Turks and Caicos
Serious divers don’t need to head “Down Under” for spectacular reef exploring; Turks and Caicos is home to the third largest barrier reef in the world. Placid water allows visibility to 100 feet. The barrier reef, with vertical coral walls, is teeming with brightly colored fish. For those who prefer to stick to snorkeling, book a conch diving snorkel trip and your guide will peel the conch from the ocean floor, strip the shell and chop up a fresh conch salad. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the turquoise waters, though, is on the back of one of Provo’s Ponies. A ride along the white sand beach followed by a swim with your horse will be the best $75 you’ve ever spent.
Technically on the Atlantic, Turks and Caicos sits at the southern end of the Bahama island chain. Though there are forty islands, only eight are inhabited and the real draw is Providenciales, known as “Provo.” Despite new nonstop flights and lots of press attention, Provo remains charmingly sleepy. The New York Times has declared the famed Grace Bay beach one of the “Six Beaches to See Before You Die.” Those looking for even more seclusion hop on the private boat for a stay at the nearby ultra posh celeb getaway at Parrot Cay.
St. John, Caneel Bay
Sometimes we forget that the U.S. has its very own piece of the Caribbean, the U.S. Virgin Islands. A trip to St. John requires no passport and no currency exchange. Unlike other glitzy islands that sport the “St.” title, this idyllic getaway is all about nature. Over half of the island is a national park, thanks to the efforts of Laurance Rockefeller, who discovered the island while sailing by on a family cruise. An avid preservationist, he purchased 5,000 acres and donated them to the U.S. government. This pristine land is still home to ancient rock carvings and is teeming with wildlife. It has remained free of resorts and hotels, except for one, the site of his former personal estate Caneel Bay. This luxury hideaway is accessible only by boat or ferry, and its beaches are widely considered to be among the best in the world. Caneel Bay opened in 1956 and still has no phones or televisions in the rooms.
Aruba
You can almost put sun in the bank when you book a flight to Aruba. Located just sixteen miles off the coast of Venezuela and boasting weather that is almost always 82 degrees, a dry climate and cooling trade winds, Aruba is the cure for the white and pasty. The bustling downtown of Oranjestad is chock-full of casinos, shopping and cocktail bars. With direct JetBlue flights and a variety of well-priced hotels, this sunny isle won’t break the bank.
Those seeking real adventure can hike or horseback ride to the natural pool the locals call “Conchi” (bowl). The reward is a crystal clear swimming hole carved out of the rocky volcanic surroundings.
The newest resort on the island, the Ritz Carlton, just hit Conde Nast’s 2014 Hot Hotels List, a very selective list of the best hotels to debut in the last year. However, we recommend the Boardwalk boutique hotel across the street; for the same price you get an entire cottage and the hands-on service of the bubbly owners.