Looking for a deal in the Caribbean? This may be your year.
''I think we'll see more deals as we come closer to summer,'' predicted Richard Kahn, spokesman for the Caribbean Tourism Organization. With the peak season just now ending, ''It's hard to tell [now] what kind of deals will come along,'' he said.
Most summer price cuts continue on to mid-December. The best bargains always are offered in September, but that's a crap shoot: September is the heart of the region's hurricane season. (Many resorts, however, offer ''hurricane guarantees'' that provide compensation in some form for storm-disrupted vacations.)
Following is a sampling of summer deals, but prospective visitors can glean more comprehensive listings posted on many Internet booking-agency sites. And a list of 25 affordable resorts has just been published in Caribbean Travel and Life magazine's current issue, out April 22. It lists resorts in three price ranges: $105 per night or less, $105-$145 and $145-$200.
Prices quoted below are starting rates per person, double occupancy, unless otherwise stated. They may or may not include taxes, service or resort fees, which can add considerably to total costs, as well as gratuities, weekend or holiday surcharges and other fees. Packages are subject to availability, blackout dates, booking deadlines, validity dates, minimum stays, and their prices and terms are subject to change without notice.
Antigua: Curtain Bluff Resort offers summer rates starting at $595 per night (compared to $1,095 in peak season), now to Aug. 23. Rates include all meals, bar drinks, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, water-skiing and scuba diving, nightly entertainment, tennis, squash and croquet, 888-289-9898, www.curtainbluff.com.
Barbados: At the all-inclusive Mango Bay resort, prices start at $385 per room per night now to Dec. 14, about 25 percent lower than in peak season. Included are lodging, food and beverages, water sports, hobie cat sailing, kayaking and snorkeling, shopping excursion, glass-bottom boat ride and catamaran sail for a day. 246-432- 1384, www.mangobaybarbados.com.
Curac¸ao: Set on 1,500 feet of beach, the all-inclusive Breezes Curac¸ao offers summer rates of $139 per adult per night. A three-night minimum stay is required. Included are lodging, all meals, unlimited cocktails, water sports, entertainment, children's activities and airport transfers. Rates are valid to Dec. 21. 877-467-8737, www.breezescuracao.com.
Dominican Republic: Viva Wyndham Resorts, with five all-inclusive properties in this country, has summer rates as low as $72 per person per night, double occupancy. In La Romana, the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach is priced at $85 per person per night now through July 2, $98 July 3 through Sept. 1. Also in La Romana, the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace runs $98 now through July 2, $112 July 3 through Sept. 1. Rates include all meals and snacks, unlimited rinks, cocktails and wine, taxes, gratuities, non-motorized water sports, spa, daily activities, night entertainment and kid activities. 800-996-3426, www.vivawyndhamresorts.com.
Jamaica: A three-night stay at Beaches Boscobel Resort and Golf Club for a family of four begins at $1,605 this summer. Included are meals, unlimited wine and spirits, land and water sports, daily entertainment, kids' camps, use of the Pirate's Island Waterpark, and shows and interaction with Sesame Street characters on site. Rate valid to Aug. 31. 800-232-2437, www.beaches.com.
Puerto Rico: The Explore Old San Juan package at the Sheraton Old San Juan starts at $188 per room per night and includes daily buffet breakfast, two hours' use of an electric car, back pack with two water bottles, discounts to area stores and restaurants. Children under 16 stay free with parents in same room (maximum 2 children). Two-night minimum stay. 787-289- 1914, www.sheratonoldsanjuan.com.
St. Lucia: A premium garden view room at the Coconut Bay Beach Resort goes for $139 per person per night June 16-Aug. 15, $99 Aug. 16-Sept. 30. These are 35-50 percent savings off the peak-season room rates. Included are full breakfast, lunch and dinner and snacks daily, unlimited juices, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, daily entertainment program, water park attraction and airport transfers in St. Lucia. Booking deadline May 31. 866-978- 6226, www.cbayresort.com.
St. Thomas: All-inclusive summer rates at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort run $493 per room per night now through Aug. 31. Rate includes all meals, drinks, non-motorized water sports, taxes and resort fee. The summer European plan (room only plus non-motorized water sports) rate is $239 per room per night. 800-524-4746. www.bolongobay.com.
Trinidad & Tobago: The beachfront Blue Haven Hotel on Tobago offers lazy charm on an unspoiled island. Rates start at $92.50 per person double occupancy, valid through Dec. 15. 868-660-7400; www.bluehavenhotel.com.
Turks and Caicos: A four-night package at Ocean Club Resorts is priced at $699 per person and includes three breakfast, lunch and dinner vouchers per person. Package is valid through Dec. 21. 800-457-8787, www.ocean-club.com.
