They’re somewhere between boutique hotel and bed and breakfast, full of character and charm. The inns of the region are a portal to the soul of the Caribbean, small works of art sculpted by innkeepers who put their passion and, often, perseverance, into their properties.
If you’re looking for a different kind of Caribbean getaway, one that prioritizes sense of place, one that puts a premium on personality, then a Caribbean inn may be just the thing.
Here are five wonderful Caribbean inns to check into right now.
Golden Rock Inn, Nevis This is a jewel, hidden away in the hills of Nevis Peak, with 11 rooms and the sort of vibrant design you’d only find in a place owned by artists. The cottages that dot the property are charming and well appointed, the pool is a work of art in itself, and the eclectic modern aesthetics find a home in the old stone walls. It’s breezy up here in the hills, where, for a moment, you convince yourself you can feel the dormant hum of the volcano.
The Admiral’s Inn and Gunpowder Suites, Antigua Set in a complex of four brick buildings dating back to the 18th century, the Admiral’s Inn, has 23 rooms in the center of Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s elegant, quiet, home to a marvelous infinity-edge pool and the sort of historic charm you don’t often find in the region — it’s a place where you really feel the centuries (and where you might even have a drink with Nelson himself).
The Inn at English Harbour, Antigua It’s not surprising to find more than one lovely inn on an island like Antigua, a place where history and charm go hand in hand. Not too far from the Admiral’s Inn on the other side of the harbor, the Inn at English Harbour has a pristine stretch of sand on Galleon Beach, with 28 rooms on a rarefied, serene, 19-acre sprawl. Even better? It’s also home to one of the best beachfront dining spots on the island.
Island Inn Hotel, Barbados An all-inclusive inn? That’s precisely what you find at the genteel Island Inn on the south coast of Barbados, in the heart of Barbados’ historic Garrison district (another UNESCO World Heritage site). The rooms are bright and crisply designed, with a fountain-edged pool and nice touches like afternoon tea and a great little bar. And if you want to spend the afternoon at the beach, Carlisle Bay is just a short stroll away.
The Landing, Harbour Island, The Bahamas Inn is almost certainly the best way to describe a legendary Bahamian destination that in some ways defies categorization. The 19th century property is home to a world-class restaurant (and an even better bar), an intoxicating pool, a clutch of cleanly designed rooms and the overwhelming feeling that you’ve stepped into the pages of a novel.
— CJ