 
Whether your luggage includes water wings and shovels, hiking boots and dive masks, or simply sunglasses and a novel, G&G guides you to the best-kept secrets below the U.S. border to ensure that this winter’s blues will be turquoise and aquamarine. Peaceful Warrior Fern Tree: The Spa at Half Moon Rose Hall, Jamaica halfmoon.com While the luxury-seeking vacationer is no stranger to the elegance of the fifty-year-old Half Moon near Jamaica’s Montego Bay, the resort has a new spa facility to tempt and entice the weary traveler. Opened this past October, the spa blends modern techniques with ancient Jamaican healing tonics, calling on local botanicals, fruits, and herbs. From the welcome foot bath and Jamaican Bush Tea to the guided power nap that concludes each treatment, Fern Tree reigns supreme in authentic relaxation. La Purificadora Puebla, Mexico designhotels.com The serenity of this new boutique hotel, along with its name, stems from the structure’s original function as a water purification plant. Open since March 2007, La Purificadora is the brainchild of celebrated Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta, who abandoned his customary bright colors to create utter peace in black and white. A sense of calm combines with contemporary minimalism and traditional building materials such as old wood, onyx, and stone from the original structure. This is the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring the renowned architecture and cuisine of Puebla. Or simply catch a glimpse of the city over the edge of the hotel’s terrace pool. Jumby Bay St. Johns, Antigua jumbybayresorts.com What could be more peaceful than a deserted island? That’s the idea behind this luxury resort hidden away on a private island in the West Indies. You’ll have three hundred acres on which to roam, explore, meditate, golf, swim, or just sit back and absorb the scenery and Caribbean sun. Discover the natural wildlife of the island, including the isolated Pasture Bay Beach, a natural preserve for the endangered hawksbill turtle. Sign up for turtle watch to be notified of turtle sightings, not the least of which may occur during their moonlight nesting ritual. Leader of the Pack Rosewood Little Dix Bay Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands littledixbay.com If your idea of relaxation is the thirty-minute lapse in activity when Dora the Explorer’s adventures light up the television, this BVI staple is your ultimate family vacation. Sneak off to a private beach with a picnic lunch and a bottle of wine on one of the resort’s famous “beach drops,” while your wee travelers create their own adventures at the Children’s Grove, where calypso music provides a sound track to the flurry of imagination and entertainment. With a coral reef beckoning snorkelers and a beach perfect for sand castles, travelers of all ages will be smiling. Fernandez Bay Village Cat Island, Bahamas fernandezbayvillage.com Imagine a family vacation at your own private beach house, but never having to cook or pick up after yourself. Think Gilligan’s Island with daily maid service. Fernandez Bay is more rustic neighborhood than luxury resort, but with the gorgeous Bahamian beach at your doorstep, you’ll be happy to walk inside your villa with sandy feet. And when you do decide to emerge from your solitary bubble, head to the clubhouse for a delicious meal or sip a cocktail with other guests at the tiki bar, which still relies on the honor system for payment. Eco-Tourist Natura Cabañas Near Cabarete, Dominican Republic naturacabana.com This ecologically sustainable paradise consists of a series of modest feng shui-inspired bungalows nestled among citrus trees. The resort’s most popular attraction is its surrounding environment, so as you head out to one of the nearby waterfalls or mountain trails, remember your hiking boots. In such full immersion in the natural world it would be difficult not to find inner peace, but for a little assistance try a Swedish massage or sea mud wrapping at the Attabeyra Spa. Or to truly submit to Mother Nature, walk down the sandy beaches to Encuentro for some of the island’s most spectacular surfing. Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife Eco Tour Throughout Costa Rica wildplanetadventures.com Hiking through rainforests and kayaking with dolphins are just the tip of the tropical iceberg with this fourteen-day Wild Planet Adventures dream vacation for nature lovers. Within the first three days you will see white-faced monkeys, sloths, anteaters, and poison-arrow frogs. Between whitewater rafting, relaxing in natural hot springs, and night snorkeling, experience all Costa Rica’s natural world has to offer with the help of local naturalists, biologists, and trained guides. And travel with a clear conscience knowing that Wild Planet Adventures is giving back to the communities through the use of local guides and drivers, while also working to protect and preserve the country’s ecosystems and culture. Thrill Seeker Sailing Adventures British Virgin Islands bareboatsbvi.com For the epitome of DIY (Do It Yourself) fun, charter a sailboat and experience the freedom of the open seas. Whether you’re an avid sailor or in need of guide and crew, the British Virgin Islands provide the perfect backdrop for a truly personalized vacation. There are several charter options out of Tortola, which is accessible from the U.S. directly by plane. Your itinerary will depend on the amount of time you have, but don’t miss snorkeling around the Indians, anchoring at Norman Island for dinner and drinks on the floating restaurant the William Thornton, or exploring the caves of the Baths on Virgin Gorda. Coiba Island Diving Coiba Island, Panama wildplanetadventures.com The diving world’s best-kept secret is out: Coiba Island. Due to its remote location and its former function as a prison colony, this Panama gem provides a pristine reef just begging to be explored. In six days with Wild Planet Adventures you will discover Santa Catalina, beautiful sandy beaches, and underwater wonderment during several world-class dives. Be prepared to see various types of whales and sharks, manta rays, barracudas, dolphins, and countless species of tropical fish. Aventouras Various locations aventouras.com If “choose your own adventure” is your family’s mantra, consult the experts with this unique travel company for a truly unforgettable getaway. These professional adventure seekers will steer you to the perfect itinerary for your group (which can be as small as two) utilizing local guides, an insider’s knowledge of the destination, and accommodations that are connected with communities and land conservation. From rafting in Peru to biking in Belize, immerse yourself in a new culture and push your limits. Just remember to pack your camera! |
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