Sometimes it’s luxury we crave in our travels. Other times, adventures in nature inspire us to seek new destinations. Fortunately, both are available at each of these luxury resorts and aboard an incredible yacht. With these luxury adventures you’ll pay your respects to Mother Nature as you scuba dive, snorkel, release newly hatched sea turtles and more. And when the day’s adventures end, relish in an abundance of luxe amenities.
Luxury Adventures at Caribe Hilton, San Juan
Since opening its doors in 1949, the Caribe Hilton, San Juan has welcomed guests including celebrities and athletes. This iconic beachfront resort claims the tasty title of the birthplace of the Piña Colada. Choose from oceanfront or garden rooms and suites spread across three property sections. Work off your libation calories with a tennis lesson from an international professional instructor. Then treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon at Zen Spa Océano.
For those seeking to encounter local species, the adventure begins in the resort’s tropical gardens and bird sanctuary which harbor parrots and peacocks. Kayaking the nearby Condado Lagoon brings you up close to playful dolphins and gentle Caribbean manatees. On-site snorkeling and scuba diving round out the additional underwater creatures spotting options.
Caribe Hilton, San Juan also arranges guided tours of El Yunque – a Puerto Rico natural treasure, this tropical rainforest boasts a diverse ecosystem with hundreds of unique plant and animal species including the famous coqui frog, the island’s official symbol.
Through a partnership with the local Manatee Conservation Center, guests can be a manatee caretaker for a day. The center educates travelers on the conservation of manatees, sea turtles, and other local marine animals. www.hilton.com/caribe-hilton
Experience Sustainable Luxury at Caerula Mar Club
Idyllically situated on ten secluded acres of oceanfront property along the eastern shore of South Andros in the Bahamas, Caerula Mar Club beckons to those in search of a secluded paradise. The resort’s eighteen clubhouse suites and five private villas are made with sustainable, natural materials and include breezy outdoor living spaces.
Adventurous travelers will jump at the chance to explore the Andros Reef. As the third-largest barrier reef in the world, it spans 100 miles. Conveniently located directly in front of the resort, the reef provides the purest diving experience in the Bahamas. Dives are available for all skill levels and offer encounters with sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, tropical fish and blue holes that some say are home to the mythical creature called Lusca.
South Andros also attracts fishing enthusiasts. Guests of Caerula Mar Club can book a fishing excursion and find out for themselves why the island is called the “Bone Fishing Capital of The World.” Additional adventures include sailing and snorkeling in the clear blue Caribbean waters.
The property features three dining concepts. Switcha, is a whimsical café and smoothie bar. Driffs, serves as a poolside/oceanfront bar and lunch location. And Lusca presents a Caribbean-inspired fine dining restaurant. And when you need to recharge, visit one of the resort’s areas for yoga and meditation. www.caerulamar.com
Luxury Adventures at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Located oceanside near the Malecon Puerto Vallarta, the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa boasts its very own Tequila Casamagna to add a little extra kick to your paradise experiences. Imbibe as you lounge by the infinity pool overlooking the seemingly endless ocean. Guests choose from a selection of luxe suites and rooms with the choice of ocean or garden views.
For those seeking a unique experience, time your visit for turtle season. From June to December, guests staying at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa share in the local cultural tradition of the Huichol people native to the Sierra Madre Mountain range. For the Huichol, sea turtles represent a spiritual symbol touted as helpers of the rain goddesses.
Guests are invited to participate in the resort’s turtle protection program with the opportunity to release newly hatched turtles into the ocean on the resort’s beach. The program also teaches the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and taking care of the environment so that species like these can thrive. www.marriott.com/puerto-vallarta-resort-and-spa
Playa Largo Resort & Spa – Luxury Adventures in the Florida Keys
Situated on 14.5 beachfront acres in the Florida Keys, Playa Largo Resort & Spa, boasts beautiful beaches, a gorgeous waterfront pool, new private villas, and bright, airy guest rooms with an Ameri-Caribbean aesthetic for the ultimate island feel.
Nestled amongst oversized gumbo limbo trees and miles of turquoise blue waters, Playa Largo Resort is surrounded by beautiful wildlife on land and at sea. The resort and offers plenty of options for groups, families, and kids to explore nature’s wonders.
Head out on one of the resort’s water sport rentals, embark on an Eco Tour with an on-property environmentalist, or set off through the winding nature trails. Keep watch for the Keys’ most precious wildlife, including endangered butterflies, Stock Island Tree Snails and the elusive Key Largo Woodrat.
For more adventure and oceanic exploration, just minutes down the road is the famous John Pennekamp State Park. Here aquatic adventure seekers can choose from snorkeling tours, scuba diving excursions, and glass bottom boat tours. From dolphins to sea turtles, to stunning coral reefs, Key Largo boats some of the most beautiful wildlife in the world, and Playa Largo Resort & Spa is the perfect oasis to host lovers of tropical exploration. www.playalargoresort.com
Luxury, Nature and New England Charm at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, Cape Cod, MA
A Cape Cod treasure, the Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club adds a touch of luxury to the area’s quintessential New England charm. This 337-room resort offers an array of accommodations from rooms in the historic Nickerson Mansion to a wide variety of villas and townhouses in the Villages.
The charm continues at the Beach House Spa housed in a New England-style abode. Recreational offerings at the resort include bicycle rentals, golf, tennis, pickleball, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
For a unique aquacultural adventure, the resort offers seasonal oyster bed tours. Located directly off the coast of the resort’s peaceful private beach is a fleet of oyster beds. During low tide, guests are able to explore the Brewster Flats with a guide to learn about aquaculture and the importance the tide plays in the farming of oysters.
Be sure to keep an eye out for other sea life during the tour as well, including clams, crabs, scallops, fish and more. After this unforgettable experience in the resort’s backyard, indulge in the delicious Brewster Oysters, served at multiple restaurants on the property. For the ultimate sunset, grab a barstool at the beachside bar and watch the sun melt into the water. www.oceanedge.com
Luxury Adventures with Ecoventura in the Galapagos
Intimate and exclusive for just 20 guests, the identical luxury expedition yachts, Origin & Theory by Ecoventura are named after Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and Origin of Species. Managed as floating boutique hotels, Origin & Theory are the only Galapagos vessels to have joined the ranks of the esteemed Relais & Chateaux collection.
The seven-night itinerary includes daily excursions and educational briefings led by two certified naturalists. Daily activities include beautiful snorkeling opportunities, kayaking and beach walks. These along with hiking tours bring you up close and personal to the destination’s most fascinating species.
Wildlife wanders freely and fearlessly throughout the archipelago. As a result, travelers frequently find themselves swimming with sea turtles, sunbathing with sea lions or face-to-face with the famous blue-footed boobies. Take the experience to another level with Origin & Theory by Ecoventura’s “Private Moments” package. The package includes a personal naturalist for the most curated way to travel through the Galapagos. Or charter one of the yachts, for a fully curated experience. www.ecoventura.com