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Far above the plains where lions roam, there’s another Kenya, where life moves slowly and the people run fast. Writer Matt Gross tries to keep up.

The allure of this region is overwhelming: Brilliant sunlight on lemon orchards, villas set on cliffs over glittering seas, hikes through fragrant hills to the same views admired by Roman emperors of old. Come for the history or the beaches—just come.

Belize is that rare combination of Caribbean sea and Central American jungle that allows for unrivaled adventures. The hotels and lodges here specialize in showing visitors the best side of their enchanted country so whether you’re in Belize for zip lining the jungle canopy or diving into a blue hole, you can find a place to stay that will give you the best, wildest, and most comfortable experience.

There are many reasons to stay at Stargazer, but my personal favorite is the great snorkeling located less than a five minute swim from this gated property’s deserted half-mile stretch of sugar sand and fossil covered beach. The lights of Grace Bay Beach, just a 10-minute drive from this six-bedroom villa, provide a twinkling backdrop when floating in the trio of infinity pools at night. But Stargazer feels wonderfully remote thanks to its secluded residential locale, and privacy of 2.4 gated acres of colorful gardens and indigenous trees. The six bedrooms are located in three buildings, including the impressive 15,000-square-foot main house set up for entertaining.

Find comfort in taking a trip to help conserve the wildlife.

The picturesque beaches along Aruba’s west coast lend the island an air of escapism unmatched in the Caribbean. Amid the white sands and sparkling waters, there are a wide range of accommodations, from supersize resorts to more boutique offerings.

Surrounded by sea, mountains, and rain forest, Rio is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world. Beyond the landscape, the city offers a host of museums, markets, and thriving neighborhoods, all just waiting to be explored.

El Salvador is Central America’s only country without a Caribbean coastline, so head westward, where you’ll find miles and miles of Pacific shore. Don’t pine too much for the calm Caribbean, especially if you’re a surfer or water sports enthusiast: There are lots of breaks and wild water here. But if you’re not into the sportier sider of the ocean, no matter, you can still throw down a towel and relax on one of these beaches.

Kamal Mouzawak created Souk el Tayeb, the first farmers’ market in downtown Beirut, and Tawlét, a cooperative restaurant, where each day a guest chef from a different region of the country dishes up authentic Lebanese cuisine. Here’s his guide to the dynamic city.

The best hotels in the Bahamas make it easy for you to spend less time worrying about where to stay and more time plotting your next pink-sand beach adventure. Here, you’ll find some of the finest boutique hotels and luxury resorts in the Caribbean, from the humble (a seaside cabana with views to swoon over) to the plush (think private island escape).

Volcanoes birthed Dominica’s rugged, vertiginous landscape and nine still simmer, creating mudpots and the famous Boiling Lake. Hike, climb, and bird-watch on steep tracks through the tropical rain forest, or challenge yourself on the Caribbean’s first long-distance route, the 115-mile Waitukubuli Trail.

Surrounded by lush greenery, white-sand beaches, and turquoise waters, these Saint Lucia resorts could make a romantic out of anyone. Go for the open-air suites with views of the Pitons, stay for the private plunge pools, luxurious spas, and tasty Caribbean cuisine.

St. Kitts serves a full plate of dining options, from fresh vegetables at Belle Mont Farm to Caribbean lobster hot off the grill at the beach bars on The Strip. Visitors can also look forward to elegant dining at waterfront restaurants like the Spice Mill and a stylish scene in the evolving Christophe Harbour area.

Interested in eco-adventure, but don’t want to sacrifice luxury? How about a romantic getaway? No worries! One of Belize’s best attributes is its lack of massive all-inclusive resorts where you battle for pool loungers and reservations at restaurants. Instead, the country offers a number of boutique and luxury resorts situated beachside on the Caribbean, or nestled in Central American rain forest.

The comforting taste of familiar Italian food is transformed into a different cuisine in Venice, where the cooking is influenced by spices like saffron brought by traders and by its proximity to both the Alps and the sea. Fresh fish dominates menus, turning up in seafood risotto and pasta as well as in spreads for cicchetti, tapas-like snacks. Sample typically Venetian dishes at family-run trattorie or dine at a fancy restaurant with a view with these top restaurants in Venice.