The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1464285
T he island's first-ever luxury resort, Caerula Mar, sits on a postcard-perfect location of ten oceanfront acres dotted with palm trees and a beautiful turquoise beach where guests are likely not to spot a single footprint. Helmed by the famed HGTV celebrity design duo Bryan & Sarah Baeumler, who purchased the once-abandoned resort and transformed it into one of the Caribbean's chicest properties, Caerula Mar evokes a feeling of relaxed, barefoot luxury where the design and décor are elegant, yet understated, and nature is the star of the show. The resort features five stand-alone villas and 18 signature suites steps from the shoreline. The interiors are crisp and clean with neutral tones accented by modern brass finishes, Jonathan Adler furniture, and luxurious Turkish towels and linens. Guests can start the day by fueling up at Switcha, a café and smoothie bar with a selection of juices, gourmet teas and coffee, and fresh baked-daily pastries, before exploring the island or unwinding by the sweeping infinity pool, which features an oceanfront deck with chaises and umbrellas. In the afternoon, Driffs restaurant and pool bar, where locally inspired light fare and island comfort food take center stage, is the perfect place to unwind at sundown with a cocktail in hand. By night, dining at Lusca, the island's first-ever gourmet restaurant, means an ever-changing menu made with fresh, local ingredients, complemented by pairings from the resort's award-winning wine selection. The tropical splendor of Caerula Mar Club provides an unparalleled experience for destination weddings small and large. Couples can choose from a variety of wedding packages depending on the size of their party and preferences, including elopements and vow renewal ceremonies. For an extra intimate affair, couples can even buy out the resort and have the island all to themselves (up to 60 people). The entire planning process is a breeze thanks to the resort's preferred wedding planners, who provide catering, vendor management, decor, event setup, and all the details in between. Couples staying in the villas can even choose to wed right on the sands in front of their villa with the crystal-clear ocean providing a perfect backdrop. The resort goes above and beyond for its couples, from designing V U E N J .C O M 97