Our picks for the World’s six best tropical vacation destinations have plenty in common: beautiful sandy beaches for the day, adventures on land, great food and fun at night. In order, we recommend these to you.
St. Martin
St. Martin is a tropical destination filled with sunshine and breathtaking scenery that is highlighted by the vividly colorful trees mixed in with the lush flora and fauna. All this is set against a backdrop of hills that provide a wonderful zip line experience for visitors.
One can spend a day relaxing on the white sand beaches or enjoy scuba diving in the turquoise waters. A spectacular underwater world exists here that is filled with hidden caves, coral, and colorful tropical fish. For a little privacy you can sail a catamaran to one of the many secluded coves.
The art and local cuisine reflects St. Martin’s culture. You’ll find everything from barbeque to fine dining. Local fish and lobster are served with a regional blend of seasoning. Once the sun goes down, the lights come up, providing visitors with an endless array of nightlife dancing and trendy bars.
Phuket, Thailand
The Andaman Sea draws in divers and beach lovers from around the world to Phuket. The beautiful sunsets and vivid blue lagoons add to its appeal. The warm tropic waters are ideal for watersports, and you’ll also find gardens, aquariums, and Buddhist temples to explore.
The Angkor Wat is a short ferry ride away. This Hindu temple was built by King Suryavarman within a complex of temples in the Khmer Empire. At the Wat visitors can hike, bicycle, ride elephants, or go on hot air balloon tours.
Phuket’s diverse tropic conditions make it possible to experience surfing, wakeboarding, and sailing as well as snorkeling and sea kayaking. From November to April the waters are calm with gentle tides. Rough and wild waves hit during May and last through October.
Phuket is the most popular party hot spot. Nightlife includes live bands and DJs, clubs and discos, cabaret shows, and Go-Go Bars.
Jamaica
Jamaica has been called “the land of wood and water” due to its warm and relaxing sun that is accented by forests. Bird watching and hiking are as popular here as sunbathing on the beaches. History lovers will enjoy the Trelawny Heritage Sites, while partiers will find reggae, dancing, and food in the Kingston area music clubs.
Montego Bay offers a wonderful destination for unique shopping along with some of the best snorkeling in the area. Ocho Rios has spas that melt away your worries and concerns by day, but when the lights come on, the town comes to life with an energetic feel. Ocho Rios is the home of Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville as well as clubs offering everything from hot tubs to live music.
Hawaii’s Big Island
This resort area offers a one of a kind experience for all. Even though it is the youngest of Hawaii’s islands, it is the largest. While here one can take a break from the beaches and visit Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano. You can then explore the local culture and art at Puhanua o Honaunau.
The volcano activity has left the island with white, green, and even black sand beaches. Panaluu is the most popular black sand beach. The water provides one with the opportunity to scuba and snorkel with Manta Rays or sail the coast of Koma. In Waimea you can do something completely different, and go horseback riding.
Nightlife is more laid back here. You can dine on regional cuisine, take one of the sunset cruise rentals, or climb Maunakea to star gaze. Live music can be found in the resort areas of Keauhou, historic Kailua Village, and Kohala Coast.
Aruba
People come for the white sand beaches and cooler trade winds, not to mention the friendly people. Aruba is home to Eagle Beach which is considered one of the World’s top ten beaches. This is accented by the fact that Aruba has the largest number of sunny days of all the Caribbean islands. Add in the low humidity and you have an excellent tropical vacation destination.
Aruba is as well suited to a romantic holiday as it is a family vacation. Over 20% of this island is part of Arikak National Park. Here you’ll find an amazing nature preserve to explore. Back on the shore you can enjoy exciting sports activities such as windsurfing and kitesurfing rentals. The area is also ideal for wreck diving.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Guanacaste is an area filled with beaches, historical sites, and fun activities. Nearby you’ll find places to visit like the Quetzal in Monteverde or La Fortuna’a Arenal Volcano. One can horseback ride, take canopy tours, hike, and bird watch on the land. In the water you can go diving, surfing, or fishing. The miles of sandy beaches range from fun filled locations to private destinations.
Among Guanacaste’s National Parks, visitors will find active volcanos, waterfalls, black soil, and much wildlife like the sloths, jaguars, and tapirs. Because this was once part of Nicaragua, you’ll notice a unique culture. The influence of the indigenous Corotega Tribes is still apparent, giving the region a distinct personality.
Summary
The World’s six best tropical vacation destinations have plenty of beautiful sandy beaches to relax on. Many of these locations also offer adventures on land as well, with plenty of plants and wildlife available. Peaceful days are followed by a diverse assortment of nightlife styles, while the cuisine in each location reflects the area’s culture.