Whether you’re searching for a culinary retreat or a luxe getaway, now’s as good a time as any to come to the Caribbean — for whatever kind of trip you’re looking for.
Because the Caribbean just keeps getting better, with an increasingly diverse tourism product and more and more high-quality travel offerings from gastronomy to culture to throwback luxury.
As always, though, you’re probably searching for something new.
And we have you covered, with some new faces and established places that are worth a new look.
Here are nine islands to visit this spring.
Greenwood Beach on Cat Island.
Cat Island
This sparsely-populated Bahamian island is perhaps most famous as the childhood home of Sidney Poitier. But it should be on your radar for far more, from some of the Caribbean’s greatest untouched beaches to world-class kitesurfing to some classic tiny beach resorts. Simply put, there aren’t many places like this left, in the Caribbean or otherwise. And that’s a magnificent reason to go.
Vieques
One of Puerto Rico’s so-called “Spanish Virgin Islands,” this is an increasingly hip destination that’s just a short flight out of San Juan. While the W Retreat and Spa has long been the island’s signature hotel, more chic boutiques have opened in recent years, none cooler than the architecturally striking El Blok. Check out our favorite Vieques hotels.
Barbuda
Antigua’s beach-filled sister island has been in the news lately as the future home of a Robert De Niro hotel project, but there are more than enough cute little hotels (like the lovely Barbuda Belle) to try right now and get a slice of almost impossibly long white (and sometimes pink) sand beaches.
Martinique
It’s popping up in these pages a lot of late thanks to what remains one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant cultural offerings, from world-class gastronomy to a thriving art scene to the full-fledged Napa Valley of rum.
St Croix
For years travelers saw the potential of St. Croix — today, it’s fulfilling it, in large part due to one of the Caribbean’s most exciting culinary renaissances in a long time. Centered in historic Christiansted, St Croix is quickly becoming a bona fide foodie destination, thanks to the efforts of restaurants like Balter and Zion and chefs like Digby Stridiron.
The Berry Islands
Maybe you’ve been to the Exumas or the Abacos, but you’re looking for something new. The Berry Islands, just a very short flight from Florida, are for you. This tiny archipelago of more than 100 cays and 30 small islands is quiet, beautiful and superb for fishing.
Sandy Lane.
Barbados
Barbados has long been the English-speaking St Barth, attracting the jet set largely from the UK. But now more and more are discovering its luxurious charm, particularly from the United States, thanks to increased flights on carriers like JetBlue and boosted promotion. And the island has a remarkably diverse offering, from top-shelf Atlantic surfing to some of the Caribbean’s greatest shopping.
Bonaire
It’s small, it’s kind, it’s cool. Bonaire is one of the Caribbean’s friendliest islands, and whether you come for the diving, the snorkeling or the still-underrated food scene you’ll be welcomed like a longtime resident from the moment you touch down. And in this day and age, that’s something worth traveling for. Don’t miss our favorite Bonaire hotels.
Isla Mujeres
This minuscule Mexican Caribbean island is the kind of place that’s best toured by golf cart, and while it hasn’t escaped commercialism it’s still a very cool place to see, whether you’re looking for a traditional all-inclusive beach vacation or a boutique, authentic getaway. Don’t miss the top Isla Mujeres hotels.