By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor
Some Caribbean hotels get all the love, making headlines for their swanky suites, spectacular views and over-the-top amenities. But island insiders know that there are many equally amazing properties that don’t make it to the pages of your favorite travel mag. Perhaps they’re in less-traveled Caribbean destinations. Maybe their owners pay more attention to their guests than their promotional efforts. Or they’re in tourism hotspots but are easily overlooked because of their size and/or location. Either way, they’re places we think you should have on your radar before you book your next tropical getaway. So check out our list of “secret” Caribbean resorts – and check in!
Casa Colonial, Dominican Republic
Who’d a thunk that secreted within Playa Dorado, Puerto Plata’s 14-resort all-inclusive compound, would be this a la carte jewel of a boutique hotel? Fifty chic suites feature Frette linens, and there’s a rooftop pool that overlooks the beach. But for me the pieces de resistance are the sea-view verandas that boast claw-foot tubs crowned with crystal chandeliers.
Hotel Secreto, Mexico
The owners’ Greek honeymoon inspired the white-washed décor of this minimal-chic 10-suite retreat that’s among the top Isla Mujeres hotels, which feels a world apart from lively Playa Norte (but is only a quick golf cart ride away). The pairing of sleek and stylish surroundings with an unpretentious barefoot-casual vibe is one I can endorse.
Hotel Lunata, Mexico
If being right in the thick of things is your priority, this charming boutique on Playa Del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue could be your place. The colorful hacienda-style hotel has 10 rooms featuring river stone-tiled showers, traditional Mexican furniture and original art, and the back garden is a peaceful respite from the buzzy main drag.
Casablanca, Puerto Rico
If you’re over San Juan’s beachfront mega-resorts, try this funky urban gem, hidden in plain sight in an 83-year-old walk-up on Old San Juan’s bustling Fortaleza Street. The eclectically decorated lobby (think draped day beds and stained glass lanterns) doubles as an art gallery, and 30 compact rooms offer stylish sanctuary.
Cotton Tree, Grand Cayman
Seven Mile Beach is one of my favorite Caribbean strands (how white is that sand?!) but staying on its shore can get pricey. If you’re willing to roost off the beach (and rent a car) this cottage compound is a great option, with four luxe villas clustered around a tropical garden on an oceanfront property, just minutes’ drive from the famous strip.
Comfort Suites, The Bahamas
Staying on Paradise Island doesn’t have to mean staying at Atlantis. While we can appreciate the mega-resort’s appeal, anyone who’s been knows it can be a real budget-buster – particularly with kids in tow. Book your brood into the nearby Comfort Suites (where kids stay free!) and access to all the beachfront behemoth’s amenities is included in your room rate, as well as comp wi-fi and daily hot breakfast.
Stonefield Estate, St Lucia
When I’m asked to recommend hotels in St. Lucia I always suggest booking a hotel within sight of the Pitons. (After all, you didn’t come all that way not to see those majestic volcanic peaks close-up, did you?) The intimate Stonefield Estate fits the bill (and your budget) with a clutch of one- to five-bedroom villas with private pools, outdoor showers and, of course, stunning Pitons views.
Boardwalk Small Hotel, Aruba
Sure, you could stay at a high-rise hotel smack on Palm Beach. But wouldn’t you rather bed down somewhere that offered an authentic taste of Aruba? Run by twin sisters, Boardwalk does just that with 14 spacious colorfully decorated casitas set on a former coconut plantation that’s near Fishermans Huts beach (and a quick walk to the marquee strand at Palm).
Manta House, Grand Turk
If you’ve ever heard of Grand Turk you’ve either visited on a cruise or you’re an avid diver. For the latter, I like this cozy three-bungalow set-up on Front Street where you’ll be just steps from dive shops, the beckoning sea and The Sandbar, a super-cool beach bar and restaurant run by the inn’s owners.
Juliana’s Hotel, Saba
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more off-the-beaten-path Caribbean destination than Saba, a five-square-mile Dutch-Caribbean island near St. Maarten with just 1,500 residents. Juliana’s, a hillside hotel in the “town” of Windwardside, has 12 rooms and four cottages that shelter in-the-know divers and hikers, as well as an excellent reputation for personalized service and hospitality.