10 Top Romantic Spots in the Caribbean

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

You'll find the islands dotted with romantic resorts but when it's time to get out and do a little sightseeing, where are the best places for lovers to explore?

Looking for a way to heat up your romance? The answer just might lie in the sunny Caribbean, a destination filled with enough sun and sand to put the sizzle into every lovelife. You'll find the islands dotted with romantic resorts but when it's time to get out and do a little sightseeing, where are the best places for lovers to explore? Here are some favorites with romantic-minded travelers:

Diamond Waterfalls and Gardens, St. Lucia. Blooming with tropical splendor, garden trails lead to the Diamond Waterfalls, a cascade that leaves a spray of "diamond" twinkles in the air. If you stop by on a Sunday, you can also enjoy a soak in the mineral baths originally built by French King Louis XVI for use by his troops.

The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. This beach is littered with massive granite boulders as smooth as riverbed stones. They form shadowy caves perfect for a clandestine kiss.

Y.S. Falls, Jamaica. Although the north coast's Dunns' River Falls is far more visited, these secluded falls offer couples a much quieter paradise. Cascading in steps through tropical forest, the falls can be climbed with the help of a guide then swimmers can enjoy clear waters under a canopy of ferns.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dotted with historic sites and rich with the atmosphere of Spanish conquistadors, here couples can stroll hand-in-hand where lovers have literally walked for centuries. The most recognized site in Old San Juan is Fuerte San Felipe del Morro, a fort better known as El Morro.

Boca Tabla, Curaçao. Pounding Atlantic waves carved this sea cave. Kneeling in the darkness of the sea cave, you'll watch the surge of crystal blue waves as they come within feet of you, roaring into the cave and back out to sea.

West End, Negril, Jamaica. Negril's famous Seven Mile Beach gives way to rugged cliffs on its west side and here visitors find one of the best sunset lookouts in the Caribbean. Every day, crowds arrive at Rick's, one of the region's best known sunset bars, for the chance to watch another island day draw to a close.

South Peninsula, St. Kitts. Until a few years ago, this stretch of land was accessible only by boat. Today a modern highway makes the island's most beautiful, pristine beaches accessible. Keep an eye out for the vervet monkeys that live in this remote region.

Natural bridge, Aruba. This symbol of Aruba marks the line where tumultuous sea waves crash against the windward coast. Walk out on the bridge for a cool sea spray and a breathtaking view. [Update: sadly, the Natural Bridge in Aruba collapsed. You will still find several smaller natural bridges on the island.]

Paradise Point, St. Thomas. Aboard ski-lift gondolas, you'll rise to one point that never sees snow: the top of Flag Hill for a view of the Charlotte Amalie harbor dotted with cruise ships. Gondolas ascend to the point from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day.

Maracas Bay, Trinidad. About an hour from Port of Spain, the drive to this area is a treat in itself, winding through the Northern Range with views of forests where species such as howler and capuchin monkeys, ocelot, Amazon parrots, and wild pigs can be found. The beach at Maracas Bay offers a full day of fun and is the place to see and be seen in Trinidad.