Date of publication 01/07/2025
Caribbean destinations: foolproof tips for choosing the perfect island getaway
Enjoy the vacation of a lifetime at the best Caribbean resorts. Whether you're traveling with family or as a couple, destinations like Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, or Montego Bay in Jamaica await with dreamy beaches and a world of experiences. Here are some tips (in the form of plans) to help you choose the perfect destination.
Caribbean with kids: discover the best family-friendly plans
Akumal: swim with turtles in shallow waters
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Looking for places in the Caribbean where kids can connect with nature? Akumal, in Riviera Maya, is one of the world’s last remaining sanctuaries for sea turtles. On this idyllic beach, you’ll have the chance to see these charming creatures in their natural habitat. By staying at family-friendly hotels in Riviera Maya, you'll enjoy exciting activities like this, all with an added focus on environmental awareness.
Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen: shops, ice cream, and a pedestrian zone
Riviera Maya, Mexico
From the family-friendly resorts in Riviera Maya—often considered the top Caribbean destination for kids—you can join all kinds of fun activities. One plan worth setting aside an afternoon for: exploring Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue, a lively strip of shops and restaurants that rivals its New York namesake... but with a Caribbean twist and Mexican craftsmanship taking center stage. Little ones will love strolling through the pedestrian area, grabbing an ice cream from a local stand, and picking out a souvenir to take home.
Coral nursery at Bávaro Beach: a new way to explore the underwater world
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
From Mexico, we head to the Dominican Republic and its always unforgettable resorts in Punta Cana—perfect for family stays. One example is Iberostar Waves Punta Cana, a beachfront All-Inclusive family resort that’s home to a coral nursery. Created to protect coral reefs and explore new ways to address climate change, this space offers both kids and adults the chance to learn more about these fascinating marine creatures, true guardians of the ocean floor and coastal ecosystems.
Excursion to Saona Island from Bayahíbe: boat ride, natural pools, and starfish
Bayahíbe, Dominican Republic
The best hotels in Bayahíbe offer access to nearby oases like Saona Island, one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful spots. Our recommendation? Choose an electric boat or catamaran—the fastest and most sustainable way to get there from the main port (less than 30 kilometers away). Once you arrive, you’ll be delighted to find beaches teeming with starfish. You’ll also be able to swim in stunning natural pools that look like they belong on a postcard. For more vacation inspiration, check out this Bayahíbe travel guide.
Río Blanco: 4x4 excursion and waterfall swim
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Still unsure about your destination, but your family is craving adventure? This plan might help you decide: a 4x4 excursion through the surroundings of Río Blanco, one of the Dominican Republic’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Embrace community-based tourism by joining a guided expedition led by locals, departing from resorts in Puerto Plata. After an adrenaline-filled ride, cool off with a swim beneath the waterfalls and take in the striking canyon, shaped over time by the forces of nature.
Monkey Island: a historic oasis
Port Antonio, Jamaica
Drawn to offbeat destinations? Monkey Island, located near Port Antonio in Jamaica, is known for once hosting a colony of monkeys. These non-native residents, along with peacocks, were brought to the island by explorer Alfred Mitchell and his wife Annie Olivia, a member of New York’s Tiffany family, who wanted the animals to roam freely. Although such practices are no longer allowed, you can still visit the overgrown ruins of their mansion, slowly reclaimed by nature. Today, you’ll find more sea urchins than monkeys on its semi-wild beach. The shallow water between the island and the mainland allows you to walk across after wading through a short stretch of sea.
Rapid Rivers Tubing: float trip for all ages
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Near the top resorts in Montego Bay, you’ll find family-friendly activities as thrilling as tubing down the Río Bueno—a plan that’s suitable for all ages. And since Jamaica’s adventurous spirit goes hand in hand with luxurious relaxation, we suggest Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach: a beachfront paradise designed for families, where comfort and warmth are part of the experience.
Caribbean for couples: an unforgettable romantic escape
Tulum ruins at sunrise
Riviera Maya, Mexico
While Riviera Maya is a top Caribbean destination for families, it also reveals a more intimate, romantic side, perfect for couples. Start your vacation (and your day) with a sunrise visit to the Tulum ruins, when the energy of this sacred Mayan site feels especially powerful and full of possibility. Just 4 kilometers from the archaeological site is JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar, an adults-only hotel in Mexico where exclusivity and sustainability go hand in hand. This upscale retreat offers all-suite accommodations or private villas like the Villa Romance, complete with a private pool and butler service.
Holbox Island: sunset kayaking and bioluminescence
Cancún, Mexico
Just an hour from the main area of hotels in Cancun and not far from Riviera Maya lies Holbox Island—an idyllic haven known for its ecological significance. Its beaches and marine habitats are home to several endangered species in Mexico, including sea turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, and giant manta rays. (It’s essential to visit respectfully, keeping in harmony with the island’s natural rhythms.)
At sunset, a magical phenomenon occurs: bioluminescence. Tiny organisms and bacteria near the shore glow in the dark, making the sea look as if it’s filled with stars. Add a sunset kayaking trip to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect romantic plan. Can you imagine anything more magical?
Chichén Itzá VIP: moonlit night tour
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Looking for a way to add even more romance to your Caribbean escape? The Pyramid of Chichén Itzá holds countless secrets within its towering walls—some as mysterious as love itself. Ready to uncover them on a moonlit night tour with your favorite person? Staying at resorts in Riviera Maya means you’ll be surrounded by the region’s ancient past throughout your entire trip, adding depth and magic to every moment.
Macao Beach: private picnic by the cliffs
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Macao Beach, located near the best resorts in Punta Cana, is the kind of shoreline that comes to mind when you picture a Caribbean paradise. Its turquoise, crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and soft golden sand set the scene for some of your happiest memories. Here’s a tip for those who love outdoor experiences and a deep connection with nature: alongside choosing the Dominican Republic as your destination, plan simple yet meaningful moments, like a sustainable picnic on the beach.
Private catamaran to Saona Island: sunset cocktails
Bayahíbe, Dominican Republic
For a truly romantic getaway, pair Saona Island’s untouched beaches, starfish-dotted shores, and natural pools with a cocktail that reflects the colors of the landscape. We recommend booking a private catamaran from the resorts in Bayahíbe to this dreamlike island—ideally at sunset, when time seems to pause between the tropical greenery and the warm, transparent sea. Shades of orange, gold, pink, red, deep violet, and every hue of blue will surround your toast—and the unforgettable scene you won’t want to leave.
Romantic dinner in Altos de Chavón: a “Mediterranean” village by the river
Bayahíbe, Dominican Republic
It might sound surprising, but staying with your partner at a Caribbean resort brings you closer to the Mediterranean spirit than you’d think. There’s a place called Altos de Chavón that seems to defy geography—an old Dominican village built to resemble a Mediterranean town. Wander through its cobbled streets and stone houses adorned with flower-filled windows, then share a candlelit dinner by the river that gives it its name. It’s a journey within your journey. Don’t miss the Artist Village or the National Archaeological Museum while you’re there.
Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio: turquoise waters surrounded by jungle
Port Antonio, Jamaica
If you loved the film The Blue Lagoon—a romantic adventure classic—you’ll be enchanted by Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio, one of Jamaica’s most authentic natural locations, where Caribbean nature unfolds in full force. Here, saltwater from the sea meets freshwater from an underground spring. Surrounded by lush trees and scenic trails, you can take a traditional boat ride to explore the lagoon. After a few days immersed in the jungle, continue your journey through Jamaica toward your luxury resort in Montego Bay, where even more cinematic landscapes await.
Must-visit beaches in the Caribbean
Playa Delfines in Cancún: scenic viewpoint and gentle waves
Cancún, Mexico
Family resorts in Cancún pair perfectly with calm, enjoyable activities—those that let you savor quality time together and stay present through the many sides of this destination. A visit to Playa Delfines to soak up the sun and swim in its gentle waves—surrounded by palapas and palm trees—will exceed expectations. This is also where you’ll find the iconic viewpoint with the colorful CANCÚN letters, possibly one of the most Instagrammed spots in the entire Caribbean.
Playa Bávaro in Punta Cana: white sand and family-friendly amenities
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Get to know Punta Cana’s unique charm any time of year by choosing Playa Bávaro as your main destination. With its incredibly soft white sand and all the access and services you need for a comfortable stay, this beach sets the perfect tone for a carefree vacation. Whether you prefer lounging on a sunbed and disconnecting completely, diving into your favorite water sports, or taking long walks along its endless emerald-colored shoreline, here, you’ll have time for what truly matters.
Bayahíbe Beach in the Dominican Republic: snorkeling and hammocks by the sea
Bayahíbe, Dominican Republic
Bayahíbe is one of those Caribbean beaches where the scenery and the sensations go hand in hand—or maybe the other way around. Embrace calm, mental clarity, and a splash of fun as you snorkel in its pristine waters and unwind in a hammock by the sea. Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus, a five-star hotel with colonial architecture and Caribbean soul, sits right on the beachfront and features its own beach club on the sand—the now-iconic Bar Faro.
Playa Dorada in Puerto Plata: calm waters and a beachfront promenade
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
A family trip to Puerto Plata means creating lifelong memories in places like Playa Dorada—a relaxed, family-friendly beach just ten minutes by car from the city center. Surrounded by coral reefs and awarded a permanent Blue Flag, it’s one of the region’s most accessible and welcoming spots. The area is also home to some of the top-rated family resorts in Puerto Plata. The beachfront promenade will likely become your favorite hangout, with its mix of bars, restaurants, craft shops, dive schools, and water activities.
Seven Mile Beach in Jamaica: long shoreline for sunset strolls
Negril, Jamaica
Seven Mile Beach ranks among the best beaches in Jamaica and is recognized as one of the top beaches in the Caribbean and the world. This stretch of coastline is famed for its stunning beauty and authentic Jamaican cuisine, with some of the island’s most genuine restaurants and beachside eateries found right here. It’s also loved for its vibrant atmosphere, where live music is the soundtrack to unforgettable moments.
Plan your Caribbean getaway with Iberostar and dive into these and many more tailor-made experiences.
