If you’re craving a more intentional way to experience the Bahamas, then this is the place to be. Think unhurried days, shaded paths, and space to slow down, far from the packed stretches of sand where everyone’s competing for a spot to lay a towel. 

Why you should explore Nassau through its gardens

Gardens in New Providence aren’t just for decoration. They hold tons of history and some of the most beautiful native plant species. Walking through the gardens will tell you way more about Bahamian land culture than any resort pool bar, and they’re the perfect stop for nature-lovers and intentional travellers alike. 

If you arrived on a quick cruise to the Bahamas and found yourself wanting more time ashore, then the gardens are the perfect reason to come back and stay a little longer. When you choose slow travel here, you’re going to get a lot more depth than if you were rushing to secure a spot at the usual attractions. 

Day 1: Discovery 

Nassau Botanical Gardens is the ideal place to start your trip. Spread across 18 acres in the southwestern part of New Providence, it’s home to more than 600 species of tropical plants. 

From there, Ardastra Gardens gives you something a little different. It’s primarily a wildlife conservation centre (the only one in Nassau), and is best known for its Caribbean flamingos. The focus on native birds sets it apart from some of the other gardens, and gives you (and the family) something to do when you’re out and about. 

End the first day with a walk through downtown Nassau. Here, you’ll find colonial-era courtyards and streets lined with trees that create the perfect blend of architecture and greenery. 

Pink flamingos, image courtesy of Nassau Paradise Island; Queen’s Staircase, Greenwich Street, Nasáu, Bahamas, image by Miguel Ángel Sanz.

Day 2: Native landscapes & Coastal gardens

The Retreat Garden National Park, managed by the Bahamas National Trust, includes one of the largest private collections of palms in the Western Hemisphere. That alone makes it worth dedicating your morning to exploring its shaded paths and landscapes.

After your visit, you’ll find several restaurants nearby with outdoor seating and plenty of shade, ideal for a light lunch before heading toward the northwestern coast for the afternoon. Look out for the casuarina trees and sea grapes that are dotted along the water’s edge. 

Tip: Late-afternoon light along the coast is great for photography, whether you’re after Insta-worthy shots or simply want to capture incredible moments from your vacation. 

Day 3: Beyond the tourist trail

Nassua’s community gardens in quieter neighbourhoods are usually quiet, and you can find them almost anywhere. You won’t find these gardens on your typical tourist map, but that’s the best part about them!

In the western end of New Providence, you’ll get an authentic feel for the busiest island in the Bahamas. There are loads of hidden tropical gardens tucked away behind residential streets. However, you need to keep your eyes peeled, or you’ll miss them entirely. 

Practical tips for a slow-travel garden escape 

November and late April are the sweet spot for slow travel. The temperatures are milder, and there’s less rainfall (and people) than during busy travel seasons. It’s also worth noting that flowering seasons peak in the spring, while birdwatching is best in winter when the migratory species are passing through. 

If you want to get around easily, taxis are super convenient for travelling between gardens. In some areas, walking is also a great choice, especially in the morning before the heat sets in. Lastly, be sure to pack wisely, since you’ll need quite a bit of sunscreen and some broken-in walking shoes if you’re walking through multiple gardens. 

Finding Nassau’s green side

New Providence is an ultra-rewarding destination if you want a slower trip. Its gardens all differ from one another, and three days spent moving between them rather than beach-hopping will give you a much better idea of what the island is actually like. 

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Exiting the Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Oranjestad, you are immediately enveloped by heat, a humid average of 27°C that will stay with you until departure. The island is small. In under an hour, you can drive the country end-to-end. But despite its petite breadth, Aruba has layers of history and culture, formed by those who entered its shores on ships. Centuries of economic development carved the shoreline and shaped the island into the binary destination that it is now – a tropical paradise framed by deserted industrial structures.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This trip was partially hosted by Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort who did not review or approve this story.
All images by Kateryna Topol.

Home in Aruba: Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is set against the backdrop of one of Aruba’s most beautiful beaches, Eagle Beach. Neatly lined rows of yellow buildings with protruding windows shape a communal courtyard. A white picket fence frames the property rectangle into a dream dollhouse, plants and flowers accenting the yellow walls. Palmtrees, directional signs, and a bike route make it all feel like a small town with part-time locals strolling across the road, beachbags in hand. “This will do,” I jokingly think to myself, taking in the calm paradise views.

The resort is family-owned by the Dutch Van Schaijk family, who for 35+ years have been welcoming travellers and locals to their property with open arms. Over the years, the hotel grew by 23 rooms, always looking for opportunities to improve the guest experience. The rooms range from studios to one-bedroom suites and penthouses, and nearly all of them have at least a kitchenette. Here, hotel guests often become regulars, moving in for weeks at a time, stocking up their fridges, and making Aruba their seasonal family home. The resort team treats guests like family with wide smiles, ready to help with acitivites and dinners plans.

One-bedroom suite at the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Aruba.

Outdoor pool at the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Aruba.

The context: Historic layers that make Aruba what it is 

The island was first occupied by Archaic people who arrived in canoes from the coast of South America thousands of years ago. By A.D. 900/1000, another group of Indigenous people, the Caquetios, settled on the island, building villages and cultivating crops. The Spanish came in the 15th century in search of precious metals and pearls. Having found none of those, they declared Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao (the ABC islands) as Islas Inútiles – the useless islands. So when they left, they took the people. 

The Dutch arrived later, in 1636, making Aruba a Caribbean naval base during their eighty-year war with Spain. Recognising the local communities, they recruited Caquetios as farmers, selling meat and produce to other islands. After a brief British invasion (1806–1816), the island was returned to the Dutch in accordance with the Anglo-Dutch Treaty, officially making it a part of the Netherlands Antilles much later, in 1945.

Those early years gave rise to the Aruba Industrial period with the opening of The Lago Oil and Transport and the Arend Petroleum Companies. These were major refineries processing crude oil, bringing prosperity to the island for decades. Until they closed in 1985.

All these chapters in Aruba’s history, in one way or another, are still present in its culture and architecture. As we move through the island, sit on its beaches, and drink its perfectly clean tap water, the history is all around us, most notably seen in the Dutch colonial architecture. 

Bushiribana Ruins, Aruba, remnants of the gold-mining era on the island.

Bites, meals & Libations: From casual happy hours to custom dining experiences  

Situated far enough from high-rise hotels (though within walking range), Amsterdam Manor enjoys uninterrupted sunset performances from every angle of the property, every night. Observing my third flawless sunset I began to wonder what Aruba’s red flags might be. Are there hurricanes? When does it get cold? It does not. The island sits outside the Caribbean hurricane belt, so its only real fault is the constant wind. So we dress up to dine on the beach, where the worst-case scenario is seawater washing over your feet.

Set along this pristine shoreline is Passions on the Beach, perhaps the most romantic restaurant on the island. Breakfast and lunch are served on the terrace, but dinner tables are placed directly on the sand. Dressed in our favourite summer attire and beach-friendly sandals, we take seats around the table, struck silent by the views. Elaborate cocktails and cold wine commence the meal, followed by luxurious seafood and steak dishes with a live saxophone setting the mood. This isn’t your typical Sunday dinner, proposals are made here at least once a month.

Blueberry lemonade and a quesadilla at Horizons Lounge, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Aruba.

Back at the resort, guests gather for more casual meals at Horizons Lounge, overlooking the hotel pool and the sea from a short distance. In addition to daily service, the lounge also hosts manager cocktail parties with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, hosts all-you-can-eat fajita nights, and offers sushi service. Every stay can be tailored to your group with custom dining experiences like traditional Aruban dinners hosted on the penthouse terrace, cocktail and sushi-making classes, and custom beachside events. 

Seated in the gazebo or along the bar, we’d share secrets and laugh at each other’s travel experiences over colourful tropical drinks like the signature Fofoti and hibiscus margarita. And on another night, we gathered around the bar, tasting sake and local spirits at the sushi-making class, cheering on each other’s rolls, perfectly illuminated by the setting sun. 

Chef Eva demonstrating the art of a perfect sushi roll, and restaurant manager Maurice, sprinkling final finishes for the cheering bar crowd. 

Private dining experience set up on Eagle Beach, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Aruba.

Eagle Beach: The easy life by the Caribbean Sea

Across the island, there are over 20 public beaches, with sand so soft to the touch it feels like sugar powder. All beaches in Aruba are public with mixed amenities from adjacent hotels, family-owned restaurants, and public palapas available to beachgoers. Eagle Beach serves as an extension to the Amsterdam Manor resort with a restaurant, sunbeds, and a heart-shaped swing adorned with flowers – yet another picture-perfect spot to “put a ring on it”. For us, however, this trip turned into a perfect ladies’ getaway – one I’d welcome again any day.

From sunrise to moonlight, people are at the beach, reading in the palapa shade, sauntering the shoreline, aimlessly floating out in the sea, or cruising the turquoise waters on a jet ski. Between culinary and island adventures, I took an afternoon off to relax on the beach, intermittently reading, napping, and taking dips in the warm water. One could argue, it is the best way to waste a day.  

Along the shore, mixed greenery sets a picturesque backdrop. Curvy Fofoti trees with twisted trunks formed by the persistent winds are perhaps the most noticeable. Indigenous to the island, the Fofoti are treated with respect, and the ones on Eagle Beach are looked after by the Amsterdam Manor staff. 

Beach shop and a Fofoti tree on Eagle Beach, coconut ice cream in the shell as a daytime treat.

Sightseeing in Aruba: Lighthouses, ruins, beaches and cultural breaks 

The most common way to explore the island is with a Jeep tour, so backpacks and totes in hand, we climbed up into our De Palm Tours ride. Navigating curvy roads along cactus fields and beaches, we found our way to the California Lighthouse, known as the Hudishibana. Perched on high seaside elevation, the lighthouse, built in 1910, offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the island.

The next stop takes us to Alto Vista Chapel, surrounded by a flat courtyard with a low stone fence, cacti growing scattered along the perimeter. Built by the Spanish missionaries in 1750, this Catholic parish is still functional today. The Chapel borders the Alto Vista trail, a scenic 3-kilometre loop overlooking the shoreline. 

As we drive around, I notice a pattern of elaborately decorated car snack shacks near each popular attraction. Some have a few shaded tables, while others simply offer grab-and-go snacks, fresh juices, and cold beers. I suddenly regret my hearty in-room breakfast, wanting to taste the local offerings at each stop.

De Palm Tours Jeep tour guide Richie at the California Lighthouse, Aruba.

Moving further into the island, we disembark at Bushiribana Ruins, built in 1872 by the Aruba Island Gold-mining Company Ltd.. During the gold boom, Aruba produced an equivalent of 3 million pounds of gold, but once all production came to a halt in 1916, the structures were vacated and left to weather with nature. The ruins sit atop a cliff, overlooking the rocky shoreline, showcasing Aruba’s complex volcanic foundation formed over 145 million years ago. 

Seeing that I was in Aruba, a friend mentioned a ghost town, stressing that it is something I should visit. My brief inquiries into the matter yielded no results; this ghost town seemed to be a myth. But as we traversed through this spectacular dry rock, listening to Richie’s stories, I came to realise that the aforementioned ghost town is San Nicolas, today known as the art capital of the Caribbean.

San Nicolas began as a lively entertainment neigbourhood for Dutch miners. With their departure, the city became a ghost town, but was recently brought back to life by a local art foundation, ArtisA. This colourful neigbourhood is home to art galleries, cafes, guided street art tours, and the biggest art fair in the Caribbean, Aruba Art Fair. The streets of San Nicolas are an international art gallery you can explore on your own or with Tito Bolivar from Aruba Mural Tours, the man who steered the metamorphosis of this neigbourhood.

The final stop on our day tour is Baby Beach, on the Southern end of the island. A short drive from San Nicolas, the beach is a half-moon sandy bay with shallow waters as far as the eye can see, flat like a sheet of paper. My travel companions ventured out far into the sea, I could see them swaying in the clear blue water in the distance, dipping from time to time. I stood two feet in the water on shore, determined to capture the beauty of this beach on camera, task quickly proven impossible from the ground. So instead I sat on a hot rock contemplating the contradiction of the scenery – some of the bluest water in the world set against a clear, unbothered sky, remnants of an abandoned oil refinery in the background.

The big night out: Cocktails, dance moves … shots

Every lady’s night of shenanigans begins with a classy dinner. Having bid adieu to the sushi master, we moved to the garden terrace of a 100-year-old mansion, Quinta del Carmen. The house, built in 1916, was once a family home, a physician’s practice, and a refinery clubhouse. Today, it is a fine dining establishment in the heart of Oranjestad serving world-inspired cuisine, heavy on fresh seafood.

With the moon now illuminating the way, we hopped aboard a colourful bus for an Aruba pub Krawl with Kukoo Kunuku. Joined by a rowdy group of strangers, we were each given a branded sippy cup for bottomless on-board cocktails – a fruity rum mix called the Kukoo Kiss. For the following three-and-a-half hours, we drove around, stopping at some of the island’s favourite local bars and nightlife spots. Finding a unique vibe in each bar, we danced, laughed, clapped along, and sipped our way across Oranjestad.

Dinner at Quinta del Carmen, Aruba.

Out at sea: Aruba luxury lagoon cruise to Spanish Lagoon

If I have learned anything over many years of travel is that one must not follow a big night out with a boat tour, but the mind forgets the moments it wants to forget. Picked up by Pelican Adventures in the morning, we drove out to the Pelican Pier for a Luxury Lagoon Cruise.

The boat is a classic red schooner with white sails, with water hammocks to each side of the bow. At the centre is a spacious flatbed on which I spent most of my afternoon roasting, cheeks up to the sun. And at the back, out of the sun’s merciless heat, are benches and harvest tables where our gourmet lunch was served. 

Cruising along Aruba’s southern coast, we saw the skyline transform from low-rise historic buildings to high-rise hotel towers, beaches, and parks. Further into the sea, we passed small islands, an amusement park, abandoned docking areas, and villages. Surrounded by impeccable blue water cruiser dove into the sea one-by-one to snorkel across to the Spanish Lagoon, returning invigorated and welcomed by an open bar with lively music.

Aruba Luxury Lagoon Cruise with Pelican Adventures.

* * *

Aruba’s slogan is “One Happy Island!” and after spending a week there, I can see why that might be the case. Considered as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean (“So safe, it’s almost boring”), it is not a place for extreme adventure. People come here to relax and unwind, to enjoy a life of leisure in the sun.

Having entered the country with an open mind and minimal expectations, I felt welcomed, entertained, well-fed, and most definitely relaxed. Granted, my Kodak moments were formed through personal experiences and relationships I built on the One Happy Island. But yours can be too.   

Brown pelicans and seagulls on Eagle Beach, Aruba.

Practical travel advice

Visa requirements: A valid passport accompanied by a completed approved Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED Card). The ED card is a $20 Sustainability Fee, which you can apply for online. More information about travel regulations can be found on visitaruba.com.

Getting to Aruba: From Canada, direct flights to Aruba are available from Toronto (YYZ) with Air Canada and WestJet (5-6 hours). From the USA, direct flights (3-5 hours) are available with JetBlue, American, Delta, and United from major cities like Miami, New York (JFK/EWR), Atlanta, Charlotte, Boston, Houston, and Philadelphia. UK travellers will have to connect in Amsterdam (KLM), though TUI Airways sometimes operates direct charter flights from London Gatwick. 

Drinking water: Tap water in Aruba is perfectly clean and safe to drink and meets the highest quality standard set by the WHO.

Money: The local currency is the Aruban Florin (AWG), although US dollars are also widely accepted. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Some restaurants will add a service charge for larger groups service charge is not a tip for your waiter. 

Language: Aruba is an autonomous constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Local languages are Papiamento (Afro-Portuguese Creole language) and Dutch, although most people speak English, especially across the diverse hospitality world. 

Phone and internet access: You can purchase a physical SIM on arrival at the AUA airport or be prepared by installing an eSIM ahead of time. Read more about eSIMs. 

Packing advice: make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, a beach cover and a sun hat (ideally one that sits tightly on or has a tie), a folding or motorised mini fan, a few swimwear sets, evening attire, and a comfortable beach bag.

Book directly to take advantage of flexible special offers and exclusive perks at amsterdammanor.com. Compare rate to: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

Alto Vista Chapel, Aruba.

The post Finding a life of leisure in Aruba with Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Tucked between St. Lucia and Dominica in the Lesser Antilles, this French Caribbean island doesn’t fit neatly into one category. Martinique has been shaped by many histories, but what you’ll find here is a culture that’s uniquely and unmistakably its own. There’s a sense of pride here that shows up in the way locals talk about their food, their music, and the land itself.

Image above: Ville de Fort de France by Wil Zaid.
Cover image: Commune du littoral sud de la Martinique by Mini Bonz

Here, you won’t find mega-resorts or cruise port crowds dominating the landscape. Instead, there are winding roads, quiet coves, welcoming guesthouses, and a culture that invites you in. The towns are walkable and lived-in rather than touristy. Even in the capital, Fort-de-France, the mood tends to cater more toward local rhythm than cruise ship rush. Throughout the island, small roadside stalls, open-air markets, and rum distilleries dot the landscape, inviting you to linger and explore.

Step into a morning scented with warm French baguettes and pomme cannelle, a braided brioche shaped like the island’s sugar apple. Street vendors serve accras de morue—piping hot, crisp codfish fritters. By noon, the smoky aroma of poulet boucané, spiced, flame-grilled chicken, rises from roadside grills, tempting you to stop and savour what’s cooking.

Around every curve in the road, Martinique engages your senses: plunging cliffs with Caribbean views, bursts of bougainvillaea, music drifting from open windows, and black-sand beaches just beyond banana fields. The island is lush and hilly, dotted with hiking trails, hidden waterfalls, and lookouts that feel like well-kept secrets. You can go from coastline to tropical forest in the span of an afternoon and find something different in each direction.

Martinique doesn’t demand your attention: it rewards your curiosity. The island brings together natural beauty, layered history and a grounded sense of place, offering travellers something more than the typical tropical escape.

The spirit of rum

No trip to Martinique would be complete without raising a glass of its world-renowned rum. Martinique produces rhum agricole, a distinctive style made not from molasses but from freshly pressed sugarcane juice. This detail makes all the difference. Martinican rum is fresh, grassy and terroir-driven with a profile shaped by volcanic soil, salt and sun. Many distilleries, like La Favorite and Saint James, still use traditional methods to craft it.

With over a dozen distilleries across the island, you can sip your way through centuries of craftsmanship while learning just how deeply rum is tied to the island’s cultural and agricultural roots. Tours are casual and welcoming, often ending with a generous tasting. And, whether you’re a connoisseur or just rum-curious, they often include panoramic views to match the flavour.

Images courtesy of La Distillerie A1710.

Rum, reimagined

Today new generation of distillers is expanding the island’s legacy. These newer producers bring innovation and fresh energy to a time-honoured craft.

La Distillerie A1710 is one that stands out. Founded in 2016, the distillery draws on heritage techniques, producing small-batch rhum agricole using a restored copper still and ageing it in oak barrels. The result is a refined product packaged like fine perfume and made to be sipped leisurely.

Then there’s Distillerie Baie des Trésors—”Bay of Treasures”—a name the brand proudly lives up to. This distillery focuses on terroir and single-plot cane harvesting. Its rums reveal the land in subtle ways, with mineral and floral notes that reflect the specific micro-climates of Martinique’s Atlantic coast and the bay it takes it’s name after.

These younger distilleries are proof that Martinique’s rum traditions aren’t frozen in time. They’re evolving and carving out new space in the world of fine spirits.

* * *

Martinique doesn’t need to perform—it just is. Whether you’re admiring the silhouette of Mont Pelée or sipping ti punch at sunset in Le Carbet, the island meets you where you are. For travellers who value creativity, connection, and a strong sense of place, this is more than a destination: it’s a feeling you’ll carry long after the trip is over.

Plan your trip to Martinique

If you’re an English speaker planning a trip, navigating the French-speaking island can be part of the adventure…or part of the challenge. That’s where travel planners like Soley Karayib Travel come in, offering custom experiences designed to help visitors connect with the island in a grounded, intentional way. Whether you’re drawn to food, nature, or local encounters, there’s space here for your version of travel.

Guest author: Alissa of Soley Karayib Travel

 soleykarayib.com | Instagram: @soleykarayibtravel

Alissa is a content creator and the founder of Soley Karayib Travel, a Martinique-based planning service for curious, culture-driven travelers. When she’s not exploring trails or rum distilleries, she shares stories of food, place, and Caribbean life from her home base on the island.

The post Martinique Unbottled: A Destination to Savour appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 

Sian Ka’an

A biosphere reserve in the region of Tulum and an official UNESCO World Heritage site. Sian Ka’an is over 5,280 km of land, uncultivated ground, and the Caribbean Sea, including a section of coral reef. There are also around 23 archaeological sites in the area, including Muyil, a fairly small set of ruins with a rich history.

One of the key activities in Sian Ka’an is the canals: a small boat takes you through clear turquoise open water, through a tight man-made canal to a natural one, deeper into the “swamp” where you get to float with the current observing the beauty of the preserved natural habitat. It is fairly shallow; you can even walk, but the water will gently carry you forward. The plant life is amazing, from deeply rooted trees to massive air plants shooting out strings over the water. The end of the floating tour is a boardwalk that takes the group back to the boat across the swampy field, around you, as far as the eye can see, are waist-high greenery and an occasional heron strolling through the grass.

Viator offers a range of tours to this site, both private and group. See them all here.

Laguna de Kaan Luum

Some people call this spot a secret. But really it is just less popular than other spots in the region. It is a clear, shallow lake, with spectacular turquoise water. There are a few swings, about bum deep in the water, multiple hammocks, and a dock people relax on. A single vendor will sell you a snack or a coconut for cash. Off to the side is a tall observation deck with a stunning view of the area. If you have a car, you can easily drive here, park outside, and then stroll down a short forested pathway to the water. There is a small cash-only admission fee. If you do not have a vehicle, don’t feel like taking a taxi, and would rather go with a tour, here are a few options. In most instances, it would be paired with another cenote stop or Tulum.

Tours:

• Kaan Luum Lagoon, Cenote Zacil Ha & Cenote Zemway Tour from Tulum
• Explore Cenotes in Tulum Kaan Luum Lagoon from Cancun
• And a few more Laguna de Kaan Luum tours

Xel-Há

One of the bigger waterparks in the area. A large space your whole family can enjoy, a multitude of water activities from adventurous to lazy river kind. Great place to snorkel or lie back and take a nap in a hammock. This is an all-inclusive park, so your fee covers food and drinks. You can easily spend two days here, so at least one full day is highly recommended.

Here is a selection of different tours from Viator and a few from GetYourGuide.

Xcaret

An eco-archaeological and cultural heritage park. First things first, this place is huge! There are over 50 attractions, a beautiful beach, a butterfly pavilion, giant turtles, various birds, live entertainment, dolphins, food, and drinks; I mean, the list can go on and on. You’ll need at least a day, and I’d recommend staying for the evening show. I’ve been to this site twice and will go back again in a heartbeat. I have now been a couple of times and still love discovering new things.

Book directly on xcaret.com in advance or combine Xcaret and Xel-Há for an additional offer when booking directly. If you are staying at the Occidental Xcaret, your park entrée is discounted. Find Xcaret tours on Viator and GetYourGuide.

Ek’ Balam

One of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Yucatan. Unlike the more popular archaeological sites (such as Chichen Itza) Ek’ Balam is fairly small, very green, and very accessible. Visitors are invited to hike up the ruins (with enough warnings) to observe their beauty up close and from up top. This site was populated from roughly 1200 BC to 1000 AD – a long period of time to keep a city occupied, so the history is rich. There are many theories as to why the city was abandoned, but it was rediscovered in 1800, actively excavated by the 1980s, and is still subject to ongoing preservation. There is a lot to see, a lot to climb, and a lot to wander about as you explore the many rooms of the many structures.

Find a selection of tours to this site along with multiple adventures here on Viator and GetYourGuide. Although generally speaking, I wouldn’t recommend hitting two historic sites on the same day, very time-restricting.

Tulum Ruins

Located near the town of Tulum, also a nice area to spend a few hours in. A fairly large, tightly situated complex of ruins and one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast. During the post-classic period, Tulum served as a seaport, trading mainly in turquoise and jade. As you explore the area, you might come across an archaeologist or two working away on the ruin preservation, and if you pay attention, you might spot a four-legged structure that looks a bit like a horse in the centre of the living area, whether or not it is a horse, no one is fully sure. There is also an amazing small beach in the park, so make sure to bring your suit and a towel.

Tours:

• Tulum Ruins and Cenote Guided Tour from Cancun
• Tulum Ruins Tour (Private, Half Day)
• Full-Day Tour of Tulum Ruins and Cenotes with Lunch
• VIP Guided Tour with Lunch, Tequila Tasting, and Chocolate
• Riviera Maya: Tulum Ruins, Mariposa & Chen-Ha Half-Day Tour

Valladolid

A small Spanish colonial town not too far from Ek’ Balam. The interesting bit of history is that the town was built near a lagoon in 1543 by the Spanish settlers (hence the name), but the locals complained about the mosquitoes, so it was moved to where it is now, in place of an older town that was broken down and used as the brick foundation for what is Valladolid now. The town is colourful, with interesting architecture and surprisingly subtle attention to detail (such as doors). The centre square is near a beautiful cathedral, and everything around it is on a grid. There is an old library, plenty of restaurants and shopping, and a Convent of San Bernardino de Siena a bit out of the centre (open only on Tuesdays).

Must try: Choco story chocolate shop, won’t lie I tried everything and left way more money behind than I’ve ever spent on chocolate. I will eat it slowly, to preserve and cherish the flavour for as long as I can. Located near the city square on the corner of Calle 39 and Calle 40, it might be called something else on the outside; just look for the word Chocolate.

Tip:  If you are shopping, the quality of products in Valladolid is significantly better than in tourist-heavy areas near resorts. Yalat Arte Mexicano is a neatly curated shop with a beautiful yard in the back with small huts dedicated to specific products (such as honey). A portion of their profits is donated to the community.

Find a range of tours to Valladolid on Viator and GetYourGuide.

Chichen Itza

One of the more popular destinations that most people visit during their vacation is the Riviera. A large and spacious complex of Mayan ruins with wonderful graphic stone carvings and the best-preserved Mayan ball court, among many other structures. Definitely worth a visit and is usually paired with a cenote stop as a tour.

Find a wide range of tours on Viator and GetYourGuide, quite a few already include a cenote visit.

Tip:  Bring a hat, the area is very open and gets a lot of sun, like hot, scorching, direct sun.

Cenotes & Adventure travel

Without a doubt, visit at least one cenote, which Mexico is well known for. A cenote is a natural pit – a sinkhole if you wish – that came about after a collapse of limestone bedrock, which in turn exposed groundwater. Some of these wonders of nature can be wide open to the human eye. Others you might need to repel down into for the full effect.

There are also many active adventure opportunities, such as zip lining through a jungle. There are a lot of options to suit your activity level, swimming skills, or tolerance to cold (some cenotes are quite cold) so it’s more of a choose-your-own adventure. You can book and drive to any of the adventures on your own.

Tours:

• Private Tour with Sea Turtles + 1 Cenote
• 4 Private Cenotes, Zip-Lines, Canoes & Mayan Village with Delicious Lunch
• Cancun: Jungle ATV 3 Ziplines & 2 Cenotes with Lunch
• Private Tour The Best Cenotes in Tulum Riviera Maya
• Extreme Zip-Line in Tulum + ATV and Cenote Swim
• Cenotes Casa Tortugas and Tulum Ruins Adventure from Riviera Maya

Cobá Ruins

A smaller complex but with a tall pyramid, Nohuch Mul, you can actually climb, all 130 feet of it, to the tiny temple at the top. The stairs are steep and uneven, and the trip down is more challenging than the hike up. At its peak, Coba was one of the biggest and most powerful city-states in the northern Yucatán area, and as you walk around, you will notice that glory shows throughout the site. I am not 100% if you are still able to climb the stairs, but even without it, the site is worth a visit.

See a handful of tours to Cobá here on Viator and on GetYourGuide.

Playa Del Carmen

A seaport and cultural hub for those who wander off the resort. The shopping area is filled with local goods and all sorts of more common shops, from Zara to Häagen-Daz, though if you walk a bit out of the store centre you will come across much more interesting and natural ice cream flavours in smaller booths. There is also a handful of bars, including the legendary Señor Frog’s, a public beach, and a city square from which you can peacefully people-watch. Easily accessible by taxi from nearby resort areas.

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Sandals Montego Bay is a couple’s resort and an ultimate romantic destination, which naturally also welcomes friends and family for all of the spectacular wedding celebrations that take place in the hotel year-round. 

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The trip was hosted by Jamaica Tourism Board, which did not review or approve the story.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

Standing on the beach all you see is blue water and white sand wrapping gently around the bay. The waterfront amenities are all shared with sun beds dotted along the shore, a small chapel, and a sunset bar bridging out into the sea. One of the Sandals’ selling points is their level of inclusivity, which is basically everything from dining to water sports, and if you chose the top tier of luxury, even a butler, but more on that later. Wherever on the resort you might be you are always close to a pool, and between the pools are game areas, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, and one very lovely spa.

Guests of Sandals Montego Bay also have exchange privileges with the nearby Sandals Royal Caribbean (complimentary 5-min ride) where they can make use of all of the amenities including the restaurants.

Dining & Entertainment 

Between themed restaurants and daytime cafes, there is a lot to choose from when it comes to dining – to be exact there are 12 restaurants and 6 bars (including an English pub). Sandals resorts pride themselves on food quality and all of their restaurants hold a 5-star Global Gourmet designation. My favourite was Tokyo Jo’s for their phenomenally fresh seafood and the over-the-water bar where you can kick back by a fire pit or stretch out over the water in a net bed. Naturally, there is a lot of evening entertainment from live music at the piano bar to nightly themed events with live bands, and an occasional beach party or Jamaican jamboree. 

The different stay categories  

All Sandals rooms are all-inclusive, but some categories offer special rooms with added benefits. The categories that Sandals offer, above standard all-inclusive, are Luxury (prime location), Club, and Butler Elite. Club-level rooms offer:

• Free room service (read: breakfast in bed)
• Private check-in lounge
• Exclusive access to the Sandals lounge
• Access to a concierge who can handle your bookings and reservations
• And a bottomless liquor minibar

The highest room category is Butler Elite, which (on top of all Club inclusions) has access to the most luxurious suites on the property and a personal butler. In many ways, the butler creates a more intimate experience for you and your partner:

• You have a private phone to reach them

• They can expedite all your food orders
• Make reservations
• Build your beach coolers
• Bring cocktails from any restaurant on the resort or switch towels on demand

The butler becomes your primary point of contact while you are on vacation. They really do make sure to check in with you throughout the day.

Note: You do need to tip the butler. After extensive research, I came up with an average of $15-$20 per day given either each day or as a total sum at the end of the stay. 

Inside the Suite 

There is quite a lot of variety when it comes to room types in Sandals Montego Bay. Some are condo-style buildings with ground-floor swim-up rooms, some are villas with private sunbathing areas, and others are lovely quiet units looking out into the garden. This time I’ve had the pleasure of staying in the One-Bedroom Butler Suite. This room category is very spacious with a lovely kitchenette and a seating area looking out on the ocean. The two tranquility soaking tubs (indoor and on the balcony) are certainly a great bonus. I thoroughly enjoyed soaking in mine while watching the beach wedding happenings. See all room types here. 

Wellness & Fitness 

The Red Lane Spa, tucked away in the garden near the gym, is an optional activity. The guests can book a wide range of services including massage therapy, body scrubs and polishes, facial treatments, and of course a selection of Mani/Pedi options. During my visit, I enjoyed the Deep Relief with CBD massage treatment. Here you have the option to include a belly and head massage, curious about the effects of it all I said yes to everything. The experience was incredibly relaxing and soothing to my travel and schedule-stressed muscles and mind.

Note: If you opt-in for the CBD massage you will need to wash your hair after so plan accordingly. 

The on-site fitness facilities include a state-of-the-art gym, tennis court, beach volleyball, and even offer complimentary fitness classes (tennis 101, Tabata, gym assist, etc).

* * *

Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica
Book directly on sandals.com/montego-bay or on booking.com for those extra rewards.
All-inclusive suites start from $331 USD / person
100 Kent Ave, Montego Bay, JA

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