Text size:

CARIBBEAN: Hot places to stay and eat

BY GARY LEE AND CAROL SOTTILI | THE WASHINGTON POST

November 13, 2005

Some tips on new or refurbished hotels and attractions on some Caribbean islands. Hotel rates are per night, double, for winter months, unless otherwise noted.

ARUBA

Hip hangout: The beloved Dutch Mill restaurant (330 J.E. Irausquin Blvd.), which has reopened after a major overhaul, offers international and Polynesian cuisine in a 200-year-old windmill.

Hot lodging: The renovated Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club (2 L.G. Smith Blvd., Oranjestad,

011-297-582-3380, www.talkofthetownaruba.com) is a stylish, low-key oceanside alternative to bigger resorts. Rooms start at $145.

Info: 800-862-7822, www.aruba.com

BAHAMAS

Hip hangout: Harl Taylor Bag (9 W. Hill St.,

242-356-6782) is a Nassau boutique run by designer Harl Taylor, who's best known for beach bags made of area materials and favored by celebs. Shoppers can pop downstairs into the White Door restaurant.

Hot lodging: For superb views, check out Stone's Throw Away (Tropical Garden Road, 242-327- 7030, www.astonesthrowaway.com), a B&B perched on a hillside above Nassau. Rooms start at $200.

Info: 800-224-2627, www.bahamas.com

BARBADOS

Hip hangout: Ocean Park (246-420-7405, www.

oceanparkbarbados.com; $17.50), a new marine attraction, allows visitors to explore the region's sea life. The grounds include aquariums, two mini-golf courses and a restaurant.

Hot lodging: A top-to-bottom refurbishing of the Colony Club (St. James Parish, 800-326-6898 or 246-422-2335) has made this posh 96-room property an excellent setting for a honeymoon or other special occasion. Rooms start at $275; a special good until Dec. 18 offers 20 percent off.

Info: 800-221-9831, www.barbados.org

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Hip hangout: La Guacara Taina (Avenida Mirador del Sur, Santo Domingo, 809-533-1051). Although not new, this bar and dance club may as well be. The club, built in a gigantic cave, always draws an up-to-the-minute party crowd.

Hot lodging: Casa Colonial Beach & Spa (800-847-0291, www.vhhr.com) is a deluxe new property that blends contemporary chic with Old World elegance near Playa Dorada on the north coast. Rooms start at $260.

Info: 888-374-6361, www.dominicanrepublic.com

JAMAICA

Hip hangout: Norma's at the Marina (Port Antonio), Jamaican celeb chef Norma Shirley's latest venture, features gourmet cuisine and views of the wharf.

Hot lodging: The 856 rooms at the Riu Ocho Rios, which opened last month, make this all-inclusive the island's biggest property. Reservations can be made at www.riu.com/ochorios or call 888-666-8816. Until Dec. 22, rooms are going for a special rate starting at $94 per person a night - all inclusive.

Info: 800-233-4582, www.jamaicatravel.com

PUERTO RICO

Hip hangout: Duffers will find the El Legado Golf Resort (787-648-1818, www.ellegadogolfresort. com), a new course designed by Chi Chi Rodriguez, worth the trip to the southeast tip of the island. Rounds start at $59.

Hot lodging: Formerly the Wyndham, the stately Sheraton Old San Juan (100 Brumbaugh St., 800-368-7764, www.sheraton.com) sits on the harbor where cruise ships dock. The rooms and lobby have been fully renovated in bold Caribbean colors. Rooms start at $150.

Info: 800-866-7827, www.gotopuertorico.com.