Best Beach Getaways

Summer is just around the corner and it is time to start planning your sun and fun-filled getaway to your favorite beach.  Looking for some new and exciting beach destination ideas this year?  Here are a few recommendations from The Getaway Girl® herself!

Curacao

Located just 35 miles north of Venezuela, Curaçao is on every jetsetter’s radar as it was most recently named by Frommer’s as a ‘Top Destination for 2012,’ selected as one of the ‘5 Caribbean Islands to Discover Now’ by Budget Travel and a top three ‘2012 Honeymoon Hot Spot’ by Condé Nast Traveler. 

With its intimate, private beaches, pristine dive sites, eclectic array of restaurants and ϋber-luxe resorts, Curaçao is redefining the luxury Caribbean vacation. The capital city of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lures visitors with its distinctive candy-colored Dutch Colonial architecture, museums and monuments. The island has more than 30 beaches, 129 nationalities, 60 dive sites and an increasing number of hot new hotels and restaurants.

It enjoys a hurricane-proof location, world-class diving, and guaranteed sunshine. But Curaçao is unlike its fairly one-note siblings—anyone who looks beyond the tropical surface will find a distinct culture, a pronounced Latin-Caribbean vibe, some fine Dutch colonial architecture, and menus featuring some surprising specialties, from satay to cactus soup and tamales. 

Where to stay? The Avila Hotel is a luxury beachfront resort named a 2011 Fodor's Choice property by Fodor's Travel.

Cape May, NJ

Yes, Cape May is, technically, on the Jersey Shore. But it’s the antithesis of the Jersey Shore you’ll see on TV—instead of nightclubs and tanning parlors, you’ll find Victorian mansions and a famous lighthouse.  It was ranked the ninth best beach in the world and second in the U.S by TripAdvisor.com.

The Ocean Club Hotel, which underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in late 2010, has reopened as an ultra chic and modern option in Cape May's quaint, victorian community. The boutique hotel, which sits directly across the street from the beach, is designed so that each and every room has its own private balcony with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Kauai, Hawaii

The island of Kauai is known as the Garden Isle for its lush tropical beauty. Hawaii's least developed island is crisscrossed with rivers, swamps, ginger blossoms and banana trees. Its picture-perfect landscape has been featured in Jurassic Park and South Pacific, as well as in the opening shot of Fantasy Island. Poipu is hands down the best beach on the island and is actually a series of three curved beaches. Poipu is ideal for families since the middle beach has the calmest waters, and adventurous types can brave the high surf in the other two.

Situated on a verdant bluff on the north shore of Kauai, The St.Regis Princeville Resort offers guest rooms and public areas with breathtaking panoramic views of emerald mountains and the turquoise waters of Hanalei Bay. Set on 23 luscious acres, with brilliant bougainvillea in abundance, The St. Regis Princeville Resort dazzles. The resort boasts of outstanding natural beauty, exceptional recreational facilities and superb restaurants. Rates start at $375/night.  Plus, stay 5 nights, get $1,000 resort credit, and Starwood Preferred Guest members can now SAVE 50% off their next exotic Hawaiian island escape.  For a cozy experience, stay at Gloria's Spouting Horn B&B. Rates start at $275.

Vero Beach, FL

Situated along Florida’s Atlantic Coast 135 miles north of Miami and about 110 miles Southeast of Orlando, this quaint seaside county is surrounded by 26 miles of pristine, unspoiled beaches and the Indian River Lagoon.  Nature and culture are treasured and preserved here, as well as immaculate beaches, superb fishing and water sports, and small-town ambiance. With world-class dining, boutique shopping, and an abundance of natural and cultural resources, it’s no wonder that Vero Beach was twice named by "Great Towns of America" as one of the "100 Great Towns in America."   Visitors can relax on miles of picturesque beaches, or choose sports activities all within just a few minutes of local resorts.

Swimming, surfing, boating, deep sea fishing, scuba diving and sky diving are just a few of the wide range of exciting recreational opportunities awaiting you in Indian River County. There are 17 challenging golf courses, three open to the public.  In addition, there are tennis courts, hiking and biking trails, riverside camping and seaside picnic facilities available for year-round enjoyment…a lot to choose from including the Atlantic Ocean in the backyard.

The Costa d'Este Beach Resort, an oceanfront property owned by Emilio and Gloria Estefan, encourages guests to get their feet in the sand with its Beach Bum Package (starting rate $249)

Grab your shades and your favorite book and hit the beach in style. With sugar-sand shoreline extending as far as the eye can see, our Florida oceanfront resort presents a glorious dilemma – how do you want to unwind? Our suggestion drop into a beach chair set up and order up your favorite tropical drink.  This package includes: Luxurious Accommodations, Full Day Beach Chair set up, $50 Resort Credit, FREE Valet Parking, and a Welcome Mojito!