Aruba

Monday Morning Ahhhh

by Rachel on March 26, 2012

This morning’s virtual deep breath comes from one of our favorite beach spots in the world — Aruba, of course. Despite the oft-crowded resort scene, the island has fantastic weather and an inviting culture that always makes visitors feel right at home. Right now, we’re pretty jealous we’re not curling our toes beneath that incredibly soft sand. So as we say every Monday morning, sit down, take a deep breath, and soak in the goodness that is the Radisson Aruba‘s soft strip of beach.

Beach at the Radisson Aruba Resort Casino Spa

Tagged as: Aruba, Monday Morning Ahhhh

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3 Incredible Island Resorts Without a Resort Fee

by Rachel on January 11, 2012

We already knew that airlines were regularly ripping us off — $25 to check a bag, $10 to board in the first group — but now we’re finding more hotels charging so-called daily “resort fees,” some which are obscured a bit during the hotel booking process. Hotels will often explain these extra fees are for using the amenities, upkeep of the property, pretty much anything a concierge or bellman can think of on his or her toes. And when we read yesterday that a guest at Walt Disney World‘s Swan and Dolphin Resort was fighting with the Starwood-owned property over an “unmentioned” $10 per day resort fee, we decided to go on a mini-mission: To find three super-luxurious hotels that charge the daily rate (plus tax, natch) and that’s it. The result? Many of our fave spots did charge said resort fee (upwards of $35 a day) — but three incredibly luxurious resorts made the cut. (If you can’t leave your cube, don’t fret — the pictures alone make us feel like we’re on vacation, too.) Check out ‘em out below, and then tell us: Would you pay a daily resort fee?

Punta Cana Hotel & Resort, Dominican Republic

The main pool at the Punta Cana Hotel; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Why We Love It: This resort is practically the definition of luxury, with not only one of the best swimming beaches in all of the D.R., but also two crystal clear pools to splash around in. Need even more R&R? Check out the major Six Senses Spa — but make sure to book your massage in one of their beachside cabanas. Can’t you hear the ocean breeze already?

The breakfast buffet at the Punta Cana Hotel; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Our Favorite Free Amenity: Gourmet buffet breakfast. Yum. Fruit on a tropical vacation? Yes please!

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7 Hotels We Love for Destination Weddings

by Hilary on November 9, 2011

Dreaming of the perfect wedding getaway? These hotels aren’t over the top, gaudy, or flashy. They’re breathtaking, inviting, and just right. Aruba, Jamaica (Oh I wanna take ya)…

First up:

1. Half Moon, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Drawing everyone from Queen Elizabeth to 50 Cent, Half Moon strives for timeless, understated luxury (even at the swim-up bar). Stretching over 400 acres (including 2 miles of beach), the 400-room resort offers attentive service, quality cuisine, and seemingly limitless activities like golfing and horseback riding.

Half Moon, Jamaica

Tagged as: Aruba, Destination Weddings, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Jamaica, Miami, Oahu

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Oyster’s 9 favorite hidden spots: Feel like you’re discovering them for the first time

by Kelsey on October 28, 2011

There’s nothing that beats the thrill of discovery on vacation: The remote waterfall, the picturesque cobblestone street, or the hidden beach that feels like it’s all your own. When we stumbled upon these nine spots on our travels, we experienced the aha moment that comes when you find something truly special. We’ll admit that we’re not the first travelers to experience these beautiful places — but then Columbus didn’t really discover America, right? So go ahead: Take a peek at our favorite hidden spots, and find out where to stay to discover them for yourself.

In the comments section, let us know about the special places that you’ve found!

Opaekaa Falls, Kauai, Hawaii

Discover: Opaekaa Falls, Kauai, Hawaii

Cascading down into a hidden pool, this waterfall is easily one of the island’s most accessible major waterfalls. Located on a north branch of the Wailua River, Opaeka’a Falls is named for rolling shrimp that used to be present in the water. The falls can easily be seen from an overlook off of Kuamo’o Road — walk across the road from the lookout point and up the hill for another great vantage point.

Stay: Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort, Kauai, Hawaii

At this 118-unit high-end family-friendly condo resort, the beautifully decorated one- and two-bedroom suites are among the most luxurious in Kauai. A family-friendly pool and full kitchens make The Outrigger Waipouli appealing to vacationers who value high-quality rooms in a quiet atmosphere.

Floyd's Pelican Bar, Jamaica

Discover: Floyd’s Pelican Bar, Jamaica

This is as unique of an experience as it gets. You have to take a small boat to get to this rickety shack on the ocean, where you’ll be treated to fresh, tasty fish cooked in front of you over hot coals. And the name is no coincidence: You can spot pelicans diving into the water around the bar for their own meal.

Stay: Jake’s, South Coast

With just 30 hippy-chic cottages in secluded Treasure Beach, Jake’s is a member of Island Outpost, Jamaica’s trendiest hotel group. Guests come to unplug — there’s no phone, Internet, or TV in the cottages. The black-sand beaches aren’t Jamaica’s most impressive, but the Driftwood Spa, on-site painting and yoga classes, and excellent food make this a particular favorite. Read More »

Tagged as: Aruba, Boston, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Jamaica, Kauai, Maui

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Foto Friday: The Road to Nowhere

by Hilary on August 26, 2011

Well, maybe we should rephrase that. The road to the Aruba ocean. Dive in.

Check out all of Oyster’s Aruba hotels >>

Fortheuval Straat, leading to Bachelor's Beach, Aruba

Tagged as: Aruba, Foto Friday

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The 8 Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Beach Resorts

by Hilary on July 20, 2011

Drinks for two: $45.
Dinner for four: $210.
Lunch poolside: $95.
Putting away your wallet when you step off the plane: priceless.

We’ve rounded up the 8 best all-inclusive Caribbean beach resorts so you can sit back, relax, and leave your wallet in the room.

Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Located on top of a cliff and in the middle of acres and acres of soon-to-be-developed land, the Sanctuary is in an indisputably beautiful location with a beautiful white-sand beach.

Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana, Punta Cana

Tagged as: All-Inclusive Resorts, Aruba, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica

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The top 10 hotel beaches in the Caribbean

by Kelsey on December 29, 2010

The Caribbean is home to spectacular beaches, many of them hidden away in secret spots most tourists will never find. But some of the best beaches are right on resort property. Take a look at our 10 favorite hotel beaches, and plan your ultra-convenient stay on some of the Caribbean’s nicest sand.

Caneel Bay, A Rosewood Resort, U.S. Virgin Islands

Caneel Bay, A Rosewood Resort St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Built from a historic sugar plantation, this profoundly serene 166-room resort sits on 170 acres of a protected national park dotted with seven remote beaches. Even with a quaint pool and rustic rooms that lack TVs and phones, Caneel’s attentive service and unparalleled setting make it one of the Caribbean’s best resorts. Read More »

Tagged as: Aruba, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, U.S. Virgin Islands

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Ten (cheap!) warm weather getaways to cure the winter blues

by Kelsey on January 11, 2010

Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach in the D.R. is a fantastic value at only $132 per night.

Baby, it’s cold outside. Freezing temperatures have swept the nation (here in New York City it’s a brisk 31 degrees), and we’ve been fantasizing lately about some of our favorite sunny getaways. If you’re ready to escape your cubicle and fly south for the winter (or at least for a long weekend), take a look at our list of ten drool-worthy island resorts that won’t break the bank.

Tagged as: Aruba, Hawaii, Value Hotels

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