When asked to imagine a tropical paradise, most people probably envision a scene that looks a lot like the Caribbean.
To help shed light on this slice of vacation heaven, 10Best asked readers to help us name the Caribbean’s best resorts, beaches, attractions, bars, distilleries, golf courses and restaurants. For the past four weeks, our readers have been voting daily for their favorites, and the results are in.
Click on each category below to see the full list of winners.
Best Caribbean Attraction: Arikok National Park in Aruba
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Covering 20 percent of the island of Aruba, Arikok National Park features cacti-covered hills and a dramatic coastline. Visitors to the park can climb into ruins of an old gold mine, search for Arawak petroglyphs or go snorkeling in a natural pool.
Full list of winners: Best Caribbean Attraction »
Best Caribbean Beach: Eagle Beach in Aruba
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Aruba’s widest beach is also one of its most spectacular, thanks to its blindingly white sand, warm Caribbean waters and some of the island’s most famous (and photographed) fofoti trees.
Full list of winners: Best Caribbean Beach »
Best Caribbean Beach Bar: Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
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The Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands is known for creating the Painkiller, a rum cocktail featuring cream of coconut, pineapple, orange juice and freshly grated Grenadian nutmeg.
Full list of winners: Best Caribbean Beach Bar »
Best Caribbean Golf Course: East Course at Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico
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When Robert Trent Jones Jr. restored the East Course at Dorado Beach, he elevated it to one of the best courses in the region. Fifteen of the 18 holes enjoy ocean views, and the bunkers are filled with native sand harvested from the nearby beaches.
Full list of winners: Best Caribbean Golf Course »
Best Caribbean Resort: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba
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An adults-only oasis on the island of Aruba, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort sits on the white sands of Eagle Beach, where guests enjoy stellar views of the sea, warm breezes and tropical sunsets away from the more crowded areas of the island. The 104 rooms and suites feature eco-friendly amenities, as well as free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
Full list of winners: Best Caribbean Resort »
Best Caribbean Rum Distillery: Topper’s Rhum in Sint Maarten
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Visitors to this 6,000-square-foot facility in Sint Maarten gain insight into the history of rum-making while seeing the blending and bottling process firsthand. Visitors also get to sample new flavors in development, along with the full lineup of artisan rums, in the tasting bar. Those who’d like to take some Topper’s home can even bottle their own.
Full list of winners: Best Caribbean Rum Distillery »
Best Restaurant in the Caribbean: Elements Restaurant in Aruba
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The spectacular oceanfront setting at Elements complements the menu of globally-inspired dishes made from sustainable and locally grown ingredients. Local Aruban classics are served weekly during Sunday evening Local Arts – Local Eats events.
Full list of winners: Best Restaurant in the Caribbean »
Congratulations to all our Caribbean winners. Remember to visit 10Best daily to vote in other Readers’ Choice categories.
10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.