It’s not peak season, and that’s what makes it so wonderful.
Because while September is the slowest time of year in the Caribbean, the region is very much open for travel — and thanks to relaxed travel protocols, right now is the easiest it’s been to travel to the Caribbean since the onset of the pandemic.
Our latest edition of Places to Go takes you to well-known destinations, luxury hotels and a few far-flung beach destinations where you’re guaranteed to have all the space you’re looking for.
Here’s where to go this month.
Nassau, The Bahamas Nassau has never been better. Period. The island of New Providence (and its sister island of Paradise Island) is pulsing with energy: world-class chefs have been opening Nassau outposts in droves; sleek new bars are drawing cocktail enthusiasts, from downtown’s Graycliff Sky Lounge to Kendall Jenner’s new tequila bar; new resorts have debuted like the sparkling new Margaritaville Beach Resort; and The Bahamas’ vibrant culture and gastronomy remain at the forefront, whether you’re spending an evening at the Fish Fry or taking a conch-flavored stroll in the afternoon at Potter’s Cay. And of course there’s Atlantis Paradise Island and the Baha Mar, the two mega resorts that continue to up the game for the entire destination.
La Romana, Dominican Republic Yes, Punta Cana is the best-known hotspot in the Dominican Republic; but La Romana on the southern cost of the country is home to the country’s greatest resort. This is Casa de Campo, the 7,000-acre property that’s home to a hotel, luxury villas and a three-course golf complex that includes the world-renowned Teeth of the Dog by Pete Dye. But that’s really just the beginning: there’s a a marina, a beach club, and the breathtaking replica 16th-century Mediterranean village called Altos de Chavon. It’s been the hottest place to stay in the Dominican Republic for the last two years, meaning September is a great time to find a stay.
South Caicos Turks and Caicos has been one of the hottest destinations in the Caribbean since the pandemic, with travelers drawn to the archipelago’s remarkable combination of sanctuary, sophistication and seclusion. And that’s put more attention on islands beyond the main hub of Providenciales. That includes South Caicos, a 20-minute flight away (or a 90-minute ferry) that’s home to impossible calm, beautiful beaches and some terrific resorts, from the luxe Sailrock to the breezy East Bay Resort.
Barbuda Barbuda is in the midst of a full-fledged tourism renaissance. Just a few years since the storms, the island is seeing new hotels (including a spectacular new residential project from Discovery Land Company), new visitors and a new vibe that’s all about preserving the laid-back beach charm that made the island so beloved in the first place. Even better? The new Nobu Barbuda, one of the Caribbean’s new jet-set destinations, a Nobu eatery that just opened a beach lounge for full days right on the sand. That’s without mentioning that Antigua and Barbuda just lifted all of its travel restrictions, meaning no test or vaccination is required).
Bonaire There’s a major new place to stay in Bonaire that’s been building quite a bit of buzz on the island: Grand Windsock, a bright, terrific resort that’s home to a beach club, a 5-star PADI diving school and a collection of luxury villas and apartments. It combines one of the sleekest settings in Bonaire with residential living; the villas come with their own private pools to boot. Bonaire’s out of the hurricane belt, giving even more confidence to a September trip.