We’ve made no secret in these pages of our love for tiny islands, the teeny, micro, minuscule places that overflow with melt-your-heart charm and carefree vibes. Because while some islands may have more hotels, more activities or just more square footage, these particular islands draw with their personality. Here are five little islands we think you’d love to visit right now.
Cooper Island It doesn’t get much smaller than this diminutive island in the heart of the British Virgin Islands. But it’s also one of our favorite places in the Caribbean. Home to some private homes and the 12-room Cooper Island Beach Club, this is a famous stop for boaters, but it’s even better if you spend a week. The quirky, lovable micro-hotel (which has a solar-powered brewery and one of the Caribbean’s top rum bars) has become a destination in its own right.
“Fifi” beach.
La Desirade We’ve long extolled the island-hopping wonders of the Guadeloupe archipelago, but if you’ve seen picturesque Terre de Haut, maybe it’s time to try the 11-kilometer La Desirade, the more remote sister island, with its main village, Beausejour, and serious nature activities, from top-level diving to hiking. (It’s just a short ferry ride from the “main” island of Grande-Terre.
Union Island While there are more famous islands in the Grenadines like Bequia and Mustique (along with private islands like Palm Island and Petit St Vincent), Union Island oozes authentic (and eclectic) Caribbean character, nowhere better exemplified than at the tiny David’s Beach Hotel. (Just make sure you buy some Very Strong Rum).
Great Harbour Cay Arguably the best-kept secret in the Bahamas, this micro-island in the Berry Islands archipelago has astonishing white-sand beaches and just about 300 permanent residents. In other words, it’s your next dream Caribbean island.
Carriacou One of Grenada’s sister islands (the other is Petite Martinique), this lovable 13-square mile island has world-class snorkeling, a longstanding boat-building tradition and, they say, 100 rum shops. Of course, the last is a number you’ll have to confirm. But won’t that be fun? (Try the new Mermaid Beach Hotel)