When asked to imagine a tropical paradise, most people probably envision a scene that looks a lot like the Caribbean.
To help shed light on this slice of vacation heaven, 10Best asked readers to help us name the Caribbean's best resorts, beaches, attractions, bars, distilleries, golf courses and restaurants. For the past four weeks, our readers have been voting daily for their favorites, and the results are in.
Click on each category below to see the full list of winners.
Some of Aruba's best scenery lies within this national park Photo courtesy of iStock / LisaStrachan
Covering 20 percent of the island of Aruba, Arikok National Park features cacti-covered hills and a dramatic coastline. Visitors to the park can climb into ruins of an old gold mine, search for Arawak petroglyphs or go snorkeling in a natural pool.
Full list of winners: Best Caribbean Attraction
This postcard-worthy beach is easily recognizable thanks to its distinctive trees Photo courtesy of iStock / Diego Mariottini
Aruba's widest beach is also one of its most spectacular, thanks to its blindingly white sand, warm Caribbean waters and some of the island's most famous (and photographed) fofoti trees.
Full list of winners: Best Caribbean Beach
Winning bar invented the Painkiller cocktail Photo courtesy of iStock / cdwheatley
The Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands is known for creating the Painkiller, a rum cocktail featuring cream of coconut, pineapple, orange juice and freshly grated Grenadian nutmeg.
Full list of winners: Best Caribbean Beach Bar
Robert Trent Jones Jr. restored this winning golf course Photo courtesy of Dorado Beach
When Robert Trent Jones Jr. restored the East Course at Dorado Beach, he elevated it to one of the best courses in the region. Fifteen of the 18 holes enjoy ocean views, and the bunkers are filled with native sand harvested from the nearby beaches.
Full list of winners: Best Caribbean Golf Course
Guests of this winning resort enjoy easy access to Eagle Beach (also a winner) Photo courtesy of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
An adults-only oasis on the island of Aruba, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort sits on the white sands of Eagle Beach, where guests enjoy stellar views of the sea, warm breezes and tropical sunsets away from the more crowded areas of the island. The 104 rooms and suites feature eco-friendly amenities, as well as free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
Full list of winners: Best Caribbean Resort
This is the second win in a row for Topper's Photo courtesy of Topper's Rhum Distillery
Visitors to this 6,000-square-foot facility in Sint Maarten gain insight into the history of rum-making while seeing the blending and bottling process firsthand. Visitors also get to sample new flavors in development, along with the full lineup of artisan rums, in the tasting bar. Those who'd like to take some Topper's home can even bottle their own.
Full list of winners: Best Caribbean Rum Distillery
You'll find this winning restaurant at this year's winning resort Photo courtesy of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
The spectacular oceanfront setting at Elements complements the menu of globally-inspired dishes made from sustainable and locally grown ingredients. Local Aruban classics are served weekly during Sunday evening Local Arts - Local Eats events.
Full list of winners: Best Restaurant in the Caribbean
Congratulations to all our Caribbean winners. Remember to visit 10Best daily to vote in other Readers' Choice categories.
Read this article:
These are the best places in the Caribbean - USA Today 10Best
- Cheap Caribbean [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2016]
- Caribbean - Lonely Planet [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2016]
- Caribbean Sea | sea, Atlantic Ocean | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2016]
- Caribbean travel guide - Wikitravel [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2016]
- Caribbean Information Office [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- Holidays to the Caribbean 2016 / 2017 | loveholidays.com [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean Cruises | Caribbean Vacation Packages | Norwegian ... [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean - New World Encyclopedia [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Actor Brenton Thwaites to Star in Thriller 'Ghosts of War' - Variety [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- New Kokomo bar has Caribbean theme - Kokomo Tribune [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Michael Perry: Caribbean work day | Recent columns by Michael ... - Madison.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Orlando Bloom Returns as Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean 5 First Look - MovieWeb [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Link-Caribbean Awards US$125000 To Five Caribbean Firms - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Johnny Depp Finally Appears In Dynamite 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Super Bowl Spot - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- RORC Caribbean 600 attracts Classics - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Caribbean dancer N'Jelle Gage-Thorne visits Allen Hall - Daily Illini [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Norwegian, Royal Caribbean expand Cuba sailings through end of the year - Orlando Sentinel [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Why Disney's 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Had The Best Super Bowl Movie Ad - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- The 'baseball island' is taking on water at the Caribbean Series - ESPN (blog) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- World's Smallest Biennale Drops Anchor on Caribbean Islet - Hyperallergic [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Obama kiteboards in Caribbean with billionaire Richard Branson - Reuters [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Crime Costing Caribbean Billions | Caribbean360 - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Classics Gather in Caribbean - Sailing World [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- CCGA enters partnership with Caribbean college - The News (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean Charm Enjoying New Location - Hartford Courant [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- World Bank Appoints New Country Director for the Caribbean - St. Lucia Times Online News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean reports record of 29M visits - The San Luis Obispo Tribune [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Puerto Rico edges Mexico for Caribbean Series title - MLB.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- LGBTQI coalition gears up in eastern Caribbean - Erasing 76 Crimes [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Caribbean Series artifacts to be displayed in Hall - MLB.com [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Pros and Cons of Royal Caribbean's unlimited drink packages - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- AP PHOTOS: Editor Selections From Latin America, Caribbean ... - ABC News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Caribbean reports record of 29M visits - Beloit Daily News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Humanitarian Bulletin Latin America and Caribbean Volume 30 | November December 2016 - ReliefWeb [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- All inclusive Caribbean trips with nonstop flights hit the vacation spot - The Tennessean [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- US, EU Food Standards Major Hurdle for Caribbean Exporters - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Cruises that cater to the Chinese on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas - Miami Herald [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- St. Croix Restaurants Named Among Top Ten In Caribbean By USA Today - VI Consortium (press release) [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Caribbean Brothers Bar & Grill opens along Route 30 in Lancaster Family Resort - LancasterOnline [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- FATCA hurting Caribbean: Revoke it, Mr Trump - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Book review: 'Island People' brings Caribbean's humanity, color to life - Fredericksburg.com [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Caribbean/American leaders want strong stance against Trump's immigration policy - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- 10 Ways MSC Cruises is Elevating the Caribbean Cruise Experience - Cruise Fever [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Caribbean hoteliers concerned over poaching - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Caribbean all-inclusive resorts: Top spots for families, foodies, more - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- This Unknown Caribbean Island Should Be Your #1 Vacation Destination In 2017 - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Belize among the Caribbean countries recording strongest tourism growth - Amandala [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- You can take a family vacation the Caribbean - AZCentral.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Caribbean-style lagoon coming to Houston-area development - Chron.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Royal Caribbean CIO Sets Sail For Digital Innovation - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- 2000 Royal Caribbean passengers stranded after ship fails life jacket inspection - Fox News [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Caribbean's Carnivals Tip Their Hats to Trinidad - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- New shark of the Caribbean - Deutsche Welle [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Caribbean labour ministers to meet in Jamaica - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Record Fleet for RORC Caribbean 600 >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Caribbean hoteliers predict positive tourism performance for 2017 - Amsterdam News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Venezuela promotes trade with Caribbean - St. Lucia Times Online News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Disney World announces expansion at Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach resorts - Orlando Sentinel [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- AP PHOTOS: Editor selections from Latin America, Caribbean - SFGate [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- UK weather to get hotter than Barcelona as Caribbean blast 'heatwave' keeps temperatures soaring into next week ... - The Sun [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Black Caribbean Immigrants In The US Today 10 Things You Should Know This Black History Month - News Americas Now Caribbean And Latin America Daily... [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- The 8 Most Memorable Island Cocktails To Try On Your Next Caribbean Adventure - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Caribbean air will send February temperatures soaring in Cornwall - Cornwall Live [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- New LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean sets revealed at New York Toy Fair 2017, coming in May [News] - The Brothers Brick [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Caribbean/American legislator dispels rumours about immigration sweep - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Lego's New Pirates of the Caribbean Ship Can Open Itself Up Like a Skeleton's Ribcage - Gizmodo [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Royal Caribbean cancels all cruise stops in Turkey in 2017 - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Caribbean trained attorneys are taking over the judiciary in the region - Stabroek News [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Caribbean Nations Concerned President Trump's Immigration Policy Will Slow Tourism - South Florida Caribbean News [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Woman suffering diabetic shock airlifted by Coast Guard from Royal Caribbean cruise ship - ABC News [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Johnny Depp is in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales', Apparently - Bloody Disgusting [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Dozens Starve to Death in Caribbean Prison - Newser [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Horses on the Caribbean Track - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- SXM Festival on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin announces 2017 edition - Mirror.co.uk [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 5 - Curacao - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Jamaica Commended For Its Economic Initiatives At IDB - South Florida Caribbean News [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- RORC Caribbean 600: It's Never Like This >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- More Caribbean illegals in line for deportation - Trinidad & Tobago Express [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- CHIEF and Taste Of The Caribbean To Be Held In Miami In June ... - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Caribbean islands offer Carnival travel choices: St. Lucia, Barbados and more - Newsday [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]