When contemplating the perfect Caribbean island getaway, you’ll have to first figure out what you’re looking for in a romantic vacation. Do you want to spend all your time lazing on gorgeous beaches? Hide away from the world in a luxurious cottage with a private plunge pool? Snorkel on a tiny, secluded beach where the green-blue Caribbean Sea meets the deeper blue of the Atlantic Ocean? Hike through the rain forest, cooling off under a waterfall splashing gently into a pool? Take a moonlit walk on the beach, white sand like soft powder between your toes, waves lapping up on shore?
This is the Caribbean for couples, where all of these romantic fantasies -- and more -- can come true.
Caribbean for Escapist Couples
If you want to get away from it all and spend some quality time together, head to St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands1. At Caneel Bay2, a resort nestled within 170 acres of the lush Virgin Islands National Park, the 21st century barely intrudes. There are no telephones or televisions in the rooms, and you can pass your time at one of the seven beaches.
Another escapist’s fantasy is the Grenadines3, a sprinkling of tiny islands between St. Vincent and Grenada4. Here, you can stay on Palm Island5, a 135-acre retreat with just 37 guest rooms. You can hike, windsurf, snorkel, kayak or take a boat ride to the Tobago Cays, tiny nearby beach-islands with no development whatsoever.
Caribbean for Energetic Couples
If you’re the type that gets bored easily, head for dual-natured St. Martin/St. Maarten6, where the shopping is excellent, the beaches beautiful and the casinos on the Dutch side keep things hopping after dark. Reserve a room at La Samanna7 on the French side — most come with a private terrace or a patio, and all have lovely ocean views.
A Jamaican8 all-inclusive such as Grand Lido Negril9 is another great way to make sure your days are jam-packed. You pay one fee upfront for accommodations, meals, drinks and activities like windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, golf, tennis and spa facilities.
Caribbean for Adventurous Couples
If you prefer to explore the great outdoors, head to Puerto Rico10, where you can hike past waterfalls and natural pools in El Yunque rain forest11 and kayak or swim in Vieques’ mystical, bioluminescent bay. The Horned Dorset Primavera12 is one of the Caribbean’s most romantic inns, and rooms come with private plunge pools.
Divers and snorkelers who are interested in exploring the tropical waters should consider staying at Parrot Cay13 in Turks and Caicos14, which consistently figure in top-10 lists of the world’s best snorkeling/diving sites. This private island resort offers diving trips and lessons at nearby Providenciales and has private villas situated just steps from the ocean’s edge.
Caribbean for Romantic Couples
If you’re searching an over-the-top romantic resort, a top choice is Cap Juluca15 on Anguilla16, where every room is perched on its own stretch of sand on the resort’s private, mile-long beach.
Anse Chastenet17 on St. Lucia18 has luxurious units, some right on the ocean’s edge with stunning views of the island’s twin lush, green mountains. This resort is surrounded by tropical gardens and set right on a beach.
Sandy Lane19 on Barbados20 is another stunner with exceptional service, a huge spa and luxurious, high-tech rooms that come with plasma TVs, an interactive entertainment system and wet bars.
From Margot Weiss, for About.com
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