What is luxury? Luxury basically means one or two categories above what you’re used to. Luxury is about full service, full amenities and about having all your needs met — at any time of day. A luxury property has the certain indescribable sheen that other properties do not. Simply put, you know it when you see it.
In the Caribbean, luxury means something different — Caribbean luxury has its own identity, with a special kind of service, design and ambience.
These are our picks for the top 25 Caribbean luxury resorts, from smaller boutique properties to large beach resorts. Tell us what you think.
Secret Bay — Dominica
There is no hotel like this anywhere in the Caribbean; it’s a remarkable collection of massive, hyper-modern villas with their own pools and spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. It’s secluded, luxurious and will take you to a totally different state of mind. Get Prices.
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa — Grand Cayman
The Caribbean’s most impressive new hotel is a radical addition to the Caribbean in one of its most modern destinations. It’s a contemporary, hip hotel with some of the greatest service in the hemisphere. Get Prices.
Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
This hotel has long set the standard for what a Caribbean resort can be, from its prime perch on Seven Mile Beach to its voluptuous rooms. And then there’s the food, highlighted by the sensational Blue by Eric Ripert. Get Prices.
Four Season Resort Nevis
Great for families, great for adults, great for golfing, great for tennis — perhaps the most complete resort in the Caribbean, set on the lovely Pinneys Beach. (Don’t miss the 101 Rums Bar, either). Get Prices.
Le Guanahani – St. Barth
The best place to stay in St. Barth is this: Le Guanahani, a perfect Caribbean beach resort that blends French chic with Caribbean cool. Get Prices.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
The former Viceroy Resort is a modern spin on traditional Caribbean luxury and since its rebranding as a Four Seasons has upped the most important factor — service — to the kind of world-class experience you expect from Four Seasons. It’s a strikingly modern property with simply gorgeous rooms. Get Prices.
One & Only Ocean Club – Paradise Island, Bahamas
Every need you can think of will be met at this property, which was one of the first great Caribbean resorts and remains so today. From its marvelous Versailles gardens to a position one of the Caribbean’s greatest beaches, this place has it all. (James Bond stayed here in Casino Royale, too.) Get Prices.
Cap Juluca – Anguilla
An icon of the Caribbean, Cap Juluca’s rooms are more like villas. Many even have private solariums — in the bathrooms. That’s the level we’re talking about here, where the biggest star is impossibly beautiful Maundays Bay. Get Prices.
Parrot Cay — Turks and Caicos Islands
This is a place to get away from it all. Known for its spa, this is a luxury wellness retreat that’s also a celebrity favorite. COMO Hotels have a different standard of just about everything, and here, that includes the white-sand beaches. Get Prices.
Cap Maison – St. Lucia
One of our favorite hotels in the Caribbean, this is a hub for luxury-seekers interested in the finer things from wine to haute cuisine to, well, gourmet beach bars. The rooms are superb, too. Get Prices.
Peter Island Resort — British Virgin Islands
This is private island luxury at its finest. One of the true gems of the British Virgin Islands and the best hotel currently open in the archipelago. Myriad beaches, outstanding food and, well, unmatched views. Get Prices.
Casa de Campo – Dominican Republic
More than a resort — it’s almost like its own city. One of the models for Caribbean hospitality that’s the most complete resort in the Dominican Republic. That’s because there’s just about everything here, from horseback riding to the best golf course in the Caribbean. Get Prices.
Round Hill
The best boutique hotel in Jamaica, this property is famous for its rooms, all of which were designed by part-owner Ralph Lauren. This is among the Caribbean’s most romantic hotels, and will transport you to a Jamaica you thought no longer existed. Get Prices.
Baoase Luxury Resort Curacao
A bit off the beaten path, Baoase is another Asian-inspired property, and easily the best hotel in Curacao. It’s got a terrific little beach and a very good, foodie-focused restaurant, too.
Spice Island Beach Resort — Grenada
One of the few everything-included properties on this list, the venerable Spice Island resort is elegant but comfortable, and by far the best resort on the island of Grenada. Get Prices.
Hermitage Bay — Antigua
A small property, Hermitage Bay is an all-inclusive — but you’d never even realize it, thanks to some seriously good hotel design in the rooms, which are a mix of hillside cottages (with plunge pools) and toes-in-the-sand beach villas. Get Prices.
Half Moon — Jamaica
A Caribbean institution, this is a grand resort. You can take a long jog and still be on the property. It has 54 swimming pools on the property. The rooms are among the Caribbean’s best, including the famous West Cottages where the Queen herself once stayed. You’ll get the same Royal treatment. Get Prices.
Belmond La Samanna — St Martin
One of the crown jewels of St Martin, it boasts a prominent position on stunning Long Bay Beach, postcard-perfect white-walled cottage rooms and a top-flight spa. Get Prices.
Sandy Lane — Barbados
It’s hard to make this list without including Sandy Lane, one of the exemplars of Caribbean hospitality. It doesn’t get much more elegant, refined or luxurious than Sandy Lane.
Hotel Le Toiny — St Barth
St Barth has the well-deserved reputation for luxury, and Le Toiny is right at the top with remarkable views, seriously good food and large villa-style units.
Tortuga Bay — Dominican Republic
Another property on this list that’s about having your own space. Each room is its own luxury home — and you’ll start to forget where your real one is. The standout here? The rooms were all designed by Oscar de la Renta himself. Get Prices.
Jade Mountain — St Lucia
Here, you’re above it all – literally. The way the property is built takes advantage of the natural surroundings — each room is effectively custom cut into the side of a mountain and most have sparkling infinity pools. This is a unique, bucket-list experience in the Caribbean. Get Prices.
The Palms — Turks and Caicos Islands
An all-suite resort, the Regent Palms is a world-class property (with a terrific spa) right on the famous white-sand Grace Bay Beach. And the food is splendid, too, particularly at the Parallel 23 restaurant. Get Prices.
Galley Bay — Antigua
This is all about the beach — and one of a few all-inclusives that made the list thanks to a throwback, jet set-era quality and very good food. Get Prices.
St Regis Bahia Beach — Puerto Rico
A classic full-service luxury resort and the best in Puerto Rico. Excellent golfing, a wonderful spa and exceptional food at the signature Fern restaurant. Get Prices.
This story has been updated with new information for 2017.