I have long had a love affair with the Caribbean, and have visited almost all the islands. Each has its own character, but they all share beautiful water, gentle breezes, and welcoming people. Choosing only three of the many fabulous resorts throughout the Caribbean was a difficult task. I started by choosing my favorite one resort on each island, and then painstakingly pared down. The result is a selection of extraordinary hotels that are sure to please. I will even go so far to say that they are likely to surpass all expectations. Each of these belong to Virtuoso, an invitation-only affiliation of the “best of the best” travel vendors, suppliers, and advisors. When you book any of these resorts through a Virtuoso travel advisor, you will receive lots of extras: a room upgrade upon arrival, if available, daily breakfast for two, preferred rates and availability, and a special value-added Virtuoso amenity, all at no additional charge! If that is not enough to entice you, read on to find out why these three are at the top of my list.

Half Moon, Montego Bay, Jamaica is known as the quintessential Caribbean resort and was recently voted by Virtuoso advisors as having the best family program from hundreds of truly elite properties worldwide. Here children can enjoy storytelling, tennis lessons, and even swim with dolphins. Parents can relax with spa treatments or golf on the Robert Trent Jones-designed course. Half Moon also offers horseback riding, scuba diving, snorkeling, outdoor soaking tubs and a walking labyrinth. A Pre-Arrival concierge will handle any special requests and the Virtuoso amenity includes a welcome gift and roundtrip airport transfers. Something for everyone in the family is why Half Moon has so many repeat guests year after year.

Ladera, Soufrière, St. Lucia (West Indies) is dramatically unique in that each of the 32 suites has only three walls! The fourth is open to stunning views of the lush tropical landscape or an unrivalled vista of the Twin Pitons and azure Caribbean water. The award-winning restaurant, Dasheene, features fresh local fish and vegetables and is renown island-wide. A trip to the Ti Kai Posé mineral soaking tub in the spa gardens will relax and the complimentary Virtuoso amenity of a 30-minute couples’ massage will restore. Ladera is a couple’s paradise for honeymoons or romantic renewals.

Casa de Campo, La Romana, Dominican Republic  

is another family friendly favorite that is equally appealing to couples. Sun-drenched white-sand beaches, a wealth of lively activities and impeccable service make it a vacation destination for all. Golf Magazine ranked one of the three Pete Dye-designed golf courses, Teeth of the Dog, as #1 in the Caribbean. Accommodations include Elite guestrooms and suites, as well as exclusive villas with living and dining rooms, full kitchen and private pool. There are children’s programs for toddlers to teens, insuring fun for all ages. Gourmet meals are prepared under a chef from New York’s famous Le Cirque restaurant and guest can choose between all-inclusive or European meal plans. Virtuoso amenities of either full American breakfast or a $200 spa credit make Casa de Campo a great deal for all travelers.

So now you have at least three reasons to choose the Caribbean for your next trip. Contact Covington to book these exclusive Virtuoso deals and you too, will begin a love affair with the Caribbean.