News, Tips & Offers delivered to your inbox.

For an unforgettably romantic (and sexy!) honeymoon soundtrack, take in one or more of these vibrant music festivals happening on islands all over the Caribbean.

Everyone knows that the islands of the Caribbean rock with music, in styles that include everything from reggae and calypso to salsa, rock and jazz. Even better, music festivals abound all across this beautiful region. For a honeymoon that strikes just the right note, get ready to listen to these suggestions. (And remember to pack your dancing shoes.)

Turks & Caicos

"Beautiful Flower" India Aire performs in Turks & Caicos.

On Provodenciales (Provo), the main isle of this 40-island archipelago in the eastern Caribbean, the sonic spotlight shines on the Music and Cultural Festival, held every summer. The weeklong extravaganza highlights a combination of international music stars and local favorites, plus popular cultural happenings. Past performers have included recording superstar Alicia Keys, five-time Grammy award-winner John Legend, multiple award-winner Michael Bolton and the American soul artist India.Arie. The celebration also highlights soca, a calypso-type dance music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago. Big-name rap acts (think LL Cool J and Ne-Yo) have also stopped by the festivities. Other local happenings: the Miss Turks & Caicos pageant, a regatta to the Turtle Cove Marina area on Provo’s north coast and a golf classic hosted by the country’s chief minister (musicfestival.tc).

Where to stay: The 12-mile stretch of powder-soft white sand known as Grace Bay Beach, on Provo, is a pristine paradise. At The Sands at Grace Bay, an all-suite, oceanfront resort, guest rooms are housed in a series of low buildings surrounded by gorgeous gardens, three swimming pools and, of course, the postcard-perfect beach. There are water sports galore, the ultimate in pampering at the resort’s full-service Spa Tropique and unbeatable Caribbean cuisine at Hemmingway’s, the beachfront restaurant (thesandstc.com; 877-777-2637).

Aruba

Beauty, the beach and the beat in Aruba

Life is a little different on Aruba. The trees lean to one side, the coins are square and the casinos are open all night long. Fantastic beaches, warm waters and friendly folks are also easily found year-round on this western Caribbean island. And every October the windy isle hosts a series of outdoor rock concerts in the open-air Entertainment Center, which has featured such international headliners as John Mayer, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne, Pat Benatar, the Doobie Brothers, Lionel Richie, Peter Frampton and other favorites (aruba.com).

For R&B fans, Aruba’s five-day Soul Beach Music Festival, which was on hiatus until recently, is back with such fantastic talents as Erykah Badu and Wyclef Jean. Festivities shift from Aruba’s hottest discos to the coolest beaches, and from main stage concerts to all-night parties. Brand-name DJs and stateside radio hosts keep the action speeding along (soulbeach.net).

Where to stay: Bucuti Beach, a charming low-rise resort, is a pleasant respite from the towering hotels that dominate the island’s other beaches. Bucuti’s luxurious new Tara Wing features large, airy suites set right on the property’s Dream Beach, an enormous expanse of golden sand lined with palms and cozy thatched-roof palapas. Resort amenities include a full fitness center and spa, an innovative dine-around meal plan and on-site entertainment (bucuti.com).

Photography: (from top) Turks & Caicos Tourist Board; Aruba Tourism Authority.

Page    1  2  3