3. Negril, Jamaica
At Sunset at the Palms Resort, an adults-only sanctuary in Negril, Jamaica, you’ll willingly slip into sensory overload: Squish your toes into sun-warmed, white sand beaches; watch colorburst sunsets melt into the sea; sip a martini made with Jamaica’s own Appleton rum at the piano bar; feel muscle tension evaporate at the Ginger Lily Spa under a therapist’s healing ministrations – all while drinking in the tropical splendor of one of the Caribbean’s top all-inclusive resorts. Here, elegant treehouse-style accommodations tucked amidst the bougainvillea cosset guests with Asian-inspired furnishings, king-size beds, open-air bathrooms, and daybeds set on the balcony for whiling away a drowsy afternoon, listening to the hum of nature. The most secluded are the one bedroom treetop villas. The most unforgettable experience? The Chef’s Showcase (reservations required), a four-course gastronomical adventure presided over by the chef and featuring farm-to-table delicacies with a Mediterranean twist accompanied by luscious wines and island cocktails.
4. Honolulu, Hawaii
Authentic Hawaii happens at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu, with guests immersing themselves in the music, food, and culture of traditional Polynesia. Top island entertainers perform at Kani Ka Pile Grille every night. Daily activities might include making a kukui nut bracelet, taking a ukulele or hula lesson, learning the art of bamboo stamping or the history of Polynesian tattoo design, taking part in a vow renewal ceremony following the ancient custom, Hobo Pa’a. Hoi hou ke aloha – “Let us fall in love again.” Moving and memorable, this sunrise ceremony is available exclusively to resort guests and takes place on the beach with the ocean as witness. New to the resort is the Voyager 47 Club Lounge, available to guests staying in oceanfront suites and guestrooms. Perks include premium refreshments, elevated amenities, a “Sunrise Invitation for Exploration” with locally-inspired tasting menu, a “Signature Sunset Celebration” with cocktails and pupus (snacks) and specially curated localized experiences. Splurge and go for the deluxe one-bedroom oceanfront suite: it has two balconies for catching gorgeous views of Diamond l-lead and brilliant Hawaiian sunsets.
5. Cancun, Mexico
With the Caribbean Sea before you and mangrove forests behind, it can feel deliciously remote at Mexico’s Royalton Riviera Cancun. Removing you even further from the hassles and hubbub of life is Hideaway, the adults-only resort within Royalton Riviera Cancun. And yet another coddling step away from it all are exclusive Diamond Club services that include a personal butler, your mini-bar stocked (and restocked daily), a beach area reserved just for you, a private lounge with breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and more. It all starts at check-in with the selection of the aroma therapy scent you’d like spritzed in your room when housekeeping visits. Sigh. Choose a luxury suite with massive Jacuzzi, rain shower, and swim-out pool. Taste a different cuisine each night of your stay (your butler will make reservations and escort you): Japanese, Mexican, Mediterranean, American steakhouse, Italian, Tex-Mex, seafood and more. With nine restaurants, assorted bars, and three adults-only swimming pools, plus shops, spa, night club and casino at the resort, there really is no reason to leave – ever.