It was another action-packed year for Caribbean travel, from a spate of new hotels and resorts to a regional challenges like Zika. But the Caribbean continues to grow, with increased investment and development, new air routes and a continued expansion push by global brands. Our annual Caribbean Travel Awards celebrate the best of the Caribbean in 2016, from the top hotels and destinations to the people making Caribbean tourism better, as chosen by our award-winning, on-the-ground editorial team of Caribbean travel experts. Congratulations to all of the winners.
Caribbean Destination of the Year: Antigua and Barbuda
Known for its 365 beaches, the twin-island destination of Antigua and Barbuda is hotter than ever, from stayover growth approaching 10 percent (and nearly 20 percent from the United States) to an impressive pipeline of new hotel projects big and small from established brands like Marriott to new luxury debuts. That, along with a sparkling new airport and an already robust hotel and all-inclusive product have made Antigua our destination of the year.
Caribbean Hotel of the Year: Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Grand Cayman
Wow. It’s a word we used a lot at Grand Cayman’s newest luxury resort, the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa on Seven Mile Beach. It isn’t just the immaculate design and the terrific food, though both are sensational. It’s the service, which is some of the best we’ve experienced at any hotel, Caribbean or otherwise, and something that should send a message to the rest of the region to up its game. The Caribbean has a new world-class hotel, and it’s called Kimpton Seafire. To book a stay, click here.
Small Hotel of the Year: The House, Barbados
There’s just something lovely about this 34-room boutique hotel on the Platinum Coast of Barbados. The champagne breakfast is a great way to start the day, the beach is beautiful and the rooms are luxurious with refreshingly modern touches. And its small size makes it feel like a private club, like you’ve discovered a closely-guarded secret. But more importantly, this place just oozes a sense of place: it’s a hotel that could only be in Barbados. And that’s a wonderful thing.
New Hotel of the Year: Zemi Beach House, Anguilla
Set on the breathtaking Shoal Bay East, the newest entry in Anguilla debuted in January and immediately began blazing new trails, from its superb Rhum Room to one of the Caribbean’s most dazzling spas. It’s a beautifully designed, conceived and executed hotel that brings a touch of hip to one of the Caribbean’s luxury hotspots.
All Inclusive of the Year: Zoëtry Paraiso de La Bonita, Riviera Maya
We’ve long been big fans of Zoëtry’s all-inclusive outposts in the Caribbean, thanks to their effortless fusion of luxury and wellness. And the brand’s Riviera Maya resort continues to raise the bar, with unmatched service and an overarching feeling of being pampered.
New All-Inclusive of the Year: Royalton Blue Waters, Jamaica
It’s hard to stand out in an all-inclusive hub like Jamaica, but Royalton’s newest addition in Trelawny does just that. What we like the most is the brand’s continued innovations, like having not one, but two butlers; cabanas with their own plunge pools and smaller touches like bluetooth speakers — they all speak to an awareness and an attention to what travelers are truly looking for.
Caribbean Hotelier of the Year: Adam Stewart
It’s refreshing to see how a large company like Sandals continues to strive to improve. The company is currently on a massive push to transform many of its resorts, while launching new properties with even more cutting-edge features (e.g. Barbados and Grenada), and that’s in large part due to the leadership of Stewart, the company’s CEO. There are very few Caribbean brands that have transcended the Caribbean — and it’s easy to see why Sandals has.
Caribbean Tourism Minister of the Year: Asot Michael, Antigua and Barbuda
Michael, who took office in 2014, continues to be one of the Caribbean’s most forward-thinking Tourism Ministers, and this year is no exception. Michael has been instrumental in helping to drive Antigua’s strong growth this year, and even more so in turning the destination into one of the Caribbean’s hubs for hotel investment, while helping steward major projects like the country’s new airport solar farm.
Caribbean Tourism Director of the Year: Colin James, Antigua and Barbuda
Hand in hand with Michael, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin James has been instrumental in managing the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority to the strong position it occupies today with nearly 10 percent growth that’s clearly just the beginning. Long under the radar, Antigua and Barbuda is now a regional leader in tourism marketing and among the islands that is best navigating the world of digital.
Innovative Destination of the Year: Aruba
Whether it’s devising a “Happiness Builder,” making a massive green energy push or leading world-class conferences, Aruba has become perhaps the most modern and forward-thinking destination in the Caribbean. That’s in large part due to the efforts of both Prime Minister Mike Eman, himself the Caribbean’s most digital-savvy politician, and the always-creative Aruba Tourism Authority. As the tourism world gets more competitive, the rest of the Caribbean will have a lot to learn from the Dutch Caribbean island.
Up-and-Coming Destination of the Year: St. Vincent and the Grenadines
The recent debut of the Pink Sands Club on the island of Canouan catapulted St. Vincent and the Grenadines back into the public consciousness, reminding travelers of the archipelago’s allure and beauty. And when the country completes its long-delayed international airport project, something that could happen as soon as the first quarter of this year, the destination could be a regional force in the tourism market.
Caribbean Spa of the Year: Rainforest Spa at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia
Spas are meant to transport guests to a different state of mind. But few spas manage to actually transport you to a different place entirely. At least that’s what it feels like at the Rainforest Spa at St. Lucia’s Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, which transports you into the heart of the natural world for a truly unique spa experience.
Caribbean Hotel Restaurant of the Year: Blue by Eric Ripert, Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
There is no culinary experience in the Caribbean like the one you find at Blue by Eric Ripert at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Ripert’s restaurant is a culinary journey (even better with the optional wine pairing) that will immediately become one of the most memorable meals you have ever had. It’s gastronomy on an entirely different level. And it’s spectacular.
Caribbean Hotel Chef of the Year: Craig Jones, Cap Maison, St. Lucia
Set at the far north of St. Lucia, Cap Maison remains a bit of an in-the-know spot for discerning luxury travelers, and that’s in large part to the efforts of Jones, who leads one of the Caribbean’s most scenic restaurants with a terrific mix of food that honors the best of global gastronomy with decidedly local attention.
Caribbean Hotel Bar of the Year: 101 Rums, Four Seasons Resort Nevis
Set at the oceanside Mango restaurant, this pioneering bar was the first true rum bar at a Caribbean hotel, and it continues to raise the bar, with creative cocktails, rum tastings and even rum and food pairings. And it’s all delivered with the kind of tremendous service you expect at a Four Seasons property.
Caribbean Hotel Bartender of the Year: Lermon Rolle
There are few Caribbean bartenders more legendary than Lermon Rolle, the “Doctor of Libation” who tends bar at the historic Peace & Plenty boutique hotel in George Town, Great Exuma. Rolle is a throwback to the bartenders of yesteryear, the ones who would whip up exactly the cocktail you need and a dose of spiritual advice. He is himself a reason to come to this tiny inn in the Bahamas.
Caribbean Airline of the Year: Tradewind Aviation
Travel isn’t getting easier or more comfortable — unless you’re flying on Tradewind Aviation. The boutique carrier, which operates out of San Juan and serves islands including St. Barth, Anguilla, Nevis, St. Thomas and Antigua, offers a private plane experience for a commercial fare, operating ultra-smooth Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
Airline of the Year: Southwest Airlines
While Southwest is relatively new to the Caribbean, it has been on a big expansion push, adding new destinations like Nassau while expanding service to places like Cancun. But more importantly, the carrier is helping to offer more nonstop flight options to largely underserved markets of the United States — and it’s only going to continue.
Caribbean Airport of the Year: Princess Juliana
Too many Caribbean airports offer less-than-satisfactory experiences, with inefficient immigration lines and poor shopping offerings. That’s why it’s always so refreshing to fly to St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport, one of the region’s most modern and well-managed airports. It’s also a crucial hub for regional travel, with a large network of connecting flights all across the Caribbean.