Experiencing the real Mexico and Caribbean

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Get more sun for the money with an authentic experience

Jamaica

Jake's Resort, Treasure Beach
Price: Doubles, $115–$325

There's plenty to keep you from roaming at Jake's, an eclectic mix of rooms and cottages a two-and-a-half hour drive from Montego Bay, on the south coast. There's the free-form pool fronting the property's private beach as well as colorful rooms (without phones) decorated in a Moorish meets West Indian style and featuring minibars and CD players. But with the charms of the surrounding fishing community of Treasure Beach so close at hand, staying put would be a mistake: Have breakfast at the local eatery, shop for crafts, and, on public holidays, hear local musicians performing before returning to the resort to enjoy the catch of the day.
Book: An ocean-view one-bedroom — you'll be able to see the waves lapping just off your private outdoor lounge area (876-965-3000; jakeshotel.com).
Best for: Couples in search of the real Jamaica.
Rental car: Not required.

Rockhouse, Negril
Price: Doubles, $160–$185.
No one goes to Negril, Jamaica's party capital, looking for peace and quiet. But two and a half miles from town, Rockhouse has its own distinct, easy-going vibe. With its stunning location on the water and its relaxed air, this clutch of rough-hewn villas and low-slung hotel buildings abutting a limestone cliff attracts sun-worshipping music-industry types (the Rolling Stones stayed here in its 1970s heyday) and other glamorous globe-trotters. Paths carved out of the rock lead from guest rooms to the 60-foot infinity-edge pool, the new spa pavilion, and the turquoise waters that reveal a coral reef just offshore. All rooms have four-poster beds, private sundecks, discreet outdoor showers, and air-conditioning. Rockhouse isn't far from the action in Negril, but many guests check in and don't leave the premises until their departure. Days can begin with sun salutations at the yoga studio and proceed in a relaxed progression from lunch to sunset cocktails to moonlit dinners of Jamaican fusion creations such as upmarket jerk pork and crab turnovers with mango salsa.
Book: A studio for a water view at the best price (876-957-4373; rockhousehotel.com).
Best for: Laid-back yogis and surf seekers who like their food and drink served with a side of sun.
Rental car: Not required.

Mexico

Casa de Leyendas Mazatlán, Mexico
Price: Doubles, $99–$125

On the edge of Mazatlán's sleepy historic district, this old-fashioned Mexican hacienda was restored a few years ago by owners Glen and Sharon Sorrie. Now the persimmon-hued, two-story building is a casually elegant bed-and-breakfast with six large guest rooms and plenty of common areas. Take your coffee in the quiet inner courtyard with wrought iron tables and a petite plunge pool, or curl up with a magazine on a comfy couch upstairs. There are thoughtful details such as a constantly refilled snack basket, an on-site laundry, and free Internet and calls to the United States and Canada. The daily breakfast is a lavish affair with fruit, eggs and pastries. The property is well situated for both beachgoers (the sand is just blocks away) and antiques hunters, plus the city's small art museum is just across the street. The Sorries know just about everyone and can easily arrange boat cruises, restaurant reservations or anything else you might fancy.
Book: The Honeymoon Suite for its murals of the sea (602-445-6192; casadeleyendas.com).
Best for: Couples looking for a relaxing urban escape from the daily grind.
Rental car: Not required.

La Purificadora, Puebla
Price: Doubles, $120–$210
A 19th-century water treatment plant in the heart of this charming city's Baroque district has been transformed into La Purificadora, a modern marvel from acclaimed Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta. The hotel integrates the original stone facade seamlessly into its three-

story open-air lobby. Legorreta makes liberal use of black and white tones, seen first in the onyx tile floors and whitewashed walls. The lobby is accented with boxy purple furniture — a nod to the colorful frocks of Roman Catholic bishops — surrounding glass tables and slab-stone gas fire pits. The hotel's 26 rooms are spacious, and most overlook gardens and the 16th-century Iglesia de San Francisco — views made doubly delightful from glass-walled balconies that seemingly float on air. A small aboveground glass pool on the roof is the place for an aquarium-inspired dip ­ —as long as you don't mind the stylish set taking in your stroke from the sundeck. Get that swim in early because after dark the deck — which has stunning views of Puebla — turns into the city's hippest bar.
Book: It's all about the views from the corner suite balcony (52-222-309-1920; lapurificadora.com).
Best for: Modern-architecture junkies.
Rental car: Required only for adventures outside Puebla.

Puerto Rico

El Convento, San Juan
Price: Doubles, $270–$390
A grand vestige of Old San Juan's Spanish colonial past, El Convento is the loveliest hotel in the city: Marble bathrooms, wrought iron canopy beds, tapestries, and carved desks in the 58 rooms set a comfortable, opulent tone. Housed in a former convent, the hotel is large and frames a charming central courtyard that's a popular wedding spot. It's a prime location in the seven-square-block neighborhood of Old San Juan, which is filled with forts, museums, and more than a few bars — notably Rumba, a salsa club with a Dirty Dancing vibe (152 Calle San Sebastián; 787-365-1418). Daily wine receptions are held on a terrace overlooking the old cathedral, which can also be seen from the small rooftop pool and hot tub.
Book: Higher rooms are nicer and recently renovated (787-723-9020; elconvento.com).
Best for: History buffs who want a private retreat.
Rental car: Required only if you're traveling outside of San Juan.