Honeymoons and Valentine's Day are not the only times to consider a romantic vacation in the sun warmed beaches of the Caribbean. Every couple can use a break from the everyday routine at any time of the year.
Looking for a way to heat up your romance? The answer just might
lie in the exotic Caribbean, a destination filled with enough sun
and sand to put the sizzle into every love life. You'll find the
islands dotted with romantic resorts but when it's time to get
out and do a little sightseeing, where are the best places for
lovers to explore? Here are some favorites with romantic-minded
travelers:
Diamond Waterfalls and Gardens, St. Lucia. Blooming with
tropical splendor, garden trails lead to the Diamond Waterfalls,
a cascade that leaves a spray of "diamond" twinkles
in the air. If you stop by on a Sunday, you can also enjoy a soak
in the mineral baths originally built by French King Louis XVI
for use by his troops.
The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. This
beach is littered with massive granite boulders as smooth as riverbed
stones. They form shadowy caves perfect for a clandestine kiss.
Y.S. Falls, Jamaica. Although the north coast's Dunns'
River Falls is far more visited, these secluded falls offer couples
a much quieter paradise. Cascading in steps through tropical forest,
the falls can be climbed with the help of a guide then swimmers
can enjoy clear waters under a canopy of ferns.
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dotted with historic sites
and rich with the atmosphere of Spanish conquistadors, here couples
can stroll hand-in-hand where lovers have literally walked for
centuries. The most recognized site in Old San Juan is Fuerte
San Felipe del Morro, a fort better known as El Morro.
Boca Tabla, Curaçao. Pounding Atlantic waves carved
this sea cave. Kneeling in the darkness of the sea cave, you'll
watch the surge of crystal blue waves as they come within feet
of you, roaring into the cave and back out to sea.
West End, Negril, Jamaica. Negril's famous Seven Mile
Beach gives way to rugged cliffs on its west side and here visitors
find one of the best sunset lookouts in the Caribbean. Every day,
crowds arrive at Rick's, one of the region's best known sunset
bars, for the chance to watch another island day draw to a close.
South Peninsula, St. Kitts. Until a few years ago, this
stretch of land was accessible only by boat. Today a modern highway
makes the island's most beautiful, pristine beaches accessible.
Keep an eye out for the vervet monkeys that live in this remote
region.
Natural Bridge, Aruba. This symbol of Aruba marks the
line where tumultuous sea waves crash against the windward coast.
Walk out on the bridge for a cool sea spray and a breathtaking
view.
Paradise Point, St. Thomas. Aboard ski-lift gondolas,
you'll rise to one point that never sees snow: the top of Flag
Hill for a view of the Charlotte Amalie harbor dotted with cruise
ships. Gondolas ascend to the point from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every
day.
Maracas Bay, Trinidad. About an hour from Port of Spain,
the drive to this area is a treat in itself, winding through the
Northern Range with views of forests where species such as howler
and capuchin monkeys, ocelot, Amazon parrots, and wild pigs can
be found. The beach at Maracas Bay offers a full day of fun and
is the place to see and be seen in Trinidad.