Date of publication 05/06/2017
Tourism trends The Caribbean for 21st-century travelers
Caribbean tourism trends for 21st century travelers: ideas to travel in style.
Gone are the days when holidaymakers simply chose between the beach and the mountains. Today, there are many new types of travelers: those who love exploring the world on their own, those in search of extreme adventure, travelers who prefer to surround themselves with every possible comfort, dedicated foodies fascinated by international cuisine and even those who simply cannot stop working.
Thinking of visiting the Caribbean? Tell me what kind of traveler you are and I’ll tell you which destinations might suit you best. The Caribbean is much more than turquoise waters and beaches. This part of the world is home to idyllic destinations, delicious cuisine, ruins left behind by ancient civilizations and underwater worlds full of secrets. There is a Caribbean for every type of traveler.
The adventure traveler
The dolce far niente of lying on the beach, feeling the sand beneath you and listening to the waves in the background sounds idyllic. And it is. But watching the hours pass beneath the Caribbean sun may not be enough for an intrepid traveler with a taste for adventure. If you have an action camera tucked away in a drawer that you have been impatiently waiting to use, Puerto Morelos, surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty, could be your destination.
One of Puerto Morelos’ main attractions is the cenotes found in the surrounding area, natural freshwater pools that can be open to the sky or hidden inside caves. Ancient Indigenous civilizations used these places as water sources, while today’s travelers have discovered them as remarkable natural attractions. Jumping into the depths of these crystal-clear pools surrounded by lush vegetation is a unique experience. Several cenotes can be reached from Puerto Morelos in less than an hour by car. Cenote Las Mojarras, Boca del Puma, Kin Ha, La Noria and Cenote Siete Bocas are located relatively close to one another, making them ideal for exploring in a single day. Another possibility is Aktun Ha, around 90 kilometers from Puerto Morelos. It almost goes without saying that the area is also filled with beaches where the water temperature is pleasant throughout much of the year. If you love taking a refreshing dip, whether in a cenote or in the sea, this should be high on your list.
The explorer
Is there a little Indiana Jones hiding inside you? Do you enjoy walking among archaeological remains hidden in idyllic surroundings? Then Tulum is waiting for you. Many travelers make the mistake of missing the famous Maya ruins in Tulum National Park, which occupy a spectacular location on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. If you have the chance to watch the sunrise from this corner of the world, take it. Getting up early will be worth it. If you are looking for untouched turquoise waters, you will find them in the Riviera Maya as well. Tulum is surrounded by beautiful beaches, accessible via steps leading down from the cliffs to scenery that looks as though it belongs in a movie.
Enjoy them while staying at one of our hotels in the Riviera Maya and immerse yourself in the atmosphere surrounding the nearby Maya ruins. Less than an hour by car from Tulum lies the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Its Maya name says it all: “origin of the sky.” This extraordinary place is dominated by nature. More than 300 species of birds live among its mangroves, wetlands and tropical forests, making Sian Ka’an an ideal destination for nature explorers. Birdwatching tours and excursions through the wetlands offer a close look at the extraordinary biodiversity of the Yucatán Peninsula.
The Instagram traveler
Photography and social media: what better combination for creating and preserving unforgettable travel memories? The classic Instagram traveler is always looking for the perfect setting for the next photo shoot. You will find exactly that close to our 5-star hotel in Bayahibe. If you care about both the setting and the details, few backdrops will impress your followers more than Bayahíbe in the Dominican Republic.
ayahíbe is surrounded by unspoiled beaches with transparent waters and lush green palm trees. Your photos will barely need a filter, and the area offers countless angles for both amateur and experienced photographers. Try capturing the lively atmosphere of Playa Dominicus, with its distinctive lighthouse that also serves as a bar for refreshing drinks; the intense greenery and natural scenery of the cactus forest in Parque Nacional del Este; or the must-see Saona Island, where you can take underwater photos while diving. Then there is Catalina Island. This is the Caribbean at its most photogenic.
The luxury traveler
Work takes up far too much of our lives. When we finally manage to put it aside, even temporarily, what many people want most is peace and comfort, two qualities that come together perfectly in Montego Bay, Jamaica. If you like traveling in true luxury, prepare to switch off and make the most of the room service at your 5-star resort in Montego Bay. Once you are ready to leave your room, settle in beside one of the hotel pools, book a private cabana if available and order a bottle of champagne with a good snack. You are here for a reason, so there is plenty to celebrate. This famous Jamaican coastal destination also offers unforgettable experiences such as walking along the white sands of beaches including Doctor’s Cave, Seven Mile and Cornwall. The city’s jewelry stores feature major international brands, while galleries such as West Indian Art offer the chance to discover works by Caribbean artists and craftspeople.
The solo traveler
The days when asking for a “table for one” felt awkward are long gone. Traveling alone can be a way of reconnecting with yourself, enjoying peace and quiet, reflecting, making important decisions and choosing your own path at every stage of the journey. Riviera Nayarit in Mexico is a particularly appealing destination for this kind of trip. With our all-inclusive hotel in Riviera Nayarit, you will have everything you need close at hand. If you feel like exploring, however, the region is full of secluded beaches that relatively few people visit. Just remember to carry some pesos so you can hire one of the small local boats that transport visitors between different spots. Had enough of the beach for a while? Explore the small villages of Riviera Nayarit, such as Yelapa and Cabo Corrientes, places that can feel far removed from the modern world and where waterfalls and other natural attractions await. If you want to take solitude even further, hire a private boat to the Marietas Islands. One of the archipelago’s best-known sights is a hidden beach tucked inside a small island and accessible only by swimming, often known as Playa del Amor.
Access can be difficult when the tide is high, so conditions should always be assessed carefully and local guidance followed.
The water lover
If your zodiac sign belongs to the water element, you are a Jacques Cousteau fan and you simply cannot stay away from the sea for long, then Cozumel in Mexico may be the Caribbean destination for you. After Hurricane Wilma, the island worked hard to recover and went on to become a particularly attractive destination for travelers who love spending their holidays in diving gear, exploring the underwater world. The waters around Cozumel are known for their remarkable visibility. The island is also home to the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, part of one of the world’s largest coral reef systems. The hotels in Cozumel often offer all-inclusive stays, and you can even stay in a bungalow near the beach. An ideal place to unwind after an action-packed day beneath the surface.
The workaholic traveler
Welcome to Punta Cana, workaholics and technology lovers. Here you can have both: the beach and connectivity. If you work remotely or are lucky enough to be able to spend a few days working from anywhere in the world, Punta Cana offers an appealing combination of work and leisure. And, more specifically, you may not need to venture far beyond one of our hotels in Punta Cana.
At the resort, food and drinks are taken care of while you alternate between your keyboard and the Caribbean sun. Your reward at the end of the day? Just a few steps away, you will find white sand, clear blue water and plenty of opportunities to relax. Need to finish the presentation for your next meeting? Your room with Wi-Fi is nearby.
In recent years, both Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic as a whole have also invested heavily in digital connectivity. Programs designed to expand public Wi-Fi access have aimed to improve online services and help travelers stay connected during their holidays.
