5 ways to escape the winter blues
Winter got you feeling blue? After months of snow, cold and gray skies, you might find yourself day-dreaming of warmer climates. Trade in the frigid temperatures and snowy days for tropical weather and sunny skies on a getaway to paradise. Read on for our list of five ways to escape the winter blues.
Explore the blue Caribbean Sea in Cancun, where the crystal-clear waters provide perfect underwater visibility. One of the world’s most famous dive sites, the Cancun Underwater Museum features over 500 sculptures that are submerged between 3 and 6 metres underwater. Created by famous British artist, Jason DeCaires Taylor, the Underwater Museum is composed of three different ‘galleries’ with sculptures that were created by local and international artists. You can visit the museum on a unique submarine ride, where your guide will point out and discuss different statues along the way.
Where to stay: When you’re not exploring the deep blue, you can admire panoramic views of the blue waters from the Level 18 Rooftop Cabana Lounge at the brand-new Royalton Suites Cancun Resort and Spa. This luxury resort is located on a pristine white-sand beach and is just steps from the hustle and bustle of downtown Cancun. Enjoy the All-In Luxury™ experience that Royalton Luxury Resorts are famous for including unlimited reservation-free dining at the seven specialty restaurants, DreamBeds™ for a good night’s sleep, All-In Connectivity™ for all the modern conveniences of home and more.
While Antigua is known for its beautiful beaches– it’s also an adventurer’s playground. With steady winds and calm waters, Antigua offers ideal conditions for water sports including kite surfing, kite boarding and sailing. Try out one of these exhilarating water activities under the bright-blue sky for an adrenaline rush, with plenty of kite shops along popular beaches. The island also hosts two of the world’s most famous sailing regattas, Antigua Sailing Week and the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. Visit during the month of April to watch one of these great events where hundreds of yachts dot the beautiful blue waters.
Where to stay: After a day spent playing in the water, you can unwind on the pristine white-sand beach at Starfish Jolly Beach Resort. There are plenty of complimentary resort-offered activities to try out as well including sailing lessons (to channel your inner regatta champion), paddleboat rentals, Hobie cats, snorkelling and kayaking.
Discover all the sights, sounds and tastes of Cuba while cruising around in a classic blue American car! What better way to tour the island than in a 1950s convertible with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair? Drive along the cobblestone streets of Havana to soak up the local culture and visit famous city monuments including El Morro Castle, the Museum of the Revolution and El Capitolio. Or, ride along the coast in Varadero to visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, renowned for their pristine sands and calm aquamarine waters.
Where to stay: After exploring Cuba in your classic blue car, you can head back to Grand Memories Varadero for some quality time under the sun on the pristine white-sand beach. This popular resort offers plenty of activities and amenities for everyone in the family on a spectacular beachfront.
Hidden in the lush mountain landscapes of Ocho Rios in Jamaica is one of the island’s best kept secrets; an unbelievably blue lagoon and picturesque waterfall known as the Blue Hole. Take a refreshing dip in the lagoon’s clear water, swing off a rope into the blue waters below and spend some time soaking in the area’s natural beauty (or grabbing the perfect Instagram shot). Given the lagoon’s location (it’s a short drive and then a hike through the forest) Blue Hole rarely gets as crowded as some of the island’s other main attractions. Visit in the morning and you’ll feel like you have the place all to yourself!
Where to stay: After swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Hole, you can soak up the sun under the blue skies by the pool at Royalton White Sands Montego Bay. Work on your tan and soak up some vitamin D on a lounger by the pristine beach area or have a blast at the on-site water park.
Nestled in an exclusive enclave just 30 minutes outside of downtown Cancun is Playa Mujeres, an intimate resort community home to some of the area’s most beautiful and pristine beaches. The area is also known for its crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal place to snorkel amongst colourful fish and exotic marine species. We recommend taking a catamaran ride to Isla Mujeres, an island just 13 kilometres off the coast of Cancun that’s surrounded by spectacular coral reefs. Hop off the catamaran and into the warm waters where you can explore the underwater world at Garrafon Park, a natural marine park renowned for its prime snorkelling condition – you may even catch a glimpse of the area’s local sea turtles!
*Where to stay: *What could be more luxurious than an oceanview infinity pool? The recently-opened Riu Palace Costa Mujeres features the new RIU design concept with panoramic coastal views from around the resort – including from the five sprawling pools.