You really can find a villa in every Caribbean destination, but beware: There are many definitions of villa. Your best bet is to find an agent you feel comfortable with; we know the people who have them. Between them, our panel of villa gurus have 80 years of experience, cover 15 Caribbean destinations and represent more than 1,500 villas. And to help you out further, we've created the CT+L Ultimate Guide to Villas. Enjoy your stay!

Guatemala has been tapped by National Geographic as a top tourist spot for 2012. Photographer Al Argueta visits this unspoiled slice of modern Maya.

A dozen Caribbean denizens and some top places to see them.

Compact + cool = five of our favorite boutique hotels

According to the Maya Calendar, the world will end this year. An unlikely pilgrim resolves to experience Tulum before the it does—or more specifically, before the spell of German pop-up the Papaya Playa Project does. DJs, hipsters, designers, and shamans all share the Mayan shade until May 5th, 2012.

The North Sound of Virgin Gorda is a world unto itself—relaxed and removed, yet accessible, civilized and central to some of the BVI’s must-see locales, including the idyllic isle of Anegada, a quick 14 miles to the north.

I came to the Bitter End with the loose intention of learning how to sail. OK, that’s not entirely true: I arrived on Virgin Gorda with fantastical visions of standing at the helm and hurtling out of the North Sound and into the open sea, squinting heroically into the salt spray and barking orders to first mate Stovall with timber-shivering authority. Trim this! Hoist that! Batten down the other thing! But after damned near sinking a Boston Whaler (a dinghy with the slogan “The Unsinkable Legend”) in two feet of water on my first day, I have grave misgivings.

Traditional styling and contemporary amenities make this Bermuda getaway a timelessly appealing choice. And with a spa onsite, 36 golf holes right outside your door, and a world-renowned chef cooking your dinner, what's not to love?

The Maya predicted the world would end when its calendar did -- in 2012. While this wouldn’t sound like the makings of a great vacation, it actually lends itself to an unparalleled Caribbean travel opportunity.

A visit to a stylish island resort where modern amenities are combined with a Cheers atmosphere.

Honeymooners aside, no one visits the Caribbean to hole up in a hotel room. But when the view from the room is so compelling and room service leaves no desire unfulfilled, you just might be tempted to hunker down. With a cocktail in hand and your sweetie by your side, you’ll find no more relaxing way to appreciate the region’s natural assets.