At certain small hotels in the Caribbean, the art of luxury is delivered in a more intimate, more bespoke manner, with an emphasis on indulgence, sophistication and tranquility.
That can manifest itself in any number of ways, from a properly served ti’ punch to a pre-dinner wine tasting.
The places we’ve suggested for you in the Caribbean are a mix of luxury philosophies, from the more traditional to contemporary eco-chic.
Here are some of our favorites worth trying right now.
Cap Maison, St. Lucia
Some hotels just get it. This small resort on the northern edge of St. Lucia is one of them. From its enchanting wine cellar to its gorgeous, spacious rooms to its delectable Cliff at Cap flagship restaurant, this is a place that’s concerned with one thing: making its guests feel grand. That’s in large part due to a thoughtful, creative philosophy that results in things like house-made limoncello. Plainly, this is a lovely hotel.
Secret Bay, Dominica
There is perhaps no more stunning place to stay in the entire Caribbean. Secret Bay, Dominica’s halo hotel, is an intoxicating retreat tucked on a cliff in northern Dominica. Its spectacularly-designed modern villas are married with warm, never-pretentious local service that combines for an unforgettable travel experience.
Cap Est, Martinique
Martinique remains a rather exotic destination for advanced Caribbean travelers, and this is the pinnacle of the island’s hospitality: the Relais & Chateaux retreat on a lagoon in eastern Martinique is a rarefied, tranquil resort that offers the best of French and local cuisine with the feeling of being far away from the ordinary Caribbean.
Cheval Blanc St. Barth Isle de France
St. Barth has always represented a different level of luxury in the Caribbean, and the Cheval Blanc represents a different level of luxury in St. Barth. This beautiful property on Flamands beach is charming, elegant and almost impossibly relaxing. It’s precisely what you’d expect from LVMH’s only hotel in the Caribbean. And did we mention its beach restaurant?
La Palapa at the Eden Roc at Cap Cana.
Eden Roc at Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
When you drive up to the entrance of this Dominican Republic hotel, you don’t feel like you’re in the Caribbean. You feel like you’re in the South of France. That’s the level of luxury here, from outstanding eateries Mediterraneo, Blue and La Palapa to the hotel’s Caleton Beach Club.