With its expansive terrain featuring hundreds of islands, the Caribbean boasts some of the most idyllic scenery. From blue waters so bright they could be fluorescent to the deep green hues of lush foliage serving as a home for the flora and fauna, the options are endless for travelers to experience the Caribbean, and that goes for hotel accommodations, too.
Whether it’s on the beach or sequestered above sea level, read on to discover some lodging options that appeal to a variety of travelers’ preferences.
All-Inclusive
Kick it in the Caribbean and find true relaxation with these all-inclusives.
Kamalame Cay, Bahamas
Located off the northeast coast of Andros Island, this private island sits on 97 acres of jungle, coconut palm groves and relaxing white sand beaches. The family-run, dog-friendly property offers seaside rooms and beachfront villa options, both styles giving a clean and airy appearance with the white, blue and light wood color palette. Kamalame Cay’s all-inclusive pricing covers meals, basic drinks, access to the resort’s facilities and some activities, such as paddleboarding, kayaking and diving. Travelers can also upgrade their food and drinks packages to include other spirit and cocktail options.
Sanctuary Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
Situated in a private gated community retreat inside Punta Cana, this adults-only, all-inclusive resort is perfect for self-care and rejuvenation. With 323 suites, Sanctuary Cap Cana has plenty of options available to cater to preferred views, number of guests and room layout. Each one exudes romance as the property is inspired by Spanish Colonial architecture, incorporating dark wood accents and tropical furnishings throughout.
Sanctuary Cap Cana includes drinks and meals, nightly entertainment (live music, karaoke and more), access to fitness facilities and all taxes, tips and gratuities. Even with the five delicious à la carte restaurants on the property, travelers should also be sure to head across the street to Sanctuary Town for more dining experiences.
On the Beach
In need of some vitamin D and warm sand between your toes? Check out these properties located mere steps away from the water.
Sandy Lane Hotel, Barbados
Set on coral sands and turquoise waters with an ancient mahogony grove in the backdrop, Sandy Lane Hotel in St. James is a beach-lover’s paradise. Elegant Palladian buildings give the property an extra luxurious feel, and each of the 113 rooms and suites features some element of the water, whether it’s direct beach access or open views of the ocean beyond. Sandy Lane is family-friendly, and with activities such as golfing, sports camps and romantic beach dinners, there are plenty of ways for guests of all ages to enjoy the comfort of Barbados’ beaches.
Pine Cay, Turks & Caicos
A more intimate approach to beach accommodations, this secluded private island resort features 13 rooms and suites. Ideal for two, both the Luxury Beach Front Cottages and Premium Beach Front Rooms offer direct beach access, with some of the rooms tucked away in private gardens for extra privacy. Pine Cay draws on the island’s teal and gold palette, incorporating soft, sandy neutrals splashed with sea-blue and white accents throughout the property. Private dinners, tiki bars and poolside dining are sure to complete the romantic experience.
Hotel Indigo, Grand Cayman
With direct access to the beloved Seven Mile Beach, Hotel Indigo is perfect for the sun and sea seekers. The property offers a variety of room layouts, though any variation of the Harbor View category showcases the stunning North Sound, completed with unobstructed views of the sunrise each morning. The Premium Ocean View rooms should not be overlooked either, as this option includes a private waterfront balcony, allowing guests to truly appreciate the quiet waters of the Caribbean beyond.
Sustainable
With the sustainable travel movement gaining momentum, these two options expertly pair comfort with green initiatives, ensuring a guilt-free stay for guests.
True Blue Bay Boutique Resort, Grenada
On the south coast of Grenada, this property provides a relaxed tropical atmosphere, emphasized by the colorful décor in each room and views of the garden, marina and bay beyond. While resort features like dining options and amenities are worth noting, True Blue Bay is better known for its sustainability initiatives.
Here, electric buses charged with solar panels are used to transport guests and staff, organic food waste is deferred to an onsite biogas digester, garden waste is composted and reused to fertilize the hotel grounds and a small garden on the property grows local fruits and veggies. In the rooms, guests are encouraged to reuse their towels, and housekeeping staff avoids harmful cleaners and single-use plastics. Protecting the Caribbean environment is a top priority at True Blue Bay, and visitors interested in traveling sustainably will particularly enjoy this resort.
Hotel Manapany, St. Barths
Aside from its refreshing atmosphere and Caribbean-chic aesthetic, sustainability is at the heart of Hotel Manapany, winner of the 2019 Eco-Responsible Hotel award and Green Key label since 2021. The property features an autonomous water system where wastewater is treated and used for drip irrigation of the garden, in addition to solar panels to produce hot water. These external initiatives may go unnoticed by some, but guests will certainly find sustainability integrated into the finer aspects of their stay, including eco-certified and natural cleaning products, bamboo fiber-based towels and locally sourced ingredients. Hotel Manapany is a master of balancing green initiatives with luxury, showcasing a variety of stunning ocean and garden view rooms, a relaxing spa and a divine on-site restaurant.
Above Sea Level
Experience the Caribbean from a different point of view, climbing high for maximum privacy.
Ladera Resort, St. Lucia
Built on the volcanic ridge between the two legendary pitons of St. Lucia, this resort is situated 1,100 feet above the Caribbean Sea. 37 villas and suites are scattered around the property, incorporating handcrafted local wood, stone and tile elements to give each room an earthy atmosphere. The accommodations also utilize a three-wall design, allowing guests unparalleled views of the Pitons, as greenery consumes the peripheral. Visitors looking to take their stay to new heights should book the Villa at Paradise Ridge, as this room sits at Ladera’s highest point.
Strawberry Hill, Jamaica
Perched 3,100 feet up in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, Strawberry Hill is a remote, quiet location perfect for reconnecting with the outside landscape. The property offers studio suites, villas and cottages designed by a Jamaican architect pulling inspiration from the classical colonial style. An on-site restaurant and other amenities will have travelers feeling like they never need to leave, though Jamaica’s capital city, Kingston, is within reach should guests feel compelled to get out and about. Because of the hotel’s location in the mountains, visitors at Strawberry Hill wanting to explore Jamaica’s nature firsthand will be pleased to find numerous hiking trails, beaches and gardens nearby.
Casa Grande Mountain Retreat, Puerto Rico
Set on 105 lush tropical acres, Casa Grande Mountain Retreat in Utuado combines privacy with nature. Once a former coffee plantation, the property consists of 20 queen or double full rooms scattered up a mountainside, with access to hiking trails and a saltwater pool. The sunny weather and organic landscape make Casa Grande Mountain Retreat perfect for some inner rejuvenation, and luckily, on-site activities include reiki, reflexology and breathwork aimed at centering the body, mind and soul.
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Leslie J | 02/06/25 - 09:31 AM
I really enjoyed this article. Your choices are inspiring to me.
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