The Caribbean is even cooler in the summer. It’s not just the freedom of smaller crowds, or that little bit of extra space on the sand. It’s the breezy comfort of the trade winds, of summer nights on the beach.
As we’ve said before, we truly love the Caribbean in the summer, and while many travelers may decide to spend their Junes, Julys and Augusts in more northern climes, we think they’re mistaken. Summer is one of the best times of the year in the Caribbean.
So pull out your schedule, find the right week or two and plan your next vacation at one of these lovely beach hotels for the perfect Caribbean summer getaway.
Goldwynn Resort and Residences, The Bahamas The most exciting new hotel in Nassau this decade is the first-ever residential resort on Cable Beach, itself one of the best stretches of sand in The Bahamas. Innovative design, an impressive food and beverage offering (we love Bar Paul) and excellent service make for a new destination resort on what Goldwynn calls the “Riviera Bahama.”
St James’s Club and Villas, Antigua This popular all-inclusive resort is set on a stunning 100-acre peninsula on the southern coast of Antigua. As authentic as it is fun, the 280-room has a party piece: two beautiful, pristine beaches; calmer one that’s perfect for all manner of watersports; and a breezy, breathtaking shoreline on the other end. Whether you’re making your way around on a Hobie or sunning on the surf, you’ll always be cool at St James’s.
Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada Grenada’s premier luxury resort (and one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean) boasts an enviable perch on the island’s world-famous Grand Anse Beach and a collection of toes-in-the-sand cottages, many with their own private plunge pools. It’s an inviting, endlessly friendly hotel that continues to redefine the luxury experience in the Caribbean.
Bay Gardens Beach Resort, Saint Lucia Reduit Beach is the best beach in Saint Lucia, and it’s also home to one of our favorite beach resorts in the Caribbean: the outstanding, family-run 75-room resort on the most beautiful stretch of the island’s golden-sand stunner. There’s everything here that’s perfect for a summer trip: a floating water park, a lovely lagoon-style pool and a number of rooms that are practically toes-in-the-sand retreats.
Grand Case Beach Club, St Martin Spend your days on one of the two sparkling white-sand beaches at this beloved French Caribbean retreat, then head out at night for a world-class dinner in the heart of Grand Case. Summer on the French side is indulgent, laid-back and, well, delicious, and the GCBC is the perfect spot on the island for your low-season getaway.
Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, The Bahamas Eleuthera’s most scenic retreat is one of the top fishing resorts anywhere in the Caribbean; and even if you’re not looking to hook anything, you can enjoy the 4,500-acre property’s innumerable private beaches, sunset cruises and a unique amenity: your own sandbar just off the coast.
Sunset Reef, St Kitts The ingenious geothermal system at St Kitts’ most popular new hotel uses the sun’s heat to warm and cool just about everything at the property — but it’s the vibe and the elevated perch above a lovely secluded beach that make this place perfect for a summer vacation Caribbean. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also home to the best restaurant in St Kitts.
Harbour Village Beach Club, Bonaire While Bonaire’s etymology is still in dispute, there’s a popular theory that it literally means “buen aire,” or good air. That’s easy to understand when you feel the constant beat of cooling winds just about everywhere on the island, from the Caribbean windsurfing capital of Lac Bay to the private beach at the Harbour Village Beach Club, the island’s premier luxury resort and the perfect place for a summer beach getaway.
Lopesan Costa Bavaro, Punta Cana The best new all-inclusive in Punta Cana in years, this large beach resort has sleekly-designed rooms, an impressively diverse culinary program and clever design that includes The Boulevard, an upscale shopping avenue that integrates amenities like rum bars, Dominican coffee shops and even bowling alleys into a walkable, day-night destination.
O2 Beach Club, Barbados They call Barbados’ southern shores the “Cool Coast,” and that’s not by accident. The vibrant southern end of the island has become a hub of cafes, eateries and boutique resorts, none more dynamic than the newest addition to the Ocean Hotels portfolio, which has everything from lovely swim-up rooms to a hip rooftop tapas bar. The south coast surf means you’ll almost never be hot here, even in the summer.
The Fred, St Croix The energy is palpable at the coolest hotel in St Croix, a place that’s equally adept at relaxation and entertainment. Whichever you choose, you’ll find a hip, forward-thinking, expertly-managed adults-only retreat on a beautiful stretch of coastline in Frederiksted.
Montpelier Plantation and Beach, Nevis For the summer, this historic inn is really the best of both worlds. You can split your time between the Montpelier’s breezy perch on Nevis Peak or on its spectacular beach club, adding up to the ultimate summer experience in Nevis.