Our travels to Abaco are always full of sand, sun and sea. The Abaco Beach Resort just keeps getting better. In addition to its latest and continuous renovations, they’ve added the one item most active travelers are looking for these days. You guessed it… pickleball courts! Come on, you know it’s a thing. The resort did not stop there with their addition of amenities. You can now check out their new tennis courts and Padel courts. There’s absolutely nothing that out-trends this resort. They have their finger on the pulse of what today’s travelers want. We say dive in and try all of these new additions. The staff, the decor, the food, and the vacation experience are all true to this island’s nature. In a year dominated by artificial intelligence, deep fakes, and disingenuity, that word rose to the top. In a world filled with the same, the abaco Beach Resort also rises to meet guests exactly where they are, with an indelible sense of place.

An uncrowded, pristine experience, which is what awaits in the Abaco Islands and its premier property, Abaco Beach Resort, is a remarkable choice from which to take it all in. The resort and marina are owned by two Bahamians, Manny Alexiou and Andrew Sweeting, who have an affinity for boating and island hopping. You can feel their passion as you gaze out upon the marina from The Bistro where guests are immersed in a subtle nautical themed elegant fine dining experience. The  Bistro Terrace has added a new outdoor seating area with spectacular views of the Sea of Abaco, lush gardens, and dining under the stars.  New menu concepts and feedback from guests rank it as the best dining experience on the island for local and international cuisine, and the service is second to none!

Now you can think of fresh local lobster, elevated, of course…alfresco.The boats bobbing in the marina at sunset can’t help but draw the eye from the plate to the setting sun’s palette.

The Abacos are known for their wild beauty, those azure waters, sandy beaches, emerald hills, six national parks, and some of the best boating in the Bahamas.

Located just 165-miles off the coast of Florida on Great Abaco in the 120-mile chain of islands and cays that comprise the islands of the Abacos, the Abaco Beach Resort recently completed a massive renovation and expansion. The resort renovated all of its 94 rooms, added deluxe accommodation options, created the fine dining Bistro and a new al fresco restaurant poolside, all while building the largest marina in the Bahamas. Don’t call it a comeback, it’s a fresh start.

On the powder-white sands and clear turquoise waters of Providenciales in Turks & Caicos, The Reserve at Grace Bay by Beach Enclave opened in November. Part of Beach Enclave Turks & Caicos, a collection of exclusive-use beach houses and villas across North Shore, Long Bay, and Grace Bay, this new property presents three ultra-luxury beachfront villas along the most highly desirable stretch of sunset-facing Grace Bay beach.

If you’re dreaming of a tropical escape that combines luxury, relaxation, and adventure, the Riu Palace Aquarelle in Jamaica is the latest choice in the destination. Situated on the pristine beaches of Trelawny, just outside of Montego Bay, this all-inclusive resort is perfect for travelers seeking everything from blissful spa treatments to vibrant nightlife, along with a touch of eco-conscious adventure. Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing all that the Riu Palace has to offer—and let me tell you, it’s an unforgettable Caribbean escape.

Spa Bliss: A Journey to Tranquility

The moment I stepped into the resort’s RenovaSpa, I knew I was in for a treat. With a delicate balance of modern luxury and island charm, the spa instantly soothed my senses. I opted for the Ya Mon No Problem, a signature treatment that’s as relaxing as it sounds. A combination of techniques; relaxing, deep and balancing. All these techniques will make this full body massage a 100% Jamaican sensation and left me radiating with the kind of glow that only comes from an authentic Caribbean experience.

The spa offers a range of treatments, from traditional massages to more elaborate packages designed to pamper you from head to toe.

Rediscovering the Caribbean Aboard EXPLORA II

There’s something unmistakably captivating about the moment a ship first casts off, its hull gliding through the water as you settle into the rhythm of the sea. My husband, David, and I had been anticipating this day for months—the start of an extraordinary journey aboard EXPLORA II, the latest addition to Explora Journeys’ fleet, as it repositioned from Barcelona and made its way through the Caribbean. With Antigua as our boarding port, we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect backdrop to begin our voyage—a place where the aquamarine waters are so clear, the sunsets so breathtaking, they almost seem too beautiful to be real.

Day 1: Setting Sail from Tortola

As dawn breaks over Tortola, the sun casts golden rays on the tranquil waters of the British Virgin Islands. A sense of excitement fills the air as we, a group of five lifelong friends, prepare to embark on a five-day getaway aboard a Moorings 46-foot motor yacht. With its sleek design, spacious deck, and elegant interiors, this yacht promises the perfect setting for both adventure and relaxation.

After a warm welcome from our knowledgeable captain, we step aboard and toast with chilled champagne as the yacht glides out of the marina. The vibrant hues of the Caribbean Sea unfold before us, with lush green hills framing our view. Our first destination is Virgin Gorda, famous for its stunning beaches and captivating geological formations. Not before a quick stop at the floating bar and grill, the infamous Willy T! We did not try the grill bit, but the bar and a few jumps off the top deck were all the introduction we needed to our yachting vacation.

All aboard

The yacht offers a seamless blend of luxury and comfort, featuring an open-plan living area, a fully-equipped galley, and a plush cockpit for lounging. With just the five of us, the atmosphere is intimate and inviting. With spacious staterooms for us on the motorcat, we always had room for privacy coupled with just enough connectivity to each other.

We came to play though…As we anchored near The Baths, we decided to eat ashore versus preparing a gourmet lunch using local seafood and fresh produce. Dining al fresco could wait for another day. We connected with an old friend who lives on the island and ate at the restaurant at the top of The Baths. From there we could soak in the views and share the laughter that comes easily among friends.

Our travels to Abaco are always full of sand, sun and sea. The Abaco Beach Resort just keeps getting better. In addition to its latest and continuous renovations, they’ve added the one item most active travelers are looking for these days. You guessed it… pickleball courts! Come on, you know it’s a thing. The resort did not stop there with their addition of amenities. You can now check out their new tennis courts and Padel courts. There’s absolutely nothing that out-trends this resort. They have their finger on the pulse of what today’s travelers want. We say dive in and try all of these new additions.  We know that the word of the year in 2023 was “authentic” and Abaco Beach Resort is carrying it into 2024 and beyond. Have you gone down for a visit yet? If you have, you’ll know it’s actually woven into the fabric of everything they do at the resort. The staff, the decor, the food, and the vacation experience are all true to this island’s nature. In a year dominated by artificial intelligence, deep fakes, and disingenuity, that word rose to the top. In a world filled with the same, the abaco Beach Resort also rises to meet guests exactly where they are, with an indelible sense of place.

An uncrowded, pristine experience, which is what awaits in the Abaco Islands and its premier property, Abaco Beach Resort is a remarkable choice from which to take it all in. The resort and marina are owned by two Bahamians, Manny Alexiou and Andrew Sweeting, who have an affinity for boating and island hopping. You can feel their passion as you gaze out upon the marina from The Bistro where guests are immersed in a subtle nautical themed elegant fine dining experience. The  Bistro Terrace has added a new outdoor seating area with spectacular views of the Sea of Abaco, lush gardens, and dining under the stars.  New menu concepts and feedback from guests rank it as the best dining experience on the island for local and international cuisine, and the service is second to none!

Now you can think of fresh local lobster, elevated, of course…alfresco.The boats bobbing in the marina at sunset can’t help but draw the eye from the plate to the setting sun’s palette.

The Abacos are known for their wild beauty, those azure waters, sandy beaches, emerald hills, six national parks, and some of the best boating in the Bahamas.

Located just 165-miles off the coast of Florida on Great Abaco in the 120-mile chain of islands and cays that comprise the islands of the Abacos, the Abaco Beach Resort recently completed a massive renovation and expansion. The resort renovated all of its 94 rooms, added deluxe accommodation options, created the fine dining Bistro and a new al fresco restaurant poolside, all while building the largest marina in the Bahamas. Don’t call it a comeback, it’s a fresh start.

“The new look is sleek, modern, and sizzles with a fresh energy,” said newly appointed General Managers Andrei & Antonia Mocanu. “It has breathed new life into this historic property.”

The private residential and resort club community of Albany on the southwestern end of New Providence in The Bahamas is recognized for privacy and casual elegance; expansive, resort-style collection of amenities and world-class architecture and design featuring work by the world’s foremost architects throughout the residences. Uniquely, the more than 230+ private homes offer an exceptional alternative to a traditional hotel, where resort guests can experience first-hand the service of the private club community and access all the amenities and experiences offered across its 600 acres.

“Albany is unlike any other resort in the world,” said Damien Michelmore, chief operating officer of Albany. “Once here, guests truly feel like they are a part of our community, enjoying access to our exceptional amenities designed for families and adults alike.”

Albany features a collection of villas, custom homes, and marina residences, many with unparalleled views and private pools that enable resort guests to enjoy both the luxuries of a private residence coupled with the amenities and personalized services, including 24-hour concierge of a five-star hotel. The resort is just seven minutes from Nassau’s international airport and private airfields, making it easily accessible for travelers from around the world.

Guests can choose to rent from a variety of properties ranging from two- to-eight-bedroom homes. Albany’s villas come in three distinctive styles: beachfront, ocean view and courtyard villas, with many including private pools. Custom homes in a range of architectural styles are situated throughout the community, with several along the beach and the championship golf course. Centrally located in the community is Albany Marina, a 71-slip mega-yacht marina designed by Robert A.M. Stern, offering a safe port for mega-yachts up to 250 feet in length. Surrounding the marina are a collection of exquisite residential buildings designed by renowned architects such as Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the late Charles Gwathmey of Gwathmey Siegel Kauffman, OOAK (One-of-a-Kind Architects), Morris Adjmi Architects, Squire and Partners, and others, with some residences and penthouses spanning up to 10,000 square feet.

Having been to some of the very best all inclusive resorts and non-all inclusive resorts around the globe, I must say that I tend to be extremely discerning. Visiting S Hotel this year came just at the right time. Needing a little R&R before delving back into the fray of a hectic travel month, I thought that slipping S Hotel in would be the perfect respite that I was seeking. The last time I visited, the hotel was in its pre-opening days. I remembered the vision of Chrsitopher Issa, the owner, being conveyed to me as we walked (briskly) through the matte white walls that rose above the famed “Hip Strip” of Montego Bay. It was a bright idea to create the hotel’s foundation as a blank canvas. Once you visit you’ll see exactly why. It not only lets the guests have a perfect backdrop to the glistening Caribbean Sea but allows the artwork that is rampant throughout the property to pop and stand out. Uniquely Jamaican statuary and art pieces are everywhere. The sense of place is unmistakable and as a Jamaican, I smiled at every turn. National heroes, and iconic legends pointed the way to my next S Hotel moment. Sometimes literally pointing as in the Nanny of the Maroons, the first and foremost leader of the Windward Maroons of Jamaica, an autonomous community of self-emancipated, formerly enslaved people. Seeing her statue point me in the direction of the elevator was very fitting. I was there to emancipate myself from what Bob Marley could easily have been referring to as “mental slavery” where my every thought was filled with the next step at work. His statue, Mr. Robert-Nesta Marley was also moving us along. Guitar in hand, right leg off the ground, his dreads cascading down his denim-clad shoulder was motivation for us to get up, stand up, and head right for the Irie Baths. These cleverly crafted grotto pools in a dimly lit underground setting helped me ease my way into the day. The series of three pools, each having its own temperature is designed as a hydrotherapy experience for guests. Since you have to make a reservation just to secure a time slot to use the bath, there’s never a fear of overcrowding or feeling like a swimming pool. This is a very intimate and tranquil experience. The design is deliberate. The intention is to have you grounded in what surrounds this hotel. The beach upon which S hotel is built is called Doctor’s Cave Beach. The spring fed waters of this beach, just steps outside of these baths, have been known for their healing properties. You feel that sense of healing within these walls.

Bahamas Out Islands and the recently renovated Abaco Beach Resort are known for their brilliant blues, island hopping, and laid back vibes.

Abaco Beach Resort is the perfect hang spot for families and couples alike. Heck, chill time can mean many things to many people. What we will say is that if you like the water, the islands, the Bahamas, “me time”,  family time, or the ability to soak in the best of a destination, look no further. At the Abaco Beach Resort you can do it all or nothing at all.

An uncrowded, pristine experience, which is what awaits in the Abacos and its premier property, Abaco Beach Resort — a remarkable choice from which to take it all in. The resort and marina are owned by two Bahamians, Manny Alexiou and Andrew Sweeting, who have an affinity for boating and island hopping. You can feel their passion as you gaze out upon the marina from The Bistro where guests are immersed in a subtle nautical themed elegant fine dining experience. Think fresh local lobster, elevated of course. The boats bobbing in the marina at sunset can’t help but draw the eye from the plate to the setting sun’s palette.