You could use a vacation.
Pack a swimsuit and a sense of adventure, youre going to need both.
What Makes the Caribbean Special?
What makes the Caribbean special?
Its ecology and culture are both mutually vibrant and enchanting.
The Greater Antilles, which comprise Cuba, Hispaniola and Puerto Rico, were formed from continental rock.
The Lesser Antilles, including the Virgin Islands, Barbados and others, are the result of volcanic activity.
Transportation: Cruise vs.
Direct Flight
Most Caribbean islands have enough entertainment and amenities to sustain a week-long vacation on their own.
While cruise vacations arent for everyone, they provide a great introduction to what these islands have to offer.
If this is your first trip, a cruise might be just the ticket.
As we mentioned above, most Caribbean islands have more than enough entertainment for one 7-day vacation.
Boutique Hotel, Luxury Resort or Backpack Hostel?
You could also skip both and opt for a $20/night hostel on most islands in the Caribbean.
For your trip, how should you choose between the hostel, the boutique or the resort?
Lets explore that in detail.
The Hostel Experience
Hostels are a common way for young travelers to experience new countries on a tight budget.
There are hostels throughout the Caribbean and many can be had for as little as $17 a night.
This boutique hotel is housed in a group of interconnected 18th century properties faithfully restored by DEsopo herself.
The property is absolutely exquisite, offering 22 guest rooms from single-room studios to magnificent suites.
The best luxury resorts in the Caribbean offer pristine grounds, impeccable service, immaculate rooms and exquisite cuisine.
Nassau and Paradise Island Bahamas
Nassaus proximity to the United States makes it an easy-yet-rewarding option for Caribbean travel.
Were going to steer you elsewhere, however, as there are better vacation options regardless of your budget.
If money is no consequence, head to theOne & Only Ocean Clubjust down the beach from Atlantis.
This lodging option is a bit further away from Paradise Island but is closer to the native Nassau experience.
You cannot go wrong here, fellow traveler.
In fact, its practically commonplace.
Fortunately, there are plenty of other options on this little pearl of the Caribbean sea.
This hotel is furnished with fine restored vintage furniture throughout a plantation-style setting with an emphasis on intimacy.
The Normandie Hotel provides private rooms for $150/night, much more expensive than your standard hostel.
A standard hostel, this isnt.
Its a hotel in its own right with private rooms and community amenities.
Its the hostel experience with a hotel bedroom, and the price is right compared to the luxury options.
Last, notice the French-language trend in hotel names?
If you travel to experience world cultures, San Juan, Puerto Rico should be on your bucket list.
Rooms can be had here for $280 and up, a decent price for such an exclusive stay.
That said, where to stay?
We suggestHotel Chocolat, one of the finest luxury hotels in the region.
Rooms start at $350 in the off-season, making this one pretty accessible by luxury standards.
In terms of boutique options on St. Lucia, be sure to check out the newly openedGinger Lily Hotel.
(images via: flickr1,2,3,4,5,6,7, main image bycollin erickson)
