You’re bobbing in the ocean, rum in hand, not another soul around, the only sound the soft crash of the waves. In other words, it’s exactly where you want to be in a time like this.
With lower case counts and increased vaccinations, there’s a growing optimism in the broader travel industry. And while many continue to choose to stay home, for those who are traveling, the Caribbean is open and decidedly appealing.
Travelers to the region will find themselves in one of the ideal environments for the current age — a place designed for being outdoors and tailor made for social distancing.
So where to go? Almost every island in the Caribbean is now open for tourism, meaning the choices are vast. We’ve made it easier, highlighting our favorites for the spring season with an array of options for every kind of vacation experience. For each destination, we’ve also included information on entry and testing protocols.
Providenciales Turks and Caicos was one of the first Caribbean destinations to reopen when it did so last July, and that’s made it one of the most popular places to visit in the region over the last nine months. Turks and Caicos’ large stock of residential-style resorts are practically designed for the current realities of travel, meaning you can stay in as much as you want and have all the comforts of home in spacious units like those at the Shore Club and The Palms (above). And while Grace Bay Beach remains the island’s biggest draw, Provo’s Long Bay Beach is becoming a travel hotspot in its own right. (Here’s how to visit).
Grenada The island of Grenada has quietly become one of the region’s most sought-after luxury destinations, thanks to an enviable collection of sleek luxury properties, from boutique stays like the wellness-focused Laluna and the rarefied Calabash to the island’s new crown jewel: the sparkling Silversands Hotel. Visitors will immediately fall in love with the island’s breezy, unpretentious charm. (Here’s what visitors need to know).
St Croix Funky tiki bars. Tiny beach resorts. Historic downtowns. St Croix is a world unto itself, and whether you’re in up-and-coming Frederiksted or the endlessly vibrant Christiansted, you’ll find what is one of the region’s buzziest destinations, one anchored by an impressive portfolio of unique hotel properties, from the South Beach-meets-the-USVI ambience at The Fred to the gentility of the iconic Buccaneer. (Here’s the USVI’s travel screening portal).
Nassau The two biggest resorts in The Bahamas are both open again: The Baha Mar complex in Cable Beach and Atlantis on Paradise Island, signaling Nassau’s full-fledged return to tourism. Of course, there’s far more to Nassau, a rich destination filled with wonderful small properties like Graycliff and the Island House and one of the Caribbean’s most captivating culinary scenes, one recently buoyed by the debut of Daniel Boulud’s first-ever Caribbean restaurant. The Bahamas has undertaken an admirable reopening that’s pulled off something rather difficult — entry protocols that are simple and easy to understand but have been remarkably effective at keeping the destination safe.
St Kitts and Nevis The twin-island federation has long been a haven for low-key, relaxed vacations, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at any of the twin-island federation’s approved hotels, from the artsy Golden Rock Inn in Nevis to the stunning Park Hyatt St Kitts.The country has had one of the world’s most successful responses to the pandemic, something that makes you feel even more safe while you’re here. Here’s how to travel to St Kitts and Nevis.
Anegada If you’re looking to get away from it all, Anegada is practically designed for pandemic travel. Set at the far edge of the British Virgin Islands, this beachy oasis is all about low-density travel, with just a handful of tiny boutique resorts and a marvelously spaced-out feeling. It’s all centered around the outstanding Anegada Beach Club, a boutique resort with both traditional and clamping options set on one of the island’s most spectacular stretches of sand. (Here’s how to visit the BVI).
St Maarten Since the storms of 2017, St Maarten has undergone a renaissance, and St Maarten 2.0 has taken what was always one of the most beloved destinations for Caribbean aficionados and turned things up a notch. The island’s reliable fun hasn’t changed, but it’s added new energy in the form of chic outposts like Roxxy Beach, gastronomic destinations like Emilio’s, luxury resorts like the never-better Coral Beach Club and signature spots like the Oyster Bay Beach Resort. That’s along with the soon-to-debut Morgan resort, the first new hotel on the island in years when it makes its debut later this spring. And if you’re wondering, yes, the French side is open now too. Here are St Maarten’s travel protocols.
St Thomas St Thomas has always been an energetic, activity-filled destination, whether you’re kayaking through the mangroves, shopping in the heart of Charlotte Amalie or racing on a zipline But if you stop for a moment, you begin to realize something else — this is a tremendously beautiful island. Rent a car and take a drive up and down the island and you’ll be blown away by the seemingly never-ending array of gorgeous beaches, green hills and secluded coves. Here’s what you need to know about visiting the USVI.
Antigua Antigua calls it “space travel,” part of the island’s new campaign to promote its spread-out environment, one perfectly suited for the needs of today’s traveler. And it’s broadly true, meaning no matter which hotel you choose, you’ll find a low-density, breezy place to stay, thanks to the island’s fabulous portfolio of small resorts: adults-only getaways like the marvelous new Hammock Cove; throwback luxury hotels like Carlisle Bay and grand Caribbean resorts like the timeless Curtain Bluff. Here’s what you need to know before visiting.
Bonaire Many US flights are set to relaunch next month to Bonaire, with its marvelous marriage of rustic charm and Dutch Caribbean cool. And while the island first found renown for its diving (the entire island is surrounded by a protected marine park), Bonaire has become a complete destination, with a vibrant food scene (including the Caribbean’s number one restaurant), a dizzying array of adventure and sports options (including landasiling) and diverse places to stay like the luxe Harbour Village, the sleek Delfins Beach Resort and the lovable Bonairian. Here’s how to visit.