A Quick Getaway
Where
Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
Why
If you simply have to escape the city right now, take American’s 8:05 a.m. nonstop to St. Thomas on a Friday morning—you’ll be on the beach in your chaise longue, sipping a daiquiri and being spritzed with Evian by 2 p.m. (from $599; 800-241-3333; ritzcarlton.com).
Impressing a New Friend
Where
Sandy Lane, Barbados
Why
Poor service is a common affliction of Caribbean resorts. Here, you’ll be picked up by a limousine, greeted warmly, and treated like a dignitary during your entire pampered stay. All that’s left is to turn on the charm (from $900; 246-444-2000; sandylane.com).
The Resort Experience
Where
One&Only Ocean Club, Bahamas
Why
Most big resorts compromise on style. This beachfront behemoth is no less luxurious for its wide range of facilities: six tennis courts, two pools, a fitness center, multiple restaurants, a full-service spa, an eighteen-hole golf course, and water sports (from $535; 800-321-3000; oneandonlyresorts.com).
Ever-changing Scenery
Where
Arabella, British Virgin Islands
Why
If looking at the same palm tree every morning is a bore, book a stateroom on this 160-foot schooner. British Virgin Islands cruises are already popular; in January, a St. Martin–Anguilla–St. Barts itinerary begins ($1,295 for six nights; 800-395-1343; cruisearabella.com).
Detoxing
Where
Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos
Why
There’s something about the simple, clean aesthetic of this private-island resort that makes vice seem unappealing. A gorgeous spa, a serene yoga pavilion, and a largely organic dining menu make it easy to purge (from $465; 877-754-0726; parrotcay.como.bz).
Dropping Off the Grid
Where
Caneel Bay, A Rosewood Resort, St. John
Why
It’s getting harder and harder to stay out of contact. At Caneel Bay, your quiet beachfront room will have no TV, no Internet hookup, and—get this—no phone. Just stay away from the business center (from $395; 888-767-3966; caneelbay.com).
Communing With Nature
Where
Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia
Why
With rugged volcano peaks, towering waterfalls, and dense rain forests, southern St. Lucia is a different Caribbean. Here, three-walled guest rooms open onto tropical gardens framed by the famed Piton mountains (from $260; 800-223-1108; ansechastanet.com).