Don’t wait until the middle of winter to plan a beach break. Fall is a great time to find Caribbean bargains, whether you travel now or book early for later. Get started with these prime deals.
SNORKEL, SCUBA,
LIMBO ON THE BEACH
Palms at Pelican Cove,
St. Croix
THE SCOOP At this friendly, 40-room hotel, go night snorkeling along Long Reef, just a few yards offshore. You’ll go home with a CD of underwater photographs documenting your swim. Evening entertainment (fire dancers, live music and, yes, limbo) and exotic drinks bring visitors together.
THE DEAL The Fall Into One Sweet Deal gives you one night free on a stay of four nights or more, plus a $50 resort credit when you book before Dec. 1 and travel before Dec. 21. For travel between Dec. 14 and April 15, stay six nights and get the seventh free. Rooms from $199 a night.
INFO palmspelicancove.com
CULTURE BREAK
Hotel El Convento,
Puerto Rico
THE SCOOP The historic Hotel El Convento offers culture for families in addition to sun and sand and is within walking distance of museums and landmarks. The hotel has a plunge pool, and guests are invited to enjoy the beach club at a sister property.
THE DEAL The Old San Juan Vacation Package for families includes accommodations, one kite per child to fly at the El Morro Fortress, admission to Museo de Los Ninos children’s museum, free breakfast and lunch for the kids and more. Rooms from $225 a night, available through Oct. 21, 2014.
INFO elconvento.com
SOMETHING NEW
Blue Haven, Turks and Caicos
THE SCOOP Under new ownership, this beachside resort has undergone a renovation. The infinity pool has a swim-up bar. A marina accommodates yachts up to 220 feet and gives guests direct access to snorkeling, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing in the Caribbean.
THE DEAL Take advantage of the resort’s Pre-Grand Opening Special, for 30% off regular suite rates, good for travel until Dec. 18. Suite rates start at $280 a night.
INFO bluehaventci.com
FAMILY FUN
Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda
THE SCOOP This old-fashioned resort on 100 palm tree-dotted acres offers enough to keep the whole family happy. There are indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a spa, a fitness center and a dive center. The Explorers Camp Kids Club includes regular arts and crafts and beach games.
THE DEAL With the Family Getaway, book a room at full rate and a second one at 50% off for travel until Dec. 31, and free from January through March. Children younger than 12 eat for free, and children younger than 18 eat for 50% off. Rooms from $299 a night.
INFO fairmont.com/
southampton-bermuda
WELLNESS
AND RELAXATION
The BodyHoliday, St. Lucia
THE SCOOP The focus is on health at this all-inclusive resort on a secluded beach, with fitness classes, water sports, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, tennis, archery and more on the activities menu. A wellness center offers massage,
aromatherapy, body wraps and facials. Meals and drinks at seven restaurants and bars, including a wine tasting room, are part of the package. Relax by the beautiful pool, with its Moorish arches and view of the Caribbean.
THE DEAL A pre-Christmas Restorative Break, for travel from Dec. 1-21 will help you get healthy for the holiday. The offer includes: free blood pressure and BMI readings, a nutrition seminar, a cooking class, seminars in yoga, ayurveda, de-stressing and meditation. Rooms from $450 a night per person.
INFO thebodyholiday.com–Lauren Chattman is a Newsday contributor.
