There are small Caribbean islands and there are small Caribbean islands. The latter are the places with that extra degree of tranquility (for a region that has some of the most tranquil places in the world as it is). They are the tiny jewels of Caribbean tourism. We thought we’d suggest some of our favourites for you to check out this summer, with one primary criterion: each island has around 2,000 people or less, with the idea being smallness in terms of population, not geography (although these are mostly very small in that regard, too).
Terre de Haut
It’s no secret that we’re big fans of this tiny, hilly green island in the Les Saintes archipelago of the Guadeloupe Islands, home to beautiful, secluded beaches, mountain views and some outstanding small restaurants. It may be small, but the town’s main street actually has quite a bit to do. Try the tiny LoBleu Hotel near downtown for an experience right out of a novel; for a more refined boutique stay,head to Les Petits Saints. The best way to get there is via ferry from either Grand-Terre or Basse-Terre.
Barbuda
While its far larger neighbour Antigua gets the lion’s share of travel, Barbuda is an oasis. It’s about 38 square miles in area, but with just about 1,700 people, meaning you can generally enjoy have its spectacular beaches all to yourself. The Lighthouse Bay resort is a great option for a stay, and to get there, you can either take the Barbuda Express ferry or fly SVG Air.
Anegada
The British Virgin Islands could populate this list all by itself, but Anegada, the only coral island in the BVI, was our pick for this year. Located at the northern tip of the archipelago, Anegada is home to empty beaches and spectacular reefs. Stay at the Anegada Reef Hotel, the Loblolly Cottages or the Sea Grape Villas are all solid hotel options. Smith’s Ferry operates three-times weekly service to the island from Tortola. And, it’s the BVI, so there’s always the option of chartering a boat.
Saba
This Dutch outpost in the Caribbean is almost entirely situated on an active volcano. But it’s also home to terrific diving and a charming, eco-friendly feel. Saba’s hotel sector is largely comprised of small bed and breakfasts. For a full-fledged hotel stay, try the Queen’s Gardens Resort, or bed and breakfasts like the Selera Dunia Boutique Hotel, Juliana’s Hotel and the Cottage Club. Flying Winair out of St Maarten is the best way to get to the island by air, and there is a thrice-weekly ferry from St Maarten.
Mustique
If it’s luxury you’re looking for in a small Caribbean island, this is it. Mustique has long been the Caribbean getaway for celebrities looking to keep a low profile, and that remains true today. When it comes to hotels, there are two top-notch options: the Firefly and the Cotton House. You’ll feel like British royalty at either one. To get there, you can fly the very efficient SVG Air out of St Vincent.
Culebra
The party piece on this island in the so-called Spanish Virgin Islands off of Puerto Rico is Flamenco Beach, one of the world’s most universally acclaimed beaches. The 21-square-mile pearl is also the site of a the Cayo Luis Peña Natural Reserve, a superb snorkeling and diving spot. For your stay, Club Seabourne and the Casa Resaca are great bets. Cape Air offers daily flights out of San Juan.
Bimini
It’s famous for many reasons, from a stay by Dr Martin Luther King, Jr to a chronicle by Ernest Hemingway. But the westernmost island of the Bahamas (just 50 miles from Miami) is also the Bahamas’ bonefishing capital. Bimini gives new meaning to the term laid-back. For a hotel stay, try Resorts World Bimini or the famous Bimini Big Game Club. There are daily direct flights to South Bimini International Airport from the US and you can take the Bimini Superfast ferry from Miami.