The Ultimate Warm Weather Getaway Guide: Mexico & The Caribbean From the East Coast
If you’re craving turquoise waters, beachfront cocktails, and the feeling of sun on your skin while your friends are still defrosting from winter—this one’s for you. Whether you're escaping NYC for a long weekend or plotting a full reset, these destinations are easy to reach from the East Coast (hello, direct flights!) and bring the heat year-round.
While peak season (December through March) comes with a higher price tag, many of these destinations are just as dreamy—and often more peaceful—during the shoulder seasons.
I’m sharing my favorite islands and coastal escapes across Mexico and the Caribbean, plus the hotels I personally love and frequently book for clients. From barefoot luxury to design-forward resorts, these are the places that stay with you.
01. Barbados: Classic Elegance & Island Charm
✈️ Direct flights from JFK, EWR, BOS, MIA
⏱ Approx. 6 hour flight from NYC
Barbados is pure sophistication wrapped in Caribbean ease. Think pastel beach clubs, refined dining, and friendly island culture. The west coast is especially magical—tranquil waters, white sands, and legendary sunsets. September is an especially special time to visit for turtle hatching season, and you can’t miss a catamaran cruise with snorkeling alongside turtles. For nightlife, head to The Gap for lively bars and local flavor.
Where to Stay:
Sandy Lane – My all-time favorite hotel. Pink umbrellas, impeccable service, an iconic spa, and the kind of old-school glamour you just can’t fake. It’s the gold standard of Caribbean luxury.
O2 Beach Club & Spa – A newer, all-inclusive boutique resort that’s modern, fresh, and more accessible while still delivering great service and stunning beachfront views.
02. Aruba: Sunshine All Year & Boutique Beach Vibes
✈️ Direct flights from JFK, EWR, BOS, MIA, ATL
With near-perfect weather year-round and little rainfall, Aruba is an ideal beach destination any season. It’s safe, clean, and packed with colorful charm and European flair.
Where to Stay:
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba – An intimate and super chic hideaway with private casitas, a relaxing vibe, and personalized service. Think barefoot luxury minus the crowds.
03. The Bahamas: Glam Meets Convenience
✈️ Direct flights from NYC, Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte
Just a short flight from the East Coast, Nassau is ideal for a quick-but-luxurious escape. The island’s food scene is booming, and the beaches are just as beautiful as you imagine.
Where to Stay:
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar – Great for families and groups. Multiple pools, restaurants, and access to a pristine beach.
Rosewood Baha Mar – Elevated, elegant, and ultra-private. Perfect for couples or anyone looking to unwind in style.
04. Belize: Barefoot Adventure & Jungle Magic
✈️ Flights via MIA, ATL, IAH
Belize is one of my favorite off-the-radar escapes. It's where jungle meets sea, and the energy is wild in the best way.
Where to Stay:
Turtle Inn – A coastal gem by the Coppola family. Rustic luxury, open-air villas, and insanely good food.
Blancaneaux Lodge – Nestled in the jungle. Waterfalls, horseback riding, and total seclusion. Ideal for a romantic or wellness-focused trip.
05. Dominican Republic: Dramatic Landscapes & Chic Seclusion
✈️ Direct flights from all major East Coast hubs
The DR is wildly diverse, and these properties let you tap into its most elevated corners.
Where to Stay:
Amanera – Over-the-top and utterly serene. Set on a cliffside with sweeping ocean views.
Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – A Caribbean institution. Horseback riding, golf, a private beach club, and villas that are ideal for families or groups.
06. Mexico: Riviera Magic, Tulum Energy & Design-Focused Retreats
✈️ Direct flights to Cancun or Mexico City
Mexico offers everything—lush jungles, cutting-edge design, holistic wellness, world-class dining—and it's just a few hours from the East Coast.
Where to stay Riviera Maya:
Chileno Bay Resorts & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection – Luxe meets laid-back. Great for families and groups.
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai – Modern, sexy, and surrounded by mangroves.
Unico 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya – All-inclusive but elevated. Spa included, beautiful design.
Chablé Maroma – Jungle luxury, modern Mexican cuisine, total peace.
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel – Recently refreshed and stunning. Authentic, romantic, refined.
Where to Stay Tulum:
Tulum has a special energy—part boho paradise, part creative hideaway. The food is incredible, the beach is unmatched, and the mix of boutique hotels and villas is pure magic.
Hotel Esencia – Understated luxury just north of Tulum. A favorite for fashion insiders.
Nomade Tulum – Earthy, spiritual, stylish. Great for a reset.
La Valise – Adults-only, romantic, beautifully designed. (Check my IG post for a full visual tour!)
Hotel Panamera – Design-forward, vibrant, and laid-back chic.
Azulik – Eco-luxe, otherworldly, and totally unique (not for everyone—but unforgettable).
Habitas Tulum – Cool, earthy, and community-driven. Great for wellness lovers and creatives.
Casa Malca – Formerly owned by Pablo Escobar, now an artsy, eclectic beachfront stay.
Coco Tulum – Minimalist beach bungalows with swing bars and major IG vibes.
Matcha Mama – Iconic smoothie stop for a quick, healthy bite.
Bagatelle Beach Club – The go-to spot if you’re craving a party scene.
Boat Day + Cenotes – A must. Book a boat for the day or explore one of the region’s many crystal-clear cenotes.
Incredible Villas – For group getaways, private villas with chefs and daily cleaning services make for a next-level experience.
Where to Stay Guadalajara:
Casa Habita – Modern boutique hotel in a cool neighborhood. Great base for exploring one of Mexico’s most underrated cities.
07. Saint Lucia: Volcano Views & Dreamy Beaches
✈️ Direct flights from NYC, ATL, MIA
Saint Lucia is romantic, mountainous, and wildly lush—ideal for honeymooners or anyone needing a full body reset.
Where to Stay:
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort – Nestled between the Pitons with direct beach access, luxe villas, and a spa in the rainforest.
08. Turks & Caicos: Powder-White Beaches & Family-Friendly Perfection
✈️ Direct flights from NYC, BOS, MIA, ATL, CLT
Turks is known for its calm, clear water and ultra-luxe resorts. It's also one of my top family recommendations.
Where to Stay:
Beaches Turks & Caicos – An amazing all-inclusive for families. Endless activities, tons of dining options, and the most beautiful water.
Rock House, Turks & Caicos – Chic, cliffside villas with private pools, panoramic ocean views, and total serenity. It’s boutique and bold, ideal for couples.
09. Antigua & Barbuda: Snorkeling & Seclusion
✈️ Direct flights from NYC, MIA, CLT
Antigua & Barbuda offers a mix of natural beauty and boutique escape energy. Green Island is a snorkeling dream, and the calm turquoise waters make this an ideal laid-back getaway.
Where to Stay:
Escape at Nonsuch Bay – Adults-only, all-inclusive, and peaceful with a modern tropical vibe. Perfect for a romantic recharge.
Let’s Plan Your Dreamy Warm-Weather Escape
Whether you're craving a five-star island escape or a boutique hideaway with soul, I can help you choose the perfect destination—and secure perks like free upgrades, resort credits, and VIP treatment through my travel network.
Ready to chase the sun?
Let’s book your perfect escape
