The most Instagrammable spots in the tropics

Ever scrolled through your favourite content creator’s feed and wished you could visit some of the jaw-dropping exotic destinations featured on their page? With spring starting to bloom (it’s coming, we swear!) and the world waking up from winter, it’s time to pack your bags, polish off your photography skills and head down to the tropics on an all inclusive vacation! To help you get inspired, we rounded up some of the most Instagrammable spots in paradise that are sure to satisfy your wanderlust.

Blog: Cenote Azul in Riviera Maya, Mexico image

@le_migou

Cenote Azul in Riviera Maya, Mexico

You’ve probably seen at least one cenote on your favourite travel content creator’s feed! These natural manmade pools can be found across the Riviera Maya and Yucatan Peninsula. Cenote Azul, named after its turquoise blue waters, is an open-air cenote surrounded by the lush greenery of the Mayan jungle. There’s even a small cliff you can jump off into the crystal-clear waters below! Families can lounge by the shallower areas, while underwater explorers can bring their snorkelling gear to spot exotic fish.

Where to stay: You won’t have to go far to explore cenotes at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort – there’s a natural cenote right on the resort grounds. If you’re tying the knot, you can even host your wedding ceremony on a beautiful deck overlooking the natural pool.

Shirley Heights in Antigua

Once a military lookout, Shirley Heights is perched 490 feet above English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour and offers some of the best views in Antigua. Panoramic vistas of the beautiful harbour filled with sailboats and the island’s rolling green landscapes make it a popular spot for photo ops and watching the sunset. You can even spot the neighbouring island of Guadalupe on a clear day! Visit on Sundays for the island’s weekly party with live Caribbean music, drinks and BBQ.

Where to stay: St. James’s Club and Villas is located just a 15-minute drive from Shirley Heights and offers plenty of Insta-worthy spots across its 100-acre peninsula. Soak up the sun on both Atlantic and Caribbean beaches and dine at the picturesque waterfront grill.

Blog: Shirley Heights in Antigua image

Left: @glamofnyc | Right: @socialartwork

Blog: Lover’s Beach in Los Cabos, Mexico image

@lilybbel

Lovers Beach in Los Cabos, Mexico

Nestled beside the iconic El Arco in Los Cabos, Lovers Beach (known locally as Playa del Amor) is one of this Pacific Mexican destination’s most popular spots for photos. The secluded slice of sand is small, measuring just 165 feet long, and surrounded by the majestic rock formations that the Baja Peninsula is known for. It’s accessible only by boat, so you’ll have to head out on an excursion or rent kayaks or paddleboards from Médano Beach to make your way across the calm waves towards the beach.

Where to stay: Located on the pristine shores of Médano Beach, Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas is right across the bay from Lover’s Beach. Take a dip in the oceanfront pool complex and admire breathtaking views of El Arco in the distance from this Los Cabos all inclusive resort.

Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica

Sprawling across almost 30,000 acres of Costa Rica’s lush landscapes and misty mountains, there are no shortage of picture-perfect spots in Arenal Volcano National Park. This national park is home to not one but two volcanoes, including the park’s namesake, the Arenal Volcano. It’s been dormant for over two decades but is still the most active volcano in the entire country. Hike along one of the numerous trails or soak in some of the volcanic hot springs you’ll find throughout the park.

Where to stay: Explore more of this exotic destination when you stay at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica An Autograph Collection All Inclusive Resort. The entertainment-themed resort offers Blockbuster-level vacations and a curated selection of excursions with its PH Experiences that will help you make the most of your time away.

Blog: Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica image

Left: @roamtobewild | Right: @hammock.hunters

Blog: Martha Brae River in Montego Bay, Jamaica image

@_paigegrey

Martha Brae River in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Spend an afternoon gliding past the lush shores of the Martha Brae River in Jamaica. Located just outside of Montego Bay, the river has been one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions for decades. After strolling through a medicinal herb garden, you’ll climb on board a 30-foot-long raft helmed by an expert guide, who will paddle you for three miles down the river with a long bamboo oar. Learn all about the Legend of Martha Brae and stop to swim in the refreshing waters.

Where to stay: After winding down the Martha Brae River, you can wind down with a few laps around the lazy river at Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay An Autograph Collection All Inclusive Resort! The resort also offers complimentary access to an on-site water park and a beachside Jerk Hut where you can sample the local cuisine.

Malecon Boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Majestic mountains, breathtaking beaches and picturesque cobblestone streets – almost everywhere you look you’ll find Insta-worthy spots in Puerto Vallarta. Head into the historic downtown area to stroll the mile-long oceanfront esplanade known as the Malecon Boardwalk, winding along the shores of Banderas Bay with charming shops, restaurants and sculptures lining the walkway. Visit at golden hour to snap the ultimate shot of you walking by the seaside at sunset with the Sierra Madre Mountains in the background.

Where to stay: Riu Vallarta is just a short excursion away from downtown. When you’re not exploring the city, explore the Art Deco-inspired resort with a sprawling oceanview pool complex and al fresco dining options.

Blog: Malecon Boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico image

Left: @sammyjayded | Right: @liv_dreamz

Blog: Varadero Beach in Varadero, Cuba image

@lyanna_stark

Varadero Beach in Varadero, Cuba

Cuba is famous for its pristine white-sand shores – and no beach on the island is more iconic than Varadero Beach. Considered to be one of the best beaches in the world, it stretches for 21 kilometres along Cuba’s northern coastline, featuring sparkling sands that are fringed with shady palms and popular resorts. The calm waters and immaculate coastline make it a popular spot for families travelling with kids and snorkellers looking to explore the deep blue. We recommend visiting at sunset with a Cuban mojito in hand for the ultimate photo op.

Where to stay: Stay right on this iconic beach during your Cuba vacation at Sol Palmeras Resort and Bungalows. Little ones will have a blast at the kids club or with fun activities like mini-golf while the grown ups lounge poolside with a drink in hand.

Dreaming about an all inclusive vacation? Check out our curated list of the best travel experiences at sunwing.ca/best-of-the-best.