R I V I E R A M AYA You can alternate days laying on dreamy white-sand beaches and exploring ancient Mayan ruins and jungle-shaded cenotes (sinkholes that occur when limestone collapses and fills with groundwater). Plus, the food options are stellar, from simple fish tacos and ceviche to avant-garde Mexican fare served in casual beachside settings.
B E S T T I M E TO V I S I T Skip the crowds in December and January and visit February through April, the tail end of dry season. November sees some rain but still offers plenty of sun and empty beaches for an almost-private escape.
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W H E R E TO S TAY The Riviera Maya is lined with pricey luxury resorts like Rosewood Mayakoba and Hotel Esencia, but for a more intimate stay, try Hotel La Semilla in Playa del Carmen. Located less than a five-minute walk from the beach, the nineroom, adults-only inn is decorated in vintage flea market finds, and the rate includes a decadent breakfast of fresh fruit and hot dishes like chilaquiles. From $120; HotelLaSemilla.com W H AT TO D O Pull yourself away from the beach one day and experience the region’s magical cenotes. Edventure Tours offers snorkel excursions to locales in both jungles and caves. ($115; EdventureTours.mx)
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Not even the most powerful hurricane can take away the effortlessly chic vibe of Saint Barth’s. There are enough idyllic white-sand beaches to try out a new patch of sand every day and plenty of nightlife spots to dance the night away.
B E S T T I M E TO V I S I T November through June offers the best weather—many hotels, including Cheval Blanc, shut down for hurricane season, from September through mid-October. Christmas and New Year’s brings a see-and-be-seen crowd, so prices skyrocket. W H E R E TO S TAY Cheval Blanc has prime real estate on dreamy Flamands Beach and boasts one of the islands best spas from cult brand Guerlain. Whitewashed rooms and bungalows are accented in neutral and pastel hues, and you can choose between a beach or garden setting. Be warned: You’ll want to buy everything you see at the weekly poolside fashion shows hosted by the hotel’s boutique. From $820, including breakfast and airport transfers; ChevalBlanc.com W H AT TO D O Colombier Beach is only accessible by foot or boat. The 30-minute hike is worth the effort, as it’s consistently ranked one of the island’s most gorgeous stretches of sand. Hire a guide through Body + Soul and tack on a massage after your trek. (BodyandSoul-StBarth.com)
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