The bright side of life is easier to find when your days are filled with full sun and big smiles. Sounds simple, right? It is, especially if you start considering where and how you can experience both. And if you’re blanking on a good place to soak up the sun and revel in life’s finer things, fear not: Here are a few recommendations.
Hiking Monteverde Cloud Forest
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is rainforest sandwiched between the Pacific and the Caribbean; it is as tropical a destination as it gets. While the shores pack their fair share of bliss, trade your long walks on the beach in for something a bit more intriguing:
- Monteverde Cloud Forest – This biological preserve is perhaps one of the most surreal places on Earth; constant low-hanging clouds blanket the forest, soaking your scenic hike in a mystical ambiance. While any of the nature trails you embark on are certain to bring you a stone’s throw from wildlife you’d typically only see in a zoo, your best bet for making sure you catch a glimpse is to hike with a guide.
- Tortuguero National Park – This protected wilderness area is home to a whole host of wildlife, but the main draw is undoubtedly the sea turtles that make its beaches their nesting grounds. Observing the turtles crawl up the beach to lay eggs is a bucket-list experience for many.
- Arenal Volcano – Arenal Volcano is an imposing presence on the horizon. Dormant since 2010, its gravitas still exudes a gravitational pull on gazes and itineraries, with scores of can’t-miss activities clustered around the sleeping giant. Be it a hike, a fishing trip to one of the lakes or a river-rafting odyssey, the real treat is following up with a soak in one of the premier hot springs.
- Tamarindo – At Costa Rica’s premier surf spot, the town breathes surfing. From the surf shops to the surf lessons to the waves breaking no more than 10 minutes away from your abode, you’re swimming in good vibes. Any caliber of surfer will feel at peace here, whether it’s your first wave ever or you’re Kelly Slater.
Kayaking off the beaches of Mamanuca Island
Fiji
Far across the Pacific Ocean is a smattering of islands known as Fiji, pinpricks of land in the vast deep blue that inevitably serve as the gold standard for paradise. Each island harbors its own adventure; you’ll inevitably want to island-hop to try a few.
- Viti Levu (aka “The Mainland”) – The big island is home to 70% of Fijians, and subsequently the bulk of most Fiji vacations take place here. Surfing along the Coral Coast, tubing and rafting lush rivers at Pacific Harbour & Beqa Island, enchanting hikes through Colo-i-Suva Forest Park — there’s something for everyone (and every appetite for adventure).
- Mamanuca & Yasawa Islands (The Western Islands) – An easy escape from your already serene getaway, Mamanuca is a collection of 20 stunning islands catering to everyone from luxury honeymooners and families to surf bums. You’ll find top surfing, watersports and fishing possibilities galore here. The Yasawa Islands in comparison are more secluded; hidden beaches and remote reefs house the chance to snorkel with manta rays and dive with sharks. With either, charter a yacht to truly make the most of your day.
- Lomaiviti & Lau Islands (Central & Eastern Islands) – Lomaiviti is a cluster of volcanic islands at the center of Fiji. It houses Levuka, the nation’s first capital and its only UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as some of the best scuba diving across the country. To the east, the Lau Islands are the picture of unblemished nature. The Faluga lagoon is a particular must-see via private yacht charter.
- Kadavu (Southern Islands) – Fiji’s fourth-largest island sits well to the south, secluded from others via the Great Astrolabe Reef. The island itself houses lush rainforest — it is, put succinctly, a nature-lover’s dream. Arguably the best place for scuba diving, bird-watching, sea-kayaking and swimming with manta rays as well as deep-sea fishing, your time here feels like communion with the Earth itself.
Wade in the serene waters of Dunn’s River Falls
Jamaica
Rainforest-coated mountains, sitting majestic in the middle of the isle. Reef-lined beaches proving perfect for long walks, idyllic lounging and awe-inducing snorkel swims. The birthplace of reggae and the home of ever-succulent jerk chicken — all these combine to create the reason Jamaica is at the top of so many bucket lists. No doubt you’ll spend most of your time at the beach or your resort, but here are a few other quintessential spots to check out:
- Dunn’s River Falls – The most iconic and renowned spot on the entire island, Dunn’s River Falls may just be the most picturesque tropical waterfall in the world. Cool blue water cascades down a staircase of pools and shelves, creating a scene equally enchanting and refreshing.
- Luminous Lagoon – Nightlife takes on a whole new meaning at this mangrove-bordered lagoon; dinoflagellates (bioluminescent algae) bathe the water in an ethereal glow, bright enough for you to trace the shadowy forms of fish as they dart about under the water’s surface. There are only four lagoons like this in the world — and this one is widely regarded as the brightest.
- Appleton Estate – Jamaica’s oldest continuously operating sugar estate and rum distillery. Come for the quaint colonial vibes, stay for the highly informative tour (and the decadent sampling of Appleton’s wares).
- Martha Brae River – The Martha Brae River cuts through the jungle in the north of the island; a 3-mile stretch of smooth-flowing water that makes for a downright soothing joyride atop a bamboo raft.
Puerto Vallarta's waterfront promenade
PUERTO VALLARTA
Mexico has plenty of beach towns, but Puerto Vallarta stands out for the way the Sierra Madre mountains meet Banderas Bay. You can spend the day by the water, head into greener surroundings or simply wander through town with the Pacific always close by.
- Vallarta Botanical Gardens – Take a break from the beach and spend some time among tropical plants and lush greenery in the Sierra Madre.
- Los Arcos de Mismaloya – Just off the coast, this protected marine area is known for its rock formations, caves and coral beds. It’s a popular spot for snorkeling and seeing more of the bay from the water.
- The Malecón – Walk along Puerto Vallarta’s waterfront promenade, where shops and restaurants run alongside the Pacific. It’s one of the easiest ways to take in the city and spend some time by the water.
- Banderas Bay – Much of Puerto Vallarta’s scenery comes from its setting on Banderas Bay, with the mountains rising behind it and the ocean stretching out in front.
Whale watching off the coast of Cabo San Lucas
More Mexico
Just south of the border lies our neighbor, Mexico, host to multiple breathtaking beach hubs between its Pacific and gulf shores. To put it concisely: When it comes to easy-to-access beach vacations, two top options stand out.
- Cancún – Quite possibly the top beach city in all the Caribbean, Cancún needs no introduction. When you’re not lounging at your resort, you’ll likely be embarking on a daytrip to Maya ruins or mystical cenotes, snorkeling the Great Maya Reef or exploring the MUSA Underwater Museum.
- Cabo San Lucas – Balanced on the tip of the Baja California peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is a balmy fever dream of delight. Your days will blur together, a mix of world-class sportfishing, whale watching, camel riding through the desert and dancing the night away with an absolutely thumping nightlife in the mix.
Make the Most of Your Sunny Days
The best way to experience any of the above destinations is with the help of our agency. These recommendations are just the tip of the iceberg — our travel agents have compiled a certifiable treasure trove of hidden gems and recommendations for your vacation, as well as access to exclusive perks, amenities and savings with some of the most prominent brand names in travel. Add on the peace of mind that comes from having a pro on standby for the duration of your trip and you’re well-equipped to soak up the sun, totally stress-free.
