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 Popular Spots: The Caribbean magnets for area travelers are Cancun and the Bahamas for plain-vanilla beach-and-hotel getaways (the Bahamas adds casinos to the mix); Jamaica for all-inclusive resorts; Cayman Islands for pricier, beachier watersporting; St. Lucia for more natural, eco-friendly getaways; and Puerto Rico for resorts and Spanish culture. If you only do one thing: Go to the beach, of course. Jamaica's Negril, with its seven-mile stretch of white sand beach, is a good bet. But if you knew that already: Head to the western coast of your chosen island and watch the sun drop into the Caribbean. Facing east, catch the sunrise. What's new: Cuba, still technically illegal for most U.S. tourists, is suddenly drawing second-wave adventurers, revolution romantics and retro-hip snobs. You can arrange flights from several Caribbean islands or fly from Canada. But you didn't hear that from us. And if your interests lie along more sybaritic lines, head to the recently opened Cosmos Day Spa on Aruba for mud wraps, massages, body scrubs and more. What could be better after a day at the beach? Old-faithful restaurant: The Pork Pit in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is known for its jerk chicken and pork. More upmarket is Amadeus in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Of-the-moment restaurant: On Aruba, the new Flying Fishbone Restaurant is gaining acclaim for its private, open-air beachfront setting and its seafood, along with some lamb and veal dishes. With the kids: Cancun hotels are offering plenty of family-friendly packages, and Jamaica's Boscobel Beach and FDR are tenured family magnets. Side trip: The island of Vieques, just a short ferry from San Juan, Puerto Rico, is small, quaint and home to pristine beaches and Mosquito Bay, whose bioluminescent waters glow at night. The village also has a museum, the Esperanza, which chronicles Indian and pirate life in the area. Off-the-beaten track: Cancun is convenient to get to, but very crowded and built-up. If you have time, rent a car and drive south along the coast toward the ruins at Tulum. Along the way, about 45 minutes from Cancun, is the bustling little town of Playa del Carmen. Popular with European tourists and ex-pat American hippies, it's easy to get a cappuccino or a yogurt shake here. If you push on to Tulum, you'll find a ruin where, though the architecture and artistry are nowhere near as sophisticated as at nearby Chichen Itza, the setting just can't be beat. The ruin is set on a little cliff right on the water, so wear your bathing suit. After the hard work of cultural tourism, there's always time for a swim. Average per-night lodging rate: $225 Information: 1-212-682-0435, http://www.caribtourism.com
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