Spring Break Vacation for Hedonists – Mexico and the Caribbean

Whether you have survived the academic year or the first business quarter, you deserve to indulge yourself with a Spring Break vacation at an all-pleasure/no-work Caribbean resort. Here are some suggestions to sensational destinations worthy of this pursuit.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

For hedonists seeking an authentic Mexican experience, come feast and fiesta in Puerto Vallarta. This charming, friendly town, with a true Mi Casa, Su Casa hospitality, offers a vibrant culinary and arts scene, highlighted by local festivals.

If you’re seeking a little R&R and some beach time will find the perfect place to unwind at the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. Located on a sandy strip between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay, the resort is located in the upscale marina area, just a short drive from Puerto Vallarta.

When guests aren’t out exploring the coast, they can enjoy sunbathing and Margaritas around the infinity pool and beach or head to La Cava for a tequila tasting led by the resort’s own Tequila Sommelier – the resort is one of a few in the world to produce a proprietary brand of tequila.

Those looking for pure relaxation can find it at the Ohtli Spa, offering several signature treatments such as a Thai massage and water-based Jantzu Rebirth Therapy experience. Be sure to wind down the day at the resort’s beachside Las Casitas with the creamiest table-side Guacamole, best enjoyed as the sun sets over the Pacific.

To book your Spring Break vacation, or for more information, visit: puertovallartamarriott.com

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO

The Riviera Maya is a stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s northeastern Yucatán Peninsula. It’s known for its numerous all-inclusive resorts, such as those in Playa del Carmen, and its long beaches.

Found just outside of the coastal resort town, Playa del Carmen, is Grand Velas Riviera Maya. Set on 206 acres of pristine jungle and mangroves and with the finest white sand beach in the Riviera Maya, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort. Guests can choose among three separate ambiances in this Leading Hotel of the World, including adults only oceanfront, family friendly ocean view and a Zen-like tropical setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle.

All 539 designer-like suites are exceptionally spacious, more than 1,100 square feet each, all with balconies, and some with private plunge pools. All feature fully stocked mini bars, plasma TVs, Wi-Fi, L’Occitane amenities, Artisanal Tequila, and Nespresso coffee machines. Bathrooms deserve special mention with walk in glass shower, deep soaking Jacuzzi tubs and marble interior.

Eight restaurants, including six gourmet offerings, present a tour through Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands of world celebrity chefs Bruno Oteiza, Mikel Alonso and Xavier Pérez Stone, holds the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction.

Grand Velas Spa is the region’s largest spa sanctuary at more than 90,000 square feet, known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around world and signature seven-step water journey..

To book your Spring Break vacation, or for more information, call: 1-888-407-4869, or visit: rivieramaya.grandvelas.com

TURKS AND CAICOS

The Turks and Caicos are located in the northern Caribbean, an archipelago of eight principal islands and more than 40 smaller cays, of which Parrot Cay is one. The islands are less than 600 miles south east of Miami, which is a 70‐minute flight away.

The Turks and Caicos have been largely saved from high‐rise construction. So much of the island remains undeveloped, given over to cactus and thickly entwined scrub. The ocean is warm, and beaches softly shelving. Tides are weak and shore‐side currents are gentle. What makes this sea so extraordinary is its uncanny shade of turquoise. It’s heaven on earth.

One mile south lies Rocky Point, an outcrop concealing more curls of sand. This is where Parrot Cay Estates by COMO is located, encompassing the largest villas, which are owned by private individuals but let and managed by the hotel. On the quiet, east side of the island you will find the spa, COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay, which overlooks mangroves and wetlands rich with birdlife.

After your fabulous spa experience, have lunch at the retreat. Try their Ice Ginger Tea with the 7-Grain Veggie Burger is topped with fresh Tomato, Alfalfa Sprouts and Avocado Salsa, and served with Spa Slaw. Or, go with their raw BIG salad with Apple Cider Vinegar & Dijon Mustard Dressing.

The resort itself is made up of a principal building – whitewash with coral‐pink roofing – set back from the beach on raised ground. This is where reception is located, in addition to concierge, the resort shop, bar, Terrace restaurant, and library with Internet access, a pool table and private veranda.

On one side of this central building lies the tennis court; on the other lies a resort wing housing 14 Ocean Facing rooms, four COMO Suites and 25 Garden View rooms which open out on to a gently sloped lawn area.

Closer to the beach are the Beach Villas and Houses. They comprise six one‐bedroom beach houses and three one‐bedroom villas all of which have plunge pools, two two‐bedroom Beach Villas, and one three‐bedroom Beach Villa. These are low buildings, steps from the sand, with weathered wood cladding and decking.

The interior design is by Keith Hobbs, whose company, United Designers, was also responsible for the Metropolitan by COMO, London. The warm, contemporary look with a colonial‐style finish is achieved with soft white cottons covering chairs, cushions and four‐poster beds. Further design motifs include teak furnishing, terracotta tiles and Indonesian loungers.

Guests can choose between air‐conditioning and overhead ceiling fans. Beds are dressed in the finest Italian linens. Other amenities include flat screen TVs with satellite channels, DVD, CD and minibars. In addition, guests can take advantage of complimentary WiFi Internet access.

The resort’s main pool is infinity edged and flanked by cream teak sun loungers and two Indonesian‐style thatched bales at each end. Lotus restaurant, the Beach Bar and watersports center are positioned near the pool.

To book your Spring Break vacation, or for more information, visit: comohotels.com/parrotcay

NEGRIL, JAMAICA

Found on Jamaica’s western coastline along a stretch of white sand and turquoise sea is the renown Seven Mile Beach in Negril. The picturesque setting, legendary sunsets, tranquil clear waters, and surrounding reefs have earned this beach its recognition as one of the best in the Caribbean.

For true hedonists who Dare to Get Bare, you’ll head straight for Negril, Jamaica’s famous clothing-optional beach resort, Hedonism II. The resort’s mild or wild attitude has created a judgment-free haven where people of all ages, shapes, backgrounds, and lifestyles feel accepted and like part of the community. Hedo’s friendly atmosphere of this adults-only, all-inclusive retreat, attracts guests back year after year, some have been more than 100 times!

To book your Spring Break vacation, or for more information, call: 631-LUV-HEDO [631-588-4336] or email: [email protected]

PALM BEACH, ARUBA

Aruba’s celebrated two-mile-long strip, Palm Beach, is known for its calm crystal clear water and orange sunsets are standard making it a picture perfect paradise. Aside from being relaxing, Aruba’s trade winds in July provide the perfect conditions for the largest amateur windsurfing event in the Caribbean.

If your idea hedonistic vacation checklist has turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, swim-up bars, toes-in-the-sand dinners, and water sports on it, then Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has your name written all over it.

This picture-perfect beachfront resort has everything you need for a fun-filled time all by yourself with nine restaurants and bars, nightly entertainment, a lively casino, a free-form pool with cascading waterfalls, an adults-only pool, tropical palapas ideal for beach lounging, and delicious Aruban cuisine.

Minutes away from the property, the resort can arrange SUP Yoga classes, beach tennis or windsurfing lessons, and snorkeling or ATV excursions.

To book your Spring Break vacation, or for more information, visit: arubamarriott.com

CURACAO

If you enjoy eclectic cuisine, turquoise blue waters, and beautiful people, then Curaçao is your go-to spot this year. Located in the Southern Caribbean, the Dutch-Caribbean island of Curaçao is home to more than 35 secluded cove-like beaches, stunning European architecture, diverse cuisine, and year-round sunshine.

Boasting 250 guest rooms and 16 suites all with waterfront views of the Caribbean Sea, the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort is also home to four intimate villa-like suites that feature exclusive amenities like access to a private enclave swimming pool, private patio, and on-call butler service.

Whether it’s indulging at the resort’s luxurious spa, teeing off at the Pete Dye designed championship golf course, or delighting in sophisticated dining options, Santa Barbara is the perfect place to escape and take in the island’s unique Dutch Caribbean charm.

To book your Spring Break vacation, or for more information, visit: santabarbararesortcuracao.com

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

In San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital and largest city, the idea of boredom is nonexistent. The island offers both modern and historical adventures for pleasure-seeking travelers. From the wide beach fronted Isla Verde resort strip, known for its bars, nightclubs and casinos, to the blue cobble-stoned streets of Old San Juan, known for its colorful Spanish colonial buildings and 16th-century landmarks, including El Morro and La Fortaleza, massive fortresses with sweeping ocean views.

Right on the beach, San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is the perfect vacation spot, whether you’re looking to catch some rays or explore the great outdoors. Take a stroll down the beach and enjoy your favorite cocktail or flavor of gelato by the resort’s pools. Hop on a bike or throw on your sneakers and work your way through the colorful streets of the Condado neighborhood, historic calles of Old San Juan, and if you’re up for it, dance the night away in La Placita (an outdoor plaza of restaurants and bars).

For a little more action on the island, take an excursion to Toro Negro Rainforest for hiking, ziplining, and rappelling, or to one of the island’s three bio-luminescent bays for an incredible night kayaking experience.

To book your Spring Break vacation, or for more information, visit: marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjupr-san-juan-marriott-resort-and-stellaris-casino