Jane

The beach, the pools, the view – these are major reasons why we travel to the Caribbean. And when we can get all in one, that’s ideal. So we scoured the islands to find the best infinity pools in the Caribbean. These spots – with gorgeous views overlooking the ocean – are perfect for sitting back, relaxing, and soaking up that sun.

Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Four Seasons Resort, Nevis

This Four Seasons sits on a large, attractive beach on the small island of Nevis. The gorgeous rooms here may be the highlight, with up-to-date technology, massive bathrooms, and pretty yellow-and-blue decor. But the reflection pool, an adults-only pool overlooking the ocean, is a major perk as well. Poolside guests can enjoy free snacks, as well as poolside lunch and drink service, throughout the day. The hotel also features two other slightly larger pools as well.

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We'd love to dive into that gorgeous blue water right now!

We'd love to dive into that gorgeous blue water right now!

Cinco de Mayo may be over, but it’s all the more reason to head to Mexico for a little R&R after the hard-partying of this weekend. Located on the snorkeling-lover’s island of Cozumel off the Caribbean coast of Mexico, the Cozumel Palace is an upscale all-inclusive resort. It offers an impressive array of kid-friendly features, but is largely popular among couples seeking some relaxation. Rooms feature liquor dispensers, flat-screen TVs, minibars and balconies, and all but the standard rooms have a big whirlpool. Dining options are varied and solid, and the pool area offers daily activities as well as a swim-up bar and loungers. And the views — well, they speak for themselves. So as we say every week, sit back, relax, and soak up the goodness that is the Cozumel Palace.

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Lobby at the Altis Hotel -- Lisbon

Lobby at the Altis Hotel -- Lisbon

The Altis Hotel, with 300 rooms, is the largest property in the Altis chain and is certainly one of the brand’s most luxurious hotels. Elegant rooms are a decent size with plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and TVs embedded in the mirrors. A major renovation was completed in 2011, and rooms feel fresh and contemporary. The hotel’s long list of amenities includes a restaurant on the 12th floor with great city views, a cozy lobby bar, and a coffee shop. The Altis also has a health club with an indoor pool, fitness center, and several treatment rooms. While this property has a reputation as a business hotel, it also attracts tourists with its convenient location near numerous attractions. A spacious marble lobby features large art installations and plenty of space to sit. Check out more incredible photos after the jump or read our full review now»

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Summertime is fast-approaching and we can’t wait till the days of top-down convertibles, cover-ups and flip-flops dress codes, and mini weekend getaways. After all, a share can be great but there’s something about a spontaneous trip to the beach to really make it feel like summer. So whether your home base is New York or Los Angeles, D.C. or San Francisco, or even Boston, we have a beach destination that can easily be reached via a quick road trip. So grab a map, your sunglasses, and some road trippin’ munchies, and make your escape!

Weekend Getaway from New York City: Montauk

Travel time: 2 hours, 30 minutes via car

Visit Montauk before the "too cool" Hamptons vibe has rubbed off on it.

It may seem cliche, but there’s a reason why Manhattanites flock to the Hamptons come summer. Home to upscale restaurants, trendy workout clubs, quirky shops, and of course, beautiful beaches, it offers a nice reprieve from the congestion and smog of the city — while maintaining that cool (and sometimes snobbish) city vibe. Montauk, located at the furthest tip, however, has a more laid-back feel; residents fear that a recent influx of visitors will taint its unpretentious reputation, but for now it’s a nice alternative to the ultra-exclusive vibe of other Hamptons.

Where to Stay: A cool party spot, Sole East attracts a young, beautiful crowd. With a tasty on-site restaurant, a small pool with loungers, and beach cruisers available for rent, it’s a great pick.

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Talk about a room with a view!

Rosewood Mayakoba is a gorgeous, peaceful retreat within the resort community of Playa Del Carmen, set on a mile-long stretch of beach. Though it features an extensive children’s program, the resort largely attracts couples with its serene atmosphere, upscale restaurants, and spa. The 128 suites feature attractive contemporary decor — picture clean lines, white walls, and rich woods — as well as high-tech amenities and private outdoor plunge pools. They have an open-air vibe, with many floor-to-ceiling windows, and the overwater lagoon suites have swim-up access. Plus, suites include freebies such as Wi-Fi, fresh fruit, and bottled water. So as we say every week, sit back, relax, and soak in the goodness that is the Rosewood Mayakoba.

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The Inn at Palmetto features a beautiful spa overlooking the lush scenery.

This “inn” in Carolina Lowcountry, really more akin to a sprawling estate, provides a one-of-a-kind experience that uniquely blends southern history and almost otherworldly natural beauty: rivers, misty marshes, old oaks draped with wispy Spanish moss, and salty breezes. The main hotel building looks like a classic southern mansion, and the 50 Cottages and Cottage Suites are simultaneously homey and utterly luxurious, with working fireplaces, screen porches, and gorgeous bathrooms. The multi-bedroom Village Homes are also luxurious, but lack some of the nuances of the cottages. Guests can enjoy a range of recreational facilities, including golf, bicycling, tennis, croquet, kayaking, and swimming (in the two pools), and the luxury spa is highly acclaimed. It’s not an overstatement to say that the inn is one of the most special properties in the entire country. So as we say every week, sit back, relax, and soak in the goodness that is the Inn at Palmetto Bluff.

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Las Vegas is wild year round, but it reaches its highest peak of crazy when the cesspools outdoor pools reopen for the spring and summertime crowds. Known for their ever-flowing liquor, bikini bodies, and raucous behavior, Vegas pool parties are some of the most popular places to let it all hang out (literally and figuratively). Pools at hotels such as Cosmopolitan, the Luxor, and the Monte Carlo are all open, but here’s the list of our four favorite Vegas pools that are now open for a wild, warm-weather crowd.

Rehab Sundays at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 

Reopened: April 21st

Sunday Rehab Pool Party at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

When people think of Las Vegas pool parties, the Hard Rock’s infamous Sunday Rehab often comes to mind. These parties show Vegas at its finest — or most terrifying, depending on your view. But even people who arrive terrified often feel just finnnnne a few cocktails in. Reopened a few days ago for its ninth season, Rehab features tons of booze, live DJs, and scantily-clad partiers you probably saw at Vanity the night before, who are taking the whole “hair of the dog” saying very seriously. Gents have to hand over $50 at the door (although we”d advise buying tickets in advance) while the ladies get in for just $30. But most claim that it’s worth the price; you just may find that special someone. For those who want to ensure they’ll have to spot to wind down if they need a reprieve from the partying, pricey daybeds and cabanas are available for rent.

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1 Trip, 5 Ways: London

by Jane on April 19, 2013

London, considered one of the world’s most vibrant and multicultural cities, also happens to carry a reputation for being rainy, and a public-transit rider’s nightmare. But like most of the greats, this city’s best qualities lie in its history, culture, and activities, and it’s certainly not a destination you want to miss! So we’ve found just the spot to stay for almost every kind of traveler. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or want to take the kids along, Oyster has a hotel in London for you. We brought them to you all week on Captivate elevator screens, so see the full roundup below!

Hotel for Couples: Langham Hotel London

Langham Hotel London

With gorgeous, classically decorated rooms, an in-house book butler, a spacious fitness center, and a premier location for West End shopping, this is a good place to be. The beautiful Chuan Spa, 16-meter pool, and salt sauna just adds to it’s romantic vibe.

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When traveling around the world, tourists often have famed art museums on their lists of must-see attractions. But what if the hotel they’re staying in is basically a museum unto itself? The following hotels all offer top-notch amenities and services, but they all also have such stunning art collections, you won’t even need to step foot out of the lobby to get your culture on (although we’d still highly suggest it). Here are eight hotel art collections that are worth a visit.

Egerton House Hotel, London

An original lithograph by Toulouse-Lautrec hangs in the dining room.

Housed in a beautiful historic townhouse in Knightsbridge, the Egerton Hotel features numerous period pieces, such as antique chandeliers, mirrors, and grandfather clocks. The artwork is equally, if not more, impressive. The common spaces boast original artwork by Matisse, Picasso, and Toulouse-Lautrec, as well as prints from the Illustrated London News. Guests staying in the blue Deluxe King Room can take in a Toulouse-Lautrec lithograph, hanging on the wall opposite of the bed, every morning right when they wake up.

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The Outdoor Pool at the East Hampton Art House Bed & Breakfast

The Outdoor Pool at the East Hampton Art House Bed & Breakfast

This elegant B&B in East Hampton, New York is exactly what its name suggests: a house full of art. Designed and decorated by the owners, Michael and Rosalind, who combine mutual talents in art and hospitality, the Art House features just four rooms with attractive touches such as hardwood floors, marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, and massive flat-screen TVs. But despite its small size, the hotel boasts all the amenities of a larger property – endless communal spaces, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center, just to name a few. With attentive and friendly owners, who serve up delicious breakfasts of waffles, omelets, and fruit, the Art House has the feel of a private Hamptons home while including all of the luxuries of staying at a high-end inn. With these luxuries, of course, comes pricey rates. And now that spring has sprung, it’s time to start making your summer plans — the Art House books up fast. If the summer rates are outside of your budget, the inn remains open year-round, and with cozy features such as gas fireplaces and a waterfall whirlpool, this B&B is a great escape no matter the time of year. Wanna know more? Check out more photos of the hotel after the jump or read our review now>>

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