Some folks who go on vacation want the beach, while others enjoy the beauty of a rainforest environment. Resorts that combine the feel of both of these can truly feel like the ultimate tropical escape.
Enjoy the sights, sounds and seclusion of a lush, tropical environment and feel like you’re in a world all your own. Turn off your electronics and tune into the comforting environment, letting it provide the break from the chaos you need – or go to the beach and relax with your toes in the sand. There’s no wrong answer on vacation.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort - Puerto Rico
Relax by the pool or beach in Puerto Rico — Photo courtesy of Sharon Rigney
The St. Regis is located on a former coconut farm, nestled between the El Yunque National Forest and Espiritu Santo River State Preserve. As you walk around the property, you truly feel like you’ve found your own little piece of the forest. The resort is set on 483 pristine acres, and beachgoers will not be disappointed here, as the 2 miles of secluded beach offer gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda - Dominican Republic
Swim up to paradise in the Dominican Republic — Photo courtesy of Club Med
What awaits travelers here? A hidden paradise with everything resort-goers love about Club Med, set in a lush, tropical forest. The pristine natural setting and untouched beauty of the resort (the first of its kind in the region of Miches) offers a luxury vacation that’s also all-inclusive. The five-star resort is spread across 93 acres, and the 2,000 feet of white sand beach completes the picture.
Hotel Punta Islita - Costa Rica
Enjoy the pretty pool deck in Costa Rica — Photo courtesy of Hotel Punta Islita
This ultra-remote resort offers guests a lush location on a jungle-covered hillside. Rooms come with terraces that deliver beautiful mountain or water views. The resort itself offers a stunning infinity pool and ruggedly beautiful beach. Additionally, this is a hotel with a heart: Punta Islita is environmentally friendly and gives back to the local community.
Secret Bay Resort - Dominica
Vacation in heaven in Dominica — Photo courtesy of Secret Bay
Vacation in an all-villa rainforest resort which offers privacy and panoramic views. This one is spectacularly situated on a clifftop promontory where the rainforest meets the sea on Dominica, the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean. Guests also have access to the beach, making it a terrific option for all kinds of vacationers.
Sunset at the Palms - Jamaica
Treehouse living in Jamaica is a wonderful escape — Photo courtesy of Sunset at the Palms
A tropical garden and beautiful flowering plants surround this adults-only, all-inclusive retreat on the coastline of Negril. This incredible beachside setting is as lush as it is luxurious, and it offers serenity and untouched beauty in a jungle-like setting. It was also the first hotel in Jamaica to receive certification for Environmentally Sustainable Tourism by the UK’s Green Globe.
Anse Chastanet - St. Lucia
A room with a view nestled in the rainforest — Photo courtesy of Anse Chastanet
Set amidst a 600-acre lush, tropical estate and alongside two sprawling beaches with striking blue waters, this one-of-a-kind 49-room resort with uninterrupted views of the famed Pitons harmoniously blends with the environment and nature of St. Lucia. If relaxing to the sounds of the ocean in the open-air accommodations isn’t enough, guests can laze the day away in a private beach hut.
Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort - Costa Rica
Look out onto Costa Rican paradise — Photo courtesy of Arenas Del Mar
Keep your eye out for all kinds of wildlife welcoming you to this luxe, eco-friendly resort property. Bordering Manuel Antonio National Park, it also offers guests access to two pretty beaches. Enjoy rainforest surroundings and relax at the beach for a pretty, rejuvenating vacation experience.
Carlisle Bay Resort - Antigua
Take in lush, tropical vibes in Antigua — Photo courtesy of Carlisle Bay
On the southern shore of Antigua sits Carlisle Bay Resort. It's located in a stunning, secluded bay with a backdrop of emerald, green rainforest. Suites here offer amazing ocean views, there are plenty of activities to keep guests busy, and it is terrific for both couples and families.
Copamarina Beach Resort and Spa - Puerto Rico
Hang out here as long as you wish — Photo courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico
Located in south Puerto Rico, Copamarina gives off vibes of a secret, unspoiled natural paradise. The resort is located in a rare dry tropical forest preserve filled with unique animals and plants. Since the nearby mountains block much of the rain, it looks different from a wet Caribbean rainforest. Beaches, pools and access to a secluded island make it extra special.
Palmar Beach Lodge - Panama
Be one with the beautiful rainforest in Panama — Photo courtesy of Palmar Beach Lodge
Tucked at the edge of the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, Palmar Beach Lodge is a rustic hotel located directly on the Bocas del Toro archipelago's famous Red Frog Beach. Stay in a cabin, luxury bungalow, safari style tents or shared dorms. Everything is fully solar-powered, and all the water is rain-caught.
Sugar Beach - St. Lucia
Surrender to beauty and seclusion in St. Lucia — Photo courtesy of Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort
Resting between St. Lucia's iconic twin Piton volcanoes and surrounded by more than 100 acres of pristine rainforest on the site of an old sugar plantation, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, is a visually stunning retreat that overlooks its namesake white sand beach. The resort boasts breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and offers a variety of luxury rooms – all with private plunge pools.
