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Top 10 quick beach getaways
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6. Puerto Vallarta
With its cobblestone streets and small-town affability, Vallarta has distinguished itself among Mexico’s other resort locales by retaining authentic charm amid major development. Wedged between a verdant mountainside and the blue Pacific, activities abound—and, of course, there are 34 miles of uninterrupted sand. After sunset, the city jumps to life (in recent years, it’s gained popularity as a gay-friendly destination).
Splurge: Though not directly on the beach (a set of stairs gets you close enough), the 14-suite Hacienda San Angel is swathed in lush foliage and boasts three separate pools and a star-studded history. There’s also a rooftop Jacuzzi with a stunning view of the city’s famous Guadalupe church (which is particularly striking at sunset). Rooms from $290/night; haciendasanangel.com
Value: The rooms at the charming Playa Los Arcos are small but sufficient for a weekend visit. The prime location—directly on the beach and near the Zona Romántica restaurants, bars, and shops—cannot be beat for this price. From $116/night after April 1; playalosarcos.com
Getting there: Direct flights from Chicago (4.5 hours); Denver (3.5 hours); Houston (2.5 hours); Kansas City (3.5 hours); Los Angeles (3 hours); Phoenix (2.5 hours); San Francisco (3.5 hours); Seattle (5 hours)
7. Rincon
A former fishing village on the westernmost point of the island, laid-back Rincon boasts what many claim to be the best waves in the Caribbean. Nonsurfers will find world-class snorkeling and golf. It feels off the beaten path, but the roads are paved, cell phones get reception, and it’s a 25-minute drive from the Aguadilla airport.
Splurge: One of the most exquisite small properties in the Caribbean, the Horned Dorset Primavera is made up of perfect two-story villas scattered over a tranquil, green hillside. From $410/night after April 1; horneddorset.com
Value: Tres Sirenas Beach Inn is a cozy, beachfront boutique hotel decorated in classic West Indies style. From $155/night after May 1, breakfast included; tressirenas.com
Getting there: Direct flights to Aguadilla from Fort Lauderdale (2.5 hours); New York (4 hours); Orlando (2.5 hours)
8. San José del Cabo
This quiet, picture-perfect village is as easily reached as nearby Cabo, yet it’s worlds away from that town’s harried scene. An historical air hangs over the tree-lined streets and old adobe homes, while a slew of sophisticated galleries and excellent shops reveal its cultured spirit.
Splurge: There is a two-to-one staff-to-room ratio at the elegant, easygoing Casa Natalia, which is home to one of the best restaurants in the area. Full breakfast served on the terrace as well as shuttles to a nearby private beach club are included. From $250/night after May 1; casanatalia.com
Value: Set on a quiet street dotted with galleries, El Encanto Inn is a serene hideaway. Guests stay in one of 28 rooms in either the Garden or Pool sections; room service is available from several nearby restaurants. From $95/night; elencantoinn.com
Getting there: Direct flights from Chicago (4.5 hours); Denver (3 hours); Houston (3 hours); Los Angeles (2.5 hours); Phoenix (2 hours); San Francisco (3 hours); Seattle (4 hours)
9. St. Lucia
The greenest of all the Caribbean islands, much of St. Lucia’s interior is covered in lush tropical rain forests, while the coastline offers serene bay beaches. Flora and fauna abound year-round, and in April, most resorts are at half their capacity. Visitors who go in July will experience Carnival, a true taste of St. Lucian culture.
Splurge: The most elegant of St. Lucia’s all-inclusive properties, East Winds Inn has just 26 island-inspired rooms scattered across its green gardens and manicured grounds. Watch for the daily visit by local fisherman, who deliver dinner right from their boats. From $445/night after June 1; eastwinds.com
Value: Located on Rodney Bay, the low-key Coco Palm Resort has 83 rooms, some with swim-up pool access. Coco Palm’s restaurant, Ti Bananne, offers a blend of Caribbean and Creole-inspired dishes. From $145/night after April 15;
coco-resorts.com
Getting there: Direct flights from Atlanta (4.5 hours); Charlotte (4.5 hours); New York (5 hours); Philadelphia (5 hours)
10. 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)
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