3. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
At The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, you might have a hard time deciding whether to start along the resort’s coral sands or inside your comfy lodgings. Recent visitors praised the guest rooms, which are outfitted with private balconies or terraces, soaking tubs, Asprey toiletries and minifridges. However, some lamented the pricey daily resort fee. You can reserve a tee time at the nine-hole, Greg Norman-designed golf course, schedule a treatment at the spa or make use of the resort’s kayaks, rafts and snorkel gear. Or, park yourself on a lounge chair and enjoy the sun and the sand. The resort offers a prime Cayman Islands location, extending 144 acres across the Caribbean to the North Sound, facing Seven Mile Beach’s shoreline. When you’re ready to refuel, head to Blue by Eric Ripert, or try one of the property’s five other restaurants or bars. What’s more, this Ritz-Carlton outpost falls under the Marriott banner, meaning Marriott Bonvoy members can collect and redeem points here.
4. Hermitage Bay
Hermitage Bay, a boutique, all-inclusive resort on Antigua’s secluded western shore, gives guests optimal sunset panoramas from private bungalow suites. All of the resort’s 30 accommodations face the ocean and are outfitted with outdoor showers, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access and hardwood floors. The organic fare served at the on-site restaurant received high marks from reviewers, but it’s the staff’s attention to detail that guests appreciate the most. Hermitage Bay caters specially to romantic vacationers, offering wedding and honeymoon packages, as well as a spa with the tantalizing Siddhartha Art of Love treatment, which includes aromatherapy services and exotic tea tastings. When visitors are not relaxing in their room or at the spa, they can get their hearts pumping while enjoying complimentary activities, such as scuba diving, windsurfing and kayaking.
