Caribbean High Season Combiines the Luxe and Eco-Friendly

Nov.. 20, 2007 — -- With ramped-up air service, the Caribbean's first oceanfront water park, an environmentally sensitive hotel and other new attractions, the Caribbean is poised for high season. USA TODAY highlights some of the 2007-08 season's hottest new developments.

The Bahamas

The sprawling Atlantis Paradise Island completes a multimillion-dollar expansion with the opening Dec. 19 of the Reef Atlantis. The family-friendly units have kitchens, laundry facilities and large terraces, plus upscale options such as butler service. Rates in the 497-unit tower start at $340 a night for a 519-square-foot studio terrace. 800-285-2684; atlantis.com

Another behemoth, the 694-room Sheraton Cable Beach Resort (formerly a Radisson) in Nassau, is at the forefront of a $2.3 billion redevelopment on Cable Beach. Deals at the Sheraton, a seven-acre beachfront property, include a free upgrade for guests booking by Dec. 31 for stays through April 30. Rates start at $199. 866-716-8106;sheraton.com/cablebeach

On the out-island of Bimini, the new Bimini Bay Resort boasts 300 condos and villas, from $250 a night for a studio to $2,400 for a four-bedroom villa through March 14. 242-347-2900; biminibayresort.com

Puerto Rico

The Caribbean's first oceanfront water park makes its debut in January at El Conquistador Resort. The 2.4-acre Coqui Water Park will feature an 8,000-square-foot "lazy river" with a rain-forest vibe and a 9,000-square-foot infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean, plus flumes and free-fall slides. 866-317-8932;elconresort.com

St. Thomas The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas unveils a $40 million transformation featuring 55 new club-level guest rooms opening Nov. 15, plus an expanded spa with Prada-branded treatments. Regular rooms also have been spruced up. Rates through Dec. 20 start at $359; club rooms start at $889. 800-542-8680; ritzcarlton.com

Jamaica The new Outameni Experience is the latest in a string of new attractions on the island. Launched in September in Trelawny between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, the living-history park traces 500 years of Jamaican history with interactive exhibits set in a historic Great House (outameni.com). In Negril, the Kool Runnings Water Park has all the usual amenities, plus a Jamaican bobsled ride.