There are many Bahamas resorts to choose from, but if your after a touch of opulence for your next vacation then you can’t go past the Pink Sands Resort. Located on Harbour Island, this exclusive resort is situated on 20 acres along the infamous three mile pink sands beach. The Pink Sands Resort is known for its privacy and seclusion.

A stay at the Pink Sands Resort isn’t for everyone, with Villas starting at $495 per night for a 1-bedroom garden cottage, and as high as $2750 for a two-bedroom ocean view with private jacuzzi. For those that can afford it, you will be pampered with first class service and amenities to match. Many guests attest that it’s worth every penny!

Pink Sands is located in a secluded area – in fact the only way to get there is via boat. If your tummy starts rumbling just head to the Blue Bar restaurant which overlooks the beach front. They have a wide selection of wines and serve excellent cocktails from bar. Pink Sands Resorts also offer all inclusive packages for those that want less hassle planning their vacation. So if your considering a trip to The Bahamas, and are after something a little more private and exclusive, then this resort is certainly one to consider!

All Inclusive Bahamas Resorts

There are seven primary tourist areas that have most of the finer hotels in the Bahamas. Nassau, where most of the population is located, is the top spot, and the second is Grand Bahama Island. The other places you might consider for hotels and resorts in the Bahamas are Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, Paradise Island, and San Salvador.

All these areas are accessible by cruise ships, but if you are looking for air travel, you will need to consider Nassau, Abaco, Grand Bahama, Exuma, or Eleuthera as your port of entry.

All Inclusive Resorts in the Bahamas

Many vacationers and other visitors prefer all inclusive package deals that cover transportation, hotel stay, food, and activities all in one lump sum cost. All inclusive packages makes budgeting much easier because you only need to consider things like souvenirs, drinks, unplanned stops, and shopping.

Some of the considerations for all-inclusive package deals for hotels and resorts in Bahamas include:

* Breezes Resort & Spa – Bahamas located in Nassau. It is an adult only package.
* Sandals Grande Emerald Bay, a couple’s only hotel located on Exuma
* Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island, also a couples only retreat in Nassau

Family oriented all inclusive packages are available at Hotel Riu Palace on Paradise Island, Club Med Columbus Isle on San Salvador, Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach on Grand Bahama, and Paradise Island Harbour Resort on Paradise Island.

Bahamas Resort Hotels and Spas

If you prefer to just entertain yourself and only reserve a room, there are many hotels rated at four to six stars, which are the best bets for your accommodations. Four stars means facilities are good and service is adequate, and five stars indicate a deluxe place to stay with most amenities you want, located in a prime area of the islands. Six star hotels are the cream of the crop with the finest services, location, and all the amenities you could want.

Some of the top choices in hotels and resorts in the Bahamas are:

* One and Only Ocean Club located on Paradise Island
* Pink Sands Resort on Eleuthera Island
* Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour on Grand Bahama Island
* British Colonial Hilton Nassau Hotel in Nassau
* Atlantis Paradise Island on Paradise Island

The hotels in the Bahamas are upgraded on a continuing basis, so you may find other places that rate highly, too. If you plan a honeymoon on the islands, a family holiday, or just a personal retreat, there are many hotels and all-inclusive packages that will meet your needs.

Visiting the Caribbean?  Find Deals, Compare Rates, & Read Hotel Reviews on TripAdvisor

A Caribbean island getaway is more than just sandy white beaches, and gently swaying palm trees – its also the ideal way to re-connect your soul and spirit with mother nature in one of the World’s most amazing collection of islands. With so many Caribbean vacation islands to choose from, how do you go about picking the best? Well, we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of our Top 5 rated islands based on a compilation of Trip Advisor reviews (and our own travel experience).

To help plan your Caribbean vacation, here are five of the most popular island destinations with our “Best of the Best” hotel or resort pick (each meeting strict selection criteria).

1. Nassau, Bahamas: A world renown place to snorkel with its crystal clear waters, this remains a favorite Caribbean vacation memory. Of the numerous places we explored, Nassau still feels like it offers the most diverse cultural experience, selection of local cuisine, and abundant ocean life. Our favorite hotel is the Graycliff Hotel. A quaint hotel boasting an on-site cigar factory and gourmet restaurant. This is a great alternative to a crowded resort, and feels more like a bed and breakfast. For more resort options in Nassau visit: Bahamas Resorts.
2. Jamaica: A vibrant and lively island full of color, tantalizing cuisine, and personality. Our favorite “things to do” in this tropical wonderland were: touring a plantation, taking a trek on horseback, and watching a cricket match. Our top resort pick, located in Punta Cana, is the Gran Bahia Principe All Inclusive for its value, range of activities and enthusiastic service. For more resort options in Punta Cana visit: Jamaica Resorts.
3. San Juan, Puerto Rico: Everything you want, without the price tag. San Juan is a great spot for surfing, golfing, and shopping. This place has a cosmopolitan feel yet exudes old-world charm. Our ‘top of the list’ hotel in San Juan is the prestigous Ritz-Carlton. With opulent appeal, this hotel offers luxury and service to the max.  The amenities are second to none, it has an impossible to beat beachfront location, five restaurants, an on-site day spa, and even a 24-hour casino! For more resort options in San Juan visit: Puero Rico Resorts.
4.  Aruba: A popular destination wedding location, Aruba can be described as tranquil, exotic, and peaceful. Despite the quietness it offers, there was adrenaline-pumping fun to be had with activities such as the quad racer tour to the coastline and a Harley-Davidson rental, for “do-it-yourself” island exploring. Our resort pick here is the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino for its friendly staff, incredibly lush grounds,  kids’ club, casino, and on-site duty-free shopping. For more resort options in Aruba visit: Aruba Resorts.
5. Dominican Republic: This island has been at the top of our list for some time now. The Dominican Republic offers both holiday relaxation and real adventure, far-removed from the tourist flavor of other islands. This place has remarkable caves to explore, lush mangroves, water sports galore such as windsurfing, snorkeling, fishing cruises and sunset dinner cruise packages. Our ‘hot off the press’ pick hotel is the Majestic Elegance Punta Cana for its great all-inclusive adults-only resort, impeccable food, and top quality facilities. For more resort options in Punta Cana visit: Dominican Republic Resorts.

So there you have it, our Top 5 Carribean destinations. While any one of these Caribbean vacation spots is sure to delight the senses, our favorite is The Bahamas – which reels it in as our 2011 top pick Carribean Island. So for a taste of fresh sea air, pristine Caribbean waters, succulent seafood cuisine, and a revitalizing mental adjustment under the shade of a coconut tree, be sure to set aside some time for your trip to the Caribbean islands.

Insider Tip: Find last minute Caribbean vacation discounts of up to 60% at: HOTELS.COM!

Maureen Winters is a freelance travel writer and editor who lives in New York with her husband and two girls. An avid traveler and visitor of the Caribbean Islands.