Fodor's Expert Review Esmeralda Resort

Almost all of these traditional Caribbean-style, kitchen-equipped villas, which can be configured to meet guests' needs, have their own pool, and the fun of Orient Beach and the hotel's beach club is a two-minute walk away. A $2.5-million renovation to the rooms has given them considerably more style and comfort and brought the resort up to a higher standard, while keeping it a very good value. The activities desk can arrange everything from snorkeling and tennis to car rentals and babysitting, and signing privileges are offered at all the restaurants and activity outfitters on Orient Beach. The resort has two restaurants—the excellent L'Astrolabe for fine dining and the beachfront Coco Beach Club for anything from sushi, salads, and burgers to all-day-long lounging at the prime spot at the quiet end of the beach.