Saturday, May 25, 2013

Choosing the Right Caribbean Destination (guest post by Tiffany Mullins)


With over 7,000 islands to choose from, selecting the ideal destination for your Caribbean getaway can seem like an overwhelming task. While all of the Caribbean islands provide sun, sand and stunning ocean views, it’s important to consider what other attractions and activities you’ll want to experience in order to make your vacation perfect. The good news is that the Caribbean offers a little something for everyone, whether you’re hoping for a romantic and secluded retreat, a fun and family-friendly environment or a high-energy party scene. Decide what type of vacation you’d like to experience, and check out our list below to learn which hotspots you should visit during your getaway.

Rekindle Romance in Negril, Jamaica

Readers of Islands.com recently voted Negril as the most romantic destination in the Caribbean. A small town situated along Jamaica’s western coast, Negril boasts gorgeous rock cliffs and pristine beaches that create a unique, unforgettable backdrop for your exotic escape.

Dubbed the “Capital of Casual” for its easygoing vibe and authentic Jamaican feel, Negril hosts more than 50 romantic resorts that cater to parties of two, like Sandals Negril and Grand Pineapple Negril. One of the area’s most alluring attractions is its famed Seven Mile Beach, where white sands stretch as far as the eye can see. Once you’ve attained the perfect tan, you can head over to the popular Rick’s Café to sample Jamaican cuisine, watch cliff divers splash into the turquoise water and witness some of the most stunning sunsets in the world.

Finally, once you and your loved one have had enough beach bumming and cocktailing, you can enjoy romantic excursions like catamaran cruises along the calm Caribbean surf, or bond over island adventures like horseback riding on the beach. It’s no wonder Negril was recently voted the top Caribbean destination in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice® 2012 – it’s a veritable paradise for couples hoping to leave their cares behind!

Party Up and Boogie Down in San Juan, Puerto Rico

A popular destination among spring breakers each year, San Juan has been nicknamed the Caribbean “City that Never Sleeps” by travel site Fodors.com, which describes San Juan as one of the seven best Caribbean cities for exciting nightlife. In fact, San Juan boasts more nightclubs than anywhere else in the Caribbean! Salsa clubs and lively bars line the streets of Old San Juan, where tourists can get their fill of dancing, partying and barhopping as they listen to top international DJs spin the night away. Thirsty vacationers can also visit the well-known Señor Frog’s, where new friends are waiting and the tequila is always flowing.

Once morning arrives, spring breakers on a budget will be happy to see plenty of American fast-food chains around town, where they can chow down on familiar fare. And let’s not forget about the beautiful beaches and perfect weather, which contribute to San Juan’s prestigious rank at the number two spot on TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice® 2012 poll, second only to Negril, Jamaica. Young U.S. travelers looking for the party of a lifetime in Puerto Rico will appreciate the cheap flights to San Juan, as well as the ability to arrive without a passport.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Fun in Nassau & Paradise Island, Bahamas

One of the most popular family vacation destinations in the Caribbean, Nassau plays host to many resorts that cater to fun-loving broods. Voted number two by U.S. News Travel in their list of Best Caribbean Family Vacations, Nassau is home to the only zoo in the Bahamas, as well as the Pirates of Nassau Museum, where kids will love hearing the tale of Blackbeard spun by employees decked out in pirate garb. Blue Lagoon Island is also a popular attraction for families who want to get up close and personal with dolphins and sea lions, and kids will never forget the thrills they experience at Atlantis’ Aquaventure, a 141-acre water park that features near-vertical water slides and 11 pristine pools.

Finally, when the adults want time to themselves, kid-friendly programs at many Nassau resorts help children enjoy the Caribbean while their parents relax on the beach or dine at gourmet restaurants. Thanks to its family-friendly nature and beautiful beaches, Nassau was also a winner in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice® 2012 poll, in both the best Caribbean beaches and best overall Caribbean destination categories.

You’ve already made a great choice by picking the exotic islands of the Caribbean as your next vacation spot – now you just need to decide the perfect Caribbean locale! Book your stay at one of these fantastic destinations and experience the vacation of your dreams.

About the Author

As International Social Media Manager for Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts (Unique Vacation, Ltd.), Tiffany Mullins leads a team that creates new strategies for global, multi-brand social media. In addition to managing Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts’ online community, she also oversees the direction of Sandals and Beaches social media, including the Sandals Wedding Blog, which brings brides and inspiration together to truly create “Your Wedding. Your Style.” Tiffany now resides on Paradise Island in The Bahamas. For more information on Grand Pineapple’s all inclusive resorts, please call 1-800-327-1991 or visit www.grandpineapple.com.





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