Well, it looks like being a solo traveler is becoming more and more popular these days, because even Marriott has recognized the trend and is reacting accordingly! Gone is the idea that travel and vacation is only for couples, families, and friends, and here is the empowering opportunity to go where you want, when you want, and do whatever you want as well!
Technically all of those things were always possible, but with hotels like Marriott jumping onboard to cater to solo travelers, it makes the experience that much more enjoyable. All of the properties within the collection of Marriott Caribbean & Latin America properties will offer the new Solo Traveler Packages, AKA your much-needed vacation in paradise awaits! As an experienced solo traveler, what makes me most excited about Marriott’s new Solo Traveler Package, is that they answer all of the questions new solo travelers typically have or are worried about.
I won’t lie, the thought of taking a vacation alone can be a little nerve-wrecking at first, but in my opinion, when you join a program that’s specifically for solo travelers, it can definitely put you at ease, and get you excited as well!
This new solo traveler program is available at all Marriott Caribbean & Latin America properties, and I had the pleasure of testing it out with a solo vacation to St. Kitts! The St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino is actually voted as the number one hotel in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure, which made it all the more enticing visit! So if a solo vacation sounds like something you could use, check out the highlights from my experience, and some things I especially loved about St. Kitts as well!
There’s quite a few islands in the Caribbean, all different and awesome for their own reasons, so why choose St. Kitts for your solo vacation? In my opinion, I found St. Kitts to be very much still in a natural state, not packed with buildings, businesses and people like some of the other British Virgin Islands. It has beautiful untouched mountains that make for a stunning backdrop against the sunny beaches, and even when it rains, I kid you not, there’s always a rainbow!
It’s also in the perfect location to do a little island hopping if your wanderlust gets the best of you! There’s a handful of neighboring British and U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico is less than an hour flight away!
If you take one look at the Marriott St. Kitts property, it basically looks like a vacation heaven you could spend days at without even leaving the property. But for those who love to explore, the option is definitely there for that too! From water sports, to mountain trekking, to simply just kicking back on the beach, there’s tons of options, and the solo traveler program ensures you enjoy every moment of it!
You can create your plans on your own, or you can use what’s included in the solo packages, including the option to have more relaxing activities, or more social ones.
Here’s what’s included in each:
One thing that many people worry about when they think of solo travel, is if they’re going to be lonely, or have problems meeting other people. It can be extremely intimidating doing things on your own at first, but luckily whoever the genius behind this program is absolutely #nailedit, and created the option to help you interact socially.
So for the solo social butterflies, the Solo & Social option offers a group excursion or tour (rather than a private one), the GM’s insider tips on day and night hotspots, and a mixology or cooking class! All three of those things are great ways to meet other travelers and vacationers, especially with a little help from the hotel!
I always say, “You’re never really alone when you travel”, because I know that the majority of the time, I’ll meet people along the way!
If you’re more about a solo vacation that involves tuning out and detoxing from your phone, you’ll definitely want to check out the “All About Me” option in the solo traveler packages. It includes a spa treatment, which, I actually got for once, as well as a private excursion or tour. What I like about the idea of a private excursion or tour, is that you don’t have to worry about being the odd person out (this happens to me all the time and I still feel awkward), or getting asked if it’s “just you”.
Many tours and excursions have to use a minimum amount of people in order to go out, but this option makes it easy to fit in at your own convenience, without having to wait on other people. It’s also nice to be able to have the freedom of going wherever you want, which sometimes isn’t possible with a group tour or activity!
When I saw the lush, green mountains in St. Kitts, my mind immediately went straight to the idea of hiking. Then when I asked about hiking, I learned about zip-lining, which also sounded like an insanely awesome idea. But then, I caught site of the view of the mountains from the beach of the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, and knew I was definitely going to have to go kayaking! But it was good to know that all of the above options were available!
There’s quite a few other adventure activities to choose from as well, including a boat trip to St. Kitts’ neighbor, Nevis, or snorkeling in the ocean. If you opt for a private tour, you can have your driver take you up to the mountain tops for the breathtaking views, and a wild experience!
The thought of eating dinner alone might sound weird (or scary), but who cares! You’re on your hard earned solo vacation, so you better treat yourself to some amazing meals! Since you’re in the Caribbean, it’s without question that there’s going to be some incredible seafood, so definitely pick that for one of your dinners!
There’s a handful of amazing restaurants in the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, and my favorite was of course Blu Seafood Restaurant. I had delicious, giant sea scallops, and a giant bowl of shrimp scampi that could have lasted me a couple days. If you’re not a seafood fan, there’s also a steakhouse, and a pizza place!
Of course, if you’re a bit tired from adventuring all day, you can always opt to stay in and order room service from your big, comfy bed!
In my opinion, when a resort has a unique layout, it makes it that much more enjoyable to spend time at it. The St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino is not only massive, but the way it’s designed makes it easy and enjoyable to spend the whole day there! The pools are designed in a lazy river type way, with twists, nooks, and islands that make it fun to swim around in.
There’s also a pretty big swim up bar at one end of the pool, which, let’s be serious, is always fun. Walk a few feet from the pool and you’ll have your toes in the sand, since the property is built right on the beach! Don’t worry about messing with folding chairs and umbrellas, because the St. Kitts Marriott Resort has awesome built in personal gazebos all along the shore!
There was literally enough things for me to do at the resort that I didn’t feel the need to leave, but even when I did, it was very easy to get help finding a ride!
Sound like an awesome time? Check out more information about Marriott’s Solo Traveler Packages at ParadisebyMarriott.com!
Disclaimer: This post is proudly in collaboration with Marriott to help show off their cool new Solo Traveler Program. All opinions, photos, and fun times are my own.
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Amazing work of travelling solo first of all and living life on your terms! :D Love the pictures.
Thanks!!
I love all of your pictures Alyssa! I love that they have a Solo and Social program haha because I would definitely be all for that. And agree when you are traveling solo, you are never truly alone because you make so many new friends along the way! Great post, I'll need to look into Marriott's program!
It's awesome they have this program now!!
Solo travel just got fancier :) I don't always like staying at hostel when travelling alone - this sounds fantastic!
Whoohoo finally a hotel chain that gets it! Looks like you had a great time, there's so many activities to choose from, totally spoilt for choice! ?
Right?! I'm like legitimately proud of them for acknowledging that solo female travel is a growing trend, and acting on it! Yay!
I would love to paddle board and visit Cuba! It sounds amazing. I can't wait till you travel there:) I'm excited for your snaps and pictures!!
I love that there is a solo traveler program for us solo travelers. I don't like to be charged extra because I'm alone! I have never been to St Kitts and I would love to visit with the Body Glove Performer 11 Infatable Paddleboard by @bodyglove53 !!
-Christy
I came here for the giveaway but this is actually a really cool blog!! I'll be reading for now on!
Love this! This would be so awesome to do with the paddle board you are giving away on Instagram! Hope I win!
I would love to paddle board here!