The perception of private island resorts in the Caribbean is one of seclusion, of exclusivity; of, more often than nought, some degree of pretense.
But that’s not always the case.
And at a handful of private-island resorts in the Caribbean, you’ll find a completely different personality — approachable, fun-loving, quirky resorts that just so happen to be on their own islands.
Whether you’re in the shallows of Belize or in an old French Caribbean home, you can find a very different kind of private island in the Caribbean — usually in a very tiny package.
Here are our favorite mini private-island resorts to check out in the Caribbean.
Cayo Espanto, Belize The quintessential private-island Belize resort, it’s also one of the ultimate resorts in the Caribbean, period. The four-acre island is home to just seven villas, all of which have their own private infinity pools, with the exception of the property’s full-fledged overwater bungalow. Even better? You get your own personal butler.
Saba Rock, British Virgin Islands A legend in its own right, Saba Rock was destroyed by Hurricane Irma, until it finally reopened this fall as Saba Rock 2.0. While it’s long been one of the most popular places to eat and drink in the British Virgin Islands, the minuscule, 1.5-acre Saba Rock is home to nine sleek, Caribbean-chic rooms, all with stunning views of the North Sound of Virgin Gorda.
Anthony’s Key, Honduras The island of Roatan off the Caribbean coast of Honduras has long been a haven for die-hard Caribbean travelers; but it’s one of just eight islands and another 53 small cays in the area; that includes the delightful Anthony’s Key, a 10-acre private island resort that’s been operating its collection of waterside bungalows for a half century. Even better? It’s all-inclusive.
Ilet Oscar, Martinique There are just four rooms at this endlessly charming home on Ilet Oscar, a quick boat ride just off the coast of Francois in Martinique. It’s a portal to the old Martinique, for ti’ punch afternoons and sparkling turquoise water. There’s even a private floating bar.
Young Island, St Vincent and the Grenadines While it’s now home to an international airport for the first time, travelers are just now beginning to discover the charms of the island of St Vincent. That includes this classic Caribbean island resort, the historic Young Island. It’s reached by a mini-ferry boat that runs all day from the mainland, and it’s filled with instantly lovable amenities, from thatched roofs and outdoors showers to a floating coconut bar.
Urraca Private Island Eco Resort Another undiscovered corner of the Caribbean, the eastern coast of Panama is filled with tiny island gems and hidden-away resorts. That includes the stunning Urraca eco-resort in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, which isn’t even actually an island — it’s built on stilts over the water among the mangroves. That means every bungalow is right over the water.