It’s the height of hospitality — where you feel like part of the family. This is true at most great hotels, but even more so at the best family-managed properties in the Caribbean. Indeed, the Caribbean stands out in the sheer number of high-quality, family owned and family-run hotels. A passion for the Caribbean always plays a large part in getting them here. And a commitment to running a great business and treating guests, employees and neighbours like their own kin is the secret of their success and longevity. Family-run means the family doesn’t just own the property — it means you see the family active in the property during your stay.
Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant — Bahamas
This Caribbean institution run by the Garzaroli family reaches the zenith of hospitality. A guest here receives some of the finest service anywhere in the region. And it’s been that way for decades.
Ottley’s Plantation Inn — St Kitts
This boutique plantation resort on the island of St Kitts is owned and operated by the Keusch-Lowell family, which has led the charming resort for more than 25 years.
Frangipani Beach Resort — Anguilla
This luxurious boutique hotel on the beautiful Meads Bay in Anguilla is lovingly run by Scott Kircher and his wife Shannon; their family owns the property.
Bolongo Bay — US Virgin Islands
This longtime St Thomas resort has been stewarded by generations of the Doumeng family since it became the owner and manager of the property in 1974. Indeed, eight members of the Doumeng family are on the active staff roster. All in all, it’s about as fun a place to stay as a Caribbean hotel can be.
Sugar Mill — British Virgin Islands
A great family-run hotel has the stamp of that family. That’s nowhere truer than Tortola’s Sugar Mill, where owner-operators Jinx and Jeff Morgan are active across the property, from the restaurant menu to the art on the walls. (They’re also chefs).
Montpelier Plantation & Beach — Nevis
This Nevisian hotel gem has centuries of history, and the Hoffman family helps the property live up to its legend, from Tim Hoffman to a pair of energetic golden labs.
Charela Inn — Jamaica
This old-fashioned 50-room hotel on Negril beach in Jamaica is owned and operated by the Grizzle family. It’s an ode to traditional West Indian hospitality.
The Lodge at Chaa Creek — Belize
Owner-operators Mick and Lucy Fleming have helmed this eco-boutique in Belize since 1981, with a strong emphasis on green. It’s a bit like staying at a luxurious family home.
Boardwalk Hotel — Aruba
This small property in Aruba is owned and run by sisters Stephanie and Kimberly Rooijakkers. Nestled just off the famous Palm Beach, the boutique property emphasizes a modern but laid-back vibe.
Cap Maison — St Lucia
The exquisite Cap Maison is owned and operated by the Gobat family, which has long a Mediterranean feel on the shores of the Caribbean Sea in St Lucia.
The Reefs Resort and Club — Bermuda
The Reefs is helmed by David Dodwell, Sr and his family, which also owns the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club in Nevis. It’s a multi-generational endeavour, as his son David Dodwell, Jr is the property’s resort manager.