No one likes layovers, that’s why we’ve compiled a list of islands you can reach nonstop from the mainland U.S. and Canada.

Antigua - has many white sand beaches and is a popular destination for boaters.  When in Antigua, stay at Siboney Beach Club; a homey, 12-suite inn on Dickenson Bay.

Aruba – 18 miles north of Venezuela, sits just outside the hurricane belt and usually has sunny skies all year-round.  When in Aruba, stay at Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort on Eagle Beach’s white sands.

Bahamas – just a 30-minute flight from the mainland U.S., with mellow beaches and beautiful water.  When in the Bahamas, stay at the Orange Hill Beach Inn, a 30-room inn located on a Nassau snorkeling beach.  You can also try the Paradise Harbour Club & Marina, which has a pool, a Jacuzzi, and free beach shuttles.

Barbados – When in Barbados stay at the Dover Beach Hotel, the rooms are only steps from Turtle Beach and the hotel is only a 15 minute drive from the airport and is within walking distance from St. Lawrence Gap.  Also you can stay at the Sea Breeze Beach Hotel, where all of the beachfront rooms have a balcony or patio.

Cayman Islands – the largest and most populated of the three Cayman Islands is Grand Cayman, where many a diver has fled to look at the Cayman Trench (an underwater canyon that plunges nearly 25,000 feet deep.  When here stay at the Turtle Nest Inn, with has 10 two-bedroom condos and seven one-bedroom apartments, and you can see the ocean from your bed.

Dominican Republic – a main entry point is Santo Domingo, the Republic’s capital, other popular points are La Romana, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and Santiago.  When there you can stay at the all-inclusive, adults-only, BlueBay Villas Doradas in Puerto Plata, where romance is easy to rekindle.  Or at Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach near La Romana, this all-inclusive hotel features 530 rooms, three pools, four restaurants and four bars.

Grenada – You can find a laid back atmosphere at Grenada, and can never fear it booming from tourism, as this island has a law stating that buildings cannot be taller than a coconut palm tree.  When here stay at the beachside Coral Cove Cottages located on five acres of hillside gardens.  Or at the La Sagesse, which is found on a secluded beach.

Jamiaca – the main entry points for U.S travelers are Kingston and Montego Bay.  Here you can stay at the all-inclusive Starfish Trelawny Resort & Spa in Montego Bay, which houses five pools, waterslides, a beach, water sports and activities.

In my family there are four of us two brothers (myself included) mom and dad. We arrived in the Caymans on December 23 and stayed till the 1st of January. We met some of the best people here in the Caymans then any other island in the Caribbean (besides St. Barths). We stayed at the Westin which is located one block from the newly opened Ritz Carlton and the Hyatt Golf Course. The servers at the Westin were typically pretty blond women. The beach at the Westin is incredible and I highly reccomend the Moet with a dozen shrimp with a cigar. On the 1st of January 2006 there will be no smoking at Westin properties including Cigars. The best restrauants on the island in order of best to worse Ritz Carlton’s Blue Restrauant, the Lobster Pot, Eduardos, the Wharf, Copper Falls Steak House, Calypso Grill, and lastly the Reef Grill. Every meal in the Caymans goes great with a bottle of Tignanello red wine from Tuscany. Oh by the way anything related to alcohol including bars closes at 12 midnight which is kind of wierd. And also remember pricing is in CI (Cayman Currency), which is stronger than the dollar. Overall, the Westin is centrally located, the staff is great including the lobby bartender Christian who is very knowledgable and Andi the Concierge lady too. Next time we will stay at the Ritz Carlton though but probably visit our old stomping grounds at the Westin. Great New Years party too.