The best Caribbean resorts are more than just rooms, pools and sand. They use the art of luxury to create something more. Something meaningful. While the term “resort” certainly has its share of definitions in the Caribbean (and we address here EP resorts, not all-inclusive resorts), a great one should, at its core, offer completeness. That means offering guests the things they need, the things they want, and the things they never even considered — all delivered with an overwhelming sense of luxury, with an eye toward the finest things in life; and engendering a feeling that the guest is somewhere particularly special. These are the best Caribbean resorts, the places where luxury, in all its forms, is a way of life.
Four Seasons Resort, Nevis.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis, Nevis
This is one of the Caribbean’s signature resorts. The 196-room property has two terrific restaurants, one of the Caribbean’s best rum collections, a spectacular golf course and a stunning location on Nevis’ Pinneys Beach. And the activities are endless, from sea turtle walks to catching lobster to a world-class spa.
One and Only Ocean Club, Bahamas
It begins with the Versailles-style gardens that rise up the expanse of the 107-room property from the pool, and ends with Cabbage Beach, one of the Bahamas’ best beaches. This is a classic hotel where luxury extends to every inch of the property. And then there’s Dune, the signature restaurant by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Cap Juluca.
Cap Juluca, Anguilla
The centerpiece of this 69-room property is Maundays Bay, a simply miraculous stretch of beach in Anguilla. And this resort lives up to its world-class reputation. The Moroccan-style property makes for about as good of a beach vacation as you can find anywhere on earth.
Jade Mountain
Jade Mountain, St Lucia
The views of the Pitons would probably be enough. But every room at St Lucia’s Jade Mountain also has its own infinity pool. This uniquely-designed 29-suite resort pulls of something alchemical — providing total immersion in nature and also total privacy, at the same time.
Belmond La Samanna, St Martin
This is a grand hotel in the great French tradition. Perched above the lovely Long Bay beach, the 81-room La Samanna is equally renowned for the cuisine at its Trellis restaurant, which is no small feat given that’s located in the Caribbean’s culinary capital.
Round Hill, Jamaica
Perhaps all you need to know is that Ralph Lauren designed the rooms at this 36-room resort, where he also owns two villas. It’s got one of the most beautiful views in the region, a wonderful infinity pool, a top-level restaurant specializing in authentic Jamaican cuisine and a rare kind of enchanting atmosphere (and even more enchanting sunsets).
Amanyara, an Aman resort in Turks and Caicos.
Amanyara, Turks and Caicos
Bali meets the Atlantic at this luxurious, exotic hotel at the far end of Providenciales. Here, luxury is found in remoteness. It’s a place for retreats in every sense, no matter which of the 38 “pavilions” you’re staying in.
Petit St Vincent — St Vincent and the Grenadines
There are just 22 cottages at this private island resort, but that’s what makes it special. Set on its own 115-acre tropical island, this is a place for the ultimate castaway fantasy, except with all of the trappings of a luxury resort.
Parrot Cay — Turks and Caicos Islands
COMO hotels specialize and wellness, and the ultra-exclusive Parrot Cay makes that a reality. This private island resort, 35 minutes from Providenciales, also has 1,000 acres of white-sand beaches, complemented by a stunning array of spa options.
Sandy Lane, Barbados.
Sandy Lane — Barbados
This is a glamorous place. The 113-room resort on Barbados’ Platinum Coast is part and parcel with the romantic notion of Barbados — elegance, charm and royal treatment. It’s been around for more than a half century, but has retained its timeless, grand opulence.
Half Moon — Jamaica
This RockResort in Montego Bay is the ultimate timeless Caribbean hotel. It’s taseful, it’s refined but also free from pretentiousness. And while it’s an expansive property that offers everything from horseback riding to golf, the true joy is relaxing in the still waters of Half Moon Bay in front of the West Cottages.
Little Dix Bay — British Virgin Islands
This 100-room Rosewood property has one of the greatest beaches of any hotel in the Caribbean, a stunning half-mile crescent that happens to abut a world-class resort and spa with a stunning view of the Francis Drake Channel.
Jumby Bay.
Jumby Bay, Antigua
This private-island retreat is Antigua’s celebrity magnet. Just 40 suites and a collection of villas and residential homes, it’s quiet, intimate and wonderfully exclusive. It’s just a very short boat ride from the coast of Antigua.
Tortuga Bay, Dominican Republic
This 30-room luxury resort in Punta Cana has the feel of a secret hideaway. Perhaps more notably, the rooms were designed by the late Oscar de la Renta, a sense of style that permeates the whole property.
Ladera, St Lucia
This is the hotel that pioneered the three-wall concept, offering one of the most remarkable views in the region — directly at St Lucia’s Pitons. The hotel has a kind of mystical quality that will capture you during the length of your stay, whether you’re dipping in your private pool or having a rum punch high above the sea.
Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort in St Lucia.
Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort — St Lucia
Set at the base of the Pitons, this property is defined by its incredible location, with its Sugar Beach right at the Anse des Pitons reserve — a haven for snorkeling and diving. You can really feel the indescribable energy of the Pitons here. And then have an Admiral Rodney rum at the Cane Bar afterwards.
Le Sereno, St Barth.
Le Sereno, St Barth
This is as cool a hotel as it is luxurious. With just 36 suites and three large four-bedroom villas, it feels bigger, but in a good way. It’s right on the beach in the Grand Cul-de-Sac, but the star of the show just might be its spectacular cuisine.
Eden Roc at Cap Cana.
Eden Roc at Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
While it’s not on the beach, every unit at this 34-suite hotel in the tony enclave of Cap Cana does come with its private pool, and the beach at Playa Caleton is just a short shuttle away. But you’ll be more than occupied by the two marvelous restaurants, Mediteraneo and La Palapa, part of a property-wide focus on food.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Puerto Rico
The only Ritz-Carlon Reserve in the Caribbean, and the only one in this hemisphere, this is set on Dorado Beach, once the home of Laurence Rockefeller. Today, it’s a modern, elegant resort, and it’s also home to a great restaurant by star chef Jose Andres and an even better golf course.
Viceroy Anguilla.
Viceroy Anguilla, Anguilla
This 166-room hotel one of the hippest hotels in the Caribbean, a favorite of jetsetters and celebrities (with the latter usually holing up in the sprawling villas). The best part is the Sunset Lounge, a sushi bar with an impressive rum list and, more importantly, its own clifftop infinity pool.
Grand Residences Riviera Cancun.
Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, Mexico
Luxury is the big word at this 103-suite property outside of the charming fishing village of Puerto Morelos outside Cancun. Everything is designed around making the guest experience easier, from the check-in process to the It’s also the site of a terrific restaurant called El Faro helmed by star chef Yann Cozic.
Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico
This is a place that benefits from its location. The 401-room resort has been woven into the natural fabric of a 240-acre tropical forest, with a series of magical canals that make for a fascinating and unforgettable resort experience outside of Playa del Carmen.
St Regis Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico.
St Regis Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico
About a half hour from San Juan stands this 139-room (35-suite) property stands for its service, its beach and its activities, highlighted by the chance to explore the very near El Yunque National Forest, a 28,000-square-foot tropical preserve.
Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort, Anguilla
At the end of 2014, Auberge Resorts helped bring new life to the 44-room Malliouhana resort, which had been one of the Caribbean’s classic resorts since it opened in 1984. It’s chic, meticulously designed and also home to serious food at its main restaurant — appropriate given Anguilla’s island-wide high standard of cuisine.
Eden Rock St Barths.
Eden Rock – St Barths, St Barth
This is a cosmopolitan hotel, with a remarkable design, diverse food and a rare kind of energy from its guests. The 34-room property in St Jean has an almost playful kind of luxury. The highlight here is definitely the food, though, led by the culinary stylings of Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Cap Est in Martinique.
Cap Est, Martinique
Martinique’s most prestigious hotel, the 50-room Cap Est is a truly French Caribbean hotel, with an attention to detail that extends from its colorful rooms to the way they serve a Ti’ Punch. It truly benefits from its locale, too, on the edge of a turquoise lagoon.
Carlisle Bay.
Carlisle Bay, Antigua
This contemporary hotel is tucked away on a private beach on Antigua’s south coast. Its got 82 suites, all of which have ocean views. But the standout quality is just how cool this hotel is — from its four restaurants to its four fabulous bars.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
This 365-room hotel has two primary claims to fame: its setting on Seven Mile Beach, one of the best on earth, and its signature restaurant, Blue By Eric Ripert. Simply put, this is Grand Cayman’s flagship hotel.
Caneel Bay, St John, USVI.
Caneel Bay, US Virgin Islands
This is the best hotel in the US Virgin Islands, a beautiful, sprawling property with the kind of world-class beach you find on the naturally beautiful island of St John. This 166-room property has an Old Caribbean feel, and a particularly great family resort.
Regent Palms, Providenciales.
Regent Palms, Turks and Caicos Islands
This 72-suite luxurious hotel has really great amenities, from a 25,000-square-foot spa to the superb Parallel23 restaurant. But its greatest amenity is its location right on Grace Bay Beach.
— By Caribbean Journal