It’s one of the loveliest discoveries you can make in the Caribbean: the off-the-radar beach hotel, tucked away on its own little stretch of sand, charming and private, unpretentious and uncrowded.
While the region teems with terrific beach hotels, some are harder to find than others — some are closely guarded secrets.
But when you find them, you never want to let go.
Here are 10 secret beach hotels in the region — some you may have never heard of, others you may have never seen. Some are on better known islands, others on remote outposts. But all of them you’ll dream about.
The Inn at English Harbour, Antigua It’s long been one of the best-kept secrets in all of Antigua: the Inn at English Harbour, the historic boutique beach hotel set on the dazzlingly beautiful sands of Galleon Bay, just a short distance from the heart of Nelson’s Dockyard. This is the essence of a Caribbean beach hotel: a great beach bar, quiet, tranquil beach chairs and the feeling of total privacy.
Anegada Beach Club, Anegada, British Virgin Islands Whether you’re staying in the ABC’s luxury glamping tents or in the “traditional” hotel, this is a terrific little hotel on the jaw-droppingly beautiful island of Anegada, one of the Caribbean’s true beach hotspots.
Sandy Haven Resort, Negril, Jamaica Negril and its famous Seven Mile Beach are filled with great little places to stay, but you may know be familiar with the Sandy Haven, a luxe, 35-room boutique that’s chic without being stuffy.
Rollezz Villas Beach Resort, Cat Island, Bahamas You don’t get a great beach hotel without a great beach, and it just doesn’t get any better than Old Bight Beach on Cat Island in the Bahamas. This locally-owned villa resort consists of a handful of simple, comfortable villas right smack on the sparkling white sand, worlds away from the crowds.
Little Cayman Beach Resort There are around 200 people living on the island of Little Cayman, a number that changes depending on what day of the week it is. But this little island is one of the region’s bucket-list destinations, home to world-class diving and the sort of castaway-style feel you just can’t get in the Caribbean anywhere. So where to stay? The Little Cayman Beach Resort is a wonderful, well-run place that even boasts a spa.
Les Ilets de la Plage, St Barth You’d never know Les Ilets was here, tucked away on the far side of the airport in St Jean. But once you find it, it’ll change your concept of St Barth forever. This is a collection of villas and beach bungalows overlooking St Jean, with a friendly staff and the feeling that you’re actually living in St Barth.
Sea Breeze Beach House, Barbados This transformed property may be close to the always-bustling St Lawrence Gap, but you’d never know it on the serene sands in front of the hotel. It’s hip, it’s beautifully designed and it oozes Bajan charm.
The Bluff House, Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas Set on the endlessly enchanting Green Turtle Cay on the edge of the Abaco chain, this boutique is practically designed for Caribbean aficionados: a funky beach bar, breezy, spectacular rooms and a classic white sand beach. The Bahamian turquoise water is included.
LoBleu Hotel, Terre de Haut, Guadeloupe The island of Terre de Haut in Guadeloupe is a frontier for lovers of the Caribbean: but this tiny French Caribbean jewel delivers the goods, from superb cuisine to a host of great little ti’ punch spots. Our favorite place to stay? The no-frills LoBleu, a short walk from the main pier and set on a delectable stretch of ultra-soft white sand.
Villa del Mar, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos This hideaway combines all of the breathtaking beauty of Grace Bay Beach with a secluded, tranquil ambience, with 42 capacious suites and some of the best beach service on the island. It’s your temporary home in Turks and Caicos.