Where to Get Away in May—for Less
Looking for a beach trip? The temperatures are rising in the Caribbean, which means the deals are getting hot too.
St. Lucia
You save: 23%
Why now: May is a particularly good time to stop at this outpost in the West Indies. The St. Lucia Jazz Festival runs until May 8 and features artists from across the U.S. and Caribbean (tickets from $31 to $80; stluciajazz.org). Some hotels, such as the Coconut Bay Beach Resort, offer deals timed to the event (from $157 a night for a garden-view room). You'll find deals all month long at the French colonial–style Fond Doux Plantation & Resort, with cottages on a 250-year-old working farm and costing $175 to $203 a night, up to 23% less than in March. For more local flavor, Orlando's uses ingredients from area farms (dinner, $65).
Saba
You save: 13%
Why now: The smallest island in the Dutch Caribbean, little-known Saba is home to excellent hiking, pristine villages, and a laid-back vibe, says Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Caribbean travel expert of JetSetSarah.com. At the Cottage Club, charming houses with water views run $130 a night in May, $20 (or 13%) less than in high season. Saba is also a top scuba destination, thanks to the protected Saba Marine Park. Beginner lessons from Sea Saba are $105 to $215 a person.
Grenada
You save: 31%
Why now: Chocolate? Did someone say chocolate? At the annual Grenada Chocolate Festival (May 13–22), you can go on a bean-to-bar farm tour ($44) or take advantage of one of the free activities, such as the Rum, Chocolate & Jammin' festival on Pink Gin Beach. Stay nearby at the waterfront True Blue Bay Resort, which has rooms overlooking a lush jungle garden from $189 to $200 a night—that's compared with $275 a night in March, a 31% savings. The resort is also close to Grenada's most popular beach, Grand Anse, where local markets and restaurants border two miles of white sand, says adviser Margie Hand of Andavo Travel.