We’ve been saying it for years, and we’ll keep saying it: in some ways, the Caribbean is even better in the summer months. The water is warm. It’s a bit less crowded, a little bit quieter. At night, the trade winds cool you down, making it far nicer than it is in any competing summer hotspot further north. And yes, the prices are considerably lower, too.
In recent years, particularly since the pandemic, more and more travelers realized this. This awakening began in large part when popular summer destinations in places like Europe were closed, and people turned their travel fortunes toward the Caribbean, which was far more open at the time. And once these travelers realized how wonderful the region was in the summer, they kept coming. And coming.
We’ve gathered 11 of the best islands we think should be on your radar for your perfect summer vacation, from adventure-focused getaways to energetic urban journeys and voyages to remote, secluded islands.
Here are our best islands to visit this summer.
Antigua and Barbuda You may already know that Antigua and Barbuda has 365 beaches — or, as they like to say, one for every day of the year. And when you begin to explore the island, you get it: the coastline of the island is contoured with endless little coves and bays and inlets — all with perfect rings of white sand — meaning you never lack for the perfect beach — and there’s always another one to explore. But that’s not the only thing the destination has in large supply. It’s also home to easily the best collection of top all-inclusive resorts anywhere in the Caribbean, from hot new adults-only retreats like The Verandah Antigua to celebrated spots like Hammock Cove and up-and-coming boutiques like the Keyonna Beach Resort.
Cayo District, Belize In Belize’s out-of-this-world Cayo district, rivers and breezes will always keep you cool, especially in the evening after a day of exploring Maya ruins, hiking rainforests and wading through waterfalls. This is a world away from the Caribbean you may be used to, a place for jaguars and howler monkeys and street stalls with piping-hot pupusas and river lodges. The latter are some of the most extraordinary places to stay you’ll encounter in the Caribbean Basin, hideaways like Francis Ford Coppola’s Blancaneaux Lodge and the stunning Gaia River Lodge, among others.
Nassau Paradise Island When the British Colonial Nassau reopened its doors earlier this year, it was the latest step in a breathtaking reinvigoration of The Bahamas’ capital, which has become one of the hottest downtown areas in the Caribbean: new museums, art galleries, cafes, a winery, rooftop cigar lounges, a pair of new Margaritaville resorts; and a palpable feeling of excitement. That’s along with a booming culinary scene anchored in greater Nassau Paradise Island, particularly at the Baha Mar and Atlantis resorts, where an impressive collection of world-class chefs have opened restaurants in recent years, from Marcus Samuelsson to Michael White. And did we mention Tipsy Scoop is opening its doors here soon?
Grenada The more you visit Grenada, the more you get it. On its face, it’s a beautiful Eastern Caribbean island, lush and colorful, with some lovely hotels, great restaurants and beautiful beaches. But there’s something else. There’s a kind of magical authenticity, a pervasive charm, the feeling that there’s always something more to see, another layer to excavate. It’s just cool, whether you’re visiting organic farms or rainforests or the Caribbean’s most exciting new rum distillery (or one of its oldest) or delving into the intoxicating world of the island’s nutmeg production. And it just keeps getting better.
St Thomas The most-visited US Virgin Island is quietly in the midst of a renaissance. It began with a wave of new visitors in the heart of the pandemic, continued with a dramatic transformation of its waterfornt and even an exciting new boutique hotel, the Pink Palm, which just opened its doors last year. The most exciting thing? The culinary scene, from the fabulous new Cutlass & Cane to world-class spots like 3 Palms and Blue 11, to name just a few.
Aruba It would be very easy for Aruba to hang its hat on its beaches. They don’t get much better: the wide, blindingly-white sand of Eagle; the shallow, wadable water at Baby Beach; the windsurfing at Fisherman’s Huts. But that’s what makes Aruba just such an impressive place to visit: at every level, you find something new, whether you’re exploring a brand-new rum distillery in a centuries-old building; venturing to an old gold mine on the rugged east coast; enjoying the people watching in a cafe in the bustling harbor; or taking in a shared tasting meal at one of the island’s myriad Chef’s Table concepts. They call it One Happy Island, and it seems like it just keeps getting, well, happier.
St Barth This might be the best-kept secret in the Caribbean: summer in St Barth. The crowds are gone, the hotels are quiet, but everything is still open (as long as you don’t wait to plan your trip until August). It’s, in a word, blissful, a way to experience the things that define St Barth: that laid-back brand of French Caribbean cool, the outrageously good food, the carefree, happy spirit and some of the best villas and resorts in the Caribbean, from WIMCO’s broad portfolio of world-class villas (all at a decidedly lower price in the summer months) to residential-style resorts like Les Ilets de la Plage and luxe retreats like Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth and Le Barthelemy. (Just make sure you fly there on Tradewind).
Bonaire Snorkeling, diving, rum, tasting menus, music. For a little island, there’s a considerable amount to do here, and that’s why travelers have been flocking here of late. And the summer is just as good: some of the Caribbean’s best-value hotels rooms get even more affordable; constant winds always find a way of cooling you off, especially in Lac Bay, the windsurfing capital of the Caribbean; and the island’s unique brand of friendly, warm hospitality gets even warmer.
Long Island, The Bahamas No, not that Long Island. This one is a remote, beach-filled, blue-hole-covered oasis, where you’ll almost always find the beach to yourself, where the adventure is limitless: diving, bonefishing, deep sea fishing and hiking. It’s also home to some lovely places to stay, from the Cape Santa Maria resort to the Stella Maris to the boutique Gems at Paradise. While Long Island will make you feel like you’ve traveled to another universe, it’s actually easier than ever to get there, thanks to landmark new service on Makers Air from Fort Lauderdale.
Christiansted, St Croix It’s a bit like New Orleans in the Caribbean, without the Bourbon Street crowds. The food scene is unparalleled; the mixology is top-notch. There’s historic architecture, a supremely walkable downtown and great beaches all within an easy drive. But the biggest story in Christiansted is the hotel product, which has been completely transformed in recent years, most notably with the lovely reimagining of the King Christian hotel right at the boardwalk’s edge.
St Martin The French side of St Martin is a gourmand’s paradise: the greatest collection of fine-dining eateries anywhere in the Caribbean, amazing wine and spirits shops, markets and outstanding beach bars, whether you’re in the culinary capital like Grand Case or staying in a villa in Orient Bay. And in the summer, it’s just a little bit more laid back, a little more serene, a little freer to explore.