{"id":4005,"date":"2010-02-10T07:58:48","date_gmt":"2010-02-10T13:58:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=4005"},"modified":"2016-12-16T21:44:53","modified_gmt":"2016-12-17T03:44:53","slug":"c-ya-cupid-best-caribbean-vacations-for-singles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2010\/02\/c-ya-cupid-best-caribbean-vacations-for-singles\/","title":{"rendered":"C-ya, Cupid! Best Caribbean vacations for singles"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Caribbean<\/p>\n

By Lena Katz<\/em><\/p>\n

My blog post about couples-friendly Caribbean spots (Spice up Valentine’s Day with a Caribbean vacation<\/a>) sparked the\u00a0snappy comeback, “What about places for singles to go and avoid all those canoodling twosomes?” Great question!! Here are some of my destination recommendations\u00a0for singles, solo fliers, group travelers and anyone else not packing his-n-hers matching beach outfits for their next Caribbean vacation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Destination 1: ABC Islands<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI just want to make it clear that Carnival is a crazy fun time on the island, with TONS of people, lots of sun and loud music,\u201d cautions\u00a0 a recent note from the Curacao tourism ambassador. Apparently there\u2019sa worry that the carnival, which overlaps with Valentine\u2019s Day, might be too much of a party for sensitive types to handle.<\/p>\n

\"Caribbean

Marriott Curacao Resort<\/p><\/div>\n

So, lovebirds and quiet types, you\u2019ve been duly forewarned. Singles and fun-seekers, I think Curacao\u2019s your spot for a Caribbean vacation. Carnival is the island\u2019s biggest party of the year; everybody takes to the street and dances\/sings\/celebrates all day and night. The festivities actually start in the last week of January, but the “Grand Parade” is Valentine’s Day. Perfect timing!<\/p>\n

Hotels in Curacao: Hilton Curacao<\/a>, Marriott Curacao Resort<\/a>, Avila Hotel<\/a>, Floris Suites<\/a>, Plaza Hotel & Casino<\/a><\/p>\n

Aruba also celebrates its Grand Carnival Parade over Valentine\u2019s Day weekend — not so much of a coincidence, as it\u2019s Curacao\u2019s more populous sister in the Dutch-governed ABC island chain. Aruba is known year-round for its nightlife, casinos and shopping.<\/p>\n

Hotels in Aruba: Holiday Inn SunSpree<\/a>, Hyatt Regency Aruba<\/a>, The Mill Resort<\/a>, Occidental Grand Aruba All Inclusive<\/a><\/p>\n

St. Maarten\/St. Martin<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Valentine's

Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa<\/p><\/div>\n

I think this half-Dutch, half-French island is one of the most hoppin\u2019 spots for a Caribbean vacation, and visitors tend to be slightly more sophisticated,\u00a0“dressed”\u00a0and Euro-influenced than on other islands. It’s \u00a0packed with lounges, casinos\u00a0and nightclubs, and many hotels have shuttle service so guests can get to\/from the nightlife without stressing transportation.<\/p>\n

Hotels in St Maarten\/St. Martin: Esmeralda Resort<\/a>, Wyndham Sapphire Beach Club<\/a>, Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa<\/a>, Princess Heights<\/a>, Holland House Beach Hotel<\/a><\/p>\n

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\"Belize<\/p>\n

Belize<\/strong><\/p>\n

This\u00a0colorful little Latin-Caribbean vacation destination\u00a0specializes in experiential travel — ranging from educational tourism to barrier reef diving. Immersive, specialized vacations like these tend to draw people with specific interests besides smooching with their significant other on Valentine’s Day. In fact, Belize has done a lot lately around the manly-man vacation, offering packages tailored around macho bonding activities like golf, survival training and fly fishing. Happily, most of these activities are located strategically near a comfy dive bar, whether in Belize City, Ambergris Caye\u2019s busy beach town of San Pedro, or the quiet villages of the south coast.<\/p>\n

Hotels in Belize: Royal Caribbean Resort<\/a>, Brahma Blue Resort<\/a>, Radisson Fort George Hotel<\/a><\/p>\n

Costa Rica<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Caribbean

Parador Resort & Spa<\/p><\/div>\n

Having\u00a0traveled solo in Costa Rica recently, I can personally attest that it’s a lot of fun no matter what yourrelationship status. One friend recommended it as a Valentine’s Day destination\u00a0after meeting\u00a0his fiance there … another is going there this year to escape mushy Valentine couples after her own recent breakup. The Caribbean side is funky and hippied-out with lots of expats and cheap guest houses, but most of the recognizable hotels are on the Pacific Coast.<\/p>\n

Hotels on the Central Pacific Coast: Morgans Cove Resort<\/a>, Best Western Paraiso Carlisa<\/a>, Babaloo Inn<\/a>, Parador Resort & Spa<\/a><\/p>\n

Bay Islands, Honduras<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Valentine's

Palmetto Bay Plantation<\/p><\/div>\n

Further afield than Costa Rica\/Caribbean and appealing for that very reason, Honduras\u2019 Bay Islands are an interesting blend of beaches and jungle, scuba and Mayan ruins, rugged eco-adventures and all-night parties. Roatan is the best-known, and offers the gamut of sporty adventures: zip lining, surfing, hiking, horseback riding. Utila is all about its scuba diving. At the nearby Copan Ruinas, activities include a daytrip to a coffee plantation, a crash-course in Spanish, and cultural immersion with Mayan ruins as a backdrop.<\/p>\n

Hotels in Roatan\/Bay Islands: Las Rocas Resort<\/a>, Palmetto Bay Plantation<\/a>, Turquoise Bay Resort<\/a><\/p>\n

All-inclusive resorts <\/strong><\/p>\n

Want rum and rowdy parties and beach bikini volleyball and 24\/7 mischief? Go with one of the crowd-oriented all-inclusive resorts<\/a> dotted throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America. My picks are\u00a0Club Med in the Dominican Republic, Breezes in the Bahamas or Brazil, rainforest-enveloped Paradisus Playa Conchal, or the family-friendly Coconut Bay Resort in St. Lucia.\u00a0These picks also offer\u00a0photo-perfect\u00a0beach locations, action-packed days, parties and entertainment each night, and all your meals, drinks and tips included upfront — no nickel and diming. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Related Orbitz resources:<\/strong><\/h3>\n