The 22 best Caribbean resorts, from boutique literary haunts to exclusive private-island escapes
Palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters teeming with marine life, emerald forests and abundant sunshine — the Caribbean is about as close to paradise as it gets.
This otherworldly mosaic of more than 700 islands — each with its own cultural influences, rhythms and tropical adventures — truly has something to offer every kind of traveler. Unsurprisingly, the region is also home to some of the world's most iconic, luxurious, eye-wateringly beautiful places to stay. There are also many unique lodging options, including properties with swim-up rooms and even a Disney hotel.
This list includes an ultraluxurious designer haven in Turks and Caicos, a Bahamian grande dame with gardens inspired by Versailles, the oceanfront villa that James Bond author Ian Fleming once called home and a glamorous hideaway on St. Barts. Each hotel stands out for its dreamy setting, exceptional amenities and impeccable service. Most of all, though, each property has its own distinct story to tell.
Here are TPG's favorite resorts in the Caribbean to visit in 2023.
Credited with putting Anguilla on the map in the '80s and burnishing the island's reputation as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, Malliouhana's breathtaking ocean views and haute cuisine continue to lure A-listers and glitterati.
As part of a massive renovation in 2015, the property's classic British styling was infused with art deco flourishes to create a contemporary Caribbean aesthetic.
Spacious, light-filled rooms and suites (starting at 775 square feet) are painted in vibrant hues of blue and yellow. They're outfitted with white lacquered four-poster beds and tropical paintings by Haitian artist Jasmin Joseph. Large furnished terraces embrace the hotel's prevailing indoor-outdoor ethos.
Sip cocktails by the two-tiered infinity pool, relax on the white sands of Meads Bay, snorkel in crystalline waters, play tennis or join a beachfront yoga class. From every angle, the scenery is spectacular.
The hotel's culinary credentials remain impeccable. At the oceanfront Celeste, expect to feast on local delicacies, such as grilled Anguilla lobster ($72) or pot-roasted mahi-mahi with a vegetable curry ($48).
Little ones can join the Mini-Explorers program to enjoy daily beach activities, ocean adventures and cultural experiences. Wellness-seeking parents can indulge in spa treatments such as a Swedish massage incorporating exotic essences ($245 for 90 minutes).
Rates start from $799 per night (plus a 13% government tax and a $12 service charge).
The ultraluxurious Amanera is the Dominican Republic's premier address. Part of the world's most exclusive hotel brand, everything at Amanera invites superlatives. It features swanky accommodations, unmatched service, supersized public spaces that promote privacy and a world-class golf course with the highest number of oceanside holes in the Western Hemisphere.
Sitting on the wildly beautiful Samana Peninsula, each of the 25 stunning Balinese-style casas and casitas is designed in harmony with nature and equipped with every amenity imaginable. Sleek living spaces feature state-of-the-art sound systems, while design-forward bathrooms have spa-style marble tubs. The 1,700-square-foot outdoor terraces lead to private pools.
The Beach Club restaurant offers romantic, toes-in-the-sand dining and classic South American cuisine. Casa Grande, Amanera's main restaurant, melds the island's rich culinary traditions with innovative international techniques that showcase the regional bounty of organic produce, super-fresh seafood and prime cuts of meat.
Private butlers can arrange bespoke experiences, including a forest walk introduction to the herbal medicine traditions of the Caribbean Taino, a ceviche-making class and a rejuvenating signature Spa Journey at the clifftop spa.
Rates start from $1,700 per night.
This sustainably minded, all-villa property perched on top of a forested cliff overlooking the ocean is one of Relais & Chateaux's most lauded properties. It's a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path sanctuary for couples looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in Dominica's glorious natural assets.
Designed by the late celebrated architect Fruto Vivas, the 12 stylishly appointed, residential-style villas extend across acres of rainforest between two picturesque promontories. Starting at 2,000 square feet and constructed from sustainably sourced tropical hardwoods, they showcase meticulous craftsmanship rather than glitzy statement pieces.
Massive indoor and outdoor living spaces feature private plunge pools, chef-style kitchens, covered terraces and stunning ocean views. Each villa is also equipped with a personal iPhone, a Sonos Bluetooth speaker and an Apple TV with a provided Netflix account.
Blissed-out days are punctuated with wellness journeys at the idyllic treetop Gommier Spa, fine dining at the open-air Zing Zing restaurant, sunrise yoga classes and swimming in the lap pool surrounded by guava trees.
Rates start from $1,447 per night.
A perfect marriage of French flair and Caribbean mystique, St. Barts is devoted to the finer things in life. As part of the French West Indies, it's legally (and spiritually) French. Picture charming cobblestone streets dotted with gourmet restaurants, designer shopping boutiques (duty-free) and small, intimately scaled hotels hinged on a certain singular charm and elegance. You'll see plenty of megayachts shimmering in the port but notice a lack of generic, supersized resorts.
Cool and classy, the 21-key Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf — part of the luxe French hotel brand Barriere — embodies the essence of St. Barts. Rooms, suites and bungalow suites (with plunge pools) are effortlessly chic; they feature wooden furnishings, a light color palette and large bathrooms with tropical wooden accents and cream marble vanities. Furnished terraces (up to 590 square feet) overlook Gustavia's glamorous marina and one of the Caribbean's most enchanting stretches of coastline, where guests convene at the hotel's private, scene-setting Shellona Beach Club.
Spa Diane Barriere is renowned across the island and incorporates products from Paris-based Biologique Recherche in its facials, massages, rejuvenating treatments and therapies.
Rates start from $969 per night.
Puerto Rico's most exclusive resort, Dorado Beach, bears all the hallmarks of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand: unbridled luxury, exclusivity, eco-conscious sensibilities and flawless service.
Originally built by the Rockefeller family in the 1950s, this opulent property is as rich in history as in design. With a spectacular location overlooking a pristine 2-mile beach, it remains a magnet for tycoons and celebrities.
Stylish rooms start at 941 square feet and feature natural woods, marble, local artworks and expansive outdoor living spaces (deluxe suites have private plunge pools). Discreetly nestled among the vegetation, accommodations afford guests plenty of privacy as well as every creature comfort they could possibly desire. Guests also receive bespoke service from a private embajador, or personal butler.
As you'd expect, the resort's amenities are exceptional. The epicurean food and beverage program includes Coa, which pays tribute to the region's Taino roots, and La Cava, the largest wine cellar in Puerto Rico.
You'll also find two gorgeous pools fronted by swaying palms, a state-of-the-art fitness center and three Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf courses. Little explorers can participate in Ritz-Carlton's signature Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment program and enjoy wholesome children's menus. Parents can unplug and indulge at Spa Botanico with holistic treatments incorporating indigenous ingredients. Treatments occur in open-air treatment rooms scattered throughout the forest.
Rates start from $1,695 or 170,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Related: The 26 best Marriott hotels in the world
Part of the luxe Oetker Collection, Eden Rock St Barths is one of those impeccable hotels that delivers an instant wow factor. Located on a stunning arc of soft white sand framed by forested hillsides, it's one of the Caribbean's most beautifully sited and stylish boltholes.
Marrying old-school Hollywood movie glamour with effortlessly cool vibes, the property has been a magnet for the rich and famous since the 1930s — everyone from Howard Hughes to the Kardashians has stayed here.
Each of the 37 individually styled rooms and suites, which start at 654 square feet, is the epitome of Caribbean chic with nature-inspired fabrics, breezy white linens and drapes, and contemporary furnishings. Walls and nooks are graced with artworks from owner Jane Matthews' private art collection, and some of the larger suites (named after such previous guests as Greta Garbo) have private pools, light-filled living spaces, libraries and wraparound terraces.
The food is a major draw, blending traditional French culinary techniques with fresh Caribbean flavors. The Sand Bar specializes in such gourmet seafood delights as lobster salad ($48) and spice-crusted mahi-mahi with lime emulsion ($47).
Renovations undertaken after Hurricane Irma in 2017 include a swanky new spa with products from the Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics brand and the Remy Bar & Salon, where you can embrace those island vibes over a signature Chilli Chilli-Bang Bang cocktail, made with jalapeno-infused Calle 23 Blanco tequila, lime and pineapple juice.
Rates start from around $1,650 per night.
Spanning 6 acres of Anguilla's idyllic Atlantic coastline (with direct access to the sugary white sands of famed Shoal Bay Beach), the 76-key Zemi Beach House is a boutique haven with imaginative programming, fine food and excellent amenities.
Part of Hilton's fledgling luxury brand LXR, the hotel's modern rooms and suites are the epitome of Caribbean chic. They feature spare wood and wicker furnishings accompanied by beds dressed in crisp white linens. It's the eclectic bathrooms that really stand out here, with walk-in glass showers, stone sinks, copper piping and luxurious soaking tubs.
The resort never feels crowded thanks to the modest room count and surplus of amenities, including four outdoor pools, a tennis court and a fitness center with a yoga platform. Children ages 4 to 12 can partake in island-themed activities such as mermaid classes and coconut bowling at the kids club.
Water sports enthusiasts should note that the water here can sometimes be too rough to use the complimentary kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling gear — a drawback of its location on the island's Atlantic side.
At each of the five restaurants, breeze-cooled diners delight in heavenly ocean views and menus that showcase local produce and seasonal ingredients. The main restaurant, 20 Knots, specializes in Caribbean fusion dishes with plenty of seafood options.
The lavish spa sits inside a 300-year-old authentic Thai house complete with a hammam and a mud deck. Should you choose to indulge, an 80-minute Balinese massage will set you back $240.
Rates start from $594 or 110,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Related: The 19 best Hilton hotels in the world
A tiny speck of an island with jungle-fringed white-sand beaches, lush mountains and brilliant blue waters, Canouan has become more accessible over recent years thanks to improved infrastructure and a clutch of new hotels. One of these is the sumptuous Mandarin Oriental, which debuted on the pristine sands of Godahl Beach in 2019.
Formerly the Pink Sands Club, this exclusive, Italian-inspired resort is a secluded hideaway for couples and families — not to mention a fair few celebrity guests.
Discreetly tucked into the forested hillside, the 26 lavish suites and 13 villas sport marble bathrooms and expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces with ocean views. Many also have private terraces with infinity pools.
The focus on impeccable service and curated experiences, however, is what distinguishes this property. As part of the property's Castaway experience, guests can sail away at sunset to enjoy private, romantic dining under star-studded skies on nearby Tobago Cays or Mayreau Island. They can also relax with treatments from their own massage therapist.
Private butlers can arrange kite surfing, guided hiking tours, private catamaran tours, snorkeling excursions and daytrips to Mustique. They can also book signature spa treatments, such as a 90-minute Oriental Qi massage ($300) with essential oils.
Rates start from $1,800 per night. Note that the resort will be closed through Oct. 18.
Set on an 18th-century sugar plantation with spectacular views of the Pitons in the St. Lucian rainforest, Sugar Beach maintains a low-key vibe while still offering plenty of activities and entertainment for children and teens.
Following an extensive renovation, the Viceroy property reopened in 2021. Beautifully appointed beachfront bungalows exude Caribbean romance with a white-on-white colorway, plush armchairs, four-poster beds dressed in luxe white linens and chic bathrooms with walk-in showers, stone-surround tubs and Natura Bisse toiletries. Upscale amenities include Nespresso coffee machines, complimentary Wi-Fi and butler service. Larger villas have plunge pools and living rooms.
With seven on-site restaurants and bars, ranging from casual Caribbean fare to gourmet dining, there's something to satisfy even picky eaters. At the Creole-inspired Boopa's, savor farm-to-table cuisine such as curried goat on the bone ($48) as well as more casual fare like Brussels sprouts and bacon flatbreads ($26) or homemade bucatini with truffle butter, Parmesan and spinach ($48). Foodies won't want to miss Saltwood, which serves signature dishes like Black Angus beef kofta kebab ($60) and roasted whole branzino ($75) alongside jaw-dropping views of the Pitons.
Sybarites can indulge in any number of treatments, massages and facials at the Rainforest Spa, including a relaxing Coconut Bliss massage (110 minutes for $290) that incorporates coconut milk and spices.
Rates start from $493 per night, based on double occupancy.
St. Kitts is one of TPG's favorite Caribbean destinations. This brand-true Park Hyatt outpost, overlooking the idyllic sands of Banana Bay, makes for a luxurious and affordable stay thanks to a terrific World of Hyatt points redemption value.
The candlelit lobby — with warm, wooden accents and a centerpiece koi pond — creates a Zen, tropically inspired ambience and aesthetic that runs through all the public spaces.
Each of the 77 rooms and 47 suites exudes contemporary Caribbean chic with white L-shaped sofas, white shuttered doors and understated wooden furnishings. Large spa-style bathrooms feature double vanities, freestanding bathtubs and marble walk-in showers. Many suites offer private pools with sun decks.
Related: The 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world
Highly rated dining venues include Great House, which serves an expansive breakfast buffet, and the waterfront Fisherman's Village, the hotel's dedicated seafood restaurant. Meanwhile, the adults-only Stone Barn specializes in farm- and sea-to-table cuisine.
Two large, beautifully designed pools (one of which is adults-only) are surrounded by plush loungers. They are the perfect places to relax with a cocktail in hand and soak up the captivating views of St. Kitts' sister island, Nevis.
Active types can dabble in complimentary nonmotorized water sports, such as snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding. Wellness seekers can head to the Sugar Mill Spa & Sanctuary, which takes a holistic approach to self-care with "intention-based" healing treatments, guided journeys, and yoga and meditation classes.
Rates start from $898 or 48,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Related: Caribbean luxury for cheap: A review of the Park Hyatt St. Kitts
A Leading Hotels of the World property and one of the Caribbean's most iconic resorts, Sandy Lane is set on a former sugar plantation on Barbados' stunning Platinum Coast.
Sumptuous, classically appointed rooms start at 700 square feet and feature dark wood furnishings, plush drapes, curved armchairs, handsome desks and either balconies or large patios with views of the enchanting gardens or Caribbean Sea. Luxurious marble bathrooms have dual vanities, soaking tubs and walk-in showers.
The hotel's fine dining restaurant, L'Acajou, serves pricey French-Mediterranean contemporary cuisine like green pea squid risotto with sauteed calamari, lime and confit tomatoes ($57) and miso-marinated Atlantic black cod with homemade fettuccine, sauteed broccoli, French beans, Parmesan foam and truffle vinaigrette ($114).
In between relaxing poolside, cocktail in hand, or sun worshiping on picture-perfect Sandy Lane Beach, active types will be well catered for with three golf courses, tennis courts, a large fitness center with daily Pilates and yoga classes, and an array of water sports. Those in need of pampering can head to the renowned 47,000-square-foot spa, which offers an extensive menu of massages, facials, body scrubs and cryotherapy treatments.
At the Treehouse Club, kids and toddlers (with parental supervision) can enjoy arts and crafts, water sports, tennis, water skiing, pool parties and movie nights.
Rates start from $1,295 per night.
Cap Juluca is a gorgeous Belmond outpost nestled on a stunning arc of pristine white sand on Maundays Bay. Comprising a striking collection of whitewashed Moroccan-inspired buildings with soaring archways, ornate moldings and potted palms, this beloved hotel draws romancing couples, wellness seekers and foodies enticed by its renowned haute cuisine.
The 108 guest rooms and villas start at 677 square feet and cultivate the Belmond brand's bygone-age spirit with a muted beige, cream and white color scheme accented by indigo tiled floors. Even the standard-level rooms are lavishly appointed with dreamy four-poster beds, marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, and expansive ocean-facing terraces. Thoughtful amenities include toiletries by L'Occitane en Provence, Nespresso machines, honor bars and 24-hour "villa host" service.
You'll find some of Anguilla's finest restaurants on the property. At the Peruvian restaurant Uchu, start with a piquant salmon tiradito ($24), followed by the signature red snapper patarashca seasoned with Peruvian spices ($34). Meanwhile, at Pimms, a local institution since 1988, choose from gourmet Caribbean delicacies, such as coconut-encrusted prawns with mango chipotle sauce ($36) or tuna tartare with avocado, mango, shallots and preserved lemon ($36).
Rates start from $1,195 per night, based on double occupancy. Note that Cap Juluca is currently closed until mid-October.
This stunning Rosewood outpost spans 500 acres of rolling forested hills and spills onto a gorgeous arc of palm-fringed white sand. The property has once again raised the bar for Caribbean glamour following an extensive four-year rebuild that stayed true to the vision of Laurance Rockefeller (who built the original resort in 1964).
Inviting, light-filled beach cottages and treehouses are tastefully appointed with midcentury modern furnishings and tropical accents that give off breezy Caribbean vibes. Bathrooms feature rain showerheads, mosaic-tiled double vanities and light wooden accents. Spacious furnished terraces channel the property's prevailing indoor-outdoor ethos and afford dreamy ocean views.
If you can drag yourself away from the tranquil beach or lushly landscaped pools, you can arrange superb snorkeling and an array of on-the-water activities at the activities hub. Sense, a Rosewood Spa, offers restorative spa treatments, rejuvenating mind-body experiences, fitness classes and outdoor activities.
As expected, the hotel's dining options are exceptional, showcasing sustainable local seafood and fresh produce sourced from the on-site organic garden.
Start the evening with a Cantaritos cocktail made from tequila, orange juice, pink grapefruit juice, lime juice and grapefruit soda ($22). Then, graze on tapas and sashimi oceanside at the Sugar Mill. You can also sample piquant West Indian flavors at the Reef House, where signature dishes include a whole roasted cauliflower with coconut-pistachio sauce ($34) and Anegada lobster tail cooked sous vide ($55).
Rates start from $1,035 per night.
Unfurling across 110 acres of picturesque beachfront on Montego Bay, the elegant Round Hill Hotel and Villas has been one of Jamaica's premier addresses since the 1950s.
With just 36 ocean-view rooms, the resort has an intimate boutique feel. Its sumptuous, spacious villas are steeped in society lore, having hosted celebrities and dignitaries for over 70 years — former President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy stayed here for their honeymoon.
Even standard accommodations, which start at 460 square feet, have a classic, preppy kind of allure, with interiors designed by Ralph Lauren. There are plush white sofas, walls and linens fashioned from dark bamboo and dreamy four-poster beds accented with bright pink and blue throw pillows — a kind of Hamptons-meets-the-Caribbean aesthetic.
If you are seeking an extra layer of exclusivity and discretion, reserve one of the 27 suites or villas, which feature up to six bedrooms and come with private outdoor pools and such elevated service perks as a made-to-order breakfast prepared every morning in your villa's kitchen.
On-site dining options include Seaside Terrace, which features international staples as well as dishes that highlight Jamaican flavors.
For most guests, daily rituals here involve relaxing on the white-sand beach and soaking up some sun on plush loungers by the pools. Active travelers can enjoy snorkeling and paddleboarding offshore or sign up for tennis or pickleball. More low-key pursuits include guided tours of the hotel's gardens and exploring the idyllic bay during a glass-bottom boat tour.
Rates start from $750 per night (excluding taxes and fees), based on double occupancy.
Overlooking a dazzling blue lagoon in Oracabessa, 20 minutes from Ocho Rios, GoldenEye is part of Jamaican lore. It's also one of the island's most authentic and beloved boutique properties.
Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, penned 12 novels at his GoldenEye villa, which he built in 1946. Following his death in 1967, it was sold to Bob Marley. Shortly thereafter, Chris Blackwell, the record producer who founded Island Records, purchased it. He still owns the 52-acre resort, and it forms part of his Island Outpost hotel group.
Artfully designed clusters of cottages, suites and beach villas take their cues from nature. Some have full kitchens, outdoor showers, clawfoot tubs and pavilions that allow easy access to the lagoon or secluded Low Cay Beach. The beach is known for superb snorkeling along the nearby coral reef.
Fleming's five-bedroom beachfront bungalow, the Fleming Villa, is available to rent (from $7,630 per night). Appointed with original furnishings, including the author's writing desk, the fully staffed luxury villa has a private pool, beach and garden. Fleming entertained a slew of visiting celebrities and literati (including playwright Noel Coward and actress Katharine Hepburn) at this very villa.
Spend days relaxing by the freshwater infinity pool, dining on authentic Jamaican fare from Bizot Bar or kicking back with potent rum cocktails from Bamboo Bar on Button Beach. You can also swim up to the FieldSpa for a pimento-and-ginger massage (90 minutes, $210), salt scrub, herbal wrap or meditation session.
Rates start from $578 per night.
Delivering prime views of one of the Caribbean's most instantly recognizable natural wonders, the UNESCO-inscribed Pitons, Jade Mountain is St. Lucia's most romantic property.
Just a 12-minute drive away from Soufriere, this adults-oriented luxury resort (guests must be 15 years and over) is carved into a mountainside overlooking a golden-sand bay where excellent snorkeling right offshore is one of its attractions.
Whether you are sipping cocktails beneath star-studded skies on the Celestial Terrace, indulging in a spa treatment, dialing up the romance with a sunset sailing on Miss Babsie (the house catamaran) or lounging on one of two beaches shared with its sister property, Anse Chastanet, everything about Jade Mountain is designed to immerse you in St. Lucia's stunning coastline.
Each of the 24 aptly named "sanctuaries" starts at 1,400 square feet and embraces an off-the-grid vibe, with no phones or TVs and an inside-outside design ethos. The decor is tropical-chic, with wicker and rattan furnishings, wooden floors and exotic motifs in a neutral color scheme with exuberant pops of green, blue and pink.
There are five room categories to choose from, but each has a massive terrace and an open fourth wall to maximize those stellar Piton views; the Galaxy, Sun, Moon and Star sanctuaries also come with private infinity pools measuring between 450 and 900 square feet.
All meals are served in the resort's restaurant, Jade Mountain Club. Helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser, the eatery specializes in inventive Caribbean fusion cuisine that incorporates local ingredients.
Rates start from $1,385 per night, based on double occupancy.
A peaceful haven on one of the Caribbean's most heavily touristed islands, this lavish Belmond outpost blends classic Mediterranean beach glamor with playful tropical vibes.
Fronting St. Martin's finest and most exclusive beach, the quietly sophisticated property is a magnet for celebrities. They are drawn to its impeccable, art-filled public spaces, breathtaking Caribbean Sea views and chic rooms discreetly spread over low-rise, whitewashed adobe buildings.
The room categories vary in style and size, but all six types are primed for relaxation. A beachy aesthetic prevails with crisp white linens, panoramic ocean views and thoughtful amenities. For families and groups of travelers, there are eight freestanding, luxurious villas (three- and four-bedroom options), which afford an extra level of privacy and feature wraparound terraces and private pools.
Helmed by chef Marcel Ravin, L'Oursin (one of two exquisite restaurants on the property) fuses French and Creole flavors to create a hyperseasonal menu. Meals are best paired with fine wine from the legendary 15,000-bottle wine cellar.
Wellness seekers will delight in the candlelit spa, nestled among gardens with cascading bougainvillea and towering palms. Two inviting swimming pools and plush private cabanas dot the hotel's private beachfront.
An array of lifestyle amenities and daily programming — including tennis, yoga, meditation, fitness classes and water sports — appeal to travelers looking for more than just a drop-and-flop vacation. The staff can also arrange private charter sailings between St. Barts and Anguilla or to the uninhabited island of Tintamarre to snorkel with rare hawksbill turtles and stingrays.
Rates start from $962 per night, including taxes and fees.
Fresh from a $100 million renovation, the 180-key Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas in Great Bay is one of the best luxury options in the Caribbean for Marriott loyalists with points to burn. This classic Ritz-Carlton resort draws young families with its beautiful remodeled infinity pool, new family pool with a waterslide and a renovated club lounge.
With a variety of accommodations to choose from, ranging from plush resort-view rooms to palatial three-bedroom presidential suites, there's something for every type of traveler. The overriding aesthetic is one of sophisticated restraint with neutral tones, blond and white wood furniture and rattan light fixtures — all designed to let the stunning views take center stage. The sleek bathrooms feature double vanities and freestanding soaking tubs. Club-level rooms and suites come with a dedicated concierge, as well as access to the exclusive lounge.
The resort features four restaurants, including highly praised Italian cuisine at Alloro, a renovated club lounge and its own catamaran, perfect for romantic sunset cruises and snorkeling tours. There is also a new state-of-the-art gym, a lavish spa and a daily schedule of mind-body fitness classes.
Rates start from $880 or 82,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Unfurling along the secluded shores of an 18,000-acre nature reserve on Providenciales, Amanyara is a design lovers haven. Ornamental water features and exuberant tropical vegetation surround the 36 pavilions and 20 villas.
From warm Indonesian wood accents and soaring ceilings to glass-walled indoor-outdoor living spaces and private infinity-edge pools, everything here is designed to promote privacy, comfort and serenity.
The hotel's natural assets include a milelong white-sand beach lapped by calm, turquoise water and exceptional snorkeling. (Turks and Caicos is widely known as one of the planet's best snorkeling and diving destinations.) So, there's plenty to lure you from your palatial sanctuary.
Overlooking the central reflection pond, The Restaurant serves delicacies such as oysters, caviar and sashimi and classic Asian and modern Mediterranean cuisine.
Along with four spa pavilions offering a range of holistic therapies and treatments, there's a comprehensive lineup of daily activities and custom experiences. Options include tennis clinics led by professionals, underwater photography excursions, yoga and meditation classes, and kids-focused activities at the Nature Discovery Centre.
Rates start from $3,160 per night.
This iconic Four Seasons, which opened in 1962, remains something of a rite of passage for luxury seekers visiting Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Set on a gorgeous 5-mile beach — a stunning sweep of soft white sand that gently shelves to clear azure waters — there's an air of refined seclusion, a world apart from the more bustling areas of Nassau.
There are nine room categories, ranging from garden- and ocean-view rooms to four-bedroom villas with private infinity pools, a team of butlers and almost 5,000 square feet of living space. All rooms meld a contemporary Bahamian design with classic elegance, led by rich fabrics, inviting colors, spacious furnished terraces and marble-clad bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and mosaic-tiled vanities.
Three pools (including a lagoon-style family pool) are surrounded by 35 acres of Versailles-inspired gardens. Luxurious Balinese-style spa villas provide the setting for innovative, award-winning mind-body rituals and treatments. Not to mention, the Tom Weiskopf-designed Ocean Club Golf Course is one of the region's finest.
At the resort's fine dining venue Dune, chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten conjures innovative French-Asian cuisine with a Bahamian twist in a beautiful oceanfront dining room. The restaurant serves, perhaps, the best Sunday brunch on the island.
Rates start from $1,800 per night.
This fun, 266-key hotel is a high-end (but down-to-earth) Grand Cayman property offering a well-rounded Caribbean resort experience.
Just 20 minutes from the airport on Grand Cayman's famous Seven Mile Beach, this brand-true Kimpton property debuted in November 2016. It feels fresh and intimate despite its significant room count.
Rooms and public spaces embrace a laid-back, indoor-outdoor lifestyle concept, with furnished patios, terraces and ocean views from most rooms. Bright pops of pink and purple, whimsical design accents and thoughtful perks — such as yoga mats, pet amenities and loaner bikes — create a playful, warm ambience.
The resort's convivial main restaurant, Ave, appeals to both families and couples. It offers creative Mediterranean cuisine served alongside tropical cocktails and views of Seven Mile Beach.
Kids can enjoy daily programming and activities at Camp Seafire, as well as pool slides and a splash zone. Wellness-seeking adults head for the 8,500-square-foot Spa at Seafire, which draws on island-inspired rituals incorporating local ingredients like coconut, tropical fruits and coffee.
The large, beautifully landscaped, family-friendly pool is a perfect place to set up for the day. You can enjoy refreshing Caribbean fare and fruity cocktails served poolside at the Seafire Pool Bar.
Rates start from $726 or 70,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Related: Beachfront luxury with IHG points: A review of the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa Grand Cayman
An incomparable private-island experience in one of the world's most breathtaking locations, Jumby Bay Island is a castaway's dream (the kind of castaway who wants someone to cater to their every whim).
Ringed by powder-soft beaches and coral reefs teeming with marine life, this 300-acre hideaway has plenty to offer families and romantic couples. There are no cars, eyesores or real-world reminders in sight.
The property's 40 suites, 14 luxury villas and 22 private residences (with large pools) radiate an elegant beach house vibe and sit steps away from spectacular beaches.
The all-inclusive food and beverage program is far from standard all-you-can-eat buffet fare. Wholesome, locally inspired menus feature sustainably sourced seafood and produce. Memorable dining settings include a circa 1830 plantation house, fresh from a $6 million renovation.
While unbridled relaxation is the primary objective for most guests, there's plenty to occupy adventurous types. In addition to multiple pools, a lavish spa, tennis courts and a yoga pavilion, the resort also offers complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, catamarans, sailboats and snorkeling tours. Daily activities for tots through tweens include cooking classes, arts and crafts, guided walks and beach games.
Rates start from $2,232 per night, based on double occupancy.
Related: The most luxurious all-inclusive resorts around the world
Best credit cards for booking hotels in the Caribbean
There are over a dozen excellent travel rewards credit cards out there for hotel stays. The right one(s) for you will depend on if you're loyal to a particular program or chain, whether you want premium perks, and if you value benefits like annual free nights, automatic elite status and lucrative earning rates.
Here are three great credit cards to use for booking stays across a variety of hotel chains and independent properties while still enjoying money-saving features and high-end benefits, though.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Earning rates: This card earns 5 points per dollar on airfare purchased directly with the airlines or through the Amex Travel portal (on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year). Plus, you'll earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. Remember, Amex points transfer to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio and to Choice Privileges at a 1:1 rate, and there are sometimes transfer bonuses.
Benefits: This card is absolutely packed with perks, but among the travel-related ones you'll want to maximize, including some hotel-specific benefits are:
- Up to a $200 annual hotel credit, in the form of a statement credit, on prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with Amex Travel when you pay with your Amex Platinum (Hotel Collection stays require a two-night minimum).*
- Access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection.
- Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.*
- Up to $200 in statement credits annually for incidental fees charged by one airline you select.*
- Up to $200 annually in Uber Cash, valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. (split into monthly $15 credits plus a $20 bonus in December).*
- Up to $189 in statement credits to cover your Clear Plus annual membership.*
- A $100 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or an up to $85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck every 4½ years (depending on which application fee is charged to your card first).
- Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, Plaza Premium lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when traveling on same-day Delta flights).*
*Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees).
Read our review of the Amex Platinum card.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Earning rates: Earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel and unlimited 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases
Benefits: Cardholders get a $300 credit annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel. Plus 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, starting on your first anniversary (worth $100 toward travel). Through the Capital One Premier Collection, cardmembers can enjoy free breakfast, on-property credits and room upgrades (if available) on stays at participating properties booked through Capital One Travel. They also receive up to $100 in statement credits for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
Annual fee: $395 (see rates and fees).
Read our review of the Capital One Venture X.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earning rates: This card accrues 5 points per dollar on travel booked through the Chase travel portal, on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) and on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through March 2025, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points). It also racks up 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all travel not booked through the Chase travel portal; and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Benefits: Cardholders receive a $50 statement credit on hotel stays purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal upon opening the card and each following cardmember anniversary. They also receive a 10% bonus based on their total spending during the account anniversary year at a rate of 1 point for each $10 spent. This card also has some of the best travel protections in the industry, including trip cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance and primary rental car coverage among other policies.
Annual fee: $95.
Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.