It has long been a dream of mine to celebrate one of the major winter holidays in the Caribbean or any tropical locale for that matter. I have celebrated Christmas oceanside in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware but it isn’t exactly the same sitting on my sand mat with palm trees behind me and an umbrella drink in my hand. This month Alex and his crew have supplied us with some fabulous information about the remote Seiri del Mar in Belize and how to celebrate Thanksgiving in Punta Cana and a Winter Festival in Cancun. Time might be short to book for this year but it certainly gives you plenty of time to plan for 2026. – Lani Gering

Why This Beach Resort Is One of the Best-Kept Secrets in Belize

By Alexander Britell and Guy Britton

The beach at the Seiri del Mar resort in Belize.

The moment you arrive in Hopkins you know you’ve found it. You rumble down the dirt road, past the beach shacks and the palm trees, just ahead of the creek.

Hopkins, set in the eastern middle of this spectacular country, is one of those beach towns you fall in love with instantly, one of those places you can’t imagine even exists anymore.

It’s a place of cold beers, uncrowded sand, friendly smiles and the sense that you’ve escaped the world, or somehow transcended it.

And it’s also home to one of the country’s best-kept secrets: Seiri Del Mar.

Whether you’re on the main drag, hanging at the Driftwood, or paddling to nearby Kalipuna Island, the is the sort of place you want to live while you’re here.

And at this 18-unit residential resort, that’s exactly what you get: a luxurious, easy, comfortable beachfront resort with huge rooms, direct access to the access to the sand and one of the best restaurants in Belize.

This is a place where you get right into the rhythm of Hopkins. You take a short stroll, find your palapa and immerse yourself in the energy of the western Caribbean. Or you decide on a jaunt to town, for some Garifuna flavors or fresh-caught fish.

And I should really mention the Embers restaurants. It’s that good — with a legitimately spectacular setting right on the beach — like right on the beach — and a creative menu that effortlessly pulls off the marriage of Mediterranean and Belizean food — including some of the best snapper I’ve ever had.

Or you can explore the wonders of the Stann Creek district of Belize: the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the region’s only jaguar preserve; or the legendary Marie Sharp hot sauce factory (I dare you to get through the multi-sauce tasting).

If you’re a little more adventurous, you can take a day and head down to explore the beachy fun of Placencia.

And no matter where you’re jaunting, you come back to Seiri Del Mar and the world turns off again, just you and the enviable, rarefied serenity that Belize does better than just about anybody else.

I remarked the first night I stayed here that this was like looking back from the other side of the Corona commercial — a palm tree lit up for a festive evening in a dreamy part of the Caribbean.

In the local Garifuna language, “Seiri” means heaven. Heaven on the sea. And you’ve found it.

The best part? Rooms at Seiri Del Mar start at just $228 per night right now, according to Google Hotels.

Punta Cana – Top Destination for Thanksgiving??

By Caitlin Sulivan

Thanksgiving may be rooted in tradition — but this year, many Americans are trading turkey and stuffing for palm trees and turquoise water. According to new data from Hilton, Punta Cana is the number one trending destination for U.S. travelers this Thanksgiving holiday. The findings are based on searches for four-night stays between November 26th and November 30th, a peak window for holiday travel. Punta Cana topped the list, signaling a clear shift toward warm-weather escapes as more travelers look to extend the long weekend into a tropical getaway.

A Strong Holiday Travel Season

Hilton’s data points to a broader trend of Americans embracing more flexible, experience-focused holiday travel. With its direct airlift from multiple U.S. gateways, luxury all-inclusive resorts and consistently warm weather, Punta Cana checks every box for an easy Thanksgiving escape.

This surge also reflects the continued strength of the Dominican Republic as one of the Caribbean’s most in-demand destinations, buoyed by record-breaking tourism numbers and a growing portfolio of new resorts — including a new Hilton.

Beyond the Traditional Thanksgiving

Instead of staying close to home, more travelers are leaning toward destinations where they can relax by the beach or enjoy a resort stay with family and friends. Punta Cana’s rise to the top of the search rankings underscores a shift in how Americans want to spend the holiday — turning a time traditionally centered around the table into a chance to unwind in the tropics.

From beachfront resorts to world-class hospitality brands, the Dominican Republic’s leading tourism hub is set to welcome one of its strongest Thanksgiving travel seasons yet.

About the author: Caitlin Sullivan began her career with Caribbean Journal as Arts and Culture editor before shifting to travel full time. She writes frequently on the Caribbean cruise industry, flight networks and broader travel news. Her most frequent Caribbean destination? Nassau.

This Cancun Resort Is Throwing a Winter Festival

By Caribbean Journal Staff

Cancun’s newest upscale resort is bringing a burst of holiday spirit to Mexico’s Caribbean coast. AVA Resort Cancun has announced the debut of its first-ever Winter Festival, a multi-week celebration designed for families, couples and travelers looking to close out the year with energy and style.

The festival will run from Dec. 15, 2025, through Jan. 12, 2026, turning the oceanfront resort into a holiday playground filled with daily programming, live entertainment, culinary events and themed celebrations.

A Holiday Getaway by the Sea

The idea is simple: take the magic of the season and pair it with the sunshine and warmth of Cancun. Guests will find activities woven throughout the property each day — from culinary workshops for kids to mixology classes and chef dinners for adults — creating a rhythm of festivities that lasts well into the new year. Families can enjoy holiday markets and themed parades, while live music and DJs keep the celebration going across AVA’s restaurants and bars.

A New Year’s Celebration to Remember

The highlight of the festival is set for New Year’s Eve, when the resort will host a grand celebration featuring live entertainment, world-class cuisine and parties that spill across the property. Each restaurant will join in, offering special menus and music to ring in 2026 in true Caribbean-Mexican style.

A Family-Friendly Escape

The festival builds on the success of AVA Resort Cancun’s summer programming earlier this year, expanding the concept into the holiday season. As always, kids and teens stay free year-round, making the Winter Festival a compelling option for families looking for an end-of-year vacation that blends relaxation and celebration.

Publishers Note: We are happy to partner with Alexander Britell, Founder and Editor in Chief of the Miami, Florida based Caribbean Journal and his staff contributing to the OTC and our Caribbean Connection Section. Check out the popular online magazine/website at caribjournal.com for valuable information on all fabulous travel options and things of interest in the Caribbean.