It is easy to understand why the Caribbean is such an alluring and opulent getaway, with its tens of thousands of tropical islands encircled by turquoise seas. Discover the Dominican Republic’s thriving rainforest. On horseback, explore the tabletop mountains and hillside forts of Puerto Rico. Dive into Antigua’s colorful coral gardens and shipwrecks. In the Bahamas, go from one pink-sand beach to the next. Or unwind in a hammock while swaying to Barbados’ calypso music and mild breeze. Thanks to the wide range of luxury and Hilton boutique hotels in the Caribbean, you can choose to be as active or as relaxed you like.
Hotels in the Caribbean
Over 250,000 hotel rooms are thought to be dispersed throughout the Caribbean Islands. Many of these resorts’ vast pools and buffet lines play into the stereotype of the supersized resort, which draws winter sun hordes merely looking to flop and drop. However, there are also certain exclusive addresses dotted over these golden coasts that devoted followers keep a secret. Others are grand dame figures whose names are popular and revered globally. These are the best hotels in the Caribbean to be aware of if you want a checklist of the best places to stay.
#1. Coral Reef Club, Barbados
The family-run Coral Reef Club is well situated in Barbados’ beach-lined north and offers traditional elegance without being ostentatious or stuffy. Very family-friendly, it’s also a place for traditionalists. So, the service is provided with bow ties and a grin, and the rooms have a country-house vibe, blending light, airy seaside elegance with a dash of chintz. There is wonderful food, a spa, a pool, and lots of places to relax.
#2. Sunset Reef, St. Kitts
You would never guess that the drive from the airport takes only ten minutes. You may pretend to have the entire area to yourself due to the clifftop location and a small number of accommodations (only seven restored suites) until it’s time to venture out for lunch by the pool or to the teeny-tiny bar, Sandbar, to watch the sunset and meet other visitors.
Depending on how daring they feel, a custom concierge service can set up activities for visitors, such as a rainforest walk with local company Greg’s Safaris or a rum tasting at the family-run Old Road Rim distillery. Additionally, there is a yoga deck and access to standard beach equipment like kayaks, paddle boards, and electric jet skis for days when you’d prefer to stay on the property.
#3. Coulibri Ridge, Dominica
This chic eco-resort is a role model for Dominica and the larger Caribbean, proving that creature comforts don’t have to be forgotten to have a sustainable vacation. It combines eco-sensitive best practices with genuine luxury. The construction of Colibri Ridge, which had environmental considerations at its core, took the Canadian-Dominican owners an incredible 15 years to complete (including a five-year delay following Hurricane Maria’s devastation in 2017). Currently, what was once a citrus plantation from the colonial era has been converted into an eco-conscious hillside hideaway that seeks to be self-sufficient.
The two communal pools on the 285-acre property are solar heated and maintained clean without the need for chlorine by utilizing a copper ionizer to fight algae and fungus. 225 solar panels and 288 recyclable non-lithium batteries allow the building to run entirely on the sun. But if you believe the resort is more practical than luxurious, you need to reconsider. Modern studios, lofts, and penthouses with expansive water views, a tropical breakfast buffet (included in the cost), and a spa with outdoor treatment rooms are all available to guests.
#4. Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf Saint-Barth
The hotel in Gustavia is set on a hill; a steep flight of steps descends to the town’s beach, providing the best of both worlds for visitors who want to dunk their toes in the posh stores and their toes in the sand. The drive time to the airport is five minutes.
The hotel was designed by the talented French couple Gilles & Boissier and is a delightful combination of Caribbean colors overlaid on white clapboard. Consider rattan furniture, vivid fabrics, high ceilings made of wood with fans, and tropical flowers and vegetation. A large portion of the hotel is exposed to the elements, and its bar is renowned for being the best spot to watch the sunset.
Excellent and highly professional service. Given the hotel’s limited number of rooms, the amenities are excellent. A spa uses Deep Nature, Ligne St. Barth, and Biologique Recherche products in its treatments. A yoga studio and a well-equipped fitness center are next to it. The island may be explored on electric bikes, and each accommodation has an aquabike fitted in its private pool.
#5. Golden Rock Inn, Nevis
Golden Rock, a small inn with just 11 rooms scattered across historic stone homes and surrounded by gorgeous gardens designed by Miami-based architect Raymond Jungles (tours are a highlight), is located high up on a former sugar plantation in the southeast. Its interiors are vibrant and Instagram-friendly, and it also offers a superb restaurant. You’re in a good location for excursions, like riding a horse along the coast or climbing Nevis Peak.
#6. Rosewood, Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands
Following Hurricane Irma in 2017, this longtime favorite on Virgin Gorda underwent an almost complete reconstruction, and the results have preserved things comfortingly familiar for regulars while refining a reputation as one of the Caribbean’s finest resorts. There isn’t much of a reason to leave this base, which is situated on a flawless half-mile arc of sand and has three restaurants, gorgeous villas, and suites distributed around a hillside.
#7. Rabot Hotel, St Lucia
Take heed, chocolate lovers: Rabot is a member of the Hotel Chocolat family, and they take their sweets seriously. As a result, they offer bean-to-bar experiences (where guests create their own bars), chocolate and rum tastings, and even spa services with cacao oil. In the uninhabited southwest of St. Lucia, all 25 private eco-lodges are hidden in cacao or rainforest trees 1,000 feet above sea level. They share an infinity pool that looks out over the vivid green canopy and have an airy, straightforward style. The majority open onto private balconies. A shuttle transports visitors to the beach.
Hilton Hotels In the Caribbean
These Hilton hotels in the Caribbean include enormous pools, ocean vistas, and recreational options including dance and water sports.
There are many Caribbean destinations where you can accrue or use Hilton Honors points, whether you prefer to cool off in the pool or with your toes on the beach.
Here are some Hilton properties in the Caribbean where you can accrue or use Hilton Honors points if you’re thinking about taking a vacation to an island.
#1. Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino
The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Property & Casino, the first luxury property in Palm Beach to debut in 1959, is sometimes credited with launching the island’s tourism industry. Three houses and two swimming pools are now present, all of which are situated next to a lengthy expanse of white beach.
With power and USB plugs, laptop cooling pads, and the possibility to switch a specific marker from red to green so that a server will show, the resort’s new Power Palapas (beachside charging stations) make remote working easier.
#2. Hilton Barbados Resort
On the island of Barbados, the Hilton Barbados Resort and Hilton Grand Vacations at The Crane both provide a unique experience. On the premises of Charles Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 17th century, the main resort offers conventional guest rooms, several eating options, and a beautiful pool.
#3. Hilton Grand Vacations at The Crane, Barbados
The Hilton Grand Vacations at Crane Resort is another Barbados property that is situated in St. Philip on the gorgeous Crane Beach. Travelers who like residential-style lodging with a full kitchen, living space, and numerous bedrooms are better suited to this Caribbean hotel. Even some apartments come with a plunge pool.
#4. Caribe Hilton, Puerto Rico
This hotel was Hilton’s first venture outside of the American continent when it debuted in 1949. The pia colada is also said to have originated there.
At present, the Caribe Hilton offers its visitors a lovely beach, a swimming pool, outdoor daybeds, covered lounge chairs, and a Morton’s Steakhouse (among other eating options) to keep them occupied.
#5. Hilton La Romana, Dominican Republic
Every type of tourist can find a getaway at either the adult-only Hilton La Romana Resort & Spa or the family-friendly Hilton La Romana Resort & Waterpark. Both establishments are all-inclusive, which means that meals, drinks, and snacks are included in the price. The family resort offers a kids club, daily activities like Spanish and dance lessons, and the chance to rent a private oceanfront pool for four people. It also has a water park.
#6. Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive adult-only resort
Discover the jungles and island splendor of the Dominican Republic, indulge in resort activities, and enjoy nightly entertainment. There are spacious guest suites, fine dining options, infinity pools, a spa, a casino, a tree-lined private beach, and a diving shop available. Guests who are at least 18 are welcome at our all-inclusive resort.
The Best Hotels in the Caribbean
The best hotels in the Caribbean, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, inexpensive hotels, and Caribbean hotel specials, as determined by our experts, are listed below
#1. Sandals Royal Curaçao
This all-inclusive Sandals resort is the epitome of luxury with its two-tiered infinity pool, huge rooms, and 11 dining selections. It is a welcome addition to Curaçao, an island in the southern Caribbean. Expect a beach-party atmosphere, exceptional service, free watersports and scuba diving, and more.
#1. Rosewood Le Guanahani
Like an ultra-elegant coastal village on St. Barth’s north-east coast, with 66 clapboard houses plunging into the water and the stylish Beach Hose serving up more than 200 different drinks. A superb Italian restaurant, a beachfront pool, and an alluring spa are other features.
#2. Cheval Blanc St-Barth, Isle de France
The Baie des Flamands is the island’s most beautiful beach, and its Cheval Blanc outpost offers Jacques Grange interiors with distinctive dusty rose amenities. It is more of a state of being than a simple hotel. There are two restaurants with meals created by the brilliant chef Jean Imbert, as well as a Guerlain Spa.
#3. The Bannister Hotel & Yacht Club
This chic resort has two infinity pools, spacious accommodations, and access to a private harbor. It is tucked away in one of the Dominican Republic’s most picturesque natural areas.
#4. Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
A magnificent, modern resort located on Seven Mile Beach’s fine sands, Kimpton Seafire is this boutique hotel chain’s first venture into the Caribbean. It’s challenging to get away from your poolside chair with so many restaurants, watersports, and a spa.
#5. The Trident Hotel
This elegant villa-only resort, situated outside Port Antonio on Jamaica’s northeast coast, exudes a carefree elegance. Each of the 13 villas has a private terrace with an infinity pool. Besides, there is a protected lagoon, an outdoor café with a view of the ocean, a boutique spa, and a theater.
Luxury Hotels In the Caribbean
The Caribbean, one of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world, has a thriving hotel industry that offers next-level luxury. Here is a list of some of the luxury hotels in the Caribbean
#1. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, Saint Lucia
Sugar Beach is the pinnacle of Caribbean luxury, dozing in the shade of Saint Lucia’s emerald volcanic spires, known as the Pitons. Expect nine new, ultra-private Luxury Cottages and Beachfront Bungalows, more dining options, and an upgraded, tropical-chic spa thanks to the property’s recent expansion and renovation.
#2. Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel, Anguilla
Cap Juluca, a blindingly white, brilliant haven on the silk-sand beach of Maundays Bay, is the realization of a tropical fever dream. Beach lovers should stay here because each room has two designated beach loungers so you can always choose the ideal spot.
#3. Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
At the Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, seclusion and confidentiality are paramount. With only 26 suites and 13 villas, visitors can count on first-rate service, meticulous attention to detail, and unrivaled ocean vistas everywhere they go.
#4. Jumby Bay Island, Antigua
Oetker Collection’s Jumby Bay Island, located on a private 300-acre island only a short yacht ride from the Antigua airport, puts an ultra-luxury spin on the all-inclusive idea with free-flowing Mot, cooking courses, watersports, boat cruises, and a kids’ club.
#5. Amanyara, Turks and Caicos
Amanyara, a temple of beachy joy with thatched-roof pavilions, mirror-still infinity pools, and shining teak decks, is hidden within an 18,000-acre nature reserve. Like other Aman hotels, the aesthetic leans toward subtle Asian minimalism and simplicity, but the atmosphere is unmistakably Caribbean chill.
#6. Cheval Blanc St-Barth, Isle de Franc, Saint Barth
It’s challenging to pick just one hotel in Saint Barth because they all exceed expectations; however, Cheval Blanc stands out for its light French cuisine, glistening private plunge pools, and crisp white interior decor.
Boutique Hotels In the Caribbean
There are many sizable all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, but some islands also have incredibly alluring, secluded lodgings that offer a much more individualized experience—you might even receive care from the hotel’s owners. These boutique hotels in the Caribbean come in a wide range of styles, from sophisticated hillside homes to hip beachside hangouts, but what they all share in common is a wealth of tropical character. The list below has options for all tastes and budgets, even if some of the best boutique hotels in the Caribbean are quite expensive.
#1. Jakes
Jakes is a unique retreat with a wonderful, raffish charm and a very cool atmosphere. With buildings painted in vibrant tropical hues and contrasted by lush tropical vegetation, there is a strong theme of artistic rusticity. With a spa and lovely grounds, it emanates a sense of tropical tranquility and is the perfect getaway for a solo traveler. Other amenities include a Dougie’s Bar with views of the deck, beach, and sea close to the saltwater pool, as well as an outdoor screen for movie nights. The majority of the guest rooms, suites, bungalows, cottages, or villas are located on the waterfront and have private decks with stunning views of the ocean.
#2. Rabot Hotel
The Rabot Hotel is located on a historic estate in southern St. Lucia and is owned by the same business as the ubiquitous Hotel Chocolat stores. In the restaurant, a dramatic open-sided pavilion with an open kitchen on one side where some of the most inventive “cacao cuisine” is served, the recognizable dark brown tones of the chocolate stores have been skillfully translated to the Caribbean. Visitors can take a tour of the groves and seedling nursery and learn how to produce chocolate bars. The 14 rooms and lodges are furnished with baked cookies and bars of chocolate and have a stylish, minimalistic appearance.
#3. Little Arches
A hacienda-style hotel for adults only, Little Arches is small and lovely. On the first-floor terrace, there is a tent-effect open-air sitting space with wicker sofas and a pool overhung by a chandelier. Ceramic tile mosaics highlight arches and doorways. The hotel is privately owned, and the staff is kind, conversational, and helpful. They all know each other by their first names. The staff will take chairs and an umbrella to the beach for you, and there are free bikes available for use. The beds in the 10 rooms are turned down in the evening. Café Luna is a well-known romantic location.
#4. Golden Rock Inn
The charming, lushly landscaped Golden Rock Inn is located on a sugar estate that dates back to 1801. The property’s owners, renowned New York-based artists Brice and Helen Marden have added their sense of style and fan base. The couple’s unusual and colorful findings from their travels throughout the world are shown inside, including in the 11 uniquely designed rooms, and the gardens have lots of idyllic places to unwind. The restaurant serves contemporary Caribbean comfort food such as crab cakes and curried chicken with mango salad and has lovely views of the gardens and ponds.
#5. The Cliff Hotel
This stylish boutique hotel, nestled into the cliffs of the city’s West End, offers complete privacy in each of its 22 suites and four villas. The villas are grouped around the pool and feature high ceilings, canopy beds, dark mahogany furniture, and white, grey, and pistachio-hued furnishings. The spaces are cheerily decorated with island-themed art by Venezuelan artist Benjamin Garcia and colonial-style furniture. All have verandas and hammocks and provide direct ocean views. Zest, the Cliff’s on-site restaurant, is top-notch. A spa and an outdoor saltwater pool are also available.
When was the first hotel built in the Caribbean?
On the island of Nevis, the Bath Hotel and the Spring House were built out of stone beside the Bath Stream in 1778. It was the Caribbean’s first legitimate hotel to open.
When was the first hotel built in the Caribbean?
All-inclusive resorts frequently provide vacation packages that include lodging, meals, drinks, and other amenities. Instead of offering a predetermined package, a la carte resorts let you pick and select the extras you want.
What’s the difference between an all-inclusive and a resort?
“Inclusive” refers to something that is “open to everyone; not limited to certain people” or “including everything.” The fee of an all-inclusive resort or cruise covers your accommodations, food, drinks, and other amenities.
What is the difference between inclusive and all-inclusive?
Caribbean resorts that are all-inclusive offer benefits and drawbacks. Some folks adore them because they can be unwinding, stress-free, and economical. Others could find them to be congested, serve subpar cuisine, and prevent you from making cost-saving moves.
Conclusion
Travelers will be able to relax on Barbados’ white sand beaches and take a dip in Aruba’s clear waters thanks to the tropical, sunny atmosphere. Additionally, visitors can unwind on a private beach on the Grand Cayman or take in the natural beauty of Curacao.
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