With February starting and Spring still feeling far away, I am getting lots of calls for a warm-weather Caribbean and Mexico getaways, either for Spring Break or a long weekend escape from the cold. It is prime time for beach destinations, so finding the best value is important. While many of my clients have favorite places they visit year after year, here are some of my favorites that I am quick to recommend.
The Resort Opening in the Caribbean I’m Most Excited About: Little Dix Bay - Virgin Gorda
Long regarded as one of the world’s greatest getaways (this was where we honeymooned more than 20 years ago), this gem of a property has just reopened after more than four years to repair damage from Hurricane Irma. Set within 500 acres of natural gardens, rugged hills and isolated beaches, Rosewood Little Dix Bay is a really unique property in the Caribbean. The resort has 80 guestrooms, suites and villas, all of which have unobstructed ocean views.
Imagine organizing a local beach drop or day visit to a nearby island, exploring the hiking trails, or taking advantage of the many watersports. They even have a dive center on property. This resort works really well for families: Rosewood's Explorers children’s program offers age-appropriate adventures designed to celebrate Caribbean culture, stimulate curiosity and encourage a connection with the surrounding natural environment. Half-day, full-day and evening programs are offered.
Why Go: This resort offers a level of refinement and seclusion unrivaled in the Caribbean, while still being a place to walk around barefoot. This is not the easiest destination to get to, but you are rewarded with tranquility when you arrive. The property itself was just completely rebuilt and has a long list of experiences, including movie night on the beach for kids, the Rum Room stocked with 107 rums from around the world for adults, and for families, enjoy a picnic on a different beach each day.
Good to Know: The only way to fly to Virgin Gorda is with Cape Air, which means a connection in Puerto Rico. Alternatively, you can arrive into Tortola Beef Island Airport, which is an easy 20-minute boat ride to the resort.
Special Amenities when booked through The Curatour:
Complimentary room upgrade upon arrival if available
Food and Beverage Credit for use during your stay
Full American Breakfast for two guests per room each morning
Best All-Inclusive Resort (that feels nothing like the image you have of an All-inclusive Resort): Curtain Bluff - Antigua
Curtain Bluff is consistently ranked among the best all Inclusive resorts anywhere. The resort is positioned perfectly between two beautiful beaches: calm Bay Beach for solitude and relaxation on one side, and Surf Beach with countless activities on the other. This resort has it all, from basketball and squash courts to one of the best tennis centers anywhere. You can be as active as you want to be, lying in the shade or jumping from one sport to the next, and all of your activities are included in your room rate. A big favorite is the twice-daily snorkeling trips by boat. Curtain Bluff offers PADI dive center services as well. There’s also the CEEBEE kids club, a full-time kids camp designed for younger guests to make friends and experience the resort on their own terms.
Why Go? Antigua is surrounded by coral reefs and boasts 365 beaches with beautiful white sand. The island’s history dates back to 1725 when the island was developed for the British Navy, and the dockyard has been fully restored and is now a World Heritage site.
Good to Know: This is one of the only all inclusive resorts to include not just snorkeling, but dive offerings.
Special Amenities when booked through The Curatour:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100 USD Equivalent Resort/Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Favorite for a New Annual Family Tradition: Grace Bay Club - Turks & Caicos
Grace Bay Club is the property that clients visit year and year. The multi room family offerings work so well for a family getaway. Located on the island of Providenciales at the western end of Turks and Caicos, the highlight of the island is the beautiful 12 mile Grace Bay beach. The resort enjoys a pristine location with 11 acres of immaculate beach, with white powdery sand and turquoise blue water. It is divided into adults-only and family-friendly areas, where both groups work together seamlessly. Complimentary water sports activities include snorkeling, windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailboats, kayaks, and more. The resort has two beautiful outdoor swimming pools, Jacuzzis and 100 canopied daybeds located directly on the beach. Land activities include tennis, a 5,000 square foot full-service spa and fitness center and access to golf at nearby Provo Golf and Country Club. The complimentary on-site children's program, KidsTown, offers plenty of fun activities and excursions and a popular tree house.
Why Go? Some say Grace Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful in the world. And cruise ships don’t visit the island of Providenciales, keeping it pristine and less crowded.
Good to Know? This resort does have a huge number of guests who come back year after year, so it can often book up quickly for spring break. This is a good one to book in advance.
Special Amenities when booked through The Curatour:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (not applicable to the Private Villa Collection, Penthouses or 4 Bedroom Estate Suites)
Full Breakfast for all registered guests in Grill Rouge
$100 USD equivalent Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
A resort credit: 1-Bedroom $150, 2-Bedroom $200, 3-Bedroom $250, 4-Bedroom and larger $300
Early check-in, 4 pm late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Best Resort for Foodies Who Love the Beach: Kimpton Seafire - Grand Cayman
Kimpton Seafire, the latest luxury resort to open in Grand Cayman, offers a chic, luxury design with Seven Mile Beach-front setting. The open-air design is everywhere — indoors and out — with water vistas at every turn and winding gardens that lead to secret sanctuaries, social gathering places, pristine pools and the Caribbean Sea. Each of the 266 guestrooms and suites has its own private balcony, nearly all of which feature ocean views. This resort works well for families, offering the possibility of four to a room, and Camp Seafire offers half-day, full-day and evening programs for kids 3–12 years old — they will love the popcorn check-in station!
Why Go: The Cayman Islands are a remarkable combination of beautiful beaches with crystal clear water. Kimpton is the first new resort to open on the island in years and it has knocked it out of the park with its food and beverage offerings. It has one of the best mixology programs anywhere, great brunches on Saturdays, and a chef’s table that is a must for foodies. Book it right away to be sure it is available.
Good to Know: No visit to the Cayman Islands is complete with a visit to Stingray City — a sandbar where friendly wild stingrays congregate. You can interact with these remarkable creatures, standing waist-deep in the warm water as they swim around your legs.
Special Amenities when booked through The Curatour:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary Daily Buffet Breakfast for two per bedroom at AVE Restaurant during breakfast hours only, excludes specialty coffees, pressed juice bar, alcohol and champagne
$100 USD equivalent Resort credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Easiest Resort to Get To: Cancun - Nizuc
The NIZUC Resort & Spa is located just minutes from the Cancun Airport. Situated on one of the most beautiful beaches the Riviera Maya has to offer, there is something for everyone here. The stunning 30,000 square foot NIZUC Spa is located on the pristine sands of Punta Nizuc and might be one of the nicest spas in Cancun. The harmonious blend of Mayan-inspired treatments and the oceanfront setting are sure to induce relaxation in even the most weary traveler. The resort has five pools and a ton of water sports, including paddle boards, kayaking, snorkeling and more. There is also an excellent Jack Nicklaus golf course nearby.
Why go? Cancun has many direct flight options from US cities and can often have better prices than destinations in the Caribbean. The resort has a lovely Zen feel and one of the best spas in Cancun.
Good to Know: This resort is located just 10 minutes from the airport, but still feels remarkably private and secluded. If you book Nizuc through us your airport transfer to the resort is included.
Special Amenities when booked through The Curatour:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Full breakfast for two guests per bedroom served in Restaurant
One-way airport transfer (valid on arrivals only)
Hydrotherapy session for two, once during stay
Welcome Amenity in suite: a bottle of tequila and dried fruit
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary wifi
Most Beautiful Location Beyond the Beach: Sugar Beach - St. Lucia
Winner of the Travel + Leisure “World’s Best” Award and ranked among the Caribbean’s top resorts by Condé Nast Traveler, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort has a legion of loyal fans. And rightly so, for its lush rainforest setting, shimmering white sand beach (which is meticulously maintained) and emerald gardens. Most notable is the view of the World Heritage-listed Pitons. Spread across some 100 acres, the resort exudes a timeless colonial charm, with four-poster beds, clawfoot baths and butler service in its luxurious accommodations; villas feature private patios and plunge pools. Watersports are plentiful, and the spa is otherworldly. They offer an outstanding kids program as well.
Why Go? I love St. Lucia for couples or families that think they might want to do more than just go to the beach. St. Lucia is a spectacular setting located in a rainforest, on the beach, with views of the Pitons. Staying here feels a bit like you have found Neverland.
Good to Know: The resort sits close to Sulphur Springs mud pools, the result of volcanic action. The mud is known for detoxifying the body and offering many healing properties, and the minerals are known for making your skin smooth and tight.
Special Amenities when booked through The Curatour:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom, served on the Terrace
$100 USD Equivalent Resort/Hotel credit per bedroom, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full.)
Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Best Beach Destination with Too Many Great Properties to Name - Los Cabos Mexico
While the old party scene of Cabo is still alive and well, more than five luxury resorts opened this year alone, making it the hot new luxury beach getaway for couples or families. There is truly something for everyone here. If you want to enjoy cultural experiences, you can explore San Jose del Cabo — visit a local microbrewery, enjoy authentic fish tacos for lunch and then see the art galleries in the charming historical old town. If you want to enjoy the natural surroundings, the Sea of Cortez is called “the world’s aquarium” and has fantastic sea life. You can also discover some of the best surf spots in the world. Or, you can simply disconnect and recharge at a spectacular five-star resort with infinity pools, gorgeous cliffs and scenery, luxurious spas, kids clubs — everything you could ever need.
Why Cabo: It is an easy destination to get to (more so than some Caribbean islands) with direct flights from many hubs. With all the new luxury resort openings - there are so many options that there is a perfect resort for any traveler. Plus, December–April you can even see whales!
Good to know: Cabo is more about the beauty of the sea than a beachfront swimming experience. Only a handful of the resorts have swimmable beaches, so you need to make that a priority if that is important to you.