Enjoy a Trip to the Caribbean This Winter

The Caribbean rivals any other tropical paradise location. The natural setting alone – white-sand beaches, crystal-blue waters, vibrant greenery – is enough to want to book a trip. But thanks to a host of world-class hotels and resorts, you can also enjoy experiences like taking your chances at the casino, enjoying a five-star meal and everything in between.

Your only real question is which island in the Caribbean to visit. To help, here are some of the region’s most popular destinations, as well as the resorts calling your name.

The Destinations

Aruba

In the heart of the southern Caribbean, just north of the Venezuela coast, lies the island of Aruba. Although it’s just 19 miles long and 6 miles across, Aruba has more than enough pristine beaches, natural wonders, cultural destinations and nightlife spots to keep you busy.

But above all, it’s the weather you’ll enjoy most. According to the Aruba Tourism Authority, Aruba averages a balmy 82 degrees, with more sunny days than any other Caribbean island.

In the center of Aruba is Arikok National Park, which covers nearly 20% of the island. On the north side of the island, you’ll encounter rugged coastlines and limestone cliffs. On the southern end, hotels and resorts dot white-sand beaches.

Jamaica

Spanning more than 4,000 square miles, Jamaica is one of the Caribbean’s largest islands. It’s also the region’s fourth most-populated country, with just under 3 million people.

Although best known for reggae, jerk chicken and rum, there are a plethora of activities, experiences and events to fill your itinerary. And with a hot and humid tropical climate all year round, the weather is sure to cooperate.

Popular resort areas on Jamaica include Negril, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio and the South Coast. But the most in-demand destination is Montego Bay on the island’s northwest corner.

The Bahamas

The Bahamas encompass more than 700 islands covering 100,000 square miles of water just southeast of Florida. The idyllic country is a favorite vacation locale for many – and for good reason.

One of the most popular Bahaman isles is Paradise Island. This 685-acre spot of land has been developed almost exclusively to cater to tourists. It is jam-packed with resorts, hotels, restaurants, shops, nightlife, a golf course, an aquarium and a casino.

Paradise Island is connected via bridge to New Providence, home of the Bahamas’ capital city, Nassau. It is here where you will find the historic sites and cultural destinations that complete every trip to a distant land.

Another popular spot is Great Exuma, the largest of the Exuma archipelago’s 365 islands. Known for its crystal-clear blue waters, pristine beaches and exclusive resorts, Great Exuma is secluded bliss.

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is an island country on the eastern end of the Caribbean Sea. Although it covers just more than 200 square miles, St. Lucia offers something for just about everyone.

North St. Lucia is home to most of the island’s resorts. It has many of the top beaches as well as popular nightlife spots. For nature lovers, there is Pigeon Island National Park. The park offers hiking trails, as well as places for kayaking, snorkeling and swimming. If you want a break from the sun, try your luck at Treasure Bay Casino Saint Lucia.

The south side of the island has the white-sand beaches you would expect, but it is also one of St. Lucia’s most historic regions. The island’s central area is home to various forest reserves. Here you can enjoy streaming waterfalls or catch the view from a lookout.

The Resorts

All Inclusive Collection/Hard Rock

Hard Rock’s five Caribbean locations offer something for everyone. Depending on your tastes, this might include enjoying a beachfront oasis, the largest casino in the region, tranquil spas, kids’ clubs or nightly entertainment.

AMResorts

AMResorts is one of North America’s fastest-growing luxury leisure resort company. It is a mainstay throughout the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica, where it operates six resorts in the country’s Montego Bay region. The brand offers all-inclusive vacations, where everything is included. Guests can enjoy unlimited premium drinks, find dining, activities and entertainment, and world-class spas.

Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond owns 47 properties in 10 countries, including five in Jamaica and four in St. Lucia. Each of its brands cater to different clientele and experiences, such as family friendly, adults only, city destinations and boutique hotels. This ensures you’ll get just what you’re looking for out of your vacation.

Couples Resorts Jamaica

Couples Resorts operates exclusively in Jamaica. Its four resorts—two in Negril, two in Ocho Rios—are all-inclusive. As its name implies, the brand caters to couples looking for a romantic getaway. Couples prides itself on combining Caribbean culture, spectacular natural settings and first-rate amenities.

The Excellence Collection

Excellence Oyster Bay is a tropical paradise on Jamaica’s northern coast. The resort is located on its own private peninsula. Guests are treated to a welcome cocktail and cool towel, 10 bars and lounges, 3 swimming pools, 4 outdoor jacuzzis, water sports, nightly shows and much more.

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts

Iberostar operates three resorts in Montego Bay, Jamaica: Rose Hall Beach, Rose Hall Suites and Grand Rose Hall. The former two are open to families while the latter is adults only. All three are right on the beach, offering sunshine and relaxation just steps away from your room.

Palace Resorts

At Moon Palace Jamaica you’ll have your own five-star retreat. During the day, enjoy a swim with dolphins, paddleboarding or an exotic scuba tour. When hunger strikes, get a bite to eat at when one of the many dining options, with cuisine offerings including American, Jamaican, Italian, Pan-Asian and more.

Palladium Hotel Group

Palladium’s two Jamaican resorts are situated on the northeast coast, between two of the island’s most popular tourist towns. Their diverse facilities and coastal setting make it ideal for families, couples and groups. The Grand Palladium Jamaica has one of the largest pools in the Caribbean.

Playa Hotels & Resorts

Playa operates seven resorts in Jamaica including two adult-only locations. These beachfront hotels give you panoramic views of the beach and ocean. Amongst other amenities, guests can enjoy oceanfront dining, swim-up bars, live entertainment, aqua aerobics, Zumba and dance classes, and culinary classes and tastings.

Riu Hotels & Resorts

Riu hotels can be found throughout the Caribbean including Aruba, Jamaica and the Bahamas. The resorts’ culinary offerings include global dishes with traditional ingredients, international fusion cuisine and themed restaurants.

Sandals & Beaches Resorts

Sandals Resorts is a mainstay in the Caribbean with more than a dozen locations including two in the Bahamas, three in St. Lucia and six in Jamaica. Beaches, meanwhile, owns two Jamaican properties. Each destination features gourmet dining, unique bars, and land and water sports, plus complimentary green fees at its golf resorts and certified scuba diving.

Take advantage of special offers and exclusive member benefits on Caribbean vacations with AAA and Pleasant Holidays.