Private, luxury resort vacations aren’t just for honeymooners and celebrities anymore. This review outlines ten small resorts in the Caribbean that are worth the price.
There was a time when the posh resorts of the Caribbean were off-limits to anyone but the rich and famous. That was, of course, until the resort owners realized that money looked the same no matter whose wallet it came from. Sure, the price tags are high, but they’re worth it for the discreet butler service, daily spa treatments, and luxurious goose-down beds.
Why Spend More?
Exclusive, luxury resorts offer privacy and service. So, if you’re the kind of traveler who likes the little extra touches, these intimate, exclusive resorts might be what you’re looking for. You won’t find energetic entertainment directors encouraging you to play volleyball. You won’t eat in any buffet-style restaurants, open from 5pm to 8pm. You won’t find extravagant shows. And you won’t be able to get your hair braided on the beach.
Instead, you will be indulged, catered to, and pampered. Most of the ten resorts reviewed here offer such amenities as private airport transfers, 24-hour service, late check-out, non-stop room service, and daily gifts in your room. Additionally, most rooms have private plunge pools and some of the ten resorts included here have their own private beaches on their own private islands.
The gourmet cuisine at each resort is fresh and imaginative. While all of the resorts only have one or two restaurants, they are all run by leading chefs who concentrate on quality not quantity. Additionally, any special dietary requests are accommodated.
Ten Top Caribbean Resorts
Relaxation and rejuvenation are the main attractions of these unspoiled paradises. Plush accommodations, sapphire waters, and secluded sugar-sand beaches take the place of crowded pools and standard hotel rooms.
These ten top-of-the-line resorts are situated in the most exotic of locations including, Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, St. Bart’s, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Tobago, and Turks and Caicos. All are leading hotels, although some offer barefoot luxury, some are naturalist’s paradises, while others adhere to traditional formal standards.
Top Spots In Anguilla
Cap Juluca
108 rooms, suites, and villas
2 restaurants
Supervised children’s program available
Cap Juluca prides itself on its privacy and attentive service. Have your continental breakfast served daily on your own private terrace overlooking the ocean in your Moorish designed villa. Enjoy their holistic spa in the afternoon and award-winning cuisine all day. This resort consistently wins several prestige awards yearly.
CuisinArt Resort and Spa
93 rooms and suites
2 restaurants
Planned children’s activities and babysitters available
CuisinArt Resort and Spa is a Greek-styled resort is known for its excellent cuisine. The vegetables are fresh from their hydroponic farm and cooking classes are available with their renowned chefs. Massages, anti-aging treatments, and various mineral treatments are available at their full-service spa and salon.
Top Spot Off the Coast of Antigua
Jumby Bay
40 suites and 11 villas
2 restaurants
Children allowed (babysitting and nanny services available)
Jumby Bay is situated on its own private 300-acre island off the coast of Antigua. The beaches are white and pristine and the service is unsurpassed. Naturalists and celebrities are fans of this resort for its seclusion and privacy policy.
Top Spot In Barbados
The Crane
80 suites
2 restaurants
Children allowed
This newly renovated colonial-style resort features rooms with private plunge pools and ocean views. The Crane’s deluxe suites have private infinity edge pools overlooking their pink-sand beach. The 1887 Resort Apartments have hardwood floors, 12' ceilings, and wrap-around balconies.
Top Spot in Barbuda
The Beach House
21 junior suites
1 restaurant
No children allowed as of January 2006 (except for weddings where whole resort is booked)
Full-service doesn’t get any more attentive than at The Beach House, a resort is so beautiful, it will take your breath away. You can eat wherever and whenever you want. You sleep in a goose-down bed. And you are catered to all day everyday. Plus, aside from the typical island activities, The Beach House has horseback riding and nature tours.
Top Spot In the British Virgin Islands
Peter Island Resort
52 rooms and suites; 4 luxury villas
2 restaurants
Children allowed (with age and season restrictions)
Peter Island Resort, situated on its own private island, has a luxury spa and five private beaches. With only 56 rooms, this resort has more staff than guests. Their spa is built directly on the beach and is the picture of relaxation and tranquility.
Top Spot In St. Bart’s
Carl Gustaf Hotel
14 suites
1 restaurant
Children allowed
Carl Gustaf Hotel is an intimate resort situated on a hill overlooking the Gustavia harbor. Rooms have private plunge pools and incredible views of the island. Although it is located 2 miles from the beach, it is preferred by those who value personal attention, luxury, and elegance.
Top Spot in St. Vincent and The Grenadines
Palm Island
40 rooms
2 restaurants
Children allowed (with age and season restrictions, babysitting available)
Intimate, romantic, and serene, Palm Island offers 135 acres of privacy. Its freeform pool and waterfall are rivaled only by its award-winning cuisine. Highlights include afternoon tea and the Friday nigh BBQ.
Top Spot In Tobago
Blue Haven Hotel
51 rooms and suites
1 restaurant
Children allowed (playground available)
Blue Haven Hotel is a sophisticated boutique hotel that will make you feel like a 1940s-style Hollywood star. All of the rooms have stunning ocean views. Special arrangements can be made for outstanding rainforest hikes and bird watching tours.
Top Spot In Turks and Caicos
The Meridian Club at Pine Cay
12 rooms and cottages
1 restaurant
Children over 12 allowed (younger children considered on seasonal basis)
The Meridian Club at Pine Cay is a nature-lovers paradise. The food is delicious. The beach is pristine. And the resident dolphin will swim right up to you to say hello. Pine Cay is your own private island where you can relax or go, go, go. Activities abound at the Meridian Club, but of special note is the Glow-Worms Cruise. It costs extra, but it’s worth it to see the underwater lights caused by the glow-worm.