DIRECT FLIGHTS TO THE CARIBBEAN

October 29, 2014
DIRECT FLIGHTS TO THE
CARIBBEAN
Winter is coming. No seriously, winter is coming. To keep the polar vortex blues at bay, we’re
rounding up eight of our favorite warm-weather getaways a non-stop hop (forget the skip and
jump) from the East Coast. This way to the beach.
ANGUILLA/ST. MARTIN
Viceroy Anguilla
Direct from: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC
Non-stop flights arrive into St. Martin, so families headed to Anguilla will take a twenty-minute
boat ride across the channel. There’s also a five-minute flight on a puddle jumper, but the plane
is tiny so most travelers prefer the boat. The reward? A wider choice of top resorts, less crowded
beaches and a more relaxed pace.
Where to Stay: Belmond La Samanna on St. Martin; Malliouhana, Viceroy, Cap
Juluca andCuisinArt on Anguilla
ANTIGUA
Jumby Bay
Direct from: New York
Antigua has a distinctly British vibe thanks to regular flights from London in addition to the US
connections. It also has some of the Caribbean’s best kids clubs at its three most popular highend resorts.
Where to Stay: Carlisle Bay, Curtain Bluff, Jumby Bay
BAHAMAS
One & Only Ocean Club
Direct from: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, DC
There’s life beyond Atlantis. One & Only’s sophisticated Ocean Club sits a short drive down the
beach from the kid-adored behemoth, so mom and dad can have the resort they love (with a great
kids’ club) but still do a day or two at the water park. A new upscale complex will be opening
later this winter as well. Watch out for cool spells in December and January.
Where to Stay: One & Only Ocean Club plus Rosewood, SLS and Grand Hyatt to come when
the new Baha Mar complex opens
CANCUN/RIVIERA MAYA
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Direct from: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC
This stretch of coast, known as the Riviera Maya, reaches from the crowded Cancun hotel zone
to the boho-chic beach shacks in Tulum. There’s something for everyone, and great culture, food
and eco-adventure that give this destination more umph than the average fly-and-flop vacation.
An extra perk is that West Coasters also have direct flights, making this beachy paradise ideal for
bicoastal friends and family looking for a meeting spot.
Where to Stay: Rosewood Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba, Banyan Tree
Mayakoba, Nizuc,Belmond Maroma and Esencia; in Tulum, Las Ranitas and La Zebra
PUERTO RICO
Dorado Beach
Direct from: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC
San Juan has the busiest airport in the Caribbean, and more flights mean lower prices. While
some families use San Juan as the gateway to other islands, Puerto Rico now has top-notch
resorts that rival the region’s best. There’s also great colonial architecture in old San Juan and
the amazing El Yunque rainforest to explore. The clincher? You’ll clear customs in San Juan,
meaning no immigration when you land at home, and you don’t need a passport.
Where to Stay: Dorado Beach, St. Regis Bahia Beach, El Conquistador
ST. LUCIA
Viceroy Sugar Beach
Direct from: Boston, New York
St. Lucia’s dramatic scenery (the iconic Piton Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
was traditionally the draw for honeymooners, but now thanks to increased direct flights, cool
eco-aware activities and some new family-focused resorts, the kids are welcome here, too.
Where to Stay: Viceroy Sugar Beach, Capella Marigot Bay
TURKS & CAICOS
Amanyara
Direct from: Boston, New York
The resorts on famous Grace Bay are the easiest to access from the airport, but the beach can
also feel Miami-style crowded during peak periods. Both Amanyara and Parrot Cay require some
extra work to arrive but offer the ultimate getaway at formerly couples-only enclaves turned
school-break bests. Keep in mind that Turks & Caicos are technically part of the Bahamas, not
the Caribbean, and weather can be more temperamental during December and January.
Where to Stay: Parrot Cay, Amanyara, Grace Bay Club, Regent Palms, Beach
House, Venetian,Gansevoort
US VIRGIN ISLANDS
Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas
Direct from: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC
As with St. Martin and Anguilla, St. John is less crowded (two-thirds of the island is a national
park) but you’ll take a boat from St. Thomas, where flights land, to get there. And St. John’s
Cruz Bay might be one of our favorite Caribbean towns, full of laidback eateries perfect for
families. Bonus: the US Virgin Islands don’t require a passport to visit, and passengers won’t
wait for immigration when arriving home.
Where to Stay: Ritz-Carlton on St. Thomas, Caneel Bay on St. John
http://www.featherandflip.com/travel-journal/2014/10/20/direct-flights-to-the-caribbean