Melanie Reffes

Where Mayan culture is celebrated and vacations reigns supreme, Cancun is framed by the denim blue Caribbean Sea and long stretches of sandy coral beaches. On the Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, the city by the sea is a holiday hot spot courtesy of the resorts that line the water’s edge, nightlife that never sleeps, open-air markets, haute and spicy food in umpteen restaurants and plenty of perches for a seaside siesta. — www.visitmexico.com/en/
A 4-hour flight from Mo...

The Caribbean has long attracted adventurers to its clear waters and technicolor underwater world, and today, it remains one of the most popular scuba diving destinations on the planet. From wreck dives to plummeting walls, there's a dive for just about everyone in this sun-kissed region.
The top 10 winners in the 10Best Readers' Choice Best Caribbean Dive Site category are as follows. Scroll through the gallery above to see photos and find out more about each one.
Butler Bay Wrecks - St. Cro...

A vacation in the Turks & Caicos Islands is the stuff of caviar dreams and champagne wishes. With beaches that are prettier than postcards and easy flights from the U.S., the islands are the gold standard for luxe villas and spectacular suites. Here are the best luxury stays which set the bar high.
The Shore Club
Offering views that salute Long Bay Beach, it's where jet-setters shell out big bucks to lie low in the lap of luxury. The property boasts four pools, on-site Dune Spa, three bars an...

For some, a marriage proposal on bended knee or a diamond ring stashed in a chocolate dessert does the trick. But for the next-gen, the hashtag #MarryMe might be the way to go. Shake up the mix, ditch the predictable and check out these cool Caribbean locales perfect for popping the question.
Better in the Bahamas
Photo courtesy of Visit Green Turtle Cay
For a small isle just 1.5 miles wide, Green Turtle Cay packs a big romantic punch. Home to sea turtles (hence the name), pretty pastel colon...

Photo: A classic wedding on the beach at the JW Marriott Cancun, Credit: JW Marriott Cancun
Where Mayan culture is celebrated and romance reigns supreme, Cancun in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo is framed by the denim blue water of the Caribbean Sea and sandy stretches of coral beaches. On the Yucatan Peninsula in an area known as Riviera Maya, Cancun is adored for fine resorts that line the beach, sizzling nightlife, open-air craft markets, haute and spicy food in umpteen restaurants and ...

Where Mayan culture is celebrated and romance reigns supreme, Cancun in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo is framed by the denim blue water of the Caribbean Sea and sandy stretches of coral beaches. On the Yucatan Peninsula in an area known as Riviera Maya, Cancun is adored for fine resorts that line the beach, sizzling nightlife, open-air craft markets, haute and spicy food in umpteen restaurants and plenty of perches to take five under the Mexican sun. Easy to navigate with buses that opera...

Where Mayan culture is celebrated and romance reigns supreme, Cancun in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo is framed by the denim blue water of the Caribbean Sea and sandy stretches of coral beaches. On the Yucatan Peninsula in an area known as Riviera Maya, Cancun is adored for fine resorts that line the beach, sizzling nightlife, open-air craft markets, haute and spicy food in umpteen restaurants and plenty of perches to take five under the Mexican sun. Easy to navigate with buses that opera...

In the Mexican state of Quintana Roo edged by the cobalt Caribbean Sea and long stretches of coral beaches, JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is a timeless treasure striking the perfect balance between a luxury stay and a salute to Mexico’s Mayan culture. . Check out our Top 20 reasons to book a stay at the JW Marriott Cancun.

All -inclusive play and unlimited golf in the Caribbean

You might believe that all-inclusive golf vacations are created equal, especially to the Caribbean.

Unlimited rounds on some of the finest courses in the world can be nirvana for golfers and without the extra costs for cart rentals, clubs and green fees, it’s a win-win for any golfer.

Luckily for you we have a trio of amazing all-inclusive golf vacat...

You might believe that all-inclusive golf vacations are created equal, especially to the Caribbean. Unlimited rounds on some of the finest courses in the world can be nirvana for golfers and without the extra costs for cart rentals, clubs and green fees, it’s a win-win for any golfer. Luckily for you we have a trio of amazing all-inclusive golf vacations that won’t break the bank.

The Shark has a course for you to battle

Like the catchy slogan “It’s Better in the Bahamas“, the course at Sanda...

About Melanie
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY TRAVEL, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.
A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warme...

The star attraction at the largest tourism conference on the calendar, Jamaica welcomed movers and shakers from around the world to Caribbean Travel Marketplace this year in Montego Bay. Hosted by Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) in collaboration with Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, the annual event is a treasure trove of tropical vacation ideas. “What visitors to the Caribbean are seeking is a personal connecti...

Luxury in the Caribbean - Go for it !

Photo: Betty and Royal Brown are the proud parents of four kids born at the Sunset at the Palms resort in Negril, Jamaica , Credit: Sunset at the Palms
Source: USA Today
While many book a vacation in the Caribbean for the sun and the sea, exploring beyond the beach is a treat for nature lovers. With an enchanting variety of cute critters calling the islands home, venture beyond the blue and get cuddly with a host of tropical animals from puppies and parrots to goats and monkeys.
Photo: Potcak...

While many book a vacation in the Caribbean for the sun and the sea, exploring beyond the beach is a treat for nature lovers. With an enchanting variety of cute critters calling the islands home, venture beyond the blue and get cuddly with a host of tropical animals from puppies and parrots to goats and monkeys.
Puppy love in Provo
A mixed breed that lives in the Turks and Caicos Islands, potcakes were named for the leftover food caked on the bottom of cooking pots that islanders fed to hungr...