Caribbean & Mexico How to Have a Last-Minute Caribbean Getaway

How to Have a Last-Minute Caribbean Getaway

By Erika Hueneke

April 19, 2016

One in 10 readers plans their escape within one month. Ready to drop everything and go? Here’s a trio of easy spots with nonstop flights and ample rooms.

How to Have a Last-Minute Caribbean Getaway

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) offers nonstop service from 77 cities, including Houston, Dallas, Charlotte, D.C., Baltimore, Philly, NYC, Newark, Boston, Chicago and Miami; the flight from the last is just 2.5 hours. Punta Cana has 30,000-plus hotel rooms to fill, so changes are, there’s plenty of availability. Sanctuary Cap Cana by AlSol lends all-inclusive ease in a for-real castle — and several of its suite categories net guests a private pool. On a budget? A weeklong stay at Melia Caribe Tropical clocks in at less than a grand and includes live music and theme parties like the Roaring ’20s. On the ground, the big draws are swim-up bars and white-sand beaches (culture … not so much). Thrill seekers also have their pick of zip-lines, diving, ATV tours, an eco-park and more. Francisco Guerrero Tanco for Melia Caribe Tropical

Montego Bay, Jamaica Fly direct to Jamaica’s second-biggest town from 54 cities. After touchdown, Club MoBay at the airport offers fast-track privileges through immigration and security ($80/adult for arrival-and-departure bundle). Heading home? Enjoy fresh fruit, Jamaican beef and chicken patties, rum punch at the full-service bar and free Wi-Fi before your flight. The all-inclusive concept was born in 1981 when Sandals Montego bay debuted. Today the adults-only resort offers a private beach, four pools and exchange privileges at two other Sandals properties. Families with kids in tow should catch the included 15-minute resort shuttle from the airport bound for Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall. Heat things up with legendary jerk chicken, pork and under-the-radar sausages from Scotchie’s (plenty of Red Stripe will quell the Scotch bonnet burn), then cool off with a snorkel at Doctor’s Cave Bach. Come twilight, venture to MoBay’s restaurants and “Hip Strip” nightlife, including the new Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall

Grand Bahama, Bahamas The northernmost of the Bahamas’ 700 islands, Grand Bahama is the closest major island to the States. There are no layovers from 11 cities, but even aviophobes can zip to this coral isle thanks to Balearia’s four-hour ferry service from Fort Lauderdale. With more than 500 guest rooms, Grand Lucayan is one of the Bahamas’ biggest resorts. Still, claiming a prime piece of beach is no problem — the property fronts 7.5 acres of white sand. On the opposite end of the size spectrum is the 25-cottage Deep Water Cay, where Liam Neeson goes to decompress. There are so many options within 530 square miles: Shop and eat local at straw markets and fish fries, see the natural side by kayaking and fishing, or go full-on tourist with brewery tours, dolphin encounters and 24-hour casinos. Deep Water Cay

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How to Have a Last-Minute Caribbean Getaway

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