Island Getaways

The Caribbean

Ah, the Caribbean...Can we ever really get enough? With its warm waters, sandy shores, more relaxed pace of life, and, of course, great cocktails, the Caribbean always works, whether it’s a family vacation you’re planning with the whole crew or a romantic getaway for two. With so much destruction during Hurricanes Irma and Maria over a year ago, most of the best beaches and waterfront hotels are back in action, with quite a few of them even better than before. The perfect retreat for millions of tourists worldwide, the Caribbean not only offers up an amazing escape from cold winter climates but also creates memories to last for a lifetime

St. Maarten

This 37-square-mile island, ringed with white-sand beaches, has been living with a split personality since 1648, when it became the smallest parcel of land to be peaceably shared by two countries: France and the Netherlands. When you visit St. Maarten, the Dutch side in the south, it bustles with sprawling resorts, wide boardwalks, lively beach bars, and late-night casinos. Meanwhile, sleepy French St. Martin, with its harbor full of brightly colored boats and houses built up into the cliffs, is reminiscent of a Mediterranean fishing village. Thanks to the French influence, you'll also find some of the best food in the Caribbean.

When To Go:
The peak season begins in December and ends around mid-April, as frozen travelers from the United States and Canada flock here to escape the cold at home. One of the island's most famous events, the Heineken Regatta, takes place in March. Travel to St. Maarten drops off between July and October, hurricane season in the Caribbean.

Things To Do:
• St. Maarten Museum
• Sailing
• Diving and snorkeling
• St. Maarten nightlife
• Shopping
• Windsurfing

Anguilla

Anguilla travel offers a mix of everything. The Caribbean island, like many of its neighboring islands, has watched new vacation properties and resorts shoot up along its beaches. Despite that, Anguilla, unlike many of its neighboring islands, hasn’t lost its local charm and authenticity. In other words, while the island depends on luxury tourism—many rich and famous people frequently travel to Anguilla—it hasn’t lost its soul to consumerism.

When To Go:
Anguilla enjoys warm, comfortable temperatures nearly year-round, so make your Anguilla travel plans at your leisure. Keep in mind, however that the island’s peak tourist season lasts from December to mid-April; because of the increased demand, prices tend to shoot up considerably during this time. Those looking for a deal should visit Anguilla between May and August, when prices remain fairly reasonable and before the island’s hurricane season hits.

Things To Do:
• Lounging at any one of the island’s numerous, pristine white beaches
• Scuba diving or snorkeling, a good way to view the island’s surrounding coral reefs, which are teeming with sea life
• Learning about the island’s history at the Heritage Collection museum
• Horseback riding on the beach

St. Lucia

Palm-fringed beaches, majestic Piton Mountains, and endless waterfall-dotted rainforest draw travelers from all over the world to visit St. Lucia, off the Central American coast. The island's East Indian, French, English, and African heritage mean its culture and music traditions are especially rich; active pursuits, meanwhile, vary from strolling serene botanic gardens to diving into thrilling watersports.

When To Go:
Expect a moderate, warm climate throughout the year.
• December—April is the ideal time to visit temperature-wise.
• If you're on a budget, consider April—early December. But remember, this is a beach destination and June—early December sees high humidity/heavy rainfall.
• January—June is the best time for dry weather and sunshine.
• April—June is less crowded and relatively affordable.
• Summer is an excellent time to visit, if you don't mind all of the tourists.

Things To Do:
While it's tempting to spend all of your time sipping a rum cocktail at your resort, travel to St. Lucia demands you do more. Sunbathe on a white-sand beach, hike rainforest-covered mountains, or try rock-climbing. Put the following on your St. Lucia travel list:

• Piton mountains
• Sulphur Springs (try mud-bathing)
• Pigeon Island National Park
• Fort Rhodney
• Castries market
• The former French port of Soufrière
• Marigot Bay and Gros Isle

Grand Cayman

As the largest of the Cayman Islands and the one most frequented by tourists, Grand Cayman may seem more like a wealthy American metropolis than a slice of Caribbean paradise. But a visit to Grand Cayman is not without its charms, in the form of beautiful beaches, world-class dining, and some of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean. Beyond the glitz of George Town and the crowds at Seven Mile Beach, there’s a lot to explore when you travel to Grand Cayman—exquisite local flora and fauna, hidden beaches tucked away from tourist foot traffic, parties that erupt at a moment’s notice, and museums nestled into historic homes, giving the briefest of nods to the island’s British heritage.

When To Go:
The preferred time to make Grand Cayman travel plans is during the winter, when the tropical climate is the most pleasant and the days are warm and dry. April and May are the driest months of the year. Economically, the best time to travel to Grand Cayman may be in May through July, when hotel rates drop and you’ll find fewer crowds. However, this period coincides with the rainy season, when storms, strong winds and hurricanes are more common. May through July marks Grand Cayman’s rainy season, while June through November is hurricane season

Things To Do:
• Lounging by the ocean at Seven Mile Beach
• Visiting Pedro St. James, the oldest building on the island and the Cayman “birthplace of democracy”
• Seeing the orchards –and the iguanas –at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
• Hiking the Mastic Trail
• Exploring the pirate caves in Bodden Town
• Sampling a rum cake at Tortuga Rum Co.
• In May, watching the family-friendly Batabano Carnival unfold.