16 hours ago
Wellness Meets Adventure: 4 Luxe Ocean Escapes With Year-Round Watersports
Grace Bay Snorkel Sails in Turks & Caicos take guests straight to the barrier reef for underwater exploration.
Caicos Luxury Charters
When it comes to restorative travel, some seek a meditative escape to a quiet yoga retreat, complete with sound baths and saunas. Others, meanwhile, crave a little more pampering, specifically, at a globally-renowned spa destination, with full access to cutting-edge treatments.
But some wanderlusters believe the ultimate wellness retreat centers on watersports. The health benefits of practicing watersports are endless. Kayaking and snorkeling can enhance cardiovascular health, while paddleboarding and water biking help improve balance and coordination.
Booking a resort with on-site watersports, kayaking and catamarans ensures a vacation filled with cardio-friendly sea activities.
Grace Bay Club
Boating and sailing activities offer a literal breath of fresh air and immerse you in nature—providing numerous upgrades to mental health. All in all, simply being surrounded by calm, crystal-clear waters can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Thankfully, beach hotels and resorts around the world are offering on-site watersports as amenities and access to curated sea excursions as add-on packages. From the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the vibrant shores of Florida and Hawaii, these destinations offer sun, sea, and adventure all year-round. The best part? These very activities bring a dose of holistic health to your luxurious getaway.
The luxury fleet at Turks & Caicos gives guests access to island excursions, like a nature walk around Iguana Island.
Caicos Luxury Charters
Turks and Caicos is a haven for travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration—and many resorts are aiming to distinguish themselves from other Caribbean hotspots by teaming up with companies that deliver seamless and ultra-luxurious experiences. Caicos Luxury Charters, for example, has redefined what luxury on the water looks like in the region. Its newest vessel, Princess Grace, is a 65-foot custom-built catamaran offering elevated experiences such as private snorkel sails, three-course sunset dinners, an on-board photographer, and day charters. Outfitted with teak decks, indoor-outdoor seating, and a full-service bar, the crew prepares top-notch cuisine to enjoy on board throughout the day.
'Princess Grace was designed to offer travelers both—a luxury experience on the water, and the chance to see Turks & Caicos the way locals do,' says Jason Campbell SVP of Corporate Business and Development of Red Hospitality and Leisure, a luxury watersports operator.
The top experience to book on the Princess Grace? The Deluxe Half-Day Snorkel, which gives passengers the opportunity to explore the Turks and Caicos Barrier Reef.
Feeling the need for speed? Caicos Luxury Charters also operates high-performance Axopar 37' Suntop powerboats, full-day sails to North Caicos, and private jet ski tours that explore hidden coves and secluded sandbars. The brand's custom excursions include a private jet ski excursion that showcases the island far beyond the typical resort view.
From recreation to relaxation, the villas at Rock House have private terraces complete with infinity pools and stunning views of the north shore.
Rock House
Where to Stay:
Where to Dine:
As for dining highlights around the islands, check out Coco Bistro where you can dine under the palm trees, Bay Bistro to savor the best and freshest seafood, and Omar's Beach Hut for local and authentic flavors.
Cruz Bay offers Turtle & Tapas tours, where travelers can snorkel natural turtle habitats.
Cruz Bay Watersports
St. Thomas balances relaxed island energy and refined coastal luxury, making it a standout destination for travelers exploring the region by sea. At the heart of the experience is Cruz Bay Watersports, which partners with top resorts to offer high-end catamaran and powerboat excursions.
The fleet includes sleek luxury catamarans like the Flying Frenchman and Lady Lynsey II—ideal for champagne sunset sails and multi-island day trips—as well as high-performance Axopar powerboats for those seeking a faster, more private itinerary. Whether it's a leisurely cruise with a three-course dinner or a full-day island-hop with snorkeling stops, each outing is designed to feel personal, not prepackaged.
With quick hops to St. John, Tortola, and Jost Van Dyke, guests can visit multiple islands in a single day. For those looking to venture farther, Cruz Bay's private itineraries stretch deep into the BVI, blending gourmet dining, reef diving, and quiet anchorages into one seamless luxurious adventure.
Be sure to Discover the Baths of Virgin Gorda, BVI, which is an unforgettable full-day (8-hour) adventure to the Baths at Virgin Gorda begins with an array of delectable morning pastries, followed by a day-long adventure hiking and exploring through boulders at the Baths, relaxing in turquoise blue waters, and snorkeling the caves of Norman Island. Guests snorkel through the caves known to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's classic Treasure Island.
Waterfront sports amenities at the Buoy House St Thomas.
Buoy House St Thomas
Where To Stay:
Where to Dine:
Between all the adventures, the Flying Frenchman and Axopar actually make stops at dining hotspots like Lime Out floating taco bar in USVI, Pizza Pi (but bring cash) in USVI, and the famous Soggy Dollar Bar in Jost Van Dyke, BVI.
Other dining highlights include Isla Blue, a tropical dining oasis offering refined Caribbean cuisine, and the Salt Shack, a beachside eatery serving locally-inspired bites.
Explore the Alii Nui Maui signature experiences and private charters, designed for couples, friends and families.
Alii Nui
Maui blends dramatic coastlines, crystal waters, and the warmth of the Aloha Spirit into one of the most memorable sailing destinations in the Pacific. Ali'i Nui Sailing Charters has long been a favorite among travelers for its marine experiences—and in 2024, it introduced its newest catamaran, the custom-built Ali'i Kai.
From guided snorkel trips to the protected waters of Molokini Crater (where you can swim near Hawaiian Honu turtles!), to relaxed sunset sails with a full buffet and open bar, Ali'i Nui's outings are built around breathtaking scenery. During whale season (December through April), the company also runs humpback whale-watching cruises, with sightings often just yards from the vessel.
Magnificent whale-watching opportunities with Alii Nui Maui.
Alii Nui Maui
With the launch of Ali'i Kai, the company brings added range and capacity to its signature excursions, while staying rooted in the same calm, curated style that has made it a standout for years.
Where to Stay:
Where to Dine:
First, Mama's Fish House, which is renowned for its fresh seafood and beachfront location. For a fun sit-down, Merriman's Maui offers farm-to-table dishes with stunning ocean views. Last but not least, Cool Cat Café is a casual spot known for its award-winning burgers.
Sail, swim and snorkel in Key West aboard the Marquesa.
Key West Sebago
Key West delivers a unique blend of tropical ease and high-energy adventure, with turquoise waters, historic charm, and a vibrant food scene all within reach. Sebago Watersports anchors much of the island's action on the water, offering everything from fast-paced excursions to relaxed coastal cruises.
Their Power Adventure package is a go-to for thrill-seekers—combining parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and more into a three-hour circuit departing from the historic seaport.
For something slower-paced, the Lazy Lady Tiki Boat, a 53-foot floating lounge with shaded seating and a full sound system, sets the tone for a more social, sunset-ready experience. The company also offers private transfers for groups of up to 12, ideal for customizing itineraries or simply avoiding the crowds.
After a day on the water, Key West's walkable downtown and vibrant culinary scene offer the perfect counterbalance—equal parts casual and eclectic, just like the island itself.
Last but not least, enjoy exclusive transportation for groups up to 12 people.
Where to Stay:
If you want to fuse cuisine into your adventure, check out Key West Sebago's Ragin' Cajun Seafood Snorkel.
Key West Sebago
Dining Highlights:
End the trip with a night of upscale dining at Hot Tin Roof, where the menu focuses on local seafood. Check out El Siboney for its authentic Cuban cuisine in a casual setting. And for a quick bite between all the activities, stop by Garbo's Grill, a food truck offering Korean BBQ tacos.
If you're seeking an unforgettable escape with sea-driven activities these seaside destinations offer year-round escapes to suit every traveler's desires. The best part? These adventurous hotspots still incorporate luxurious high-end amenities and culinary meals in-between all the water sports and adventures, ensuring travels achieve the relaxation and holistic wellness they need.
