Beach Hotels

Monday Morning Ahhhh: Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica

by Jane on April 15, 2013

The views from the infinity pool are incredible.

This ultra-remote, rustic luxe hideaway is worth the bumpy, two-and-a-half hour drive from airport. In fact, its secluded location is why most guests come to the hotel, in order to reconnect with loved ones and nature. Plus, the hotel has just about everything on-site that one would want for a relaxing — or adventurous — vacation, with a beautiful spa, horseback riding trails, a 9-hole golf course, and an upscale restaurant. The rooms aren’t as impressive as those at larger luxury resorts in the region, but the unparalleled views, stunning infinity pool, and ruggedly beautiful (if rocky) beach more than compensate. Plus, this is a hotel with a heart: Punta Islita is environmentally friendly, and gives back to the local community. So as we say every week, sit back, relax, and soak in the goodness that is the Hotel Punta Islita.

Tagged as: Costa Rica, Luxury Hotels, Monday Morning Ahhhh, Romantic Hotels

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Our 10 Fave Hotel Pool Swim-Up Bars

by Kristina on April 13, 2013

Who doesn’t like to get their drink on while taking a dip? It’s both the ultimate cool down and the possibly best way to spice up a relaxing vacation. We’re craving some refreshing fun in the sun, so we’ve picked our favorite places to liquor up — all from the cool comforts of hotels’ pools. So get your blender and piña colada mix ready — you’ll be thirsting for a fruity cocktail after browsing these awesome hotel pool bars.

The Watering Hole: Catalonia Bavaro Beach, All Inclusive — Punta Cana, Domincan Republic

Pool Bar at the Catalonia Bavaro Beach

Pool Bar at the Catalonia Bavaro Beach

You can almost imagine you’re on the set of the movie ”Cocktail” at Catalonia Bavaro Beach‘s swim-up bar, where the bartenders are quite entertaining. This laid back property comes with lots of awesome amenities, including a gorgeous beach, a golf course, and room balconies that feature private hammocks.
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Tagged as: All-Inclusive Resorts, Aruba, Cancun, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Hotel Bars, Jamaica, Los Cabos, Luxury Hotels, New York City, Resort Hotels, Value Hotels

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The 9 Best Boardwalks in the U.S.

by Kristina on April 10, 2013

Summertime will soon be upon us — this week has already seen highs of 82 degrees in NYC! — and we can’t wait for long days spent strolling along the boardwalk. From Atlantic City to Santa Cruz, beach bums will strut their stuff down those sandy pathways, either taking in the views or letting loose on beachside coasters (or both!). Foodies will delight in summer treats such as saltwater taffy and Nathan’s hot dogs, and visitors can also play games, have their fortunes told, hit up unique shopping grounds, or just people-watch as the summer heat brings out some truly interesting characters. So bust out your flip-flops, spread on the SPF, and head to one of these boardwalks near you for some spring and summer fun in the sun.

1. Atlantic City Boardwalk, New Jersey

The Atlantic City Boardwalk is the oldest in the United States and the longest in the world.

First opened in 1870 and now spanning 5.5 miles, the Atlantic City Boardwalk is both the oldest in America and the longest in the world, garnering plenty of attention from East Coast visitors. Travelers fantasize about the Art Deco glamour and glitzy shows of Nucky Thompson‘s heyday while munching on saltwater taffy from the James Candy Company (in business since the early 1900s) or indulging in an order of deep-fried oreos. Others may try their luck in one of the many casinos that dot the boardwalk. Though Atlantic City was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy, loyalists are helping this shore spot bounce back with a vengeance.

Where to Stay: Mainstays such as Caesars bring back loyal guests, while boardwalk newbie Revel has been a hot topic in the tabloids (Beyonce performed her first post-baby show here, and Kanye announced that baby momma Kim Kardashian was expecting during his performance at the resort).

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Tagged as: Atlanta City, Beach Hotels, Brooklyn, California, Chicago, Florida, Hawaii, Hollywood Beach, Los Angeles, Myrtle Beach, New York City, Santa Cruz, South Carolina, Summer, Venice Beach, Virginia Beach

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Monday Morning Ahhhh: The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Riviera Nayarit

by Jane on April 8, 2013

Let's lounge by the pool, shall we?

This luxurious 120-room enclave is located in posh Punta Mita, and smartly sited on 22 acres amid undulating fairways and verdant tropical gardens. It’s one of the most luxurious properties in the region, and every element is stunning: the fabulous beachside pools, the acres of peaceful gardens, the ultra-luxurious spa, and the immaculate rooms that look straight out of a decor magazine. The stretch of white-sand beach on-site is interspersed with rocky coves, and there are a couple of pretty little islets just offshore — as well as the Mariettas Islands, a marine preserve, a few miles farther out to sea. So as we say every week, sit back, relax, and soak up the goodness that is the St. Regis Punta Mita.

Tagged as: Monday Morning Ahhhh, Riviera Nayarit

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1 Trip, 5 Ways: Jamaica

by Jane on April 5, 2013

Jamaica is a popular Caribbean getaway, with brilliant reggae, delicious jerk chicken made in an oil-drum pan, beautifully rugged cliffs, blue lagoons, and overwhelmingly pleasant — if a bit flirtatious — locals. We’ve found just the spot to stay for almost every kind of traveler, so whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or want to take the kids along, Oyster has a hotel for you. We brought them to you all week on Captivate elevator screens, so see the full roundup below!

Hotel for Families: Beaches Negril Resort & Spa

Playground at the Beaches Negril Resort & Spa

Playground at the Beaches Negril Resort & Spa

Partnered with Sesame Street, the Beaches brand of resorts offers Muppet-led activities for kids. Beaches Negril comes with a great water park, a pristine, calm beachfront, an extensive, supervised kids’ club, and enough entertainment to keep kids totally occupied.

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Tagged as: Jamaica, Kid-Friendly Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Romantic Hotels, Value Hotels

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1 Trip, 5 Ways: Turks and Caicos

by Jane on March 29, 2013

With the motto “Beautiful by Nature,” it’s no wonder that Turks and Caicos‘s tourism focuses on the islands’ quiet, natural beauty. A 37-mile chain of islands, Turks and Caicos radiates a particular Caribbean-ness, with dreamy blue waters, golden beaches, excellent snorkeling, and bioluminescent glow worms lighting up the water at night. We’ve found just the spot to stay for almost every kind of traveler, so whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or want to take the kids along, Oyster has a hotel for you. We brought them to you all week on Captivate elevator screens, so see the full roundup below!

Hotel for Couples: Point Grace

Beach at Point Grace

Beach at Point Grace

Its remote location on the point of the beautiful, 12-mile Grace Bay beach makes this hotel the perfect place for couples to escape. Property highlights include a lovely, tranquil pool, personal beachfront service, a small but spectacular spa, and one of the Providenciales’ most romantic dinner spots.

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Tagged as: Kid-Friendly Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Romantic Hotels, Turks and Caicos, Value Hotels

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Unexpected Island Getaways on the Cheap

by Devon on March 19, 2013

It may not be the Caribbean, but with this view, who on the San Juan Islands could complain about it?

An “island getaway” doesn’t necessarily translate into washing up on the shores of the Caribbean. Plenty of other islands in the U.S. boast the same laid-back, secluded feel that you can find in Barbados or Jamaica, but often come at a fraction of those sky-high all-inclusive rates; you’ll at least save some cash on airfare! For perhaps unconventional, but nonetheless awesome, island stays, check out our top picks for value, sun, and fun!

 

Tagged as: Florida, Goat Island, Hilton Head, Long Island, Marco Island, Montauk, Nantucket, Newport, Rhode Island, San Juan Islands, South Padre Island, Texas, Value Hotels, Vancouver Island

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Monday Morning Ahhhh: Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, Bermuda

by Jane on March 18, 2013

Cambridge Beaches Resort sits on four private beaches.

This 96-room, 30-acre resort trumps almost every other resort in Bermuda as far as style and sophistication are concerned. Of course, you’ll pay some of the island’s highest rates to enjoy it. But with its two stunning pools, expansive spa, four private beaches, three restaurants, and some of the most beautifully landscaped grounds around, you might just consider it a worthwhile investment. Like many resorts on the island, Cambridge Beaches has a fascinating history, dating back to the 1600s when a former sea captain and one-time island governor placed this coveted parcel of land along Mangrove Bay for sale. Today, the resort, though modern and even somewhat trendy, has lovingly maintained the former owner’s residence, converting it into one of its most expensive guest units, the two-bedroom Pegem Cottage, which features its own private gardens and traditional Bermudian decor. Most of the remaining units are significantly smaller (and several of them do not have the same stunning ocean views), but all are beautiful and romantic (after all, this is an adults-only resort). So as we say every week, sit back, relax, and soak up the goodness that is Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa.

Tagged as: Bermuda, Monday Morning Ahhhh, Romantic Hotels

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1 Trip, 5 Ways: Cancun

by Jane on March 15, 2013

Thousands of spring breakers, honeymooners, older couples, families and young groups of friends flow into Cancun every year, making it one of the world’s top beach destinations. Its turquoise waters, beautiful stretches of sand, and night-long parties are a main draw here, but there’s plenty of culture to be had as well. We’ve found just the spot to stay for almost every kind of traveler, so whether you plan on bringing the kids along or hope to have a romantic getaway, Oyster has a hotel for you. We brought them to you all week on Captivate elevator screens, so see the full roundup below!

Hotel for Couples: Excellence Playa Mujeres

Excellence Playa Mujeres

Excellence Playa Mujeres

This adults-only luxury resort offers a nice all-inclusive experience with tons of variety. There are multiple dining options, several beautiful pools, a gorgeous spa with great treatments for couples, and dozens of wonderful activities perfect for unwinding with your significant other.

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Tagged as: Cancun, family-friendly hotels, foodie travel, Luxury Hotels, Romantic Hotels, Value Hotels

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9 Underrated Beach Destinations

by Jane on March 13, 2013

Some destinations always come to mind when people think of beach getaways: Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, Miami’s South Beach, and the crowded sands in Cancun. Some spots, however, are often overlooked and it makes them that much better. Fewer people, untouched nature, you name it; underrated beach destinations are hidden gems that can be just what you’re looking for. Check out our list of nine underrated beach destinations — and make a trip before the secret is out!

Vieques Island, Puerto Rico

Vieques Island is surrounded by gorgeous, clear waters.

This unique little island offers travelers pure, undeveloped land, mainly thanks to the US Navy’s former use of a good portion of the island. The Navy left in 2003, however, and the land it once occupied is now a national wildlife refuge. Tourists to Puerto Rico often don’t leave the mainland as it takes an extra puddle-jumper to get to Vieques and there are few tourist attractions. Instead, attractions are nature-oriented: The island’s stunning, untouched white-sand beaches and famous bioluminescent bay are the highlights, but it also features walking trails, 300-year-old trees, and some of the top snorkeling spots in the country.

Where to Stay: The quaint Inn on the Blue Horizon is a smaller, more affordable option compared to the nearby W Vieques. The inn features phenomenal ocean views, pretty Mediterranean-style architecture, and wild horses roaming the grounds.

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Tagged as: Bal Harbour, California, Florida, Hawaii, Jacksonville Beach, Lake Tahoe, Lanai, Long Beach, Luxury Hotels, Maine, Miami, Montauk, New York, Puerto Rico, San Juan Islands, Value Hotels, Vieques Island

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