TRAVEL | OUTDOOR RETREATS,
CARIBBEAN RESORTS
In a region blessed with clear seas, tropical forests, volcanoes, lakes, waterfalls, and so much more, vacations can be filled with outdoor adventures. Spend action-packed days hiking, surfing, rappelling, or cycling, and recharge each night in elegant surroundings at one of the region’s top resorts.
OUTDOOR RETREATS
Words by Natasha Were.
MONTPELIER, NEVIS
Best known for its historic plantation houses, Nevis packs in a surprising variety of land and sea adventures for a small island. From waterfalls to water sports, and hiking to biking, there are plenty of outdoor activities to try. For the ultimate challenge, climb through rainforest and cloud forest to the top of Nevis Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views. Make the laid back luxe of Montpelier, a 300-year-old sugar plantation, your base for exploring the island’s attractions. With a private beach, verdant gardens, and a fine dining restaurant, it offers a genteel contrast to the island’s wilder attractions. www.montpeliernevis.com
THE BITTER END YACHT CLUB, BVI
Dubbed the ‘sailing capital of the world’ the British Virgin Islands’ 60 or so islands and cays are best explored by sea. Experienced and novice sailors alike delight in cruising between pristine bays and anchorages, stopping for rum punches on white sand beaches, and diving on vibrant reefs. The recently re-opened Bitter End Yacht Club is a playground for water sports lovers, with a marina for visiting yachts, five distinct drinking and dining venues, and over-water loft-style rooms where you can tie up your kayak or paddle board, and a Watersports Shack where you can spend your days learning to windsurf, kiteboard, or sail. www.beyc.com
CABRITS RESORT & SPA KEMPINSKI, DOMINICA
Untouched by mass tourism, ‘the Nature Island’ more than lives up to its name with attractions that include the Boiling Lake, a vast hot spring (depth unknown), Champagne, a snorkelling spot where the volcanic activity causes the sea to fizz, and hundreds of rivers and waterfalls that criss-cross the interior. In contrast to the rugged landscape, the Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski offers a sleek and sophisticated place to rest and rejuvenate. Sitting unobtrusively amid the natural splendour, the resort offers elegant contemporary rooms, a choice of four restaurants, four pools, tennis courts, and a luxurious spa – perfect for soaking and soothing sore muscles after an active day of adventure. www.kempinski.com
LAS CASITAS, PUERTO RICO
With the third-largest underground cave system in the world, one of the world’s five bioluminescent bays, and the only tropical rainforest in the US national rain forest system, Puerto Rico packs in plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities – all of which are easily accessible from the comfort of Las Casitas. This collection of private villas perches 300 feet above the sea within the El Conquistador hillside resort. The bright, breezy self-catering properties offer all the comforts of home, plus stunning sea views, whilst also providing access to the resort’s pools, golf course, and access to the private island of Palomino. www.conquistadorresort.com
CAYMAN VILLAS, CAYMAN ISLANDS
Snorkel with stingrays, amble beside blue iguanas, wonder at rare birds in natural reserves, or make your way into the depths of ancient cave formations – the Cayman Islands’ natural attractions extend far beyond its famed dive sites and in such a small area, you can pack multiple unique experiences into your days. Here to help you design an authentic and activity-filled trip is Cayman Villas: choose from dozens of beautiful, private beachfront villas and condos, and take advantage of their insider island knowledge to help you tailor your itinerary. www.caymanvillas.com