#tropical-elegance

#tropical-elegance

"It's not exactly a dream vacation to come and be harassed by mosquitoes," says Hervé Bossin, director of the medical entomology laboratory at Tahiti's Institut Louis Malardé.

"I can't stress enough how much of a revolving door it is," says designer Henry Boyle of the seaside Nantucket compound he recently completed for a Connecticut-based couple, their four young-adult children, and a pack of beloved dogs. "They're local celebrities in this community-it's a constant stream of people."

"I fell in love with the elegance of the yacht and with the idea of [it] feeling lively and vibrant, like a natural extension of the destinations Ilma sails through."

"Pavilion Hotel has long been part of Avalon's story, and this next chapter is an opportunity to both honor that legacy and reintroduce it in a way that feels thoughtful and true to the island."

These reefs are living, breathing snapshots of a watery world that you can peek into: refreshing oases where the noise of the land falls away; in its place, an intricate and utterly at-ease slice of life that you're lucky enough to witness.

Upon first glance of the architectural marvel that is the magnificent indoor-outdoor lobby, my mouth gaped open; on every return visit since, it's done the same.

The best villas in Jamaica are more than just a place to rest your head; they embody the island's spirit. From solar-powered architectural gems perched above the sea to staffed beachfront estates offering bespoke culinary delights, these elite getaways prioritize beautiful design, curated comforts, and gorgeous locations.

Marquesa may be one of the most unique properties in the Sunshine State. Constructed in 1884, the main building of the hotel was originally a butcher's home and still retains tons of Old Florida charm. You can frolic through the courtyard, enjoying the comforts of Southern charm, while surrounded by French-Gothic architecture that is painted with the bright colors of Florida.

When light shines through water, colors with longer wavelengths are absorbed by the water, with the longest wavelengths absorbed first. Blue and violet have the shortest wavelengths of visible light, so they are able to penetrate the deepest.

Located within the Maddalena Archipelago National Park, Rosa dei Budelli is one of the Mediterranean's most closely protected beaches. Its pale pink hue, created by microscopic organisms mixed with crushed coral, has made it famous, but access is tightly regulated. Visitors may arrive only by boat and must admire the shoreline from designated areas offshore.

Casa Marina, a storied resort that originally opened in 1925, is set on Key West's largest private beach and in its 100-year past, has hosted luminaries like Rita Hayworth, Guy Lombardo, Ernest Hemingway, Donald Sutherland, Helen Mirren, and Ozzie Osbourne. For Lilly Pulitzer, a brand synonymous with a resort lifestyle and sense of escape, the designer's first ever prints were developed on Key West in 1962.

When retirement approaches, many start to wonder where they want to spend their golden years. Some might be most comfortable in the familiar surroundings of their hometowns, but others envision themselves in an idyllic location-one that offers beaches, sunshine, palm trees, and a laid-back vibe. Whether the goal is to reduce expenses and live comfortably on a fixed income or to spend retirement in luxury among beautiful scenery, some tropical spots are perfect for seniors.

As a collection of over 7,000 islands spanning 13 sovereign island nations and more than a dozen dependent territories, there's always a new cove or cay to uncover. Recent years have seen the Caribbean's popularity boom among British holidaymakers, too, with areas including the British Virgin Islands and Jamaica reporting record visitor numbers in 2025.

Santa Teresa on Costa Rica's Pacific coast is a favorite among surfers and traveling professionals because of its long beaches and relaxed atmosphere. The town offers several coworking spaces and cafés with reliable internet, which makes remote work easier. The area is accessible via Tambor Airport with onward road and ferry connections to larger cities. Accommodation prices range from budget hostels to luxury villas. The local community is international, and the abundance of healthy restaurants and yoga studios contributes to a comfortable and productive stay.

I was playing against the world No. 1 men's player, Carlos Alcaraz, at a tennis clinic designed for amateurs like me to get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play against a champion. Three "once mores" later, I couldn't take advantage anymore and offered to call the game.

Easily accessible from major U.S. cities, the Exumas remain refreshingly uncrowded, making them one of the Caribbean's true hidden gems, at least for now. As the wealthy look for privacy in paradise, and the world's most sought-after resort groups like Aman and Rosewood prepare to plant their own flags there in the coming years, everyone seems to have their sights on the Exumas.

Back in chilly February, when you were bored at work, you didn't think twice about booking a wine tasting and zipline excursion back to back. By the time reality hits in July, you're desperately chugging water to try and stave off heat stroke. Just like that, your 'relaxing' getaway is not so relaxing at all.

Puerto Rico's boutique hotels are the island's best storytellers. Small, locally owned properties can shape a trip in ways chains cannot. In Old San Juan, they occupy vibrant streets where pastel-colored facades meet cobblestones, letting guests wander from museums and galleries to independent shops without ever leaving the neighborhood.

Despite decades of jokes and occasional bad publicity, cruise vacations are more popular than ever - just ask the tens of millions of Americans who take one every year and together represent more than half of all annual cruise travelers. Today's ships are massive, complex affairs backed by giant corporations and celebrity commercial sponsorships, all commanding big money. And while to the uninitiated, a ship may just seem like any other ship, experienced cruisers increasingly understand that unique offerings make all the difference.

Long before Turks and Caicos was the backdrop for bikini-clad influencers, Kardashians on catamarans, and Netflix dating shows, my family purchased a condo on its main island, Providenciales. This beachside escape from my already beachy hometown of Naples, Florida, was a welcome respite from the intense crowds that flocked to the Gulf like a pack of seagulls on a stray French fry.