Villa Marine Guest House in Pringle Bay, Western Cape

Read article : Villa Marine Guest House in Pringle Bay, Western Cape

About Villa Marine Guest House

Villa Marine Guest House is nestled on the spectacular coast in Pringle Bay. Experience the sea a mere stone throw from one of our luxury en-suite rooms. Our unique combination of warm hospitality and highly personalised service ensures an exclusive experience.

Viewing the spectacular sunset from the deck over the vanishing edge swimming pool while sipping a glass of Cape wine will be a great start to an evening spent dining at the Villa or visiting one of the local venues. Fall asleep in a cozy percale linen bed with the waves crashing against the rocks in the bay. - Pringle Bay is an ideal destination for nature lovers and a perfect base from which to explore the rich and diverse mountain landscape of the Western Cape.

Accommodation

Villa Marine Guest house is nestled in a spectacular rocky bay on the whale route in Pringle Bay village. There are 5 en-suite guest rooms ranging in size and luxury. The 2 Executive and 1 of the 2 Luxury sea view suites each have their own fireplace and private balcony. All rooms include under floor heating and mini lounges with satellite television, stocked bar-fridges and tea trays, unique bathrooms with showers, large bathtubs and heated towel rails. All the rooms have magnificent views looking down into a secluded cove or towards the surrounding mountains. Experience the sea with all your senses at this special venue. 2 Executive, 2 Luxury Sea View Suites and 1 Standard Room is available.

Executive Sea View Suites:
Each individually decorated Luxury Suite has an en-suite bathroom with large bath and shower, a large private balcony with ocean view, under floor heating and fireplace in room, television and DVD player, stocked mini bar and tea and coffee tray and a private safe.

Luxury Sea View Suites:
Each individually decorated Luxury Suite has an en-suite bathroom with large bath and shower, a private balcony with ocean view, under floor heating and fireplace in room (only in 1 of the 2 rooms), television and DVD player, stocked mini bar and tea and coffee tray and a private safe.

Standard Room:
Individually decorated Standard Room has an en-suite bathroom with showers (no bath), under floor heating, television and DVD player, stocked mini bar and tea and coffee tray and a private safe. No verandah.

Dining

A gourmet breakfast is served around the pool deck or in the glass fronted dining room overlooking the waves crashing against the rocks. Individual tastes are catered for. A Light Lunch can be provided on a request basis. Dinner is a set menu of traditional South African food. (Additional charge).

Conferences

Villa Marine is an ideal venue for small conferences or company break always. Up to 12 delegates per day can be hosted in a private facility.

Activities

• Walk along the pristine beaches or swim in the refreshing ocean
• A number of golf courses are available within easy reach.
• Explore the Kogelberg floral kingdom, a world heritage site.
• Visit the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.
• Bird watching in the Villa garden.The honey suckers are a delight in the fynbos.
• Visit Arabella Health Spa.
• Stony Point, land based African penguin colony.
• Mountain biking, in the surrounding mountains. 4 mountain bikes are freely available to quests.
• Explore the wine routes in the vicinity.
• Superb dining experiences in the local restaurants.
• Lounge at the pool with a book or simply relax while taking in the splendour of the sea.

Locations & Attractions

From Cape Town you will travel along the scenic Clarence Drive Route (5 km past Rooiels) it forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, A one hour drive from Cape Town with Hermanus, Stellenbosch and the Wine routes 45 minutes away. The area is renowned for its Indigenous Fynbos Flora and houses more plant species per square meter than anywhere else on the planet.

On the world famous whale watching route, Pringle Bay is an ideal place to view Whales during the Whale Season from June to December every year. Only 12km away the Harold Porter Botanical Garden is home to a wide variety of Fynbos such as the King Protea and Disa and the nearby town of Betty's Bay hosts the Jackass Penguin Colony.

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A Water's Edge Retreat on Kelleys Island

Read article : A Water's Edge Retreat on Kelleys Island

By VacationIdea Staff. Last Updated on September 30, 2017.

A Water's Edge Retreat is a luxurious bed and breakfast retreat on Kelleys Island in Lake Erie, Ohio. Located four miles north of Marblehead in the western basin of Lake Erie, Kelleys Island is the largest American island in the lake and is a popular vacation destination for families and couples alike.

A Water's Edge Retreat offers a relaxing, home-away-from-home retreat with elegant accommodations, delicious home-cooked cuisine, modern conveniences and friendly, welcoming service. All guest rooms and suites offer beautiful views Sandusky Bay, and most offer views of Marblehead Lighthouse and Cedar Point, and guests can kick back and watch the lake freighters make their way across the lake.

Guests are treated to a gourmet breakfast served every morning, which can be enjoyed in the beautiful formal dining room or outside on the covered verandah overlooking the lake. Cheese and wine hour is held each afternoon, offering samples of some of the region’s best cheese and wines. A roaring fire in the lounge offers cozy respite on chillydays, and sunny beach decks are ideal for relaxing in the summer months, and a whirlpool spa is a perfect place to unwind.

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A Water's Edge Retreat Suites

A Water's Edge Retreat offers six beautifully appointed and individually decorated guest suites with private entrances, en-suite bathrooms, and deluxe amenities. All suites boast breathtaking views of the gardens and lake, and additional amenities such as fireplaces, Jacuzzis, golf carts and bicycles add extra levels of comfort to ensure an unforgettable stay.

The Robert Stephen Waterfront Jacuzzi Suite is a stunning L-shaped carpeted suite with a queen-sized bed dressed with country-style linens, an en-suite bathroom with a double soaking tub and glass-enclosed corner shower, and separate sitting area with gorgeous lake views. The sunny living room features a love seat and three large windows overlooking the lake while a skylight over the tub in the bathroom offers the perfect place to soak up the stars.

The Mary LouisePremium Waterfront Guest Suite boasts an unusual octagonal shape with four large windows offering breathtaking waterfront view. The carpeted suite features a queen-size bed and private en-suite bathroom with soaking bathtub and glass-enclosed shower and ample storage for clothing.

The Charles Lawrence Suite is an Executive Jacuzzi/Honeymoon Suite and offers extra levels of luxury and comfort. This beautiful two-room waterfront-facing suite features a master bedroom with aqueen-size bed dressed in plush country-style linens, and a private en-suite bathroom with walk-in ceramic-tiled shower and double Jacuzzi bathtub. Two separate sitting areas enjoy a large fireplace, overstuffed chairs and an ottoman, modern amenities such as television, VCR and CD player and opens onto a sunny porch overlooking the lake.

The Marguerite Suite is a Premium Waterfront Guestroom that offers a large queen bedroom and separate sunny sitting area with windows that look out over the lake. This gorgeous waterfront-facing suite features a queen-size bed in country fabrics, an en-suite bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and bathtub, and extra sitting nook with large windows facing the lake and modern amenities, including CD player and stereo player.

The Paul Francis Suite is an alluring waterfront-facing guestroom with three-sided views of the lake and sunny spacious living areas. The Suite features a queen-size bedroom and en-suite bathroom with bathtub and shower. A cozy sitting nook has a day bed / pull-out sofa for extra guests and desk and chair.

There is a minimum two-night stay at all guest suites and each suite includes a gourmet breakfast each morning, afternoon cheese and wine, beverages and hors d'oeuvres in the evening, bicycle and discounted golf cart rental, a $20 massage therapy gift voucher, and an after-dinner treat.

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Dining

A Water's Edge Retreat serves a delicious gourmet breakfast each morning, featuring the usual favorites and extra treats. Enjoy hot selections such as eggs, omelets, bacon and sausages or go continental with cereals, tomato, yogurt, fresh fruit, and juice. Freshly brewed coffee and tea adds the final touch and breakfast can be enjoyed in the lovely formal dining room, on the sunny covered verandah or on one of the beach decks overlooking the lake. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages are served every afternoon as the sun sinks below the lake horizon and sweet treats are offered just before bed.

Regarding dinner, there are several excellent restaurants around the island, serving a variety of cuisine in casual and laid-back settings. Bag the Moon is a family-friendly restaurant whichis open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves a menu of all-American fare such as ribs, steaks, and chicken while the Caddy Shack Restaurant & Buckeye Bar is the best spot to go for fresh seafood. They also serve excellent pizza, sandwiches, salads and pitas and have fried chicken specials in the week. Beer-lovers can head to Kelleys Island Brewery, which has a sunny beer garden in which to enjoy a few local brew, cocktails and sangria alongside casual cuisine.

Wine-lovers can enjoy sampling the vintages of Kelleys Island Wine Co., which is home to a variety of award-winning wines and a European-style deli and bistro serving delicious light lunches and snacks. Special barbecue nights are held on The Grilling Deck and Coffee House, and Ice Cream Parlor serves mouthwatering treats, all on the grounds of Kelleys Island Wine Co. The Island House Martini Bar and Restaurant is a popularspot with great food, beer and wine and ambiance, and Captain’s Corner is a fun, family-friendly eatery that serves a range of favorites such as hamburgers, steak, pasta and a special kid’s menu with beautiful views of Lake Erie in the background.

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Amenities & Recreational Activities

In addition to beautiful accommodations, A Water's Edge Retreat offers deluxe amenities, including a gourmet breakfast every morning, bicycles and golf carts for exploring the surrounding area, and a hot tub in the garden for the ultimate in relaxation.

For more active pursuits, the island boasts excellent hiking and cycling paths and the tranquil waters of the lake are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The lake is packed with perch, catfish and smallmouth bass, which makes for excellent fishing and there are several boat launches for those who prefer fishing froma boat rather than the shoreline.

Birders will delight in the myriad species of birds that call the island home and can partake in free week-long nature and birding camps while wildlife-lovers can discover several rare species such as Lake Erie water snake and theKelleys Island salamander. Monarch butterflies can also be seen in their thousands as they migrate to Mexico for the winter, and shy white-tailed deer with their tiny fawns can be seen grazing at dusk and dawn.

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Things to Do Nearby

A Water's Edge Retreat is located on Kelleys Island in the western basin of Lake Erie. Measuring more than 2,800 square miles and the largest island American island in the lake, Kelleys Island is just four miles from Marblehead and twelve miles from Sandusky, both of which are on the Ohio Peninsula and offer a variety of things to see, do and enjoy.

The entire island is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to many remnants of the past from architectural styles and scenic treasures to ancient natural wonders, which can easily be explored by walking, cycling or golf cart.

The Glacial Grooves State Memorial features some of the most spectacular examples of ancient glacial grooves formed over thousands of years. The Memorial is an international study site and is renowned for its vast gashes of prehistoric glacial grooves that have been carved into thelimestone bedrock.

The Inscription Rock State Memorial is a large, flat-topped boulder on the south side of the island that features signs of an early Indian hunting ground. The Boulder has faint pictographs of men, animals, and birds that are thought to have been drawn by Erie Indians more than 400 years ago.

Kelleys Island is one of extreme natural beauty and is packed with lovely landscapes, beautiful flora, and plenty of wildlife. The island boasts miles of self-guided nature and hiking trails that wind along the shoreline and through flower-studded woodlands, lush wetlands, and rolling meadows. The East Quarry Trail explores the east stone quarry, which is home to ancient fossils.

The 17-mile shoreline of the island is home to a variety of endemic and migrating bird species on their journey across the lake. Visitors can enjoy free week-long nature camps that explore the island’s bird population.

The Lake offers a wealth of water-based recreational activities, such as swimming, kayaking, canoeing, jet-skiing, and power boating, and anglers will delight in the excellent fishing. Shipwrecks on the bottom of the lake dating back to the 1700 and 1800s provide plenty of fun for snorkelers and scuba divers. The Kelleys Island State Park has a lovely sandy beach with safe swimming, a quaint stone pier for fishing and a boat launching ramp.

827 E Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island, OH 43438, Phone: 419-746-2333

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The 23 Most Romantic Hotels in the Caribbean

Read article : The 23 Most Romantic Hotels in the Caribbean

With infinity pools overlooking the water, canopied beds ideal for cuddling, and elegant spas for couples' massages, many Caribbean hotels were designed for romantic escapes. But of course, some are better than others for vacationing with a significant other, so we set out to find the best of the best. After visiting hundreds (and hundreds) of hotels throughout St. Lucia, Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and dozens more Caribbean destinations, we compared and evaluated each breathtaking property. Take a look at the most romantic hotels in the Caribbean, and get inspired!

1. 

   Romantic? Undoubtedly. Unique? Absolutely. Expensive? For sure. Through an innovative, open fourth wall, each of Jade's 29 enormous suites overlooks the sea from its canopied bed, raised whirlpool tub, and (in all but the entry-level category) private infinity pool. Getting to Jade Mountain can be tedious, even nauseating, but its organic cuisine, doting service, unwavering silence (no TVs, radios, or children), and extraordinary design make the long journey worthwhile.

2. 

   Interiors here are designed by fashion icon Oscar de la Renta, and the 30 rooms feature comfortable four-poster beds with crisp, white Frette linens and unique wicker canopies. Bathrooms have coral floors, deep hot tubs, large stand-up glass showers, and toiletries from L'Occitane -- about as good as it gets in the D.R. The best part: the nightly turndown includes a drawn bath with floating red flower petals and tea lights. Tortuga Bay's luxury Six Senses Spa is one of the D.R.'s best.

3. 

   This unique luxury resort in St. Lucia is made up of 32 one- and two-bedroom villas, each carefully carved into the surrounding hillside overlooking the island’s iconic twin Pitons. The treehouse-style villas -- which have missing fourth walls, and in most cases, private plunge pools -- are a main draw, as are the spectacular views and lush grounds. The resort also features some fabulous amenities, such as an infinity lagoon pool, a gorgeous open-air restaurant and bar, a (tiny) open-air fitness center, and a lovely spa with a multi-level series of small outdoor mineral pools. All of this comes at a price, but Ladera is still significantly cheaper than the ultra-glam Jade Mountain (rates are often around half as much). Ladera is within close range of several of the island’s best tourist destinations -- notable cocoa plantations are within walking distance, the pristine white sands of Jalousie beach are a short drive away, and tourist hot spots like the volcano and Tet-Paul nature trails are both nearby.

4. 

   This 23-room luxury boutique hotel is a Balinese-inspired paradise in Curacao where the details make the difference -- hand-carved teakwood pieces, gift bags left on the beds, and candles lit all around the property are just a few examples. The highlights of the resort are the elegant rooms and villas, some with private pools, the excellent fine-dining restaurant, and a lovely (though man-made) stretch of tranquil beach. This is the top luxury resort on Curacao, without contest.

5. 

   One of Jamaica's most romantic escape (for adults only), the Caves' 11 unique, private cottages and suites are tucked along lush garden paths and dramatic seaside cliffs (there's no beach) carved with steep stairways down to the water and into incredible grottos.. A top-shelf bar, an Aveda spa, free cooking classes, and intimate, incredibly attentive service make it Jamaica's best all-inclusive. High-quality food celebrates local ingredients, and the scene is laid-back and bohemian -- suited to travelers who appreciate outdoor showers and artful decor in favor of conventional luxury.

6. 

   This luxury all-inclusive resort is one of the most elegant and well-regarded hotels on the island, with 64 posh suites dotting a quarter mile of beachfront. Spice Island is a serene oasis amidst the bustling Grand Anse beach area, with clean lines, and a polished, upscale vibe that still maintains the laid-back charm of the Caribbean. The resort includes two restaurants, a beautiful spa, and a variety of activities, but peace and relaxation are also easy to find. The nice pool area is quiet and private, yet the beach -- though beautiful and clean -- is shared by locals and guests of nearby resorts.

7. 

   Accessed via a 30-minute boat ride from Providenciales, this 1,000-acre resort on a private island is the definition of tranquility. With an incredible infinity-edge pool, world-renowned COMO Shambhala Spa, waterfront Balinese-style villas, doting service, and more than three miles of pristine beaches, it's easily one of the most luxurious and romantic options in the Caribbean. But hefty price tags put it out of reach for many, and the rare level of privacy comes as the cost of convenience -- a boat commute is required to reach any nightlife or shopping.

8. 

   This luxurious Viceroy is truly a stunner. It has arguably the best location on St. Lucia, right in between the Pitons, St. Lucia's famous volcanic spires, and on a beautiful white-sand beach. Its 79 rooms are minimalistic, chic, and mostly white, and all come with private plunge pools, butlers, and 24-hour room service; the larger villas and cottages offer living rooms and huge bathrooms (some with outdoor showers and hot tubs). Features include a family-friendly pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and free water sports. The romantic tree-house spa is one of the island's best. The resort's restaurants and bars are pricey, but all-inclusive rates are available to help guests keep costs in check. Unlike Ladera and Jade Mountain, the other two St. Lucia properties on this list, Sugar Beach does allows children, but it tries to ensure peace and quiet for couples, as well, and opened an adult-only beach in spring 2016. 

9. 

   The Geejam is made up of only five private, high-tech cottages on the lush (rainy) foothills of Port Antonio. The setting is gorgeous, the service is extraordinary, and one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches is only 10 minutes away. Quiet seclusion it has; a pool, spa facilities, and direct beach access it does not.

10. 

    This adults-only luxury resort offers just two room types: deluxe rooms on the second floor, and slightly larger junior suites on the lower level with access to the beach. Sprawling across 11 acres on the west coast of Barbados, the property is situated closer to the waterfront than others in the area, due to it being built before legislation forced future resorts to build further inland. The pink Colonial-style property is romantic, and offers two restaurants and bars, as well as free afternoon tea on the terrace. Because there are only 72 rooms, the beach never feels crowded. Excellent amenities include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and free non-motorized water sports. But all this comes at a price -- room and restaurant prices are some of the steepest in Barbados.

11. 

    One of Barbados' most exclusive resorts, The House is the definition of luxury. Located on the ritzy west coast, the adult-only property doesn’t even have a sign out front on the road. The property is secluded and private, with manicured gardens, koi ponds, and a chic lounge area. The rooms are spacious and contemporary with upscale amenities including a massage jet shower and a free bottle of rum punch. Thoughtful freebies include welcome drinks, champagne breakfast, and jet lag revival massages. There is no spa on-site -- surprising for a hotel of this caliber.

12. 

    This is called One&Only for good reason -- there’s nothing quite like it on Paradise Island, or anywhere in the Bahamas for that matter. The 106 rooms and suites, split into two sections, are luxurious, though those in the newer Crescent Wing are a bit more modern and stylish. Guests have access to the amenities at the Atlantis but the advantage of being removed from the crowds. Expansive manicured grounds have two outdoor pools, a romantic garden and statuary modeled after Versailles (a dream for weddings), and the endless stretch of white-sand beach and turquoise waves. Health and wellness nuts are spoilt for choice with daily yoga, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, an indoor/outdoorfitness center, and a Balinese-style spa with private villas. After a day in the sun, guests return to the room to find champagne and strawberries waiting, and many choose to begin their evening with sunset drinks at Jean-Georges' Dune restaurant.

13. 

    Rosewood Tucker's Point's obvious lures aside -- four pools, a private beach, a championship golf club, a tranquil spa, four restaurants, and spacious rooms featuring million-dollar views -- it’s the fine-tuned details that make this 200-acre property truly spectacular. For example, in the library just behind the lobby, old photos of Bermudian cricket matches, cabinets filled with china, and an antique Oriental rug feel like a swanky 1920s living room frozen in time. Rosewood is easily one of Bermuda’s top luxury resorts, but the rates are also higher here than anywhere else on the island. But perfection (or near-perfection) has its price, and at Tucker’s Point, it’s well worth it.

14. 

    Crowded beaches are unheard of on this private island resort where a maximum of 28 guests at a time have free range of 50 acres and three beaches. Personal boats for daily excursions, on-call service, spacious villas with fully stocked kitchens and wet bars, and a host of all-inclusive activities make Fowl Cay a standout gem in the Exumas. However, some of the villas feature outdated decor and worn furnishings that seem inconsistent with the resort's high nightly rates.

15. 

    If you ever wondered where the stars might go for R&R, look no further than the minimalist Le Sereno, a chic five-pearl boutique hotel reserved for travelers seeking all-around luxury. The simple, elegant interiors by famed designer Christian Liaigre are matched by top-notch amenities and lovely views of the ocean, and the option of in-room (or oceanfront) spa treatments as well as 24-hour room service makes for a truly pampering experience. The hotel’s restaurant, while tasty, is quite pricey -- even for fancy St. Barth's -- and the semi-private beach is not as pretty or wide as the island’s numerous other strips of sand. The hotel is best for couples who don’t mind paying a little extra and renting a car to reach the secluded romance of this hillside hotel.

16. 

    This luxury boutique is heavy on style and refinement, with British Colonial design and 28 huge multi-room suites (they start at 1,080 square feet) featuring kitchens, terraces, and high-end bathrooms. Property highlights include a lovely, tranquil pool, personal beachfront service, a small but spectacular spa, and one of the Providenciales’ most romantic dinner spots. However, its remote location on the point of the beautiful, 12-mile Grace Bay beach -- while peaceful and quiet -- makes it necessary for guests to rely on expensive taxis or car rentals to explore the island.

17. 

    The Caribbean Club is a luxury boutique hotel located on Grand Cayman’s famous Seven Mile Beach. The 37 spacious suites and villas are individually owned and exquisitely decorated, and all have full kitchens, balconies with ocean views, and marble bathrooms with separate whirlpool tubs and rainfall showers. The Club has one of the nicest stretches of beach along the Seven Mile coast with white sand, turquoise water, and calm waves. The beach and pool areas are not crowded, allowing for a quiet and serene tropical getaway. The restaurant here is one of the best on the island, but note that there is no spa.

18. 

    Easily the most luxurious resort in St. Martin, the 55-acre La Samanna resort brings tranquility to an otherwise tourist-filled island. Featuring two beautiful pools, an extensive wine cellar, a yoga and Pilates studio, a European-style spa, and the island's most pristine beach, this 81-room, eight-villa retreat is hard to beat. The vibe is about as fancy as it gets for St. Martin, so of course everything -- from the nightly rates to the dinners and spa treatments -- comes at a sky-high cost.

19. 

    Decked out in signature pink, the 112-room Sandy Lane is the creme de la creme of Barbados -- indeed, it's one of the most luxurious resorts in the world -- known for unparalleled service and distinct touches. Guest amenities run rampant; perhaps the most noteworthy is access to the super exclusive Green Monkey golf course with a separate apparel line that can only be purchased after completion. A Rolls Royce Phantom, top-notch spa, outstanding restaurants, and celebrity sightings are just a few aspects that set the elegant Palladian-style hotel apart from the rest. This is a very special place, for those who can afford it.

20. 

    Sandals is the epitome of a couples-only Caribbean mega-resort. With 11 restaurants, 373 luxurious rooms, and six pools, it's expansive, if not a bit overwhelming. You could easily get lost in the 27 acres of meticulously groomed gardens and along the pathwayswinding between buildings. The Sandals brand is evident at every turn, and the experience can feel generic, pre-packaged, and lacking in authenticity. However, this popular upscale all-inclusive with elegant rooms is definitely dedicated to creating memorable, romantic getaways. (Just be prepared to share yours with a few hundred other couples.)

21. 

    The relaxed, tranquil environment of this adults-only boutique resort is a major part of its appeal. This isn't Antigua's fanciest property, but it doesn't need to be: Simple Caribbean style (think: thatched roofs, stone, and rattan), a truly gorgeous beach, and all-inclusive food that's better than average for the island make for a winning combo. Water sports are also included in the rate, but the ocean here can get a bit rough so guests shouldn't count on being able to swim in it every day.

22. 

    The Bucuti is a romantic, adults-only resort at the southern end of Eagle Beach. This intimate, 104-room property has 14 acres of beach, and the main activity here involves lingering on the sand under shaded palapas; there's also a chic infinity edge pool. Rooms are stylish and have higher-end amenities such as iHome systems, charging docks, and built-in TVs in the bathroom mirrors. A free breakfast buffet is served daily, and dining is a highlight -- including five-course menus at the intimate gourmet spot, Carte Blanche -- and plenty more restaurants are within walking distance. The resort sees a high percentage of repeat visitors, so book early.

23. 

    This charming all-inclusive boutique resort, situated on a bluff overlooking the sea, features 57 separate cottage-style rooms painted in Caribbean pinks and blues. The rooms have a rustic style featuring exposed wood beams, and some have private plunge pools. It is a posh adults-only property catering to couples, wedding parties, and honeymooners -- but it offers a much more intimate atmosphere than massive couples-only resorts like Sandals.