Deals outdoor mountain sky tree Nature rock season flower Coast landscape terrain autumn plant beautiful hillside surrounded distance
Beach

Caribbean on a Budget (Yes, It’s Possible!)

In the Caribbean, chic, affordable stays are becoming as common as powdery sands, swaying palm trees, and crystal blue waters.

Chelsea is Brooklyn-based travel writer, editor, and photographer. When not home eating her way through NYC, she's gallivanting across the globe, sailing the coast of Croatia or hiking the peaks of Peru. Her superpowers include booking flight deals and sleeping in small plane seats.

See recent posts by Chelsea Bengier

Deals sky tree outdoor water Beach body of water shore Sea Coast Ocean caribbean plant palm family palm tropics vacation arecales woody plant Nature bay flower Island cape sandy
1

Samana Peninsula, Dominican Republic

With a fleet of ritzy hotels crowding its shores, this pristine Caribbean island sports a pricey facade. But there are plenty of deals — if you know where to look. The Samana Peninsula, a strip of sand between Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, is the antithesis of the big-ticket resort towns. Book a room at The Bannister Hotel, which includes three top-notch restaurants, an infinity pool, a 3,500-square-foot spa and two tennis courts. Spend your days relaxing on the beach, horseback riding in the mountains ($20 to $80 depending on your bartering skills) or hiking to the 120-foot El Limon waterfall. JS Tip: Go between January and mid-March, and you'll spot hundreds of humpback whales migrating in Samana Bay.

Deals food table dish plate meat meal breakfast produce cuisine
2

Jamaica

Postcard-perfect sands, a soulful vibe and easy access make Jamaica the ideal weekend getaway. Head to Negril on the west side, where the black-streaked favorite Treasure Beach is set among a patchwork of rolling farmland. Although you may be tempted to splurge on a five-star pad like The Caves or Rockhouse Hotel, opt for a boho-chic cottage at Jake's. Here, you'll save big on mouthwatering local fare and blissed-out beach time. Tuck into open-fire jerk chicken ($6.50) with a side of live reggae at 3 Dives or cruise a mile off the coast to Floyd's Pelican Bar, a floating shack made of driftwood and palms. Then while away your days next to the crystal-clear water at Seven Mile beach with a Red Stripe in hand.

Deals sky water outdoor Beach leisure caribbean Sea vacation Resort Ocean bay Island tropics Lagoon Coast shore swimming
3

Antigua

Despite its high-profile clientele and preppy sailing scene, Antigua has plenty of stylish, low-key resorts. We love the all-inclusive rooms at Blue Waters — think premium alcoholic drinks (no Bud Light in sight), three infinity pools, free kayaking and an unbeatable location on a private bay. Bonus: Non-stop airfare can drop as low as $280 round-trip. Cha-ching!

Deals Trip Ideas outdoor tree sky mountain Nature mountainous landforms flower flora Coast plant leaf rock season hill morning landscape autumn Sunset Sea terrain wildflower surrounded hillside bushes
4

St. Lucia

Want to live out your Castaway fantasies? Look no further than St. Lucia's tropical wilderness. Check into the Hummingbird Beach Resort, a tranquil retreat just north of Soufriere. Then hire a guide or go rogue on a hike up The Pitons, the island's two towering peaks — take the Tet Paul Nature Trail for panoramic Atlantic and Caribbean views. Rest those sore muscles with a mud bath at Sulfur Springs Park followed by a day lounging at Anse Chastanet, a natural black sand beach and prime snorkel spot. In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at Ladera Resort's Dasheene Restaurant. At 1,100 feet up, its terrace has jaw-dropping vistas of Petit Piton complemented by chef Orlando Satchell's locally sourced farm-to-table fare (pepper-marinated grilled shrimp, rack of lamb spiced with cacao and coconut sauce).

RELATED: Our Favorite Hotels in St. Lucia

Deals outdoor sky landmark water Town reflection vacation tourism morning Sea Coast evening landscape cityscape tower travel waterway Ruins castle
5

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is full of affordable hideways ⎯ and airfare tends to be much cheaper than other islands. To experience the best of the east and west, we recommend you split your time between San Juan and Rincón. Dig into old town San Juan's local foodie scene at low-key restaurants like Deaverdura, which serves tostones (fried plantain slices) and traditional pasteles with rice and beans. Or, eat your way through the farmer's market at Plaza Ventana del Mar, in the Condado neighborhood. Here you'll find bacalaitos (fried cod fritters), alcapurrias and artisanal empanadas. Then road trip (3 hours) to Rincón on the west coast where you can stay at the charming Blue Boy Inn and hang ten with the surfers. The ocean is free after all.

Book Hotels in Puerto Rico
Deals sky mountain outdoor building Town geographical feature canyon valley Village landmark human settlement vacation Nature tourism hill landscape rural area cityscape Ruins Sea ancient history panorama travel overlooking hillside stone
6

Trinidad

Most tourists head for Tobago, but you'll get the most bang for your buck along with a killer art scene and cheap eats in Trinidad (about 95 percent of the population lives here). Book a bungalow at Acajou, on the north coast and spend an afternoon lounging in a hammock with views of the river and ocean. Or see colorful works by Peter Doig, Chris Ofili and more local artists at galleries like 101, Horizons and The National Museum. Refuel with heaping plates of roti, doubles (chickpea pockets), curried crab and dumplings from the street food carts, or hit Richard's Shark & Bake stand for fried shark seafood rolls topped with tamarind hot sauce and coleslaw. When it turns dark, take a  bioluminescent paddle board tour, a steal compared to Puerto Rico's $120 excursion.

Book Hotels in Trinidad
Deals sky outdoor landmark vehicle City cityscape skyline several
7

Curaçao

Searching for powdery beaches, a charming capital city and some of the best diving in the world? This Dutch Caribbean island is it. Check into the Avila Hotel on the southern coast and just a short walk from Willemstad. The city's colorful 17th- and 18th-century Dutch Colonial buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are one of the Caribbean's most photographed scenes. For authentic bites, head to the Floating Market in downtown Willemstad, where locals pull up boats overflowing with fresh produce along the canal sidewalk, or grab lunch at the Old Market.

Want more?

Comments

comments

All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Jetsetter may earn an affiliate commission.