Whether you prefer exploring culture-rich cities, water sports or relaxing on white, sandy beaches, the Caribbean has several picturesque locales that fit the bill. In addition to offering culinary delights, museums and a vibrant nightlife, these destinations are home to sprawling oceanfront hotels and resorts. For the more discerning guest, however, the Caribbean's modern boutique hotels offer one-of-a-kind accommodations.
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a historic city that is home to blue cobblestone streets, colorful 16th- and 17th-century architecture, the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, Museum of the Americas, street-level retail shops and outdoor cafés. The Cervantes Boutique Hotel is nestled at the gates of Old San Juan in a 16th-century Spanish colonial building that is steps away from the cruise ship ports, nightlife and restaurants. Accommodations include 12 guest suites with contemporary furnishings, Puerto Rican artwork, complimentary Wi-Fi access, city or ocean views and marble tiled bathrooms with glass showers. Guests can expect complimentary continental breakfast and evening turn-down service.
The Cervantes Boutique Hotel
Recinto Sur #329
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
787-724-7722
cervantespr.com
St. John's, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, features a picturesque downtown area filled with rolling hills, Spanish colonial architecture and museums. The Hermitage Bay is an all-inclusive hotel that offers an oceanfront refuge less than a 30 minute drive from downtown and the airport. Jolly Harbor Marina is within minutes of the hotel, offering pink coral beaches, sailing excursions, shopping and golf courses. Accommodations consist of 25 private cottages with modern furnishings, hardwood floors, iPod docks, outdoor showers, DVD libraries and plunge pools. Hotel amenities include an ocean-view infinity pool, full-service spa and a three-level restaurant that serves Caribbean and European cuisine. If you're reserving your honeymoon at Hermitage Bay, be sure to let the hotel know. Honeymooners receive a complimentary upgrade, as well as champagne, flowers and a private breakfast. Children ages 12 to 16 are allowed throughout the operating season for an additional fee, while children age eight and above are allowed from July 1 to August 31 for a fee. The Hermitage Bay is closed from early September to early October.
Hermitage Bay
P.O. Box 60
St. John's
Antigua and Barbuda
268-562-500
hermitagebay.com
Sivory Punta Cana is an oceanfront hotel nestled on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic. The hotel is in close proximity to championship golfing at the Nick Faldo Legacy Golf Course. If the crystal-blue oceans are more your style, try swimming with the dolphins at Park Isla Saona Beach and scuba diving at the Isla Catalina Coral Reefs. This all-suite property offers Asian-inspired accommodations in 55 guest rooms with private terraces, plunge pools or Jacuzzi tubs, outdoor showers and wine fridges. Sivory Punta Cana's honeymoon suites boast Jacuzzi tubs on private balconies that overlook the ocean. Hotel amenities include a full-service spa with hydrotherapy massage and Vichy showers, a cigar lounge and three gourmet restaurants that serve Asian, Mediterranean and French cuisine, respectively. Children under age 15 are not permitted at the hotel.
Sivory Punta Cana
Punta Cana 00
Dominican Republic
809-333-0500
sivorypuntacana.com
