The following article is a compensated post, written by me, on behalf of Choice Hotels. As always, all opinions are my own.
As we head into the month of April, we follow yet another turn of winter melting into spring. Whether you’re celebrating the return of the sun or just need a change of scenery, now is the perfect time to consider a Caribbean getaway. Now that the busy winter season is over, there are plenty of incredible spring, summer, and fall hotel deals to choose from.
Here are five of our favorite Caribbean destinations paired with five fun and affordable Choice Hotels® properties!
5 Affordable Island Getaways in the Caribbean
Eagle’s Beach, Aruba
I’m in love with Aruba. I’ve been here four times and I’m already plotting my next trip back. From lounging on the beach to spending the day with flamingos, there’s something for everyone.
Aruba’s Eagle Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of white sand beach in the Caribbean, and Aruba’s widest. It’s a perfect place for windsurfing, swimming, and other aquatic sports, and also for viewing sea turtle hatching during parts of the year. La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino, an Ascend Hotel Collection® member, is located directly across from Eagle Beach, and boasts both an on-site casino and spa.
Paradise Island, Bahamas
Famous for being home to the sprawling Atlantis resort including a water park, casino, aquarium, and one of the world’s most expensive hotel rooms (the Bridge Suite costs ~$25k per night!), Paradise Island is a Bahaman resort island in the best way. But you don’t actually have to spend $25k per night to enjoy it; the Comfort Suites® Paradise Island located nearby offers spacious rooms with included access to the Atlantis’ amenities.
Grand Cayman, The Cayman Islands
Explore Grand Cayman and you’ll have access not only to beautiful beaches and activities, but a large number of natural and historical attractions. Scuba diving offers views of large coral reefs and shipwrecks, including the USS Kittiwake, an artificial reef that you can explore inside. The Comfort Suites® Seven Mile Beach puts you right on the waterfront and only a short distance from the Cayman Turtle Farm.
Willemstad, Curacao
Make sure to bring your camera with you to Curacao! This Dutch Caribbean island offers both natural beauty and some amazing, colorful architecture—Willemstad’s harbor, with its colonial architecture, has been designated a UNESCO heritage site. The Acoya Hotel Suites & Villas, an Ascend Hotel Collection® member, offer a number of private family rooms and villas within a short distance to several beaches, as well as the Seaquarium.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is a great vacation spot for those looking to get a mix of relaxation, history, and culture. Old San Juan has several self-guided tours of their colonial buildings to enjoy, including one of the famous El Callisto San Felipe del Morro citadel.
After exploring, stop by Casa Bacardi to enjoy a historic tour of the plant and complimentary rum tasting. San Juan is also home to a thriving culinary scene. I had a chance to explore some of the best restaurants in Old San Juan and Condado during a previous trip and was blown away by the food. The nearby Comfort Inn® San Juan is a great home base for exploring the city, and near both Condado Beach and the airport to boot.
The Caribbean is one of my favorite places to visit and you really can’t go wrong with any of these islands. So if you’re itching for some island fun, it’s absolutely feasible to plan an affordable Caribbean island getaway.
