Escape Old Man Winter With These Luxurious Caribbean Vacations – Forbes

Caribbean vacations can help take the chill out of winter.

For many outdoor enthusiasts, winter is a special time of year filled with such adrenaline-pumping activities as skiing, ice skating, sledding and much more. As soon as the first snowflake falls these adventurous people are anxious to get outdoors.

However, not everyone enjoys the feeling of fresh, crisp air in your face while partaking in a favorite winter activity. A vast number of people prefer relaxing on powdery sand near crystal clear waters, basking in the hot sun with a Mai Tai hut nearby. Welcome to the Caribbean. These luxurious Caribbean vacations are ideal for northern snowbirds or simply for anyone seeking to pamper themselves with sunshine, exotic drinks and an array of fresh seafood.

Getting out on the water is always a quintessential Caribbean experience.

RED Hospitality and Leisure is a leading hospitality and leisure group in the Caribbean offering integrated resort services and experiences with the top resorts, sunset sails and booze cruises on private catamarans such as the Lady Grace in Turks and Caicos and the Lady Lynsey II in U.S. Virgin Islands.

Chris Batchelor, CEO of RED Hospitality and Leisure, says, The Caribbean offers the largest variety of tropical destinations available in comparison to almost anywhere else in the world. The abundant amount of air travel available from the U.S. mainland to the Caribbean makes travel a breeze compared to other tropical getaways, like the South Pacific islands for example. Travelers also have the option to choose between more high paced destinations or smaller intimate resorts, depending on their style of vacation. For those that like to explore, many Caribbean islands have outlying towns nearby where travelers can fully immerse themselves in that regions culture. Island hopping is also a major plus when traveling to the Caribbean. Whether by boat or plane, you can experience many islands that are just a short trip away, each being unique from the other.

Set sail aboard the 64-foot luxury sailing catamaran, The Lady Grace. Christened alongside the grand opening of the new Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos in August, The Lady Grace Catamaran delivers bespoke experiences for guests of the Ritz-Carlton and on-island travelers via sailing the clear turquoise waters of Grace Bay while snorkeling and enjoying a full open bar for vacation cocktails and a menu from BLT in the Ritz-Carlon Turks and Caicos. The Lady Lynsey II is among the finest catamarans anywhere in the world., built on the legacy and service of the original Lady Lynsey which served groups and guests of The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas for over 20 years.

This island paradise is accessible by ferry.

Lovango Resort & Beach Club, USVI

Arrive by private ferry and check into Villa Lovango, a three-bedroom villa available by the week or become one with nature in a luxury treehouse and/or glamping tent available by the night. Relax in luxury by an infinity pool with chaise lounge or cabana-side food and drink service. Enjoy the spectacular views to St. John and St. Thomas and, on a clear day, views all the way to St. Croix. Ferry service from Cruz Bay, St. John and Red Hook makes this island paradise accessible seven days a week. Day, evening and overnight moorings are also available for private and charter boats.

Enjoy the peace and solitude at Amanera.

Amanera,Dominican Republic

Surrounded by the golden sands of Playa Grande, its easy to feel sequestered from the everyday world at Amanera. Amaneras luxury Casitas dot the lush Playa Grande coastline with unobstructed ocean views. Overhanging eaves shade expansive terraces with outdoor dining and lounging areas, while inside, the floor-to-ceiling glass doors lead to rooms specially positioned to maximise views. All Casitas feature lofty ceilings and warm wooden finishes, while a selection offer private swimming pools. West along the coast from Amanera, Cabarete Bay is one of the worlds most celebrated kitesurfing spots. Surveying the sea from the clifftop, Casa Grande caters to breakfast, lunch and dinner, complemented by a laid-back lunch spot at the Beach Club down on the sand.

Amanyaras lush tropical pavilions are contemporary in design.

Amanyara, Turks & Caicos

Basking on the secluded shores of an 18,000-acre nature reserve, Amanyaras lush tropical pavilions overlook half a mile of white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Contemporary in layout and design, Amanyaras timber-shingled, stand-alone pavilions and villas are sensitively integrated into their verdant natural surroundings with views of the ocean, tranquil ponds or coastal vegetation. Ranging from 700 to 2,800 square feet, the spacious pavilions, several of which have their own private pools, have received a complete upgrade with new, custom-made beds that are draped in soft linens for utmost comfort. Guests enjoy access to several new activities on land and in the ocean including horseback riding, free-diving and kite boarding. Home to the third largest barrier reef in the world, Turks & Caicos offers several popular dive sites including Northwest Point.

The hotel features panoramic ocean views.

O2 Beach Club & Spa, Barbados

A new all-inclusive luxury boutique hotel located in the exquisite South Coast of Barbados, the resort is named O2 as a nod to the symbol of oxygen and features guest rooms, suites and residences in three distinct Collections: Club, Luxury and Concierge. Amenities include three swimming pools, including one of the only rooftop pools on the island, six dining experiences, seven bars, a full-service Acqua spa with panoramic ocean views and the only Hammam treatment room in Barbados. The resort tapped local Caribbean designer Michelle Leotaud to bring the vision of authentic Caribbean laid-back luxury and give a true sense of place.

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Escape Old Man Winter With These Luxurious Caribbean Vacations - Forbes