NEW YORK (Money Magazine) -
Champagne on arrival. Complimentary massages. Sorbet and fresh fruit by the pool. The Caribbean's high-end resorts are racing to outdo each other in the no-request-is-too-large world of exceptional service.
Such indulgence may be worth an $800-a-night tab, but know that you can get the same amenities at less than half-price in the off-season, which generally lasts through early December.
There are trade-offs: Afternoon spurts of rain are common and, yes, it is hurricane season. If your resort doesn't offer full refunds or vouchers, get a trip-cancellation policy that covers hurricanes (not all do). Travel Guard (travelguard.com) insures a $2,000 vacation for about $140.
These four posh properties are the islands' smartest buys this fall.
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| The Spa Plunge Pool at Little Dix Bay |
Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands -- BVI's oldest resort, Laurance Rockefeller's 100-room Little Dix Bay mirrors Virgin Gorda's back-to-nature ethos: Sea grape trees grow wild between villas to prevent beach erosion (and preserve privacy), so you can't even spot the place until you ferry up to its dock. Day trip: Point to one of about a dozen deserted islets on a map and be dropped off with snorkeling gear, a beach umbrella and a picnic. The $275-a-night room rate is $300 off high season, through Nov. 14 (888-767-3966; littledixbay.com).
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| La Samanna, St. Martin |
La Samanna, St. Martin -- "Bring your appetite, leave your bathing suit" -- words to live by on St. Martin, where the French-Carib cuisine is the region's best and the clothing-optional beaches are popular. This 81-room hotel's restaurant features the island's hottest menu. A three-night stay, with breakfasts, one dinner and car rental, is $1,890 for two -- a $200-a-day savings. The package is good through Dec. 18, but the hotel is closed Sept. 2 to Oct. 25 (800-854-2252; lasamanna.com).
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| Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia |
Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia -- Not known for fine-sand beaches, St. Lucia more than compensates with other natural attractions. The twin Piton peaks command the landscape, and at Anse Chastanet, 37 of the 49 rooms are stacked along the foothills for easy-access hiking and birding. Room-only rates are $210 a night through Oct. 31, then $245 through Dec. 19. After that, rates range from $445 to $795, meals included (800-223-1108; ansechastanet.com).
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| Hyatt Regency Resort & Casino |
Hyatt Regency Resort & Casino, Aruba -- Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, so the biggest gamble you'll probably contend with is at the casino. The 360-room Hyatt claims prime turf on the best shoreline, seven-mile-long Palm Beach, and the multitiered lagoon pool and waterslide make it a good bet for families. The smallest rooms are $550 in winter, but a Fifth Night Free promotion through Dec. 19 gets you five nights in a balcony ocean-view room for $1,100 -- that's $220 a night (888-591-1234; aruba.hyatt.com).
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