Brac Reef Beach Resort (Cayman Brac; tel. 800/594-0843 or 727/369-2507; www.bracreef.com): Cayman Brac is a little unspoiled island off the coast of the much larger Grand Cayman. Here at this small resort, you can take a series of nature trails that cut through lush vegetation, including sea grapes, to explore the wilderness and enjoy some of the best bird-watching in the islands. This family-friendly resort also offers some of the best snorkeling in the islands.
Papillote Wilderness Retreat (Dominica; tel. 767/448-2287; www.papillote.dm): In the middle of one of the Caribbean's most lush rainforests, at the foot of a mountain, this intimate inn returns you to nature in its remote setting of exotic fruits, flowers, and herb gardens. You'll feel like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Natural hot mineral baths are offered, and you can follow a trail to a secluded waterfall for a river swim. Rooms are rustic but comfortable.
Natura Cabañas & the Attabeyra Spa (Cabarete, Dominican Republic; tel. 809/571-1507; www.naturacabana.com): The most eco-sensitive hotel in the Dominican Republic lies between Cabarete and Sosúa, attracting New Age patrons drawn to its setting. Some guests are housed in mushroom-shaped organic-looking structures. During the day, guests can swim, enjoy the spa, or go horseback riding. Mountain bikes or jeeps also can be used to explore this remote part of the country. Or you can just spend the day in a hammock.
Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge (Trinidad; tel. 800/426-7781 in the U.S., or 868/667-4655; www.asawright.org): Known to bird-watchers around the world, this is the most legendary eco-retreat in the Caribbean, standing on 74 hectares (183 acres) of protected land at an elevation of 360m (1,181 ft.) in a rainforest in a mountain range in Trinidad. Nature lovers from all over the world flock here to see the vast array of birdlife, including hummingbirds, toucans, manikins, tanagers, and even the rare oilbird. Guided tours are available along trails to a natural waterfall. Accommodations are in a 1908 Edwardian house and various cottages.
Cinnamon Bay Campground (St. John; tel. 340/776-6330; www.cinnamonbay.com): This National Park Service campground is the best in the Caribbean, and it's set directly on a sandy beach surrounded by thousands of acres of tropical vegetation. You can stay here in a cottage or a tent, or else rent a bare site. Guests take cool water showers and cook their own meals when not swimming, sailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, or hiking through trails in the national park.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
