Love, Money Driving Winter Caribbean Deals

Wintertime in the North America is primetime in the Caribbean, as frostbitten travelers seek the region’s therapeutic combination of secluded beaches, brilliant blue waters and warm sunsets. Several regional hotels and resorts are offering packages that make it easy for travelers to leave Old Man Winter behind and escape to a Caribbean paradise.

St. Lucia’s landscape creates the perfect setting for romantic couples and several island properties are extending packages featuring discounted rates plus special amenities and benefits to adult couples seeking winter relief along with a secluded, intimate getaway. The Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in Vieux Fort is offering “Vacation Like a VIP” all-inclusive suite packages priced at $232 per person, per night, double occupancy, representing a 50 percent savings off standard rates.

Accommodations at the resort’s adults-only wing include complimentary in-room Wi-Fi; champagne and cold towel at check-in, a couple’s only dinner and an in-room bar with complimentary wine, spirits, soft drinks and local beer. Airport transfers and a personal concierge to secure dinner reservations, spa appointments and tours are also included. Travelers must book by Nov. 30, 2014 for travel from Jan. 19 through April 15, 2015.

The Windjammer Landing villas in Gros Islet is offering a “Sun Sparkly Beach Escape for Couples" featuring a one-bedroom villa and an all-inclusive package including all dining and beverages for $725.80 per night. The package requires a four-night stay and includes a $200 resort credit. Travelers must book by March 31, 2014 for travel from now through Aug. 31, 2014.

St. Lucia’s famed mountainside luxury resort Anse Chastanet in Soufriere is offering “Lovers’ Early Bird Total Romance” packages featuring a seventh night free in all room categories. The packages are available to guests between Jan. 3 and April 15, 2015; rates start at $8,322 double occupancy.

The packages include accommodations, round-trip airport transfers, all meals and drinks, an in-room refrigerator equipped with drinks, a basket of local fruit and a bottle of champagne. Guests will also receive a one-hour Swedish massage and a $500 anniversary certificate that can be used on a return visit.

Resort guests can also opt for off-site activities including guided tours of Sulphur Springs and Diamond Mineral Baths, and the French Colonial plantation of Anse Mamin. Anse Chastanet also offers a resort scuba diving course for beginners, half-day jungle bike tours in Anse Mamin Valley and a half day of sailing on board the resort’s yacht

Meanwhile several Marriott Caribbean & Latin America Resorts properties are offering extra incentives for vacationers to flee from winter’s chill. Marriott's “Extra Credit Getaway” packages featuring resort credits of up to $400 at resorts across the region for travelers who book by Nov. 30 for winter travel of four nights or more. 

Resort credits are available at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino ($200 credit), Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino ($250), Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort ($100), St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino ($400), Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort ($200), Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa ($400) and the JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo ($150).

At Belize’s Las Terrazas, travelers who book three nights in Resort View accommodations receive a fourth night free. Guests who book an Ocean Front Sea House or Ocean View Penthouse receive complimentary daily breakfast. The offers apply to bookings through Nov. 29, 2014 for travel from now through Dec. 18, 2014. Bermuda’s recently renovated Elbow Beach resort is offering a Fourth Night Free packages to guests who book stays of three nights or more through Nov. 30.