Friday Photos: Caribbean Beaches and Alluring Resorts

We admit it. Last week's Caribbean-themed travel section from The New York Times got us all worked up about the gorgeous island resorts nestled in the sand lapped by gentle, turquoise waters. And we'd bet top dollar that after reading "6 Caribbean Beaches to See Before You Die," you'll be equally as inspired. Pictured above: The view from a window at Seven Stars Resort, located in the sweeping arc of Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos, a beach celebrated in the NYT article.

Pictured above: The view from another insanely gorgeous Caribbean property. This time, on the lush isle of St Lucia, famous for its trademark green peaks - the Gros and Petit Pitons. Making the cut of the 6 best beaches, Anse Chastanet is hailed by the NYT for the sand's "sparkling ash gray composition" and the resort's "oversize thatch umbrellas provide shade where the palm trees that bow down toward the water don't." We know, we want to book a Caribbean vacay for Christmas, too.