CALL THEM what you want; Bed and Breakfasts, Specialty Lodges, Intimate Inns, Boutique Hotels, the very definition of Caribbean hospitality and charm can be found in its smallest places. The sheer variety of Caribbean accommodations and hospitality can boggle the mind. Many of our most favourite are the great small inns, bed and breakfasts and completely unique, one-of-a-kind places that are the fabric of Caribbean tourism.
Sweetfield Manor — Barbados
This historic six-room property just outside of Bridgetown is a former private home. The property is located on a hillside above Carlisle Bay near the capital.
Surfsong Villa Resort — British Virgin Islands
With a total of seven rooms, Tortola’s Surfsong has that unique quality of true tranquility. Although it doesn’t have a restaurant on property, it does have a private chef available.
Golden Rock Inn — Nevis
The towering Nevis Peak is one of the wonders of the Caribbean, and the recently-redone, 11-room Golden Rock Inn offers direct access to the mountain. Enjoy the mountain air, explore the rainforest and surround yourself with nature at a plantation inn owned by artists.
A Stone’s Throw Away — Nassau
Also a member of our Best Small Hotels list, this Nassau mainstay has 10 rooms, including two suites, and a relaxed, airy feel. The beach is just a few minutes’ walk down the hill from the hotel.
Hector’s By the Sea — Vieques, Puerto Rico
Above: Esperanza
Vieques is one of the untouched corners of the Caribbean, and Hector’s By the Sea is a great way to explore it. The property consists of three “casitas” on Vieques’ South Shore just outside of the village of Esperanza.
Blue Moon — Antigua
This property consists of a pair of private villas near Antigua’s famous English Harbour. Both villas were built in 2006, and look out at a magnificent ocean vista.
Harmony Hall Resorts — St Vincent
Above: St Vincent
St Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the gems of the Caribbean, and the Harmony Hall Resorts property is a great way to immerse yourself in the island’s relaxation perched above the sea. The two-unit boutique property even has its own recording studio.
Sol e Luna — Saint Martin
This guesthouse in Grand Case has five suites with great views of the surrounding hills. It also has a restaurant (one of our top picks in St Martin for food, as well).
Calibishie Cove — Dominica
Dominica is free of large-scale hotels — it’s all about boutique, intimate properties. And the four-unit Calibishie Cove is one of the best ways to experience the Caribbean’s Nature Island. Just two rooms and two suites (although you can actually rent the entire property if you want to bring a larger group).
Villa Safir — Bonaire
The tiny, three-bedroom Villa Safir is located on the western portion of Bonaire. Unlike most bed-and-breakfasts, though, it also functions as a dive resort.