Thinking of getaways always puts a smile on our faces. Rethinking long-haul journeys for ones closer to home turns that smile into a grin. Check out these options and start ticking off that bucketlist, or at least start rethinking it.
INSTEAD OF: AUSTRALIAāS GREAT BARRIER REEF
TRY: SNORKELING IN SOUTH ANDROS, ONE OF THE BAHAMASā LARGEST, LEAST INHABITED ISLANDS
You donāt need to venture as far as Australia to discover some of the oceanās most beautiful reefs, caves, and marine life. Aptly nicknamed āThe Sleeping Giant,ā the Bahamian island of South Andros is an idyllic destination for fishing and diving enthusiasts. This off-grid paradise offers more than 200 blue hole ocean caves (the most in the world!), the third-largest barrier reef, and 90+ miles of immaculate beaches. Itās also home to the Tongue of the Ocean ā a deep-water basin known for its rich ecosystem of marine life. The islandās first five star resort, Caerula Mar Club, offers ocean adventures led by PADI-certified diving instructors. When visitors arenāt underwater, they can lounge on 10 acres of beach where you wonāt spot a single footprint, relax in gorgeous private villas, and use complimentary bicycles to explore by land. The best part? Itās just an hour flight from Fort Lauderdale with its own international customs, which makes getting in and out a breeze.
TRY: EXPLORING THE BLUE ROOM IN CURAĆAO
If youāre dreaming of an unforgettable underwater cave dive but donāt want to travel halfway around the world, consider swapping Sardiniaās Grotta di Nereo for CuraƧaoās glowing Blue Room. While Italyās famed sea cave is celebrated as Europeās largestāan epic labyrinth of chambers beneath the limestone cliffs of Capo Cacciaāit requires boat access and deeper, more complex navigation. In contrast, CuraƧaoās Blue Room offers a more relaxed, visually stunning experience thatās just as bucket list-worthy and a whole lot closer to home. Tucked into the islandās northwest coast near Playa Santa Cruz, the Blue Room is a natural sea cave that quite literally glows. Sunlight streams through its single underwater entrance and reflects off the Caribbeanās impossibly clear waters, flooding the cave with a magical, electric-blue hue. Whether youāre diving or snorkeling, the vibe is serene, photogenic, and surrealāa perfect blend of natural wonder and accessibility. You wonāt need advanced diving skills or long boat rides to get thereājust a short trail walk and a sense of adventure. Itās also steps away from CuraƧaoās iconic Mushroom Forest dive site and other secluded beaches, so you can easily turn one cave dive into a full day of exploration. If youāre craving an unforgettable underwater escape without a transatlantic flight, the Blue Room delivers the beauty and thrill, minus the jet lag.
INSTEAD OF: THE GREEK ISLANDS
TRY: SAILING IN ANGUILLA ITāS THE ISLANDāS NATIONAL SPORT!
While sailing the Med might be your idea of a dream vacation, why not learn the ropes of the oceanās oldest sport in a dreamy Caribbean destination known for its sailing culture? Anguilla has a rich sailing history and boatbuilding legacy that dates back to the birth of competitive sailing post-WWII. With its postcard-perfect, calm turquoise waters hosting numerous annual regattas and attracting A-listers galore, itās no surprise that sailing is Anguillaās national sport. Affectionately nicknamed āThe Tropical Grand Mansionā, Quintessence is an exclusive, five-star hideaway that overlooks Long Bay Beach, one of Anguillaās most immaculate stretches of coastline. This 12-suite Relais & Chateaux property is the perfect jumping off point for exploring the island by sailboatā¦and unwinding with a spa treatment and dip in the infinity pool afterwards. It also offers Quinn ā a collection of modest suites at an approachable price point ā so you can save on your stay and splurge on those sailing lessons.
INSTEAD OF: TABLE MOUNTAIN IN CAPE TOWN
TRY: HIKING ST. LUCIAāS GROS PITON ā A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITEWORLD HERITAGE SITE
Want epic hiking views without traveling across the globe? St. Luciaās breathtakingly beautiful cotton-candy colored beach horizons and grass covered mountains are a perfect reason to burn some extra calories on your next vacation. Not to mention, youāll save more than 10 hours of flying time by swapping a Cape Town trip for this exotic Caribbean locale. The islandās award-winning, adults-only luxury resort, Jade Mountain is known for its 3-walled guest āsanctuariesā complete with en-suite infinity pools and private butlers who will do everything from pop your Champagne to scale the islandās notorious 9,000-foot Gros Piton with you. Spread across the same 600-acre property, Jade Mountainās sister resort Anse Chastanet, offers a family-friendly, affordable option perfect for even the littlest hikers.
TRY: CHASING WATERFALLS AT EL YUNQUE RAINFORESTĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā IN PUERTO RICO
Ā If youāre hungry for a Jurassic Park-inspired island adventure with picture-perfect beaches and beautiful cultural displays, Puerto Rico is the perfect East Coast alternative to Hawaii, with easy direct flights from over 20 major cities ā no passport required! The quaint, local town of Rio Grande, just 20 minutes outside of San Juanās metropolitan city center, is comparable to the little local villages on Kauai and is known as the gateway to the El Yunque Rainforest. The crown jewel of the U.S. National Parks System, it is the only true rainforest on American soil and one of our most biodiverse parks, home to the critically endangered Puerto Rican Green Parrot, double rainbow waterfalls and sparkling cascades. At its foothills, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico offers an idyllic home base for exploring El Yunque (just a 15-minute drive). Set on an exclusive, 72-acre private peninsula surrounded by coral reefs that create its magical, slow-rolling lagoon-style, white sand beaches that are ripe with wildlife sightings. For a dose of local culture, pop by the nearby Kioskos de Luquillo for authentic Puerto Rican bites or head to the neighboring town of Loiza ā a local culture, art and music hub ā and swap out hula dancing for brushing up on your traditional Puerto Bomba skills.
