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Beach Vacation Ideas

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5 Great Getaways in the Caribbean

Expanded direct flights, new resorts and exciting amenities make these five islands even more alluring this winter

a kayak on the beach in the cayman islands in the caribbean
Visitors will find sun and sand in the Cayman Islands.
Getty Images
By
Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
 
AARP
Published October 31, 2022
/ Updated February 12, 2024

It is the season in the Caribbean, where balmy temps, curvaceous coves and tropical cocktails offer the perfect remedy for the winter blues. This year, there are even more reasons to chase the sun to your favorite island destinations. New nonstop flights from several U.S. gateways, and new and renovated resorts making their debut across the region offer even more justification (as if you need it!) to plan an island getaway. Of course, the cost of a getaway depends on which property and how long you stay, but rates range from about $400 a night (at the Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach) to more than $1,000 a night (at Six Senses La Sagesse in Grenada).​

Anguilla

a boat in prickly pear anguilla in the caribbean
Travelers can enjoy boating and other activities when visiting the island of Anguilla.
Getty Images

In the past, visitors had to fly to the island of St. Maarten, then hop a ferry or a puddle jumper to get to Anguilla, the tiny island beloved for its 33 pristine beaches, beautiful resorts and relaxed beach bars. But American Airlines now offers daily nonstop flights from Miami, so travelers can have their toes in the sand by lunchtime. For travelers taking the ferry ride from St. Maarten, the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal opened in January 2023. 

Quinn is the newest addition to secluded Long Bay. The intimate hideaway boasts three suites that enjoy access to the amenities of the neighboring villa, Quintessence Hotel. Among them: an infinity pool, a spa and a wine cellar. Also, the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club (formerly the CuisinArt Resort & Spa) recently debuted on Rendezvous Bay with 178 suites, seven restaurants and a refreshed Greg Norman–designed 18-hole championship golf course. Adding to the lineup of amenities this year is the Aurora Entertainment Park with a lazy river, three water slides, a kids’ splash pad, cabanas and a swim-up pool bar.​

Cayman Islands

sea stars under the waves on little cayman island in the caribbean
Sea stars can be found around Little Cayman Island.
Getty Images

This three-island destination (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman) remains a Caribbean favorite. One standout addition is the Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach, a beachy-chic retreat steps from the sand. Rooms are a study in casual style, with neutral colors and mid-century modern furniture, and a hot breakfast is included in the rate. Popular with Caymanians as well as guests is the hotel’s restaurant, Ms. Piper’s Kitchen + Garden. Conceptualized as the home of fictional Ms. Piper, an adventuress who arrived on the island in the 1970s, it’s a charming indoor-outdoor spot that serves lunch and dinner in a poolside garden embellished with pink-striped parasols. 

In addition to the nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Grand Cayman, Cayman Airways also resumed service from Denver late last year, making it a cinch to jet from the mountains to the sands of Seven Mile Beach.​

Dominica

trafalgar falls in dominica in the caribbean
Trafalgar Falls is one of 12 waterfalls to see on the island of Dominica.
Getty Images

This eastern Caribbean country is known as “Nature Island,” and given its lush tropical landscape, 365 rivers and 12 waterfalls, the title isn’t mere hype. Recently, American Airlines launched the first nonstop flights from the U.S., which depart daily from Miami and take just 3½ hours. 

For a sustainable stay, newcomer Coulibri Ridge is an off-the-grid oasis on the hillside above the village of Soufrière that’s powered solely by solar energy, wind turbines and a rainwater-sourced irrigation system. Sustainability requires very few sacrifices here: Coulibri’s 14 studios, lofts and penthouses all feature kitchens and terraces with views of neighboring Martinique, and some even boast private pools and garden showers. There are two restaurants and a yoga pavilion, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout. 

A kayaking route called the Waitukubuli Sea Trail that runs between Dominica’s northern and southern tips gives paddlers a close-up view of marine life (watch for turtles and dolphins) as well as access to hidden beaches.

St. Lucia

a view of the pitons in saint lucia in the caribbean
The island of St. Lucia is known for its iconic volcanic peaks.
Getty Images

Known for its iconic volcanic peaks — the Pitons — this lush southern Caribbean island has a dreamy tropical landscape reminiscent of the South Pacific, but it’s only about a 4½-hour flight from New York City. This winter, look for increased nonstop service from Atlanta, Miami, New York and Philadelphia on American, Delta and JetBlue. 

The all-inclusive Zoetry Marigot Bay opened its doors last year, with 124 suites (some with private plunge pools) and a “rum cave” for tastings. It’s fitting, perhaps, that in the only Caribbean country named after a woman, the Landings Resort and Spa in Rodney Bay is the first in the region devoted exclusively to women’s wellness, including a program of spa treatments designed to soothe everything from menstrual pain to postpartum challenges and menopause. Nearby, the new eight-room, wellness-focused hotel Sol Sanctum offers an intimate, alcohol-free escape with yoga, tai chi and meditation classes.

Grenada

aerial view of a beautiful beach in Grenada
Visitors can enjoy the water at Portici Beach in Grenada.​
Getty Images

Known as the Spice Isle (the island produces nutmeg, ginger, cloves and other spices), Grenada is a natural paradise with 14 waterfalls, nine strands of volcanic black sand and 45 white-sand beaches. On secluded Portici Beach, the new Silversands Beach House boasts 28 one- and two-bedroom oceanfront suites. The resort’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, spa treatment rooms and an infinity pool are steps from the sand. For more spa-inspired options, the luxury Six Senses La Sagesse resort will open in April. Nestled between two beaches and surrounding a small lagoon, the 56 two-story suites (all with private plunge pools) and 15 villas will provide guests sanctuary, as will the spa, which overlooks the lagoon and is designed in the style of a fishing village.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Oct. 31, 2022. It has been updated to reflect new information.

Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon is a Miami-based freelance writer and editor who specializes in coverage of the Caribbean. She has appeared on numerous television outlets, and her work has been featured in National Geographic and The Washington Post. Her website is JetSetSarah.com.

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