8 of the Most Luxurious Caribbean Resorts
When you’re craving an escape where stress melts away among coconut palms, powdery soft sands and clear, warm blue water, the Caribbean is probably on the top of your list. While it’s saturated with so-so all-inclusives, why not spend a bit more to enjoy a vacation that’s sure to leave you feeling refreshed and recharged. Think everything from serviced cabanas where the rum punch or daiquiris come to you, to beautiful sea-view infinity pools, private butlers, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
If you’re ready for the best of the best, it’s time to treat yourself to one of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean.
Hermitage Bay, Antigua
The ultimate in barefoot luxury, Hermitage Bay is nestled on the hillside among 16 acres of tropical gardens, fronted by a postcard-perfect white sandy beach. An all-inclusive, 5-star boutique hotel, it has the feel of Antigua’s colonial era with a long list of amenities.
Enjoy watersports like snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, and catamaran sailing before heading to the soothing spa for pampering beauty and wellness treatments influenced by ancient Eastern concepts of chakra. Free meditation, yoga, Pilates sessions, hikes, garden tours, and cooking classes can all be enjoyed too.
The open-air restaurant serves a la carte Caribbean and European dishes with daily changing menus that include dishes made using locally grown, seasonal, organic ingredients.
There are just 30 suites, all in individual cottages with private terraces. The hillside suites have private infinity plunge pools where you can toast to a glorious sunset with fine Champagne. Deep soaking tubs, outdoor showers, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi are all standard.
Como Parrot Cay, Parrot Cay Island, Turks and Caicos
A luxury resort on its own thousand-acre island with a mile-long soft sandy beach, COMO Parrot Cay draws plenty of celebrities who appreciate the privacy and exclusivity.
It can only be accessed via a 30-minute ride on a small boat from Providenciales with accommodation provided in magnificent homes and villas. It’s widely regarded as the most luxurious property in Turks and Caicos with just a few well-known names who’ve stayed here including Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, and Demi Moore.
There’s a focus on health and wellness, with restaurants offering spa menus featuring nutritious but delicious Caribbean flavors that include many ingredients grown organically on-site. Enjoy non-motorized watersports, including diving, plus yoga, Pilates classes, and a well-equipped fitness center with access to on-call personal trainers.
The lavish spa has an infinity pool, sauna, steam rooms, and outdoor Jacuzzis. All rooms and suites have whitewashed interiors with four-poster beds and verandas, but the private villas are the most impressive, with direct beach access, their own pools, and 24-hour access to the resort butlers.
Sugar Beach, St. Lucia
Set upon 100 acres of lush rainforest, Sugar Beach offers a prime spot tucked between the iconic Pitons on gorgeous Sugar Beach. Ideal for families and couples seeking a romantic stay, there’s a second adults-only beach separated by a mountain for tranquil sunbathing.
Rooms are mostly white and minimalistic, with all including butlers and furnished terraces with private plunge pools, many boasting jaw-dropping views. Larger cottages and villas have living rooms and massive bathrooms, with upgraded versions featuring hot tubs and outdoor showers.
Guests here also have access to decadent treatments at the Rainforest Spa, the best on the island, along with a variety of dining options, from an upscale restaurant serving French-Caribbean cuisine to a beachside eatery known for its sushi and wood-fired pizzas.
Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
Often named among the world’s top all-inclusive resorts, Spice Island Beach Resort sits at the south end of renowned Grand Anse Beach, offering accommodation in elegant garden and beachfront suites. The latter have the sea just outside their door along with a patio that includes lounge chairs and a hammock.
Many have private pools that are much more than “plunge-sized,” set within private verandas. By booking one of the Royal Pool Suites, you’ll get a private cedar sauna. All have luxe amenities like stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and spacious bathrooms with jetted tubs.
Resort activities include kayaking, Hobie Cat sailing, snorkeling, cycling, tennis, and golfing. The secluded pool area is a highlight, just steps from the beach and surrounded by lush, tropical greenery.
There’s a fabulous spa, boutique shops, and a kids’ club where the younger ones can enjoy games or arts and crafts. Creole and international dishes are available at Oliver’s while the Sea and Surf Terrace serves locally inspired meals for lunch.
Sandy Lane Hotel and Golf Club, Barbados
No one would argue that Sandy Lane wasn’t the cream of the crop when it comes to luxurious properties, as a haven of tranquility with exceptional personalized service. It attracts VIPs from dignitaries to celebrities, but there’s no pretentiousness, with an effort made to make everyone feel special.
It has a magnificent spa, three golf courses, including the ultra-exclusive Green Monkey, and a full menu of watersports. The 47,000-square-foot is the perfect place to unwind in afterward with a wide range of massage options, facials, and body treatments on offer.
Rooms are spacious and sumptuous, ranging from 700 to more than 7,000 square feet. They come with personal cutlers, Italian marble floors, and large verandas that have parabolic speakers. You’ll find them in the luxe bathrooms too where your robes and slippers will be waiting. Personalized private bars and refreshment centers, espresso machines, and big flat-screen TVs are all included too.
Musha Cay & The Islands of Copperfield Bay, Bahamas
One of the world’s most luxurious and expensive places to stay, Musha Cay & The Islands of Copperfield Bay is located in the Exuma chain, owned by legendary illusionist David Copperfield.
Epitomizing tropical paradise, it’s made up of 11 private islands, each of which provides an exclusive resort for just you and your guests. They include a 10,000-square-foot hilltop house with magnificent panoramic views and four beachfront villas, with former occupants including Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, and Johnny Depp.
There are 40 private beaches, a speedboat, team illusions, an outdoor theater for movies on the sand, gym, tennis courts, and “secret adventures.” You’ll be able to choose from multiple dining options along with a variety of water-based and land-based activities too, such as snorkeling, jet-skiing, hiking, and swimming in a free-form pool.
Secret Bay, Dominica
Secret Bay offers what’s been referred to as a six-star stay. An all-villa resort providing eco-luxury, the six one-bedroom villas come treehouse-style, boasting stunning Caribbean views, private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and fully equipped kitchens.
You can start your day with a yoga session or enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding down at the beach. Afterward, you might lounge in the hammock, nestled in a private garden or take a Caribbean cooking class. There’s a tranquil spa hut for some pampering too.
The resort’s open-air restaurant serves locally sourced fare enjoyed with an awe-inspiring view of Tibay Beach, or you can have a private chef whip up a delicious meal right in your villa.
Private romantic dinners for two on the sand are possible too. Dedicated villa hosts, an on-call concierge, guides and access to “secret” beaches are all part of this unforgettable experience.
Cotton House, Mustique Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Cotton House is the only full-service resort on Mustique Island, a remote private island hideaway in the Grenadines. You know it’s going to be good when its frequent guests include the likes of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge who’ve been visiting since 2008.
It was a favorite haunt of David Bowie, and Mick Jagger is a big fan too. But famous or not, a stay here means being treated like royalty while enjoying a laid-back atmosphere and unrivaled Caribbean views. The Deluxe Seaview Rooms in Coutinot House are impressive, with 180-degree views over the sea, while The Residence on the hilltop gets you a personal butler, private pool and views of both the Caribbean and Atlantic.
No matter which you select you’ll enjoy luxe amenities and French doors that open onto a private veranda.
Breakfast and dinner are served at the Veranda Restaurant, with the menu featuring dishes based on locally sourced seafood such as pasta with crab and lobster risotto.
Casual lunches are available at poolside or the Beach Café, and the organic spa utilizes the island’s abundant flora like aromatic frangipani and sweet jasmine for its nourishing treatments. Spend time indulging in at least one or two, all delivered with a sea view.