In June, the US Census Bureau announced that for the first time, Millennials, or people born between 1982 and 2000, now outnumber baby boomers, numbering 83.1 million in the US. That means a huge and booming travel population that will be increasingly important to the Caribbean. Millennials have somewhat different tastes — they’re looking for dynamic, energetic, high-design places that focus on experiential travel. When it comes to hotel design, that also means vibrant social spaces, music, technology, eco-friendliness and community impact. These are the best hotels in the Caribbean for millennials right now. (We’ll also be doing a story on all-inclusives for millennials soon).
Boucan by Hotel Chocolat — St Lucia
Experiential travel is a term thrown about a lot these days when it comes to millennials, and this is a haven for it. The eco-centric hotel in the hills above Soufriere, St Lucia has an inventive restaurant set around cacao and is set on a working cacao plantation that guests can visit.
Cooper Island Beach Club — British Virgin Islands
This tiny private-island hotel in the British Virgin Islands is an energetic boutique hotel with a dynamic young staff from around the world. It’s also one of the greenest hotels in the region. But most importantly, it’s simply a fun place to be with all the charter yachts stopping in and, of course, its world-class rum bar.
O:live Boutique Hotel
This boutique hotel in the Condado neighbourhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico is as cosmopolitan as any top small hotel in New York or Paris. It’s got the high-design ambience millennials seek and a trendy rooftop bar.
Rockhouse — Jamaica
This exceedingly green hotel is all about enjoying the local environment of Jamaica’s bohemian enclave of Negril. It’s a uniquely designed place, with rope walkways and thatched-roof cottages. It’s one of Jamaica’s coolest small hotels.
Compass Point — Bahamas
Set right on the sea on the beautiful northwestern coast of Nassau, this colorful hotel that was once a recording studio consists of 18 bungalow-style units. And its proximity to the US makes it great for a weekend getaway.
W Retreat and Spa Vieques — Puerto Rico
The W brand has been very successful drawing millennials with a hotel-lounge vibe centered around a common “living room.” This hotel on beachy Vieques is a hip but laid-back retreat that adds Miami flair to Puerto Rican sand.
Jakes Resort — Jamaica
This boutique property down on Treasure Beach in Jamaica is far from the country’s tourism centres; It’s all about experience, from yoga and fitness trips to farm to table food.
Viceroy Anguilla
This is a modern, cutting-edge property where design meets laid-back Caribbean sensibility. From the always-hopping Sunset Lounge to the spectacular infinity pool.
Best Western Premier Petion-Ville – Haiti
Tourism has an impact on local communities. And that’s especially true in Haiti, which has embarked on a major new push to promote tourism to spur economic growth. The Best Western is part of the new wave of Haitian hotels, with an emphasis on local. The signature here is a dazzling array of locally-produced Haitian art. And it’s a great jumping off point for a cultural getaway in Haiti.
South Point Resort and Residences — Antigua
The newest boutique hotel in Antigua is a crisp, sleek hotel with high-end appliances and amenities in the rooms. It’s also got a beautiful pool and a great view of the megayachts of Falmouth Harbour. It’s also walking distance to the harbour and to Nelson’s Dockyard — so millennials can get a slice of local culture and the sailing vibe.
La Suite Villa — Martinique
One of the most colorful hotels in the Caribbean, La Suite Villa is all about art, which is hanging from the ceiling from just about everywhere you look. It’s focused around a lively bar and restaurant, and close to Martinique’s bustling tourism hub of Trois Ilets.
Sorobon Beach Resort — Bonaire
Bonaire is a haven for active travelers in the Caribbean. And if you like watersports, the on-the-sand Sorobon is a terrific option. It’s set on the vast Lac Bay, a Mecca for windsurfers, kayakers and sailors. This place has a very much Robinson Crusoe, castaway type of feel.
Casa Colonial — Dominican Republic
This is proof that high-end luxury doesn’t have to be pretentious, a crucial criterion for millennials. You get a great sense of art and design at this Dominican Republic boutique. That’s in large part due to the work of noted designer Sarah Garcia, who has put a lively, elegant imprint on the property.
The Cove Atlantis — Bahamas
This is as much a nightclub as a hotel. This luxurious enclave of the Atlantis megaresort is one of the most buzzing properties in the region. Its swimming pool alone is a non-stop beach party, and it’s helped along by a restaurant from celebrity chef Bobby Flay.