By Becca Bergman and Jennifer Bernstein
We’ve picked 7 choice beach spots that are serviced by short,
direct flights from the east or west coasts, so you can be on the sand
by lunchtime. In these locales, springtime means good news for
travelers: a drastic drop in prices, no winter crowds, and great weather
before the heat of summer.
1. Aruba
Everyone knows that Aruba’s beaches are among the best in the world, which explains the high rate of repeat visitors. The long, broad, white sand beaches are great for walking, while the almost constant breeze complements an always-sunny, hurricane-free island.
Splurge: The all-inclusive Occidental Grand Aruba resort has more activities than the island has Divi-divi trees, including sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking. Besides the casino and Las Vegas–style shows, there’s a ton of ethnic food options, from Caribbean fusion to classic Italian to pan-Asian. $260/night per person; occidentalhotels.com/grandaruba
Value: If you’re looking for a quiet beach, no kids, and an environmentally friendly resort, the Bucuti Beach Resort Aruba is the place to stay. Ask for a room in the Tara Beach Suites & Spa, a newly built wing of oceanfront suites that open right onto the beach. From $210/night; bucuti.com
Getting there: Direct flights from Atlanta (3.5 hours); Chicago (5 hours); Miami (2.5 hours); New York (4.5 hours)
2. Barbados This Caribbean island has a little bit of everything: hopping nightlife, top-notch restaurants, and fine white beaches that extend along a coral shore. The best beaches are on the calmer west and action-packed south coasts.
Splurge: Just five miles from Grantley Adams airport, the brand-new Almond Casuarina Beach Resort is a kid-friendly all-inclusive retreat with plenty of room to luxuriate in its 10 tropical acres. From $319/night; almondresorts.com
Value: For more than 120 years, guests have flocked to Barbados’s first resort, the historic Crane Resort & Residences. Perched on a cliff, the mansion has kept its old timber ceilings, marble bathrooms, and old-world charm even as it has modernized its amenities. From $150/night; thecrane.com
Getting there: Direct flights from Miami (3.5 hours); New York (5 hours); Toronto (5.5 hours)
3. Key West Vacationers flock to this tropical island city for its easy attitude and laid-back lifestyle. Despite the crowds, the Conch Republic maintains its appeal with a colorful cast of local characters, 19th-century architecture, and full-service resorts.
Splurge: Once inside the Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa, it’s hard to leave the private, powder-soft beach that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Located on the corner of Duval Street, right in Old Town Key West, Pier House combines a quiet beach escape with access to carnivalesque nightlife. Grab a room on the second floor and you’ll be treated to
magnificent ocean views. From $279/night after April 13; pierhouse.com
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Getting there: Direct flights from Atlanta (2 hours); Fort Lauderdale (50 minutes); Fort Myers (1 hour); Miami (1 hour); Orlando (70 minutes); Tampa (75 minutes)
4. Oahu
The most cosmopolitan of the Hawaiian islands, Oahu is quickly becoming a cultural and culinary hot spot. Of course, its prime appeal still lies in the 100-plus miles of beaches, including the perennially cool Waikiki (only 10 miles from the airport) and the more secluded, surf-heavy North Shore.
Splurge: The Waikiki Parc Hotel is the trendy little sister to the opulent Halekulani across the street. The fact that this property is not directly on the water knocks a few hundred dollars off the price. Spare funds can be put toward the new Nobu outpost in the Parc’s lobby, the superlative spa at the Halekulani, and an upgrade to an ocean-view room. From $173/night; waikikiparc.com
Value: Set a few blocks from the beach, the Aqua Waikiki Wave underwent a total renovation in 2006, and airy rooms with flat-screen TVs and free WiFi put this hotel a few notches above the competition. Reserve a room on one of the upper floors to avoid the street din. From $135/night; aquaresorts.com
Getting there: Direct flights from Portland (5.5 hours); Los Angeles (5.5 hours); San Francisco (5.5 hours); Seattle (5.5 hours)
5. Providenciales
Despite its growing popularity over the past several years, the Turks & Caicos remain relatively unspoiled. The main island, Providenciales (known as “Provo”), is home to Grace Bay—one of the best beaches in the world—and is surrounded by a natural barrier reef that affords it clear turquoise waters for miles.
Splurge: As the World Travel
Award’s pick for the Caribbean’s Leading Boutique Hotel for the third
time, the Point Grace is clearly doing something right. Its perfect
beach location helps, as does the stellar restaurant, a Thalassotherapy
spa, palatial suites, and sumptuous service that includes a daily
cocktail hour by the pool. From $475/night after April 1; pointgrace.comValue: The smallest hotel on Grace Bay, the Sibonne Beach Hotel boasts a beachfront address, a quaint atmosphere, and comfortable rooms—truly a knockout deal for its location. Paying a bit more for an upstairs room is worth it. From $110/night after April 15; sibonne.com
Getting there: Direct flights from Atlanta (3 hours); Boston (3.5 hours); Miami (1.5 hours); New York (3.5 hours); Philadelphia (3.5 hours)
6. Puerto Vallarta
With its cobblestone streets and small-town affability, Vallarta has distinguished itself among Mexico’s other resort locales by retaining authentic charm amid major development. Wedged between a verdant mountainside and the blue Pacific, activities abound—and, of course, there are 34 miles of uninterrupted sand. After sunset, the city jumps to life (in recent years, it’s gained popularity as a gay-friendly destination).
Splurge: Though not directly on the beach (a set of stairs gets you close enough), the 14-suite Hacienda San Angel is swathed in lush foliage and boasts three separate pools and a star-studded history. There’s also a rooftop Jacuzzi with a stunning view of the city’s famous Guadalupe church (which is particularly striking at sunset). Rooms from $290/night; haciendasanangel.com
Value: The rooms at the charming Playa Los Arcos are small but sufficient for a weekend visit. The prime location—directly on the beach and near the Zona Romántica restaurants, bars, and shops—cannot be beat for this price. From $116/night after April 1; playalosarcos.com
Getting there: Direct flights from Chicago (4.5 hours); Denver (3.5 hours); Houston (2.5 hours); Kansas City (3.5 hours); Los Angeles (3 hours); Phoenix (2.5 hours); San Francisco (3.5 hours); Seattle (5 hours)
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