You look outside the window and yes it’s snowing again. The weatherman says that there are going to be another 8″ of snow to come down on top of the 2′ that are already on the ground. The plow just came by and buried your car, parked at the curb, for the third time in two days. It’s a winter wonderland out there. Now think of water that is azure blue, palm trees wafting in warm tropical breezes and pristine beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. Are you ready to get away on a luxury Caribbean vacation?

Tropical breezes, swimming, diving, snorkeling, sailing on a secluded bay; these are all in the Caribbean. Charter a boat and fish for sailfish or marlin. After trolling ballyhoo, one hits and lunges above the surface and tail walks across the ocean on the end of your line. Lunch time comes and the picnic basket that was prepared for you at the resort is opened. Inside you find traditional Bahamian fare, cracked conch salad and Kalik beer. Are you ready to go back to the snow and cold yet?

The Caribbean is bordered on the north east by the Bahamas, The Windward Islands to the east and Mexico to the west. Numerous luxury resorts are available through the area that will provide a solution to your every whim and need. Whatever you can conceive of to create a luxury Caribbean vacation your desires can be fulfilled at one of these resorts.

The Bahamas chain of islands is the closest to the United States and is a short 30 – 45 minute flight from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Palm Beach. On the island of Great Exuma you will find the Four Seasons resort. On Paradise Island, the snow weary traveler will find The One & Only Club and The Cove Atlantis. These three resorts have the capacity to provide a luxury Caribbean vacation to even the most jaded traveler.

One group of islands that makes up the Windward chain of islands is the Turks & Caicos Islands. These islands while considered “out of the way” provide amenities that many other luxury Caribbean resort vacations fail to provide. Amanyara, Grace Bay Club and Parrot Cay are all located in the Turks & Caicos. Any of these three clubs will provide the luxury Caribbean vacation that is well worth the extra travel time.

The Yucatan peninsula has long been recognized as a luxury vacation destination. The outstanding climate coupled with the availability of the Mayan civilization provides unsurpassed opportunities for a luxury Caribbean vacation experience. At several resorts in the Yucatan, the jungle backs up to and nearly encompasses the luxury resort hotel. Wild birds inhabit the jungle and the combination of their colors and calls will bring memories not soon forgotten.

The crown jewel of the Yucatan is the Riviera Maya. Located in this area are several luxury resorts. These include: Fairmont Mayakoba, Hotel Esencia, The Mandarin Oriental, Maroma Resort and Spa, Paraiso de la Bonita & Thalasso, the Tides and the Rosewood Myakoba. The choice of which of these luxury Caribbean resorts to visit makes decisions difficult. Each offers unique opportunities to experience the Mayan culture and each provides the utmost in amenities.

You put your parka on to go dig the car out again. You have to drive through the snow over the slick roads to get a prescription from the pharmacy. As you are shoveling the snow from around the car the thought strikes you; “why aren’t I on a luxury Caribbean vacation right now?”

When you’re searching online for the best Caribbean resort to stay at with your family, you probably don’t want to see some list of fantasy places you could never get to. So we’ve put together this quick list of what we know to be world class resorts for you to find. Shop online and you’ll find great deals.

Four Seasons Great Exuma at Emerald Bay
Our top choice because we know you’ll leave loving it more than when you came. Avoid websites that rate resorts and have a book-it button on the page. They make a percentage on the booking. How accurate of a rating can that be? This resort has 195 luxurious rooms and is laid back. Expect to pay around $495 for doubles here. Worth it.

Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos Islands
This is paradise and so close to the USA like the Bahamas, but even deeper. 8 islands and over 40 keys, there is one fantastic beach after another. But what about this resort? Parrot Cay Resort & Spa is exclusive and can be reached only by small boat but it is amazing.

Atlantis, Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas
Want something for everyone in your family? This is it and this place is ALWAYS running great deals. Swim with dolphins, snorkel, jet-ski, or suntan until sundown, it’s all here. And highly affordable. You will come back to this paradise.

Best All Inclusive Caribbean Resorts
For families this year, it’s been the Paradisus Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Huge rooms, all you can eat good food, and the most brilliant beaches fronting the Caribbean Sea. For couples, in 2009 it was Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica. Adult only, this resort is downright fabulous. I hope you and your loved one make it there this year.

Best Caribbean Islands
Yikes! Exotic? Choose Saba. Calm and fun? Aruba. New and exciting? How about Nevis? There is so much history in the Caribbean Islands that it is fun just reading about them, let alone visiting. You can start with something big like Puerto Rico, and end up on tiny Bonaire. It’s all in the Caribbean and all good. Choose what you like, then choose where you want to go.

Best Family Caribbean Resorts
Again, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas is really my favorite and for so many reasons. But most of all because they are geared to families in a way that will allow you as a parent to really have a vacation, too. Think about that for a minute and wonder if it’s worth it. Unbelievable service here. Atlantis is also my pick for best Caribbean resorts for kids.