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This week,we will profile our three top-selling destinations in the Caribbean. All promise beautiful beaches, warm breezes and a laid-back atmosphere.
Jamaica is edged by pristine beaches and crowned by mountains that run across the center of the island. It has more all-inclusive resorts than any other destination; these properties wrap accommodations, meals, drinks and many activities in the upfront rate. Most of the main tourist areas are situated along the reef-protected shores of the north coast.
Negril is known for soft sands and calm waters that are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. Vacationers in Ocho Rios can visit one of Jamaica's most treasured attractions, 600-foot Dunn's River Falls, while those in Montego Bay can take a gentle float trip down the Martha Brae River. Runaway Bay is near the Green Grotto Caves, where guided subterranean tours take visitors to a lake 120 feet below the surface.
The Dominican Republic comprises the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola and boasts more than 800 miles of coastline, championship courses designed by golf legends, and a culture threaded with Spanish, French, Haitian and African influences.
Experienced divers can explore interesting shipwrecks, including two Spanish vessels that sank off the north coast in the 16th century. Nature lovers can head to the country's national parks -- see crocodiles at Isla Cabritos and flamingos at Jaragua, for example. In the evening, nightclubs pulse with the beat of merengue music.
About 15 miles north of Venezuela, Aruba features broad beaches, a cactus-studded interior and distinctive divi-divi trees bent by steady trade winds. The waters teem with marine life, providing excellent snorkeling opportunities. Scuba divers can explore the shipwrecked Antilla, a sunken German World War II freighter.
Tall, multicolored Dutch colonial homes with wooden doors make a picturesque sight in Oranjestad, the capital city. Nearby Eagle Beach is one of the island's longest beaches, stretching for 200 yards. Palm Beach is a true Caribbean playground, with major resorts, fine golden sand and clear water.
Top Resorts of 2011
1/5/20123:45:46 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
10 of our best-selling beach resorts.
In no particular order, these are some of the most popular choices based on 2011 reservations.
They are located along the beaches of the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Mexico and Costa Rica. Most are all-inclusive, which means that accommodations, meals, snacks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and many sports and activities are included in the price paid upfront.
Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic -- This 5-star, all-inclusive resort faces a nearly two-mile-long beach that's protected by a coral reef, which makes for calm waters. It has a dedicated wing of family rooms tucked into a private area. Guests have access to a spa, 18-hole P.B. Dye signature golf course, seven tennis courts, and soccer and baseball fields. Choose from 11 restaurants, including a la carte options and international, Dominican and seafood buffets. After dinner, attend a show in the Vegas-style theater or visit the disco.
Hotel Riu Guanacaste, Guanacaste, Costa Rica -- Backed by lush, green hills, this 5-star Pacific Coast haven offers an array of land and water sports in its all-inclusive package, like beach volleyball, tennis, snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing. Take scuba diving lessons in the pool, or indulge in a hot stone or shiatsu massage in the Renova Spa. A kids' program caters to young guests ages 4 to 12. Jacuzzi suites feature an ocean-view hot tub on the terrace.
Excellence Punta Cana, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic -- A 5.5-star property that wraps dance lessons, archery, snorkeling, bicycle tours and yoga classes into its all-inclusive vacation package, the kids-free Excellence Punta Cana is a favorite for active couples looking for an engaging getaway. Two pools, eight a la carte restaurants, 10 bars, a spa and cardio-conditioning facility round out the list of on-site amenities.
Hotel Riu Santa Fe, Los Cabos, Mexico -- This 4.5-star property is located just a couple of miles from downtown Cabo San Lucas on Mexico's Baja Peninsula. It's a large resort, with 902 rooms, four specialty restaurants, seven bars, a spa, nightclub, conference rooms and gym. Daily activities and nightly shows keep guests entertained around the clock.
Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Montego Bay, Montego Bay, Jamaica -- This 3-star, all-inclusive property is particularly family-friendly. The youth staff at the KidSpree Vacation Club organizes activities for ages 6 months to 3 years, ages 4 to 7 and ages 8 to 12. KidSuites feature a partially separated section for your young travelers, with bunk beds and a child's desk or play table, providing children their own space and parents a bit of privacy. The buffet restaurant includes a kids' corner and pizza bar. Sorrento offers fine dining with ocean views, Paella specializes in tapas and other Spanish dishes, and the beachfront Jerk Hut serves Jamaican favorites.
Breezes Grand Resort & Spa-Negril, Negril, Jamaica -- This 4.5-star waterfront resort is all-inclusive and caters to vacationers seeking a kids-free atmosphere. Guests can sail a Sunfish, windsurf or kayak over translucent blue waters. Evening entertainment runs from music at a cozy piano bar to dancing at the nightclub to a Caribbean-style beach carnival. Lavish buffets are supplemented by casually elegant restaurants that serve French, Italian, Japanese, Jamaican and continental fare.
Crown Paradise Club Cancun, Cancun, Mexico -- Family suites accommodate up to seven people at this 4-star, all-inclusive spot, making it a good choice for a vacation with the kids. Supervised activities are scheduled throughout the day for young guests, and in the evening they can join campouts, pajama parties and movie screenings. Children also will enjoy the miniature golf course and a water park complete with a pirate ship and eight waterslides.
Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island, Paradise Island, Bahamas -- This 4-star, all-inclusive retreat sits on a three-mile ribbon of white-sand beach, next door to the expansive Atlantis resort complex. On-site features include a gym, sauna, spa, swimming pool, sun terrace and buffets supplemented by four specialty restaurants.
Atlantis Paradise Island, Paradise Island, Bahamas -- This five-star resort is an expansive tropical playground with a terrific variety of attractions and dining venues. There's the 141-acre Aquaventure Water Park, with high-speed waterslides and a mile-long river ride with rapids and wave surges. Peer at sharks, barracudas and rays in on-site marine habitats, try out the rock-climbing wall or make an appointment at the 30,000-square-foot Mandara Spa. When you've worked up an appetite, there are 21 restaurants at hand.
Sandos Playacar Beach Resort and Spa, Playa del Carmen, Mexico -- Inspired by its surroundings on the Mayan Riviera, this 4.5-star all-inclusive property offers hacienda-style accommodations, freshwater swimming pools and a stretch of beach lined by shady, thatched palapas. On-site amenities include seven restaurants, four bars, a nightclub and ample children's facilities, with activities for toddlers 2-3, kids 4-12 and teens 13-17 (including a teens-only club). It also offers easy access to the archaeological sites of Tulum and Coba and the local water park, Xcaret.