Beach Bar and overhead jets landing at Princess Juliana Airport, so if you’re a pool lover and an aviation geek (the resort has a rooftop Observation Deck), this might be the spot for you. 

Silversands Grenada

Silversands Grenada, a relative newcomer on this lush Southern Caribbean island known for its flavorful spices, features 43 rooms and suites designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic inspired by nature. But the true showstopper is the resort’s daybed-lined infinity pool that at 330 feet is the longest in the Caribbean and stretches from the lobby to the soft sands of Grand Anse Beach. 

The luxury property, which opened in December 2018, also offers eight three- and four-bedroom villas, each featuring their own incredible private infinity pool.

Goldwynn Resort and Residences, Nassau, Bahamas

With its debut in February 2023, Goldwynn Resort and Residences became the newest boutique resort in Nassau—and of course it has a stylish place to take a dip. The heated infinity pool, designed in a distinctive elongated eye shape, seems to spill onto the white sand of Cable Beach below and features luxury cabanas as well as the open-air Amara restaurant. 

The oceanfront property celebrates the “luxury of leisure” and its 81 studios and suites channel timeless glamour with a nod to mid-century-modern lines with a beachside aesthetic. 

Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Not one, not two, not three, but an incredible seven heated pools overlooking Caribbean—plus three man-made cenotes and a rooftop pool for Preferred Club guests—all equipped with cabanas, chic lounge chairs, and poolside service await at Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen. 

The 485-suite adults-only resort, which opened in October 2022, is set on a stunning white-sand beach just outside of lively Playa del Carmen and is ideal for couples or groups of friends who want options, including wading into a sand-bottomed pool, relaxing in an overwater hammock, and grabbing a cocktail at a thatched-roof swim-up bar.

The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos

IFor many travelers without kids, an adults-only pool is a must and The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos, which opened in June 2021 on Providenciales’ spectacular Grace Bay Beach, delivers. The luxury property features 147 rooms and suites and offers guests a choice of two adjacent oceanfront pools: a family-friendly recreation pool and an adult’s only option with chic private cabanas surrounded by water. 

Plus, The Ritz-Carlton has converted two vintage VW vans into cocktail bars that are parked steps from the pool and beach, with one serving margaritas and the other mojitos. 

Falcon’s Resort by Melia – All Suites Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Families looking to make a splash and then some can now head to Falcon’s Resort by Melia – All Suites Punta Cana, which opened in early 2023 offering a unique “resortainment” hospitality experience. The all-inclusive property’s distinctive circular design (it was formerly Paradisus Grand Cana) features a trio of expansive main pools lined with swim-up suites as well as a BLAST! Waterpark. 

Guests can also enjoy the adjacent Katmandu Park – Punta Cana, a newly opened theme park with rides, mini-golf, a ropes course, and more.

The St. Regis Bermuda Resort

Prefer an elegant escape with a modern minimalist pool designed in harmony with a tranquil crescent beach in one of the most historic parishes in Bermuda? Look no farther than The St. Regis Bermuda Resort. 

The 120-room property, which opened in May 2021, is located in the enchanting town of St. George’s and its two geometric beachfront pools, one adults-only and the other for families, mimic the gentle arc of St. Catherine’s Beach and offer views of Fort St. Catherine. 

Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

If you like your beach resorts to have a sleek, modern aesthetic, be both all-inclusive and adults-only, and feature fabulous pools, Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana offers it all. Open since June 2021, the 347-room property located on a stretch of beach in the Uvero Alto district has five strikingly long and linear day-bed-lined pools, as well as swim-up suites with private terraces and plunge pools, and the casual Mediterranean eatery Huzur (one of 12 restaurants and bars) is perched above the main pool with views of the beach and ocean.

Breathless Cancun Soul Resort and Spa, Cancun

Breathless Cancun Soul Resort and Spa, a 429-room, adults-only all-inclusive, has three pools designed to suit your mood. The beachfront Energy pool with its Abyss swim-up bar is the spot both relax or socialize, while two rooftop infinity pools offer ocean and sunset views—with totally different vibes. 

The upbeat Xcelerate infinity pool has two bars: Fizz Iced Champagne Bar, which hosts champagne pool parties, and the Deep swim-up bar, which serves cocktails along with DJ-spun hit songs. The more relaxed Xhale rooftop pool is the spot to wind down with cocktails from Purple swim-up bar overlooking the Cancun skyline.  

Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana Hammock, Dominican Republic

The meandering freeform pool, one of two at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, a 519-room all-inclusive resort by Karisma Hotels and Resorts that opened in late 2021 along the soft sands of Playa Juanillo, is a relaxing and upbeat spot to laze the day away while soaking in Jimmy Buffett-inspired island vibes. 

The property offers an adults-only section called Hammock (featuring a pool exclusively for grown-ups with a swim-up bar) and a family-friendly area called Wave. And since this is Margaritaville, there are several bars located poolside no matter which area you choose.

The post Spectacular New Resort Pools that will Inspire a Vacation Full of Lounging appeared first on Islands.

Are a few sun-filled days at the beach on your bachelorette getaway short list? If so, get ready to enjoy mojitos and margaritas, spa treatments and catamaran sails, and rooftop lounges and poolside cabanas. We’ve rounded up 21 terrific resort options in seven island and coastal locales that are ideal playgrounds for you and your closest friends to enjoy as you celebrate your upcoming “I do’s.” 

Prepare to pack your favorite bikinis, sunglasses, rompers, and sundresses and decide where to get the party started. 

Aruba 

Known as “One Happy Island,” Aruba offers superb white-sand beaches, turquoise waters ideal for myriad activities, and exciting nightlife. The best place to enjoy it all? Along legendary Palm Beach, which is lined with leading resorts, restaurants, nightclubs, and casinos. This is an island that guarantees sun and fun and even has brightly painted Kukoo Kunuku party buses for a raucous bar-hopping excursion. If relaxation is more your style, spa treatments infused with local ingredients are a specialty. 

Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino offers rooms featuring beachy white-and-blue décor, multiple lagoon-style pools lined with chaises and swaying palm trees, and the oceanfront Eforea Spa for massages in a thatched palapa as ocean waves provide the soundtrack. 

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino features newly refreshed, contemporary-style rooms, chic poolside cabanas, several al fresco restaurants and bars, special aloe-vera treatments at the ZoiA Spa, and even Full Moon Yoga.

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino boasts spacious rooms overlooking the ocean or the gardens, an adults-only H2O Pool with private cabanas, eight restaurants and bars serving up everything from fresh seafood to delicious fruit smoothies, and the Mandara Spa featuring Balinese rituals and botanicals.

Puerto Rico 

There’s no need to worry if your friends’ passports are up to date when you plan a bachelorette getaway to Puerto Rico, where golden-sand beaches are just minutes away from historic Old San Juan with its photogenic cobblestone streets and lively bars and restaurants. Explore the island’s flavors during an Old San Juan Walk & Taste Tour with Spoon, sip piña coladas and mojitos in a poolside cabana, or enjoy relaxing spa treatments. 

Condado Ocean Club, an adults-only boutique hotel, has a chic modern décor (and amazing water views), a cabana-lined infinity pool that’s relaxing midweek, and a DJ-fueled party scene on weekends, an onsite restaurant named Social, and an al fresco bar called Sandbox that serves tropical cocktails and shareable local tapas.

La Concha Resort, a sister property to Condado Ocean Club (as part of The Condado Collection) features a mid-century-modern vibe (it opened in 1958) and a cool pool-bar scene at its three pools (the Main Pool is the most social), onsite gaming at Casino Del Mar, and seven restaurants.

Caribe Hilton, where the piña colada was invented in 1954, offers 652 rooms amid a sprawling landscape of palm trees and multiple pools (there’s a swim-up bar and a waterfall), a private beach with cabanas, and an 8,500-sq. ft. Zen Spa Oceano featuring aloe-, coconut-, and mango-infused treatments.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

From the West Coast or Southwest, it’s an easy flight to Cabo San Lucas, where the desert-meets-sea scenery of the Baja Peninsula, ample sunshine, a lively downtown bar scene, and world-class resorts make this an ideal destination for a chic bachelorette getaway—especially for tequila lovers. While Cabo’s beaches aren’t always ideal for swimming, its lavish pools and indulgent spas are pampering oases and a catamaran sail to the landmark Arch and Lovers Beach is a must. 

Corazon Cabo, the area’s newest luxury resort, has a prime location on Medano Beach (one of Cabo’s most swimmable) with spectacular views from its 305 rooms and suites, two oceanfront infinity pools, a sky-high rooftop bar, and Cabo’s only microbrewery.

ME Cabo, also located on Medano Beach close to downtown Cabo, has a lively ambience infused with Mexican culture and features four restaurants and bars, a pool with palapa-topped cabanas and a swim-up bar, and a Korpo Spa for well-being and pampering.

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, the first Nobu hotel in Mexico, features Zen-inspired contemporary décor and 200 rooms and suites with ocean or desert views as well as world-famous Nobu cuisine and a tranquil spa with an outdoor hydrotherapy circuit that’s perfect for a bachelorette getaway away from the crowds.

Jamaica

The words Jamaica and party are synonymous, right? And because the island, known for its upbeat reggae rhythms, is home to dozens of all-inclusive resorts set on some of the Caribbean’s best beaches, it’s guaranteed to be a memorable setting for a bachelorette getaway. Montego Bay, home to the international airport, offers watersports, pool parties, spa experiences, and plenty of rum-cocktail revelry. 

Breathless Montego Bay, a party-centric adults-only all-inclusive, features 150 luxury suites, a rooftop pool and bar, 11 restaurants and bars, and endless activities such as pool parties, watersports, and live music—plus there are discounts and VIP amenities for groups of 10 or more.

S Hotel Jamaica, a chic newcomer to Montego Bay, is an all-inclusive boutique hotel located adjacent to photogenic Doctor’s Cave Beach and featuring locally inspired décor and amenities, multiple restaurants, and bars serving artisanal Jamaican and international cuisine, a sleek pool deck and a spa focused on holistic wellness.

Round Hill Hotel & Villas, also located in Montego Bay, is a property steeped in history and glamour (designer Ralph Lauren owns a villa here and luminaries from JFK and Jackie to Paul Newman and Grace Kelly once stayed here), and while it’s not right for bridal parties intent on 24/7 partying, its lush grounds and four- and five-bedroom villas with private pools sleep eight to 10 guests, providing an idyllic private enclave for sunning and relaxation.

Bahamas

Nassau/Paradise Island, the top resort destination in the Bahamas, is a quick flight away if you live on the East Coast or Midwest and offers a range of accommodations ideal for a bachelorette weekend. The beaches here are sublime, the water is a vibrant shade of blue, there are lively casinos and indulgent duty-free shops, and the conch fritters are addictive. 

Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau features cheerful beach-inspired décor in its rooms and public spaces, 10 restaurants and bars, multiple pools with daybeds, a St. Somewhere Spa, and a relaxed ambience inspired by the music and lifestyle of legendary singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffett.

SLS Baha Mar, part of the sprawling Baha Mar complex on gorgeous Cable Beach, is a design-centric resort with 299 rooms that features two dedicated pools and offers access to multiple restaurants and bars, an ESPA spa, and the Baha Mar Casino.

Atlantis Bahamas has a hotel tower for every budget, from wallet-friendly The Coral to centrally located The Royal to splurge-worthy The Cove with its adults-only pool, plus incredible white-sand beaches, 21 restaurants, 19 bars and lounges, a Mandara Spa, and the world-class Atlantis Casino.

Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico

Whether you opt for the nonstop energy of Cancun or the more laidback vibe along Riviera Maya to the south, Mexico’s Caribbean coast is a convenient destination lined with golden-sand beaches and imbued with rich Mayan heritage, which is reflected in its cuisine and spas. On a bachelorette getaway here, you can enjoy all-inclusive ease at expansive resorts with Instagram-worthy pools—where you can worship the sun or dance all night at a DJ-helmed party. 

Secrets The Vine Cancun combines the look and feel of Miami with wine selections you’d expect in Napa and access to the incredible beach and water of Cancun in a chic, city-meets-sand high-rise all-inclusive (adults only) with five a la carte restaurants (plus a buffet, grill, and café), a wine-centric piano bar and tropical poolside bars, and a sublime spa.

Thompson Playa Del Carmen offers an affordable, adults-only urban-oasis experience in the heart of the lively town of Playa Del Carmen, home to bar-hopping and lots of shopping, and features a rooftop Alessia Day Club with panoramic views and a block-long infinity pool that transforms at night into a party scene with live DJs. 

Excellence Riviera Cancun is an adults-only all-inclusive near Puerto Morelos known for its spacious swim-up suites and two-story terrace suites with a rooftop lunge pool, 12 dining venues, five bars, six freeform pools, and Miilé Spa with a focus on botanical ingredients.

Dominican Republic

For an easy getaway—and access to some of the best beaches and most inviting water in the Caribbean—it’s hard to beat the Punta Cana resort area in the Dominican Republic, known for  value-priced all-inclusive resorts with lively pool scenes by day and casino action at night, active watersports, and soothing onsite spas. 

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, a sprawling property with 13 pools (four with swim-up bars), offers a rock ‘n roll vibe set against the photogenic beaches of Punta Cana and features nine restaurants, 23 bars and lounges, a lively casino, and an array of room and suite configurations that can accommodate 4-to-8 people.

Sanctuary Cap Cana, A Luxury Collection Adult All-inclusive Resort is set on sublime Playa Juanillo within the upscale Cap Cana resort enclave and features glamorous beach-inspired suites, six pools, five restaurants, a beach bar, and swim-up pool bar, and a relaxing Sanctuary Spa.

Barcelo Bavaro Beach–Adults Only is a super-affordable, adults-only all-inclusive located on one of Punta Cana’s most photogenic white-sand beaches and guests can enjoy the amenities—including multiple pools and restaurants—both here and at neighboring Barcelo Bavaro Palace, plus up to four people can stay in one room for added savings.

The post 7 Ideal Island and Coastal Destinations for a Bachelorette Getaway appeared first on Islands.

The islands of the Caribbean are known for their vivid turquoise water, champagne-hued beaches, and verdant green landscapes, but once a year these two-dozen-plus isles reveal even more vibrant personas with the day-to-night Technicolor partying and pageantry that takes place during annual Carnival celebrations. 

Amid the feathers, sequins, steelpan drumbeats, and dance moves, these islands’ history and culture are celebrated with passionate revelry—whether to coincide with pre-Lenten traditions or to mark important historic dates (the abolition of slavery in the British territories, for example) or nature-centric time periods. 

Here’s a guide to when and how each island gets festive, and why you’ll want to experience it all.

Anguilla

Name: Anguilla Summer Festival

When: Late July–Early August

This small island known for its extraordinary beaches and excellent restaurants hosts its annual Caribbean carnival-style celebration, known as the Anguilla Summer Festival, from the end of July through the first week of August to commemorate the emancipation from slavery in the British Caribbean on August 1, 1834. 

Anguilla’s festival features music, dancing, food, pageants, parades, beach parties, calypso competitions, fireworks, and boat races, with an event held almost every night (some are free and others charge a fee).

Antigua and Barbuda

Name: Antigua Carnival

When: Late July–Early August

Waves of music and locals dancing in colorful feathered costumes during high-spirited parades and street parties mark Antigua’s vibrant 13-day Carnival celebration, which takes place from late July through early August on Antigua. Timed to celebrate emancipation from slavery in the British Caribbean, Carnival in Antigua offers a calendar of events that include musical competitions, pageants, food fairs, calypso contests, and cultural shows, with the most important event being J’ouvert (on Emancipation Day), during which brass and steel-drum bands perform.

Aruba

Name: Aruba Carnival

When: February

The Dutch-Caribbean island of Aruba has a month-long Carnival celebration, centered in Oranjestad and San Nicholas, incorporating dozens of lively events, including Torch Light Parades through the streets at night, musical performances, colorful floats, lavishly costumed celebrants, electrifying Jump Ups and multiple parades culminating with the Grand Parade. 

Finally, the Burning of King Momo marks the end of Carnival Season, after which the entire island goes on hiatus, known as Carnival Monday (an official day of rest).

Bahamas

Name: Junkanoo

When: Dec. 26–Jan. 1 

The islands of the Bahamas are widely known for Junkanoo, an annual Carnival-style festival held between Boxing Day (Dec. 26) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1) that celebrates Bahamian history and culture with street parties and vibrant parades of elaborately costumed revelers. 

The biggest take place on Bay Street in downtown Nassau, but Junkanoo can be enjoyed on all 16 islands. 

Barbados

Name: Crop Over Festival

When: Late July–Early August 

Carnival on Barbados is known as the Crop Over Festival, which last for three months (June through August) and culminates in early August to mark the end of the sugar cane crop season. This uniquely Barbadian festival, which owes its roots to the island’s colonial past when sugar cane was king, is known for its musical concerts, art exhibitions, calypso competitions, and revelry at Foreday Morning Jam. 

The celebration climaxes during Grand Kadooment when costumed bands and masqueraders parade through the streets in St. Michael with a party that continues late into the night with music, food and fireworks.  

Bonaire

Name: Karnaval

When: February (pre-Lenten)

With activities split between the Dutch-Caribbean island’s two main towns, Kralendijk and Rincon, Bonaire’s Carnival celebration, called Karnaval, features week-long revelry with all the usual festive events—musical performances, parades with costumed dancers, and colorful floats and fireworks—that culminates on Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) in advance of Ash Wednesday.

British Virgin Islands

Name: BVI Emancipation Festival

When: Late July-Early August

With its heritage and ongoing status as a British Overseas Territory, the British Virgin Islands times its annual Carnival festivities to Emancipation Day (August 1)—in fact, the first Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in the BVI are public holidays. The BVI Emancipation Festival is a two-week celebration featuring food fairs, Jam Band music, and J’ouvert parades with floats and costumed revelers with the largest events held on the island of Tortola.

Cayman Islands

Name: Cayman Carnival Batabano

When: May 

The Cayman Islands holds its national Carnival, known as the Cayman Carnival Batabano, annually in May at the start of the turtle nesting season; the festival’s name is derived from the word batabano, a Caymanian term that refers to the tracks left in the sand by egg-laying turtles. 

Carnival on Grand Cayman is a cultural melting pot (Caymanians comprise more than 100 nationalities) of music, dance, and pageantry. There are both Adult Batabano and Junior Batabano parades, held on separate weekends.

Curaçao

Name: Curaçao Carnival

When: February (pre-Lenten)

This Dutch-Caribbean island celebrates Curaçao Carnival every year in sync with Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and holds a series of festive parades (for children, teens, and adults) in its capital, Willemstad, over the 10 days leading up to the final nighttime Grand Farewell Carnival Parade in the hours before Ash Wednesday. The celebration on Curacao encompasses music, dancing, floats, and beauty pageants.

Dominica 

Name: Mas Domnik

When: February (pre-Lenten)

The small Caribbean island of Dominica celebrates its French and African traditions during its annual Carnival celebration known as Mas Domnik, held to coincide with Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and featuring calypso music, competitions, and two days of exciting street “jump-up.” 

Dominican Republic

Name: Dominican Carnival (Carnaval Dominicano)

When: February and early March 

Every Sunday during February, parades of brightly costumed and masked revelers fill the streets in cities all around the Dominican Republic, including Santiago, La Vega, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and Barahona, for Dominican Carnival (aka Carnaval Dominicano). 

Carnival season culminates on Feb. 27 with the island’s Independence Day celebration and then with the National Carnival Parade on the first Sunday in March along the waterfront in Santo Domingo.

Grenada

Name: Spice Mas 

When: Late July and early August

While colorful Soca and calypso competitions are staged throughout the month of July, Carnival partying on the island of Grenada reaches its climax during the first week or second week of August in St. George’s with the marathon two-day celebration known as Spice Mas. 

Over its 48 hours, lavishly costumed locals dance through the streets, party on flotillas of boats and participate in the pre-dawn J’ouvert (also known in Grenada as Jab), which features chanting, dancing, and defiant symbolism, including the wearing of black body paint and oil to honor their African heritage and the carrying of broken chains to show a breaking away from slavery. 

The culmination is Monday Night Mas and Tuesday’s hours-long Parade of the Bands.

Guadeloupe Islands

Name: Carnival

When: January to March (pre-Lenten)

This French Caribbean paradise begins its annual Carnival celebrations on Jan. 6 (Feast of the Epiphany) and ends on Fat Tuesday (aka Shrove Tuesday), with the major events, such as the Grand Parade on the Sunday before, taking place in its final few days. 

This is a major cultural event throughout the Guadeloupe islands, but especially in Basse-Terre, which hosts the main parades of costumed dancers and musicians. On Ash Wednesday, King Vaval, the symbol of the Carnival, is burned.

Haiti

Name: Carnaval (Kanaval in Creole)

When: February (pre-Lenten)

Haiti’s Carnaval, or Kanaval in Creole, is an annual three-day celebration in February during which the streets of its capital, Port-au-Prince, where the National Carnival is held, and beachside Jacmel are filled with festively costumed locals. Jacmel is particularly known for the over-sized papier-mâché masks depicting animals and demons. Voodoo and historic slavery references comingle with heart-pounding street music and traditional dance performances. 

Jamaica

Name: Carnival

When: April

In Jamaica, a series of Carnival events in early April leads to a week of dozens of festive events in Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay featuring colorfully costumed bands and dancers, capped off by the grand finale: Carnival Sunday with its Road March–Parade of the Bands in Kingston featuring large trucks blasting music and bands competing for best music and best costumes.

Martinique

Name: Carnival

When: February (pre-Lenten)

In the week leading up to Shrove Tuesday (aka Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras), the French-Caribbean island of Martinique celebrates its own unique Carnival. On Fat Sunday, parades feature locals carrying fantastically dressed puppets known as bwa bwa as well as nègres-gros-sirop (revelers with bodies covered in coal tar and sugarcane syrup). 

On Fat Monday, islanders enjoy burlesque-like “mock weddings” featuring men dressed as brides and women suited up as bridegrooms. Fat Tuesday is Red Devils Day with parades of costumed red devils of all ages, while Ash Wednesday is The Day of She-Devils as revelers wear black and white to close out Carnival.

Montserrat

Name: Carnival (or Year-End Festival)

When: Dec. 26–Jan. 1

The island of Montserrat is one of several Caribbean island nations that celebrates Carnival to close out one year and welcome in the next. While events begin in early December, the main festivities (for Soca Monarch and Calypso Monarch) begin on Boxing Day (Dec. 26) and the celebrations culminate on New Year’s Eve with Festival Day featuring a gala and New Year’s Day with a Street Parade to mark the closing of Carnival.

Puerto Rico

Name: Carnaval Ponceño

When: February (pre-Lenten)

Timed for the week leading up to Ash Wednesday, the Ponce Carnival (known to locals as the Carnaval Ponceño) attracts up to 100,000 revelers to the historic city of Ponce, located on Puerto Rico’s southern coast. In addition to a masquerade ball and street parades, a highlight of the Ponce carnival is the “vejigantes,” papier-mâché-masked folkloric creatures in colorful costumes and multiple horns that represent the Devil and taunt the crowd. 

Participants also enjoy the appearance of King Momo, the crowning of Carnival Queen the ritual Burial of the Sardine to signify the start of Lent.

Saba

Name: Carnival

When: July 

For a week in late July, the small Dutch-Caribbean island of Saba celebrates with a festive Carnival Village and events that include live musical performances, food stalls, and colorful dance troupes.

St. Barth

Name: Carnival St. Barths

When: February (pre-Lenten)

The tiny French-Caribbean island of St. Barth has a two-day Carnival St. Barth festival with a colorful Mardi Gras parade in the streets of its capital, Gustavia, and a nighttime party. The celebration ends on Ash Wednesday with the burning of Vaval on Shell Beach just outside of town. 

St. Eustatius

Name: Statia Carnival

When: Late July–early August 

Home to the smallest capital city in the world, Oranjestad, the Dutch-Caribbean island of St. Eustatius holds its annual Statia Carnival in late July and early August with vibrant Carnival March parades, musical performances, Youth Night, and more—and Carnival Monday is an island-wide holiday.

St. Kitts and Nevis

Name: Sugar Mas (aka St. Kitts & Nevis National Carnival)

When: December–early January

While events on the two-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis actually begin in November with pageants, Soca competitions, and more, the main festivities of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival (aka Sugar Mas) kick into high gear just before Christmas with the Festival of Lights Glowfest and continue from Dec. 26 through early January with J’ouvert morning, the National Carnival Queen competition, Calypso Finals, and the Carnival Grand Parade.

St. Lucia

Name: St. Lucia Carnival

When: June–July

There’s a continuous calendar of Carnival events throughout June and July on St. Lucia—including steel-pan and calypso competitions, parties, and parades—but the festivities culminate in July with a two-day street celebration focused on Caribbean history and culture and featuring costumed revelers, bands, DJ music, and more.

St. Maarten/St. Martin

Name: St. Martin Carnival and St. Maarten Carnival

When: February (pre-Lenten) in St. Martin and April in St. Maarten

The dual-nationality island of St. Maarten (a Dutch territory) and St. Martin (a French territory) celebrates Carnival twice, with each side holding their parades and parties in a different month. 

The French side gets things started in February with pre-Lenten jump-ups and colorful parades featuring zouk and reggae music on the streets of Marigot and Grand-Case, while the Dutch side holds a bigger extravaganza that lasts more than two weeks in April. It features Technicolor parades of calypso dancers in Philipsburg and a Carnival Village just outside of the capital featuring booths serving Caribbean culinary favorites.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Name: Vincy Mas

When: June-July 

Preparation for St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ annual Carnival celebration, known as Vincy Mas, spans two months, but its biggest events begin on the last Friday of June and run for 12 days. These include the Miss SVG Competition, colorful Parade of the Bands, Calypso Monarch, and King and Queen of Carnival competition. 

Trinidad and Tobago

Name: Carnival

When: February (pre-Lenten)

Famous for its music and pageantry, the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is celebrated annually on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, although some festivities begin right after Christmas. Carnival Monday on multicultural Trinidad starts before sunrise with J’ouvert as Carnival-goers parade through the streets covered in paint, grease, and mud and party until sunrise. 

Later that day and all day on Carnival Tuesday the streets fill with costumed revelers, energetic dancers and bands playing Soco, steelpan, and calypso. 

Turks and Caicos

Name: Maskanoo and Junkanoo

When: Dec. 26  and Dec. 31

The day after Christmas in Grace Bay on the Turks and Caicos main resort island of Providenciales, locals celebrate the island nation’s West African and Caribbean heritage with Maskanoo (in homage to the 19^th century slaves who would celebrate Christmas by mocking their owners’ elaborate masked balls), which features street parties, music, food, and fireworks. 

Then on New Year’s Eve, it’s time for Junkanoo parades featuring glittering masks and costumes and revelers who dance to drumbeat rhythms until dawn.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Name: VI Carnival, St. John Festival and Crucian Christmas Festival

When: April (St. Thomas), July (St. John) and December–early January (St. Croix)

The three islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands all hold Carnival celebrations—they just do them at different times of the year. To experience it on St. Thomas, you’ll need to visit in late April-early May for VI Carnival, the largest celebration with steel pan bands, lavishly costumed dancers, calypso shows, and more. 

The St. John Festival celebrates the spirit of freedom—July 3, 1848, marks Emancipation Day for slaves who lived in the USVI—and the festivities begin in late June on St. John’s Day and culminate on July 4 in Cruz Bay with parades, parties, and fireworks. 

St. Croix’s Carnival period is known as the Crucian Christmas Festival, with festivities in late December and early January spread between its two cities, Christiansted and Frederiksted.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Every Caribbean Carnival Party appeared first on Islands.

This land of beaches is more known for the party atmosphere, family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, and romantic honeymoon escapes on its golden sand shores. But lovers of the underwater world will still find places to indulge their snorkel and dive habits at these unique spots.

First-time visitors should consider booking an educational tour with a company like Hispaniola Acuatic Adventures, which offers a fantastic itinerary that includes a visit to a coral nursery, incredible expert insight, and even lunch. Otherwise, more experienced snorkelers should start planning excursions to these incredible spots.

Catalina Island, The Wall Reef

Less than two miles from the mainland on the southeast corner of the Dominican Republic, this is one of the top-rated snorkel sites on the island. The crystal-clear turquoise waters are calm and home to The Wall Reef.

Teeming with life; vase sponge, fire coral, black coral, purple sea fans, elk horn and leather coral is a backdrop for porcupine fish, sailfin sculpin, green parrotfish, moray eel, scorpion fish, snapper, blue parrotfish, trumpet fish, and butterfly fish. In the sand, yellow and southern stingrays can scuttle past sea cucumbers.

La Romana

This famous beach near The Hilton La Romana offers easy entry to enjoy patches of reef along the white sand bottom—just keep an eye open for boat traffic. For guaranteed fish life of note, head toward the pier and admire the crusted pylons and the critters who call then home. Amongst the reef chunks and wooden posts, look for yellow goatfish, brave little damselfish, French grunt, Queen Angelfish, porcupine puffer fish, and, if you are lucky, Spotted Drum (juveniles have wispy endlessly long dorsal fins that whip through the water).

Playa Dominicus/Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus

Clear, warm water with little to no undertow (check with local dive or snorkel shops for daily conditions) make this a great spot to dipping your fins. Located on the Dominican Republic’s south coast, Playa Dominicus is the first beach on the island to have achieved Blue Flag Beach, so it offers a rare opportunity to venture from shore.

The area by the lighthouse offers some plentiful fish action, but many guests of Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus just head to the artificial reef in front of the hotel. Though certainly not a daily occurrence, some snorkelers have even noted whale shark and manatees sightings out in front of the hotel. (Onsite Dressel Divers offers daily tours to sites further afield.)

Saona Island

Accessible by many tour options, this idyllic island is so picturesque it can often be seen in films and TV ads. As part of a government nature reserve inside Parque Nacional del Este, the wildlife is protected both above and below the surface.

As in much of the DR, the coral has been a bit bleached so other than a purple sea fan here or there it lacks the colorful pops seen elsewhere in the Caribbean, but striped angelfish, silvery snapper, trumpet fish, and deep red starfish can be spotted.

Enjoy the beauty of a lounge on the beautiful natural beach, post-snorkel.

Bayahibe

This fine white sand beach gives way to a seabed populated by schools of kaleidoscopic fish, with coral bommies where trunkfish, boxy cowfish, scrawled filefish, Caribbean sharpnose, and banded butterflyfish flit in and out of crevices. Sharp-eyed snorkelers maybe even catch site of spotted morays peeking out of the coral’s nooks.

This is another example of shore-access exploring for snorkelers. Popular with fishermen, this is also a great spot to get fresh catch to round out dinner for those visiting in cottages and rental homes.

The post The Best Snorkeling Spots in the Dominican Republic appeared first on Islands.

It’s no great exaggeration to say that resorts in the Dominican Republic have, throughout the years, greatly evolved the all-inclusive concept. Some travelers might even say this island does it better than any other destination in the Caribbean, because so many of these properties have been designed, for all the right reasons, to not only provide guests with everything they could ever want in a vacation, but also keep them on-site and coming back for more, year after year.

Obviously, there’s a competitive element to the creativity, generosity, and luxury, but it is also very much about pride. You will rarely, if ever, hear management at a Dominican all-inclusive resort invoke my favorite meme and say, “This is fine.” Things are always changing for the better, because terms like “as is” and “same old, same old” have no meaning here. 

These are kingdoms intended to make every visitor feel like royalty, and that’s why the only thing missing from the guest experience at the magnificent Hard Rock Punta Cana is a crown on your head. (But if you ask for it, I bet they’ll deliver.) With new deigns and features, this beloved all-inclusive hot spot is better than ever, and, after our recent visit, these are just some of the reasons why.

The Modern Look

No matter where you travel, anywhere in the world, certain hotel and resort brands have built-in expectations just from name recognition. Hard Rock is undoubtedly one of them, and the Punta Cana property is so massive and spectacular in style and substance, it feels like it is the company’s headquarters. It isn’t, of course; it’s owned and operated by the AIC Hotel Group, which has a knack for exceeding expectations at all properties.

So, what do you expect from a Hard Rock resort? Lots of purple and gold, and plenty of outfits and instruments owned and used by some of the most legendary and beloved music artists ever, right? That’s certainly how it used to be in Punta Cana. Now, though, after extensive renovations, this is a property that pays tribute to the surrounding majesty and natural beauty, boasting Caribbean colors and accents everywhere from the suites to the new-look restaurants.

The result of this transformation is made even more magnificent when you consider just how large Hard Rock Punta Cana is. We’re talking 1,775 rooms and suites, 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and what feels like several miles of retail along Lifestyle Boulevard, all of which is set on more than 120 acres. What I’m saying is, bring a pair of comfortable shoes.

The Size

Jokes aside, this place is massive. After checking in, my first impression of the main lobby and expansive hallways packed with retail and dining options was that it was like staying in a mall. Not just any mall, though. Like, the Mall of the Americas on steroids. But then you step outside and quickly realize this is no mall. Hard Rock Punta Cana is like its own city, with golf carts zipping from one building to the next as if they’re dodging rush hour traffic. Just walking from the main building to the beach felt like a hike across the island.

The problem with size is often that it comes at the expense of quality. Cram as much as you can into one building and surround it all with bright lights, loud noises, and Tommy Lee’s astronaut suit from that one Motley Crue tour, and everyone will simply think it’s amazing, right? That’s not the case here, especially not with the renovations and new offerings. Whereas some all-inclusive resorts are a Smash Mouth cover band, this one is U2 headlining for the Beatles (or Billie Eilish for Taylor Swift, for our younger readers).

The Variety 

Let’s start with the food, just as I always do during the actual visit. In addition to a new look for the rooms, the Market Food Fall received an unbelievable makeover, adding fresh Caribbean style to an eatery that celebrates the creativity of international cuisine. Mexican, Italian, Japanese, American—the pickiest eaters will reign supreme in this establishment, so parents and children alike will especially be relieved by the variety. But more adventurous foodies will still be thrilled to choose from a variety of more focused restaurants, including Bistro Med, Ciao, and the Ipanema Brazilian House, as well as the must-visit Montserrat Manor, where the 40-oz. porterhouse might say it’s for two people, but every rock star loves a good dare.

When the fork goes down, a new challenge arises. It goes without saying that there are amazing pools here—13 to be exact—and this resort rests on one of the best stretches of sand anywhere on the island. Any guest’s first instinct might be to head straight to the pool(s) or grab a spot on the beach, but Hard Rock Punta Cana makes it difficult to even step outside. 

On Lifestyle Boulevard, it’s easy to be distracted by the bevvy of activities that most of us would never imagine existing on a Caribbean island. Laser Tag, mini bowling, wine tastings with painting classes, an escape room—is this a resort or a theme park? That’s a rhetorical question, because it feels like both. And thanks to that creativity and variety, this property truly offers a little bit of something for everyone.

The Group Thing

That said, unlike some resorts that focus on romance, adventure, or family fun, Hard Rock Punta Cana is like a Choose Your Own Adventure experience. The first question I always ask is, “Who is this place for?” and the answer here is truly anyone and everyone. In fact, I was surprised that at least four friends reached out and told me they were married here (thanks for the invites, guys). Two couples I know honeymooned here, and three friends hosted their bachelor and bachelorette parties at the same property where I saw toddlers try to bowl for the first time.

A lot of places have casinos, and many have golf courses. Most resorts have a good, if not great, spa and plenty more have the pools and beaches to inspire almost cultish guest loyalty. However, only the greatest combine it all and provide a multi-tiered experience of entertainment that keeps everyone happy without causing exhaustion. After all, we all need to have some energy left over when we get back to the suite.

Get your minds out of the gutter—I’m trying to keep this rated PG.

The Little Things

Great resorts do everything right, but the best experiences are always caused by the one little thing that pushes it all over the top. Here, that’s the “Sound of Your Stay” amenity that is one of the most unique for any property in the Caribbean, let alone the Dominican Republic. Musically inclined or even just curious guests can stop by the concierge desk in the main lobby (not to be confused with the group lobby that threw me off every time) and request special items like a turntable with headphones and some seriously essential vinyl for in-room listening sessions.

But every guest will want to throw the devil horns in the air when they choose from one of 20 styles of Fender guitar to play in the privacy of their own suites. I know, my first thought was also, “Who wants to be next door to a wannabe Slash?” The guitars also come with over-ear headphones, and there’s even a channel for beginner lessons, so there’s an actual educational component to it.

Just don’t spend too long trying to learn “Freebird.” There’s an entire city’s worth of action to appreciate beyond the room door.

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Sometimes we don’t have enough time to see as much of an island as we hope, but one of the best ways to fix that is by renting a bicycle or electric bike. Island tours and professional guides offer travelers roads, trails, and off-the-beaten-paths from which they can explore the Caribbean in ways they haven’t previously imagined.

Serious cyclists can also find new challenges on their favorite islands, as biking legends have designed some of these trails to test the limits of experienced riders. But no matter your skill level, there are myriad bicycle paths and tours in the Caribbean.

The only thing left to do is pack your cycling gear—especially a good helmet.

Tinker’s Trail — St. Lucia

St. Lucia is full of bike trails for riders of all experience levels, and one of the most famous is Tinker’s Trail. Designed by three-time U.S. National Champion and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame inductee Tinker Juarez, this trail was meant to be a “heart thumper” for the most experienced riders, offering a tough uphill run to test a rider’s “conditioning and aerobic capacity.”

But Tinker’s Trail is hardly for everyone, so beginners can hit the easier paths and enjoy a ride at their comfort level while experiencing the beauty and history of St. Lucia.

Cayman Cave Trek — Cayman Island

ECO Rides Cayman offers this four-hour bike tour that takes riders through some of East End’s most scenic areas before arriving at the Crystal Caves. The ride begins near the resort area six miles from the caves, so guests have the chance to see the sights along Queen’s Highway Road. The ride is easy and ECO provides a bike and a helmet.

Guided Bike Tours — Anguilla

What makes Anguilla ideal for cycling is its size. At just 17 miles long and 3 miles wide, the island is easy to navigate and explore, with trails like Katouche and Brimegin providing an intimate, up-close look at the natural beauty. Many resorts—like Zemi Beach House Hotel and Malliouhana—offer guided tours of the island, but it’s just as easy to grab a map and visit everywhere from Sandy Ground to the East End on your own.

Nevis Adventure Tours — Nevis

Nevis’ main road is basically a 20-mile circle, so riding around the entire island is always an option. Nevis Adventure Tours offers more detailed outings that allow riders to learn about the island’s history from their bikes.

The Windwardside Discovery Bike Tour invites riders of all skill levels on a three-hour journey of St. James parish, which boasts the last operating sugar plantation on the island, as well as a haunted estate. For more experienced cyclists, Nevis Adventure Tours offers the Nevis Challenge: Peak of Biking, which covers the entire island, beginning and ending in Newcastle.

Guanica State Forest Trails — Puerto Rico

While Toro Verde is known for its zip-lines, mountain bikers will want to visit the island’s forests and parks for the best trails. The Guanica Biospehere Reserve and State Forest features 12 trails for hikers and bikers, and the park’s guides will help guests determine which are best for their skill levels.

Blue Mountain National Park — Jamaica

There is no shortage of companies and resorts offering bike tours of Blue Mountain National Park, and many of them are perfect for families looking for a casual adventure or even a picnic. Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour offers a straightforward, all-inclusive day ride that is easy on the legs and features plenty of perks, like brunch with real Blue Mountain coffee and a visit to a secluded waterfall. Bikes and gear are also included.

Singletrack Jamaica takes it a step further with custom packages for serious riders who want to spend several days on the trails. This company technically offers rental bikes, but they belong to the employees, so you’d better know what you’re doing out there.

Punta Cana Mountain Bike Tour — Dominican Republic

Outback Adventures in the Dominican Republic provides an eco-friendly mountain bike tour of Punta Cana’s countryside and Macao Beach, and the use of electric bikes makes it perfect for all riders. The tour takes guests on off-road trails and paved roads to share the region’s rich history, while also allowing everyone to stop for shopping and dining. Bikes and gear are included in the rental fees.

Jan Thiel Lagoon — Curaçao

Featuring a trail that was created for the 2006 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, Curaçao’s Jan Thiel Lagoon is a nature reserve with longer pathways fit for beginner and advanced bikers alike.

WannaBike offers guided tours of the lagoon’s trails, as well as rides through Caracas Bay Peninsula, Koraal Tabak, and Boca St. Michiel/Malpais, which is a great option for more experienced cyclists.

La Desirade Island — Guadeloupe Islands

Like Anguilla, La Desirade‘s small size is what makes it an ideal spot for a bike tour. One main road runs the length of the island, making it so easy for guests to experience everything this small national natural reserve has to offer. Rentals bikes are available on the island, as beaches like Petite-Rivière and Beauséjour await.

Bermuda Railway Trail — Bermuda

While it’s not the Caribbean, this special adventure deserves to be included. Following an abandoned railbed, the Bermuda Railway Trail is a bike trail that runs approximately 18 miles and is split into nine sections, allowing riders to start and end wherever they’d like. The trail offers challenges like bridges and steeper slopes, but it’s also fit for beginners who simply want to see the island’s pink-sand beaches and historic landmarks at a leisurely pace.

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