For those who might not have considered an island getaway before, this holiday season is, well, different. It’s time. And for those accustomed to going south to their favorite spot come December, some destinations are currently off-limits due to Covid concerns. We did the legwork with the State Department’s latest travel list to bring you five stellar options. To learn more about where to stay and how to get there, contact our New York office at membership@prior.club.
The vibe: There are over 40 islands in this British Overseas Territory — only eight of which are inhabited. Still, you won’t find crowds on these pristine white beaches. Turks & Caicos tends to pull a self-selecting group for whom discretion, wellness, and luxurious modern (or colonial) design are essential.
Getting there: Direct flights from New York, Atlanta, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Fort Worth, London, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec, Chicago to Providenciales (PLS).
Don’t miss: In the case of T&C, it’s all about escaping to the middle of nowhere and spending the day by the pool — perhaps with a day snorkeling the barrier reef: It’s one of the largest (and healthiest) in the tropical Atlantic.
Covid reality: T&C is a Level 3 Advisory (travelers must be tested and provide a negative result within five days of arrival), with children 9 and younger exempt. Travelers must complete an online health questionnaire and carry travel medical insurance.
The vibe: As the second-largest Caribbean Island — and one of the easiest to get to — the Dominican Republic has a wide range of nature, culture...and golf offerings. Resorts in the DR can feel a bit country club at times, but the Amanera has 2,000 isolated acres on the northern tip of the island. That privacy is more than welcome these days — as is their gateside VIP meet and greet, which eases you through customs and luggage. Once in your villa, the stunning beaches and natural surroundings are truly transportive.
Getting there: Fly from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Miami direct to Puerto Plata (POP). (Amanera guests can skip the immigration line with their special meet-and-greet service.)
Don’t miss: Horseback riding through the countryside at Rancho Contento near the town of Veragua, where you can journey through small villages with colorful homes, immersing yourself in local life. For those interested in food, we recommend taking a Dominican cooking class, where you’ll learn how to prepare plantains and yuca like the Dominicans do: With unripe plantains, you’ll learn to prepare tostones and mofongo; with ripe plantain, you’ll learn to prepare the best pastelón; and with the yuca, you’ll get the techniques to make the famous bollitos de yuca.
