• Introduction
• 1. Aruba
• 2. Barbados
• 3. Key West
• 4. Oahu
• 5. Providenciales
• 6. Puerto Vallarta
• 7. Rincon
• 8. San José del Cabo
• 9. St. Lucia
• 10. St. Martin

St. Martin

Though it’s one of the Caribbean’s smallest, this half-Dutch and half-French island has a lot to offer beyond its 37 picture-perfect beaches. It’s home to a busy nightlife of casinos and dance clubs, a slew of water sports, and even naturists who sunbathe sans bikini tops. Properties on the French side are secluded and intimate, while larger resorts are on the Dutch half.

SPLURGE Right next door to the fabulous restaurant row on Grand Case Bay is Le Petit Hotel, which eschews the usual Caribbean decor for classic modern architecture. There are only 10 beach-chic suites, and all are within steps to the beach. From $265/night after April 1; lepetithotel.com

VALUE Each room at Hotel L’Esplanade, on a steep slope above Grand Case Bay, has a Juliet-style balcony overlooking the water, and the roomy top-floor lofts are worth the extra cost. The bougainvillea-covered hotel is a short walk from Petit Plage beach. From $245/night; www.lesplanade.com

GETTING THERE Direct flights from Charlotte (4 hours); Miami (3 hours); New York (4 hours)

See Aruba Travel Guide | See Barbados Travel Guide | See St. Lucia Travel Guide | See Puerto Rico Travel Guide | See Turks and Caicos Travel Guide | See Key West Travel Guide | See Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide | See Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide | See Oahu Travel GuideSee St. Martin Travel Guide