AMG TRAVEL[tw-divider][/tw-divider]
So, summer’s over. The kids are back in school, fall is fast approaching and a major swath of travelers are no longer clogging up Caribbean flights and hotels.
With notoriously slashed prices in the fall, this is perfect timing for you to get away, especially if you have been biding your time to take advantage of great airfare and hotel deals.
Not sure which fabulous island to visit or where to stay? Relax. We’ve done some of the work for you. Inspired by the beauty, breeze and beaches of the islands, we’ve listed five of our favourites. And we are sure you’ll visit again and again. So pack your bags and get ready for some fall fun!
[tw-divider]Crane Residential Resort, Barbados [/tw-divider]
Your perfect Barbadian getaway begins once you arrive at the well-appointed, cool and clean Grantley Adams International Airport, then taxi over to the breathtaking Crane Beach where the Residences at The Crane showcase powdery sand, immaculate grounds, fantastic amenities and an exceptional staff to attend to your every need.
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous even conferred this pristine setting as “One of the 10 Best Beaches in the World.” A hard-to-beat moniker for any luxury property, but it does offer some of the best sand and sea on the island.
They also offer fully furnished apartments for sale, so that you can repeat the fantastic experience as often as you want. It is island luxury at its finest, but you must traipse off the grounds and partake in Bajan sightseeing. And during your excursion, head over to Oistins on Friday nights for the best food (and fried fish), live music, local arts and crafts and an all-around good time.
In addition, some of the best surfing awaits you on the Atlantic side of the island. And be sure to check out Harrison’s Cave, the Mount Gay Rum Tour and the island’s only accessible sea grotto, Animal Flower Cave.
[tw-divider]Le Petit Hotel, St. Maarten-St. Martin[/tw-divider]
Foodies rejoice! Romantic and regal Le Petit sits on the French side of this spectacular island, which seems to offer succulent Caribbean Creole cuisine almost everywhere you go. And while there is no restaurant located directly onsite, guests can enjoy a complimentary daily breakfast and bask their cares away in the glowing sunshine, all while looking forward to dining in one of the many surrounding eateries.
At Le Petit choose from well decorated studios, oversized studios and one-bedroom villas offering direct access to the beach. The entire hotel is also Wi-Fi connected, but why bother with being connected? This is the time to unwind, and Le Petit’s romantic setting and close proximity to Front Street shopping, the famous Casino Royale, and limestone cliff beaches—all set among some of the bluest skies and water of the Caribbean—will have you tossing your phones and tablets aside.
And before you leave, be sure to venture over to the Dutch side as well, where there are numerous shopping and live music venues. Take a drive up to Pic du Paradis mountain for an aerial view of all of St. Maarteen-St. Martin, as well as Anguilla, Saba and St. Eustatius. At 1,492 feet above sea level, you will easily bask in the majestic magnificence of this part of paradise.
[tw-divider]Hermitage Bay Hotel, Antigua[/tw-divider]
The only all-inclusive property on the list, Hermitage Bay is the spot if you are venturing to Antigua. With magnificent mountain and sea views, blue skies and warm breezes—there is no reason to leave, ever, from this haven.
Its onsite restaurant features an organic garden used in conjunction with local fare for a fantastic dining experience. Room choices include garden, hillside pool or beachfront options complete with infinity pools, outdoor showers and/or covered decks.
And although you may have all you would need for the perfect stay at Hermitage Bay, this is Antigua—a sightseer and adventurer’s dream come true—so you must explore all that this island offers. Trek offsite and mosey over to Nelson’s Dockyard National Park to witness the raw beauty of the southern part of the island.
Afterwards, let the sounds and pulsating and rhythmic beats of the steel drums inspire you to some of Antigua’s must-do’s: Shirley Heights on Sunday, St. John’s Saturday morning market, and Jolly Harbour and Dickenson Bay on any day of the week. Savour your time on Devil’s Bridge, a geological wonder of sorts with limestone bridges carved out by the sea.
Its picturesque beauty is made perfect if the waves hit it just right—a stunning backdrop to this island’s charm, good looks and charming residents.
[tw-divider] Rock House Hotel, Bahamas[/tw-divider]
Not to be outdone by any of the aforementioned hotels, Rock House provides unexpected bliss set in the spirited and festive Bahamas.
A fabulous boutique hotel positioned on world-famous Harbour Island (located off the northeast coast of Eleuthera Island), Rock House offers pools, beaches, a gym, cabanas and a romantic restaurant. This intimate oasis will speak to your desire to get away from it all—while having it all.
Laid back and delightful, the Rock House offers a versatility of rooms, including one bedroom villa-style homes for your pleasure. But there is more awaiting you beyond this retreat. You’ll want to check out Pink Sand Beach, which will leave you breathless, and the shopping at Dunmore Town (Daddy D’s and Brian’s BBQ especially) is a must.
Also, day trips to Eleuthera and Spanish Wells make a great accompaniment to your morning deep sea fishing excursion and sumptuous breakfast found at the many bakeries in this section of the island.
[tw-divider] Venetian Ridge Villas, Turks & Caicos Islands[/tw-divider]
You may reconsider booking by-the-beach accommodations once you see these well-appointed two-bedroom, one-bathroom villas. Minutes from the cerulean seas, but situated close to shopping, botanical gardens and good eats, the Venetian Ridge is your home away from home complete with a full functioning kitchen (both convection and microwave ovens are offered), Wi-Fi, cable, a personal mobile phone during your stay, and an attentive concierge who’s available 24 hours.
Upon arrival, you’ll receive some of the best rum punch found on the island and one of the finest introductions/orientations to be had at any establishment.
Once off this fantastic property, which is located in the heart of Providenciales, be sure to explore all the wonderful (and affordable) options available in Turks & Caicos. The luxurious island boasts the world’s third-largest barrier reef and showcases some of the most pristine white-sand beaches in all the Caribbean. Experience snorkelling unlike anywhere else in the region, inimitable wildlife, world-class golf, and miles and miles of sand. You’d be a square if you don’t dally over to Grace Bay Beach, an award-winning spot that’s also a favourite of the locals.
