Sherman's Travel

The San Juan Water and Beach Club Hotel is already one of Puerto Rico’s trendiest hotels, but with $2.5 million dollars spent on recent renovations, it has even more to offer. Notably new is Mist, a rooftop bar and lounge, to accompany the rooftop pool and views of the steps-away Isla Verde beach. At Mist (pictured) you can sip cocktails and eat Island-Italian-Spanish fusion tapas (made from locally grown ingredients) from the spacious pillowed and cushioned couches that truly deserve the word “lounge.”

If you’d rather consume your food by table and chair, the hotel also has a new restaurant, Zest. Zest, like the neon-blue-lit hotel that contains it, is uniquely decorated, with such design elements as a waterfall by the bar and a simulation of the surface of the ocean on the ceiling. The food, too, is unique: Diverse dishes are locally and sustainably-sourced and scent-infused to take your taste experience to the next level.

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A pair of hotel openings hit Miami Beach this week, just in time for Art Basel. Whether down south for the art or the sun, check out these two affordable newbies.

Surfcomber The totally renovated and rebranded Surfcomber (now a Kimpton Hotel) opened yesterday on Collins Avenue. The 186-room oceanfront hotel has a playful vibe, stylish accommodations, and Kimpton’s personalized service and amenities. The pool deck and bevy of cabanas look inviting, as do the opening rates from only $149/night. www.surfcomber.com

Shelborne South Beach This Art Deco mainstay which spent the last two years under renovation reopened Wednesday. The look is retro glam, the vibe is sexy. The hotel’s own exhibition “Art of Night” features intimate celebrity images from nightlife photographer Seth Browarnik, but the catwalk runway connecting the two beachfront pool decks seems like the ultimate stage for eye candy. Opening rates here start from $159/night. Note: not all rooms have been renovated so be sure to request one. www.shelborne.com

For general trip-planning info, see our Miami Travel Guide.

Stay at the upscale Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino with their Retreat to the Heat package. With rates starting at $169, stay three nights and receive the fourth night free! This is an effective rate of $127 per night – a savings of over 25% on their current rates. Plus, you’ll receive a $75 resort credit to be used on food, beverage, and more!

The hotel is located in the heart of historic old San Juan, directly on the waterfront. Soak up the sun at nearby beaches or enjoy yourself in the hotel’s casino. The Sheraton is also just steps away from world-class shopping, dining, museums, and entertainment.

Travel is valid from now through January 31. Book by December 15.

This deal is part of a wider sale available at Starwood Caribbean Hotels including the Westin St. John Resort & Villas and the Westin Resort & Casino, Aruba. Visit Retreat to the Heat to learn more.

THE VALUE: Save over 25% on current rates, plus receive a $75 resort credit.

THE CATCH: You must stay at least four nights to receive these savings.

THE DETAILS: Visit the Retreat to the Heat website and choose the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights to San Juan.

For general trip-planning information, see our San Juan Travel Guide.

The Luxury Hugging the white-sand shores of tiny Nevis, the historic Nisbet Plantation Beach Club was built in 1778. Today, 36 rooms and suites are found in cheery yellow cottages located across the property, which includes a swimming pool, croquet lawn and tennis courts, award-winning spa, and three restaurants. For a week-long romantic indulgence, the inn’s Double Rewards package allows guests to stay for seven nights and pay for five, while throwing in a three-course dinner for two at the Great House (the original main building of the plantation), round-trip airport transfers, daily breakfast for two, and a two-hour guided rain forest hike.

The Value From October 8 through December 19, the seven-night package starts at $208/night. With all the extras, the offer represents a 33 percent savings.

The Catch Hurricane season lasts through November, so it’s a good idea to book trip insurance. If a storm affects your stay, the resort does have a policy of adjusting arrival/departure dates or issuing credits for a future stay but not refunds.

The Details 800-742-6008; www.nisbetplantation.com/specials.html

For general trip-planning information, see our Nevis Travel Guide.

The Luxury Situated on a private island in Turks and Caicos, a 35-minute boat ride from Provo, Parrot Cay is a favorite retreat for the rich and fabulous (odds are good you’ll encounter Keith Richards during your stay). The resort’s 71 rooms and villas sport four-poster beds, private sundecks, and free Wi-Fi. Take advantage of superlative spa services, free yoga and Pilates classes, and beachside water sports (like kayaking and windsurfing). If you’re planning a family vacation, note that kids eat free all summer.

The Value Through October 31, Parrot Cay is offering a “stay 4, pay 3” deal that brings starting rates down to $337.50/night. Even better, spend 7 nights at the resort and you’ll only pay for 5 – meaning rates start at just $321/night.

The Catch There are a limited number of rooms in the lowest price category.

The Details 877-754-0726; www.parrotcay.como.bz

For general trip-planning information, see our Turks and Caicos Travel Guide.