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An island getaway is perfect for those looking for seclusion, sprawling beaches and the relaxing rhythm of crashing waves. Hundreds of thousands of islands occupy the world’s lakes and oceans, each one offering travelers something unique.

Discover which of these island destinations suits your travel style, and let’s get started planning your trip to get off the grid.

1. CANARY ISLANDS

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European, African and South American cultures collide on this string of seven islands that sit west of Morocco in the Atlantic. There’s something for almost everyone here, including history, natural landmarks like Mt. Teide and if you go during Carnaval, a party that is second only to Rio’s. The comfortable, stable climate means that tourists are here year-round, so to avoid crowds and experience the islands’ innate beauty, venture outside the major resorts in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

2. ST. LUCIA

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This eastern Caribbean isle is most easily recognized for its dramatic Pitons that soar up from the southwest coast. Honeymooners often choose St. Lucia for its romantic resorts, but the lush, unspoiled scenery also makes a perfect backdrop for hiking or ziplining. Music lovers flock to the island in the spring for the St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, which has previously featured headliners like Flo Rida, Diana Ross, and Ziggy Marley.

3. MYKONOS, GREECE

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Often thought of as Santorini’s wilder sibling, Mykonos has recently become a hot spot for celebrity holidays. Hip new restaurants and hotels are popping up among the more traditional whitewashed buildings, which means this party hub’s prices will continue to rise. For less noise and lower prices, avoid the peak months of July and August.

4. BORA BORA

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Though this French Polynesian island is only six miles long and two miles wide, the “Pearl of the Pacific” packs an impossible amount of beauty into every inch. The lush greens and warm, aquamarine waters are the stuff that tropical vacation dreams are made of, and luckily for visitors, many of the accommodations feature over-the-water bungalows.

5. ST. MARTIN – ST. MAARTEN

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Guests to this dual-governed island can easily hop back and forth between the French-controlled northern end of the island, and the Dutch-controlled south. The north tends to exude a more fashionable, relaxed vibe, while the south boasts casinos and a vibrant nightlife scene. No matter where you are, there’s bound to be rave-worthy restaurants, and plenty of options for fun in the sun.

6. ICELAND

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Not every island is known for its tropical climate and sun-tanned tourists. Iceland’s jaw-dropping natural wonders, like volcanoes, glaciers and geysers, are reason enough to draw visitors to the Land of Fire and Ice. There’s also plenty of culture to be savored in Reykjavík, whether that be listening to live traditional music or enjoying fresh, innovative Nordic cuisine.

7. TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

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Out-of-this-world terrains and diverse wildlife are two reasons to travel to this remote Australian state best known for its namesake cartoon devil. For those that aren’t outdoorsy types, the island’s isolation has also fostered a thriving local culinary scene, with ingredients that truly can’t be found anywhere else.

8. SEYCHELLES

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Composed of 115 islands dotting the Indian Ocean east of Africa, Seychelles is home to some of the world’s most untouched, uncrowded beaches. Many of the tranquil shores are also fringed by sea-sculpted granite boulders, remnants of the island’s origins as a granite mass attached to India. For privacy seekers, it doesn’t get more remote — or more exclusive — than Seychelles.

Whether your sights are set on sweeping views, culture, adventure, or just catching some rays, there’s a perfect island getaway for everyone!

Sandal Resorts International, owner of the Sandals and Beaches family of resorts, has been a leading all-inclusive brand in the Caribbean since 1981. They recently announced two new expansions for their resort in Negril, Jamaica as well as their property in Castries, Saint Lucia. Both expansions will debut in Spring 2023.

Beaches Negril is adding 12 new butler suites to their property, bringing the room count up to 197 luxury accommodations. Six of the suites, located at the north end of the resort, will be called Firesky Reserve Villas, offering 3,700 square feet of three floors with living areas. The villas include four massive bedrooms, a kitchen, private oceanfront plunge pools and rooftop decks with dining terraces. With accommodations for 10, these villas are perfect for large families or groups..

Located at the opposite end of the resort will be six Eventide Penthouse Collection suites that can accommodate up to 18. The suites are offered with three or four bedrooms and include spacious kitchens, expansive balconies and walkout terraces. 

In addition to the new villas and suites, Beaches Negril’s Pirate’s Island Waterpark will house the resort’s Camp Sesame in partnership with Sesame Workshop, debuting summer 2023. This resort provides the perfect getaway for single families, groups of families, or multi-generational groups, with all that it has to offer.

Beaches Negril Firesky Reserve Villas. (photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts International)

Sandals Halcyon Beach, in St. Lucia, has added 20 ocean-edge Joli Beachfront Suites that feature walkout beach access, private pools, and second-story accommodations with tranquility soaking tubs. The open-air suites are decorated with natural woods, blue hues and soft island floral touches.

In addition to the ocean-edge suites, you will find five new Koko Rondoval Villas located amidst the resort’s lush landscaping, just steps from the ocean. The unique design with rounded walls and thatched roofs provides the illusion that the villa extends onto a chic patio with a plunge pool.

In addition to these two expansions, Sandals Resorts International has announced that Sandals Dunn’s River will launch in May 2023 as well as other new properties in Jamaica, Curacao, St. Vincent & The Grenadines,Turks & Caicos, and more.

Are you ready to book your retreat at one of these resorts? Beaches Negril and Sandals Halcyon’s new suites are currently available for reservations for travel beginning April 6, 2023.

Sandals Resorts have long been known as the pinnacle in luxury Caribbean all-inclusive vacations for couples.  Each offers stunning beachfront settings, luxurious accommodations and the many features that make the Sandals experience a Luxury Included® experience. 

The Sandals Royal Bahamian has recently been reimagined and is now offering all new swim-up suites, renovated rooms and suites, 10 restaurants, 3 new food trucks, all new Coconut Grove and the reimagined Sandals Barefoot Cay, their own private island just minutes away from the resort.

Swim-Up Suites. Step from the comfort of your luxurious room right into a gently flowing river pool from a zero-entry platform in your oversized patio.Butler service and exclusive VIP airport transfers are included with this room category.

Renovated Rooms & Suites. In these newly renovated accommodations, you’ll enjoy stylish new furnishings, lavish spa-style bathrooms and oversized terraces and balconies that overlook the ocean.

10 Restaurants & 3 Food Trucks. With 13 dining options, you’re sure to satisfy all your culinary cravings. Six of the ten restaurants are new, offering French cuisine, a British pub, steaks, Pan Caribbean, sushi and fresh seafood. At the food trucks, you’ll find grab and go sweets, coffee, tacos, seafood and Italian classics.

Coconut Grove. This brand new beach club, where you can lounge, dine and play, is a Sandals first. Relax during the day under the shade of the palm trees and join the party at night with live entertainment. Coconut Grove is where you’ll find the food trucks.

Barefoot Cay. With this private island, you’ll feel like you’re enjoying 2 resorts for the price of 1. Barefoot Cay has two secluded beaches where you can relax, go for a swim or explore the Bahamas’ best snorkeling. Throughout the chic Beach Club, you’ll find a pool, whirlpool, swim-up bar, shaded hammocks, private cabanas, a Zen garden with firepit seating and the region’s best seafood house. A short cruise on the Love Runner will have you there in no time.

Sandals Royal Bahamian is located in Nassau, which is conveniently located just a short flight away with nonstop service from many major U.S. cities. Although it’s a quick trip, you will feel like you’re a million miles away with the resort’s easy-going beach lifestyle and irresistibly soothing charm. 

Want to be on the beach by noon? No problem. With the resort’s new Breakaway service, arriving early just means more time to enjoy your vacation. Upon arrival, the Breakaway hostess will greet you with a delicious cocktail, and with a quick change into comfortable clothes,you’ll head straight to the beach or swim-up pool bar and leave the Sandals team to take care of everything else. 

There’s no better time to get away to the Bahamas, and Sandals Royal Bahamian will bring a redefined luxury experience to your next getaway. Let’s book your stay today!

Sandals Resorts International has announced that Sandals Royal Curaçao will welcome guests beginning April 14, 2022!

This is the 16th Sandals Resort and the first Sandals on the island of Curacao. Curaçao is located in the southern Caribbean Sea about 40 miles north of Venezuela.

The resort is located on forty-four oceanfront acres, boasting 351 luxurious rooms and suites only 15 miles from the airport. The West-Facing Resort will feature some of the most spectacular sunsets in all of the Caribbean.

Sandals has not released all the information about this new resort, but here is what we know:

From the freshest seafood to the unique flavors of the orient, Sandals Royal Curaçao will offer a culinary journey with 12 unique dining options, including eight brand new cuisine experiences, three food trucks and Sandals first-ever floating restaurant.

The Duchess Floating Restaurant was constructed from a 92-foot authentic Dutch ship. It is set atop the sparkling azure seas and will be the ultimate dining experience.

You can also spend a casual night at the beachside food trucks, a Sandals first, offering delicacies from around the world, including traditional Curaçao fare, Spanish tapas, and Asian fusion.

The Dos Awa Pool is an infinity pool redefined. This island oasis where pools meet sea will feature expansive upper and lower decks which overlook the Spanish Water, for seamless, awe-inspiring views.


Sandals also mentions a “Natural Salt-Water Ocean-Fed Pool” Cut into the coastal rocks along the shoreline, the natural salt-water pool features a sand bottom and will be fed by the ocean.

When it comes to rooms, Sandals Royal Curaçao will offer fan-favorite room categories, in addition to two new luxurious suite categories, the Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows and the Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalows.

The Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows with Private Pools are breathtaking seaside bungalows nestled alongside the coast. Guests can admire the majestic beauty of the ocean from their private infinity pool.

The Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalows with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tubs are gorgeous bungalows are arranged in Sandals iconic heart formation around a semi-private pool and lush, man-made island.


Every bungalow captures the height of luxury with hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, custom crafted king-size beds adorned with soft linens and plush pillows for the ultimate sleep experience. Inside, each bungalow is also equipped with a smart TV and a large ceiling fan to stay cool while enjoying fresh Caribbean breezes.

Relax in the separate living room’s comfortable seating area, which has a fully stocked wet bar with premium liquor and a dining table. The bathrooms are equipped with his and hers sinks, a large backlit mirror adorned with mosaic tile, and a walk-in rain shower. Outside, your private patio is also equipped with an extended sun deck, Tranquility Soaking Tub with privacy curtains, sun loungers, and a bistro set for two.

The entire experience is rounded out through attentive service from a personal butler and 24-hour room service.

Perfect for a prestigious trip around the island, guests in the Kurason Island Suites and Awa Seaside Bungalows can explore every inch of this Caribbean gem with a guided map to all everything there is to see in a stylish Mini Cooper, only available at Sandals Royal Curaçao.

Are you ready to stay at Sandals Royal Curaçao? Click here to book your incredible vacation at Sandals Royal Curaçao.

Sandals Resorts is converting two all-inclusive Jamaican properties, along with a land parcel in Ocho Rios, into three Sandals resort experiences under the Sandals and Beaches brands.

Sandals will convert the former Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios and the Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort & Waterpark, both acquired last year, plus beachfront land adjacent to the Ocho Rios resort, into three properties: Sandals Dunn’s River; an adjacent, 250-room Sandals Royal Dunn’s River oceanfront property and a new Beaches Runaway Bay resort.

Sandals Dunn’s River will undergo a “top to bottom” renovation. Sandals Dunn’s River will offer a total of 260 rooms including 48 signature SkyPool Suites, a first for Jamaica, which will feature a private cantilevered, solar-heated plunge pool with infinity edge. 12 Swim-up Rondoval™ Suites with many featuring a “Rooftop Terrace” will also grace the property – both signature Love Nest Butler Suites® for the ultimate in privacy and service; 10 restaurants including a specialty rum bar inside the brand’s newest Latin Fusion restaurant concept Azuka and 9 bars; 7 pools including 2 river pools and Red Lane® Spa.

The sister hotels will operate in much the same manner as the concept that Sandals developed between Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados, with exchange privileges between the two all-inclusive resorts. They will be offering “generous” exchange privileges between the two all-inclusive resorts, including multiple dining and amenity options.

The Runaway Bay resort, located between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, will also undergo “extensive redevelopment” becoming Beaches’ third Jamaican property. The redeveloped resort will feature 400 one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom suites, designed “with extended families in mind,” said officials. Guests of Beaches Runaway Bay will have access to Runaway Bay Golf Club and its par-72, 18-hole championship golf course.

The Dunn’s River property returns to the Sandals portfolio as Sandals Dunn’s River, the same name the property utilized when Sandals first purchased the resort in 1990. “Sandals Dunn’s River holds special meaning to our family because its history is the story of Jamaica’s evolution as a travel powerhouse,” said Adam Stewart, Sandals executive chairman.

“My father grew up on the beach in Ocho Rios and this hotel, the first of its kind when it was built in the 1950s, captured the era’s glamour and sparked his imagination,” he said. “When it became available, we jumped at the chance to bring the hotel back into the Sandals fold.”

Sandals has targeted completion of the new Sandals Dunn’s River for fourth quarter 2022. Phase II is the creation of sister-property Sandals Royal Dunn’s River, which will be adjacent and offer generous exchange privileges with a slated completion in 2023.

Stewart says the new Sandals Dunn’s River was the last project he and his late father collaborated on and is an homage to the natural beauty of their beloved Jamaica, with water pulled and circulated from natural reserves and the brand’s signature suites being a prominent feature.

For additional information about these three amazing new properties, contact me today!

Sandals Resorts are arguably the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean. With 16 resorts located on Jamaica, The Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Antigua, and Saint Lucia. Their adults-only all-inclusive resorts are ideal for weddings, honeymoons, or just a dreamy romantic retreat.

Sandals 5-star resorts are a favorite among clients with their gorgeous white-sand beaches, savory dining experiences, opulent accommodations, unlimited refreshing beverages, exciting water sports and more.

If you would like to stay at one of these incredible resorts, contact me today!