The 15 Best Hotels for a Private-Island Vacation in the Caribbean

By: - October 14th, 2025
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antigua barbuda tourism back
Jumby Bay Island off the coast of Antigua.

Jumby Bay Island — Antigua

Arriving at Jumby Bay feels cinematic. A short boat ride from Antigua delivers you to a place where time slows and every detail has been quietly perfected. The island is car-free, which means the only sounds you’ll hear are soft breezes, the flutter of palms, and the gentle roll of the sea. Elegant villas and rooms are shaded by almond trees, set back from powdery sand. The staff is almost preternaturally attentive — appearing at the exact right moment with a cool drink or warm smile.

The magic here is how it blends effortless glamour with deep relaxation. Mornings might begin with a barefoot walk along the sand or a long breakfast on a breezy veranda. Afternoons stretch out in shaded cabanas or private plunge pools. Evenings bring warm light, elegant dinners under the stars, and a sense that there’s nowhere else in the world you’d rather be.

What We Like: Jumby Bay embodies old-world Caribbean luxury with a modern softness — glamorous but never overdone, indulgent but never loud.
How to Get There: Fly to Antigua, then board a private boat to Jumby Bay.


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About the author

Guy Britton is the managing editor of Caribbean Journal. With more than four decades of experience traveling the Caribbean, he is one of the world's foremost experts covering the region.
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