People are traveling again. Driven by vaccinations, traveler confidence is as high as it’s been since the onset of the pandemic — and it’s borne out in the numbers in the Caribbean, where June was the highest-arrival month for the region since March 2020.
So where to go?
While individual travel protocols vary, it needs to be said that every destination in the Caribbean is open for tourism right now.
So where are our favorites for July? They range from luxury hotspots to the perfect spots for those seeking to socially distance on their vacation — in other words, something for everyone.
Jamaica Jamaica is seeing a full-fledged tourism rebound, driven by a simple and easy-to-understand travel protocol (here’s what you need to know) and an impressive tourism reopening — from dazzling luxury resorts like the new Eclipse at Half Moon to brilliant outposts of cool like the Rockhouse in Negril. Jamaica is open — and it’s time to come back.
Nassau-Paradise Island, The Bahamas It’s still hard to beat Atlantis for a family vacation – and that’s why more and more travelers are making their return (or first trip) to Paradise Island and the capital. And The Bahamas has done a wonderful job of reopening its tourism industry – from a class-leading airport experience at Lynden Pindling International Airport to a terrifically-managed Travel Health Visa system. That’s along with the things that never went away — some of the best beaches on earth, outstanding food and terrific resorts big and small, from Atlantis and Baha Mar to Graycliff and the Island House.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos An oasis of luxury and low-density tourism, Provo was arguably the poster child for the pandemic-era vacation over the last year — and that’s still true. Whether you’re staying at spectacular resorts like The Shore Club and The Palms or searching private-island serenity on Ambergris Cay or the Meridian Club, you’ll find the ultimate private, sophisticated and elegant vacation in Turks and Caicos.
Antigua Antigua was one of the first Caribbean destinations to reopen when it did so in June of last year — and after a year of a safe, model reopening, the island is hitting its stride, with travelers returning to appreciate what is one of the most sought-after collection of hotels, particularly all-inclusives, in all of the Caribbean. That means you can find adults-only retreats like Hammock Cove and Keyonna; luxury getaways like Jumby Bay Island and Carlisle Bay; and family-friendly resorts like the St James’s Club.
Bonaire Last month, major carriers relaunched service from the U.S. to Bonaire, including American Airlines from Miami and Delta Air Lines from Atlanta. That means it’s easy to visit this instantly lovable island, where unmatched maritime beauty meet a laid-back, breezy vibe, whether you’re at Crusoe-style retreats like Sorobon to sleek new beach resorts like Delfins.
St Croix The US Virgin Islands has been one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean in the last year, and it’s easy to see why — three islands marked by culture, food, tremendous hospitality and, most importantly, safety. The USVI has set an example for reopening in the Caribbean — and now it’s reminding people of something else: it’s just a great place to visit, period.
St Barth The Caribbean capital of luxury is back and better than ever. And, as Caribbean aficionados know, summer is one of the best times to visit the French Caribbean island, when things are a little lighter, less busy and low-key. Most importantly? Everything is open — from luxury WIMCO villas to Don’t forget to fly there on Tradewind Aviation — the kind of airline that makes you feel like a celebrity the moment you check in.
— CJ