Coyaba is a native Arawak word meaning “place of rest”—and also “Heaven” or “Paradise.” This family-owned resort is just that: A compact property on four breezy acres along a private beach, with colorful Adirondack chairs spaced along the wooden sunbathing pier and hammocks between the palms.

Not as large, noisy, or pretentious as some of the mega-resorts (it lies on the coast just beyond the Rius and the Sandals Royal Caribbean), the Coyaba consist of just 50 airy, Georgian Colonial–style rooms of floral fabrics, poster beds, and mahogany furniture opening onto private patios or balconies.

The rates include daily afternoon tea and non-motorized water sports, and meal plans are available. The contemporary Caribbean and comfort fare at the three restaurants is not bad, but also not too varied and a bit pricey for what you get, though it is livened up by several weekly theme night meals, including classic Jamaican and Asian-Caribbean fusion.

 - Reid Bramblett