1. Costa Rica

This may not be the first place you think of when picturing the Caribbean, as it is not one of the islands but a rugged, rainforested country in Central America with a coastline on both the Caribbean and Pacific. Costa Rica is known for its beaches, biodiversity and, of course, volcanoes. Approximately a quarter of Costa Rica is a protected jungle, giving way for wildlife including quetzal birds and spider monkeys.

What this means for you is a world of exotic opportunities and memories awaits from touring the rainforest, ziplining, visiting the therapeutic hot springs, or the volcanic mud and steam room, there is plenty to see and do.

EXPERIENCE THIS: Are you a coffee lover?  Then a visit to Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm is a must-stop for you. The journey begins on a farm tour to learn how it goes from bean to your cup. Oh, and of course, have a taste while you’re there.

With many more places and things to do in Costa Rica, it certainly won’t leave you bored.  All in all, Costa Rica is a trip of a lifetime where endless experiences await.

2. Punta Cana

On the island of the Dominican Republic, this place is one of the most popular winter destinations, especially if you want to relax and enjoy pristine beaches, food and drink.

Known for its 32 km stretch of beautiful powder beaches and turquoise waters, it is an area with lavish all-inclusive resorts meant to pander to your every need. So if relaxing, drinking eating and being pandered to sound good, then Punta Cana is the place for you this winter.

EXPERIENCE THIS: Punta Cana Scape Park and Blue Hole. This is located on the busy side of Punta Cana, but it will be a day to remember. With 247 acres filled with natural attractions, you can listen to the tropical chorus of colourful birds, go deep into caves and cenotes, ride through the jungle or zipline from tree to tree, swim in hidden pools and soak up beautiful views of verdant forests.

The next three islands lie near each other in the southern Caribbean Sea!

3. Aruba

Synonymous with white sands and crystal blue waters, Aruba is another tropical island to consider for that well-deserved vacation.

Once again, this is a place to relax, swim and just take back your time. With local cuisine and drinks, friendly people and the atmosphere, Aruba will leave you wanting more. Although an exotic island, it is very desert-like but is covered with a very diverse terrain, from spectacular beaches to vegetation and wildlife, so if it moves you to have some adventures there are plenty to be had. After checking out the land, go see what’s in the water — discover shipwrecks and incredible reefs by going diving and snorkelling.

EXPERIENCE THIS: First, you will want to go to the Aruba Ostrich Farm where you will meet one of the largest living species in the world — the ostrich and also its flightless Australian relative, the emu. You will learn about their natural behaviours and survival instincts. Next, visit the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba. Their mission is straightforward, Save the Donkeys. With the declining use of donkeys as modes of transportation, donkeys became somewhat forgotten and in the 1970s a horrible illness nearly caused an extinction. Mingle with these forgotten beloved animals and be ready to smile.

4. Bonaire

A municipality of the Netherlands, Bonaire is a jewel well worth the experience. Looking to dive or snorkel, its reef-lined coast and turquoise crystal clear water are teaming with marine life for the amateur or professional. With beautiful beaches, lagoons and caverns the scenery is next to none. Home to lizards, donkeys and many birds within its park, the wildlife awaits you. Relax or take an adventure, Bonaire has it all from walking tours, land sailing, cave exploration, sunset island tours or night snorkelling and watching tarpons hunt for food (yeah, I will be waiting for you by the bar! LOL).

EXPERIENCE THIS: The Flamingo and Mangrove trip will give you the opportunity to visit one of the Caribbean’s best-preserved forests at Lac Bay. With natural canopies covering its narrow channels, the mangrove trees house birds, as well as clean the water that is home to native fish, rays, and seahorses. With incredible scenery and wildlife and, of course, flamingos, this will be a tour to remember.

5. Curacao

A Dutch Caribbean Island, it is similar to Bonaire, as it is known for its endless coral reefs and rich marine life lending to incredible diving or snorkelling. With beautiful small beaches tucked away into coves, you will find the peaceful relaxation you were looking for. Not your touristy island, crowded with people, Curacao gives you the freedom to wander and try a few things. Again, of course, the clear waters and powdery beaches will be calling once again, but how about cliff jumping, cave swimming or visiting the Curacao Sea Aquarium and every Thursday enjoy the fireworks in Cascada?

EXPERIENCE THIS: For golf lovers, you must play at the Old Quarry and Blue Bay golf courses. The Old Quarry is a lush picturesque golf course near a limestone slab where they still mine marble in the southeast corner of Curacao. Play the first three holes on the water edge and be challenged by the course. With a par 72, 18-hole championship course, the Blue Bay will challenge the amateur and professional golfer. With steep elevation used to create challenging holes, but the views from the fifth and sixth holes are most spectacular! (Maybe not count all the strokes, due to being in awe of the views as you play down toward the ocean!)

If you have not booked your winter escape yet, reach out to me and let’s find a place for you to warm up!