By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor
Go big or go home? Not us! While we appreciate all the bells and whistles a large resort can offer, sometimes we just want to escape to somewhere less “mega” and more “mini.” Here are 10 of our favorite Caribbean hotels right now – none larger than 60 rooms – where going small doesn’t mean sacrificing service or style.
Casa Colonial, Dominican Republic
Secreted amid a sprawling beachfront complex of all-inclusive resorts, this elegant 50-room hotel is where we like to watch our cares slip away as we sip a cerveza by the rooftop ocean-view pool.
Hotel O:live, Puerto Rico
It doesn’t get much more stylish than this 15-suite Mediterranean-inspired gem in Condado, where the eclectic décor, scrumptious food and dreamy rooftop bar (don’t leave without trying the Sage cocktail) define metropolitan chic.
Trident, Jamaica
We’ve always loved Port Antonio, and this cooler-than-cool 13-villa resort where iconic fiberglass sheep preside over the poolside lawn only makes us love Porty more.
La Toubana, Guadeloupe
We’re not sure what charmed us more at this French-Caribbean beachfront in Sainte Anne: its clutch of 44 comfy suites and bungalows; the hilltop infinity pool; or the planteur we sipped in the swim-up bar. Either way, c’est si bon!
Rock House, Bahamas
Staying on Harbour Island is never a bad thing, but staying here, where 10 colonial-chic suites border the island’s famous pink sand, turns a good experience into a great one.
Boucan by Hotel Chocolat, St Lucia
A chocolate-themed spa and restaurant; chocolate-making classes; and Pitons views: it doesn’t get much sweeter than this 14-room retreat on a working cocoa estate that’s home to one of the Caribbean’s greatest restaurants.
Le Sereno, St Barth
This 36-suite, three-villa beachfront retreat has a relaxed vibe and unpretentious and effortless elegance that’s welcome respite from the island’s see-and-be-seen scene.
Secret Bay, Dominica
There are only six plush villas secreted amid the jungle at this eco-luxe retreat but even so, you’ll feel as if you have the entire Edenic environs to yourself.
El Convento, Puerto Rico
A stay at this former Carmelite convent-turned-inn in Old San Juan is almost a religious experience, with history and charm emanating from each of its 58 Spanish Colonial-style rooms.
Goldeneye, Jamaica
Whether we’re hanging at the beachfront Bizot bar; SUP-ing up to the lagoon’s-edge FieldSpa; or simply sipping some Blackwell rum on the verandah of our cottage (one of six, plus 13 villas), every moment here is “no problem.”