Forget everything you know about the Caribbean. Because the Caribbean is more diverse, more adventurous and more energetic than ever before — and it’s time to start discovering the region’s wonders in an entirely new way.
That means taking new vacations in places you may have visited before — and journeying to destinations you haven’t explored yet.
For our latest edition of the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit, we’re drilling down into the region’s hotspots, taking you to specific beaches, specific cities and specific corners of these wonderful Caribbean islands — and putting the spotlight on the things that make every island such a rich destination – and so unique, too.
Here are the best Caribbean islands to travel to in 2019. So what are you waiting for?
Grand Cayman It’s home to one of the greatest beaches in the world — but it’s also so much more. Seven Mile Beach is home to two of the most luxurious hotels in the Caribbean, the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman and the Kimpton Seafire (and a broad collection of places to stay, from the new Margaritaville to WIMCO villas; an array of culinary options and an unparalleled comfort and ease. And did we mention Camana Bay?
The Cayman Islands is as sophisticated, well-developed and easy-to-explore a destination as there is in the Caribbean right now — and that’s why it’s gotten the number one slot for 2019.
The beach at The Bluff House on Green Turtle Cay in Abaco.
Abaco Island hopping. Out-of-this-world beaches. Deep sea fishing. Golf. Boating. The island chain of Abaco might be the most complete destination in The Bahamas, and it’s one of the best-kept secrets in hemisphere — from historic towns to charming little island hotels to some of the most legendary bars in the Caribbean. It’s a Caribbean destination for people who are in love with the Caribbean. In other words – it’s just about perfect — and it’s time to discover it.
The Copper and Lumber hotel in Nelson’s Dockyard.
Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua One of the newest UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Caribbean, this exquisitely preserved 18th-century dockyard was once the stomping ground of Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson — and it’s become a full-fledged destination in its own right. Set on a beautiful historic marina, it’s home to several charming boutique hotels: the Copper and Lumber and the Admiral’s Inn, with the Inn at English Harbour across the water on lovely Pigeon Point Beach. It’s a place where you can travel in time, have a glass of rum with history and still manage to laze around on the sand.
The Ana Capri villa in Tortola.
Tortola Yes, the British Virgin Islands is back — and it’s high time you revisited Tortola. While many other islands have long been in the limelight, the BVI’s recovery has put the spotlight on Tortola again — reminding travelers of the impressive offerings on the island, from new rooftop restaurants to historic rum distilleries to world-class beaches like Long Bay and Cane Garden Bay. And the best part? You can still island hop to your heart’s content all over the archipelago with the BVI’s wonderfully-run ferry system.
The reopened Sonesta Ocean Point in St Maarten.
St Maarten What was always one of the most beloved places in the Caribbean has put the storms largely in the rear-view mirror — and now travelers are coming back to appreciate what remains one of the Caribbean’s capitals of fun. That means shopping on Front Street, gambling in Maho, enjoying a luxury all-inclusive stay at the Sonesta and hopping over the French side for a gourmet dinner. It’s as an action-packed a vacation as you’ll find in the Caribbean.
The main pool at Graycliff in downtown Nassau.
Downtown Nassau If you haven’t been to the capital of The Bahamas lately it’s time to return. Because you’ll see a completely different destination. Downtown Nassau has quietly become a fascinating, culturally rich, and, most importantly, walkable place, filled with great restaurants from Cafe Matisse to Lukka Kairi; boutique hotels led by Graycliff and museums and art galleries that make for the perfect weekend (or longer) getaway.
Belle Mont Farm in St Kitts.
St Kitts When the Park Hyatt debuted at the end of 2017, it marked a sea change for this little island in the Eastern Caribbean. Now, St Kitts is firmly on the radar of sophisticated travelers the world over — and they’re beginning to understand the charm of this pristine, green-hilled island. That means shopping in Basseterre, having long beach lunches on Cockleshell Bay and spending romantic getaways at the hillside Belle Mont Farm, an eco-style hotel that’s one of the most closely-guarded secrets in the Caribbean.
Sea Breeze Beach House in Barbados.
The South Coast of Barbados The beaches are blindingly white, the hotels are sleek and the food is excellent. No, we’re not talking about the Platinum Coast. We’re talking about the bustling, always-energetic South Coast of Barbados, a place that has developed into a new tourism pole for the island. Whether you’re at one of Sandals’ two all-inclusives, spending a beachy week at the Sea Breeze Beach House, enjoying the Oistins Fish Fry or partying the night away in the St Lawrence Gap, you’ll discover another side of Barbados — one that is authentic and full of fun.
Curaçao Yes, Willemstad is one of the most beautiful urban centers in the Caribbean, with its colorful architecture, walkable streets and world-class shopping. But what you may not realize about Curacao is that’s it’s also one of the Caribbean’s great undiscovered beach destinations. That means sometimes completely empty stretches of sand with stunning scenery — or party-style beach clubs where you can dance the day away. And when the day is over, you can retire to the best Caribbean luxury hotel you’ve never heard of: the Baoase Luxury Resort, above.
Half Moon.
Montego Bay, Jamaica Yes, there are all-inclusives here – but Jamaica’s tourism capital has some of the most iconic hotels in the Caribbean, too — and they’re waiting for you to try them. That means celebrity favorites like Round Hill and Half Moon — and new additions like the soon-to-debut S Hotel, an injection of chic energy to Montego Bay’s famous Hip Strip. The area has also vaulted to the top of the Caribbean golf world of late, with arguably the region’s greatest concentration of world-class courses within a stone’s throw of each other.
The beach in Marigot Bay.
Marigot Bay, Saint Lucia Hidden away in the northwest of Saint Lucia is Marigot Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the West Indies, an exotic destination that’s long been a favorite of sailors and yachters. Now, it’s home to the Marigot Bay Resort, a luxury hotel that’s turned Marigot Bay into a broader destination and one of the region’s most authentic Caribbean stays — and a reason to visit Saint Lucia all on its own.
Barbuda It wasn’t an easy road for Barbuda — and it won’t be. But what made Barbuda a bucket-list destination — is still in fully supply. The jaw-dropping beaches are here — and if you take the ferry from Antigua for a trip here, you’ll discover the off-the-grid, pure escapism vacation that made Barbuda famous in the first place. And its best hotel, the Barbuda Belle, is back on stream and ready for you.
The pool deck at the Fort Young has become one of the most happening spots on the island.
Roseau, Dominica You’re sitting in a rooftop hot tub, peering out at intimidating green mountains at the edge of the Atlantic, before heading downstairs for an exquisitely prepared local dinner. This is the new Dominica, and the heart of the island’s recovery is here at the Fort Young hotel, the new epicenter of Roseau. While the island has changed, its beauty hasn’t, and that means it’s the perfect jumping off point for the adventures that make Dominica such a fascinating place to visit, from snorkeling champagne reef to grueling mountain hikes.
Palm Island in the Grenadines.
The Grenadines With new air service to “mainland” St Vincent, it’s never been easier to get to The Grenadines, a chain of islands that is still one of the most visually stunning corners of the Caribbean. And that includes its privileged collection of private-island resorts, where the luxe-castaway experience is a daily offering. Our fave? Still Palm Island.
The Hotel Bakoua in Trois Ilets.
Trois Ilets, Martinique If you’ve been to Martinique before, you know the riches that await you here. It’s an island for explorers, for those who want to seek out the best food, the best rum, the tiny beach towns and the rainforest hikes. And if you haven’t, this is where you need to start: the tourism hub of Martinique, the laid-back beach town of Trois Ilets, home to great eateries, a wealth of shopping, easy ferry access to Fort de France, and a marvelous collection of beaches all just a few minutes’ drive.
High above Grand Anse Beach in Grenada.
Grand Anse Beach, Grenada True Caribbean aficionados have long been drawn to Grenada’s signature stretch of sand, a colorful, long, diverse beach that’s got a bit of everything for travelers, whether you want a toes-in-the-sand beach bar, a five-star resort or an afternoon bob in the water.
Yes please.
Anegada Do you like lobster? Do you like beaches? If you like those two things, this is heaven. The BVI’s most remote island is like Mecca for beach lovers, with sprawling, largely empty stretches of impossibly white sand, along with dreamy beach bars and, yes, the largest concentration of lobster restaurants anywhere in the Caribbean. Oh, and you can go glamping, too.
The Hilton Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen While the Caribbean coast of Mexico is unsurprisingly known for its resorts, there are also some great urban destinations dotting the coast, none better than the always-bustling Playa del Carmen, a beach town that has some of the best nightlife in the entire region. Of course, you can find great places to stay here, too, from the recently-rebranded Hilton Playa del Carmen to the hip Thompson.
The Cocovan eatery in Provo.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos There’s an almost impossibly large collection of terrific places to stay on this island, from the Palms and The Shore Club to Amanyara and Point Grace. But the great hotels are just the beginning here — it’s a foodie hotspot, a golfer’s paradise and, most importantly, cas unpretentious a luxury destination as you’ll ever encounter.