Rose Hall is named for its centerpiece The Rose Hall Great House, a purportedly haunted eighteenth-century plantation home.  For those tempted by Jamaican folklore, The Rose Hall Great House offers an eerie and memorable night tour by candlelight.  For those seeking outdoor pleasures, the surrounding area delivers with its astounding Montego Bay Marine Park, as well as rafting on the Martha Brae River, a truly romantic experience. 

Sure, you can leave the sunny sands in favor of a crocodile watch or horseback ride, but when the main strand is called Seven Mile Beach, it's clear what draws most visitors to Negril. Depending on how much sun you want, you're welcome to go topless or even sunbathe in the buff in some places.

Just ten miles west of Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay's stunning beaches see far fewer footprints than its neighbours. It's also removed from the cruise ship herds and pushy vendors. Perfect for those happy not to wander far from their resort, there are a few nearby attractions nonetheless. Bob Marley's childhood home and mausoleum is in nearby Nine Mile. Jamaican history is on view at Seville Great House and at Columbus Park Museum. To explore, rent a reliable vehicle and remember to drive on the left.

Jamaica is a melting pot of African, Asian, European and Middle Eastern cultures. You'll experience this diversity in its strong crafts tradition, performing arts and distinctive dining options, like ackee and saltfish with roast breadfruit. Take your holiday to new heights at famed cliff jumping spot, Negril Cliffs. Jamaica offers long beaches, protected coves, rugged mountains, waterfalls, caves and sunshine and chances to play in the surf, ride horses and swim with dolphins. Jump in!

You're on island time the moment you set foot in Jamaica. Ocho Rios, a port of call for many cruise lines, also boasts some of the most luxe resorts and spas in the Caribbean. And once you've had your stresses melted away in the island sun, you can head out for a night of dancing and reggae music.

U.S. citizens still need to jump through a few hoops to visit Cuba, but as visitors from around the world know, this island offers some amazing opportunities for cultural exchange. Havana is a mix of old-world architecture and of-the-moment culture. Head out of the capital city to the small town of Trinidad to see more Spanish colonial architecture. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fantastic home base for a visit to the Valley of the Sugar Mills, a pocket of land that formerly served as the centre of Cuba’s sugar industry.

The Dominican Republic lies in the same waters as Cuba and Puerto Rico, taking up the eastern two-thirds of the island it shares with Haiti. Offering a lush interior with a mix of caves, Victorian gingerbread houses and the lore of pirates, plus 900 miles of coastline along its brim, island highlights include riding a cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres and basking on stunning Saona Island. Oh, and did we mention the D.R. is family-friendly, has just about perfect weather and is affordable?

It’s not just for spring-breakers. Cancun, with its golden beaches and perfect climate, is the premiere coastal destination in Mexico. And while there is certainly a 365-day party available for college students, resorts cater well to families and to those seeking solitude. This Yucatan paradise is also the gateway to the ruins of Tulum and Chichén Itzá.

Stretching from the fishing village of Puerto Morelos to the biosphere reserve of Sian Ka'an, the Mayan Riviera offers an unforgettable Caribbean coastline experience. Divers and snorkelers will be dazzled by the wrecks of Xcaret and the Puerto Morelos reef. Use a zip line to descend into the sacred subterranean caverns of LabnaHa Eco Park, where you can snorkel an underground river under a canopy of stalactites. The nearby Tulum Monkey Sanctuary will put you in a playful mood.

Among the best golf destinations in the world, Punta Cana is the very picture of leisure. Several of the courses have been designed by professional golfers, making for the perfect sort of kicked-back challenge that you want on a golfing vacation. The beaches here are simply perfect: calm, warm waters that gently lap at stretches of fine white sand. Thrill yourself with a zip-line adventure, clap along with traditional Dominican music at a cultural performance, or explore the magical lagoons of the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park.

There's more than one way to enjoy the spa experience in St. Lucia. One is to book a treatment at any of the luxury spas or resorts on the island. The other is to visit Sulphur Springs, inside the bowl of an extinct volcano, where you're welcome to try a volcanic mud bath or the 31°C/88°F Roman bath.

Dozens of nightclubs, hundreds of restaurants and some of Mexico's best beaches await you in Puerto Vallarta. The original colonial town still shines through an endless selection of shopping, art galleries, water and land activities, and hotels. Walk the malecon (boardwalk) and just try to take it all in.

You'll find crashing waves off Cabo's Pacific coast and sheltered, calm water on the Sea of Cortez. Given those options, Cabo has built a rare reputation for both excellent outdoor sports (big-game fishing, diving and kayaking, among others) and pure beach relaxation. Of course, there's also great nightlife. Cabo’s resorts, hotels and inns cater to everyone from honeymooners to families to Hollywood stars seeking a weekend getaway.

"For simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all." So said Alexander Graham Bell of the island he adopted as his home. Rich with Celtic, Mi'kmaq and Acadian heritage, Cape Breton is a delight for history buffs, music lovers and explorers of nature. Immerse yourself in 18th-century life at the Fortress of Louisbourg, explore the winding roads and Atlantic vistas of the Cabot Trail, and seek out a local Ceilidh for a lively and rousing experience.