The view from a suite balcony at the Opal Sands Resortin Clearwater Beach, Florida.
By STACEY MARCUS
Looking to plan a great getaway this spring? We assembled a list of four great spots to visit to celebrate the end of another New England winter and the dawn of the seasons of renewal.
One happy island in Aruba
With daily direct flights from Boston under 5 hours, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino offers travelers a picture-perfect scene of palapas and sparkling turquoise waters with year-round temperatures in the 80s and incredible trade winds. With the largest accommodations on the island, nine
restaurants and bars, including pop-up beach restaurant Atardi, and every imaginable water sport, travelers can definitely retreat to their happy place.
See crystal clearly in Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach is a quick 3.5-hour flight away from Boston to Tampa International Airport. Ideally located 30 minutes from Tampa on Florida’s stunning west coast, Clearwater Beach boasts powder-soft, white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, vibrant sunsets, and an endless supply of entertainment for all travelers (whether its water activities or festivals). This year-round vacation destination is home to two beachfront sister properties — Opal Sands Resort and Sandpearl Resort — which both overlook the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and give travelers the feeling of being the Caribbean without having to leave the U.S.
California sunshine at Laguna Beach
Enjoy a quintessential California beach experience at The Ranch at Laguna Beach nestled within the majestic Aliso and Woods Canyons in the heart of the quaint beachside community of Laguna Beach, California. A local icon for the last 50 years, this hidden treasure is being re-envisioned and reconstructed as the premier boutique Southern California ranch-style resort that will reflect the rich history of the city.
It’s better in Barbados
There has never been a better time to visit Barbados. Caribbean season is upon us as temperatures drop, and there are new direct flights making traveling easier than ever. Less than a year old, Port Ferdinand is a boater’s paradise located on the historical northwest coast of Barbados Riviera with direct access to the picturesque Six Men’s Beach. Just a water taxi ride away, Saint Peter’s Bay comfortably accommodates families in 57 three- and four-bedroom beachfront suites. Guests can swim with the turtles, take beach yoga and Pilates and get exclusive access to Buttals Farm Polo Club.
