To Know: Indulging in the Caribbean experience: Top recommendations for dining, beverages, accommodations, and recreation

Embarking on a Caribbean journey promises a tapestry of vibrant cultures, diverse encounters, and an array of breathtaking locales. Whether you’re yearning for a laid-back escape, outdoor escapades, or culinary delights, the Caribbean has it all. However, with an abundance of destinations and choices, navigating the options can be overwhelming.

To streamline your decision-making process, USA TODAY 10Best consulted a panel of Caribbean travel experts who nominated their top picks in seven categories, ranging from beaches and beach bars to resorts and restaurants. The final winners were determined through readers’ votes.

Explore the winners in each category below:

**Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Resort:** S Hotel Jamaica – Montego Bay, Jamaica

The Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club boasts a natural, rugged championship course enveloped by the rich flora and fauna of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This 18-hole course presents a challenging target-style golf experience, set against the backdrop of the island’s natural beauty. Numerous lakes on the course are home to a variety of colorful native birds. To align with environmental sustainability, the par 72 course has undergone recent re-turfing, featuring salt-tolerant Platinum Paspalum grass.

The Sands at Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, stands out as the best Caribbean resort. With its prime location and exceptional offerings, this resort is recognized for providing a top-notch experience in one of the most beautiful destinations in the Caribbean.

Nestled on the coveted shores of Turks and Caicos Islands, The Sands at Grace Bay epitomizes luxury, offering a diverse range of accommodation options. Situated on a pristine stretch of beach, the property capitalizes on its sandy surroundings with award-winning beachfront dining, an array of water sports, and three pools that overlook the sea.

Here are some other noteworthy winners in the Caribbean:

**Best Caribbean Rum:** Topper’s Rhum – Cole Bay, St. Maarten

Visitors to this 6,000-square-foot facility in St. Maarten get an immersive experience into the history of rum-making, witnessing the blending and bottling processes. The facility offers tastings of both established and experimental flavors, including unique options like mocha mama and banana vanilla cinnamon. Visitors even have the opportunity to bottle their own rum to take home.

**Best Restaurant in the Caribbean:** Hemingway’s on the Beach – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

Situated beachside at The Sands resort in Providenciales, Hemingway’s has been a cherished gathering spot for visitors and locals since 1998. Beyond its commitment to elevating island-style delicacies such as conch empanada and coconut shrimp with mango chili goat cheese curd sauce, the restaurant has earned a well-deserved reputation. Hemingway’s welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, providing a delightful culinary experience by the sea.