Luxury Resorts in the Caribbean

Choose an all-inclusive, private island escape or seaside cottage; these resorts are sure to win you over

 

There are plenty of luxurious resorts in the Caribbean, and the choices keep growing. With updates, additions, and total renovations, these lux stops take all the glory. Grand Dames like Little Dix and Le Guanahani continue to charm in all their splendor, new builds push limits in design and offer over-the-top features at the private villas on Moskito Island, and eco-minded tourists will be captivated with the digs at Lovango.

Impeccable service, lavish accommodations, culinary choices with a bounty of fresh local ingredients, spas that will surely take the stress level down a few notches, and a playground full of active water toys make these resorts winners in the world of travel.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Laurance Rockefeller had a dream and a vision for this pristine area on Virgin Gorda back in 1964 when it first opened. He wanted to create a hideaway modeling a beach lifestyle just as he had crafted at Caneel Bay on St. John, which was a part of his environmentally driven hotel chain, RockResorts. Rosewood Little Dix Bay is as much today as it was back then, in a setting that emphasizes the surrounding natural environment, and his conservationist vision is still intact even after a major rebuild following the last hurricane damage of 2016. The multimillion-dollar new version may have brightened the interiors and reinforced the structure, but the philosophy is unchanged. The pavilion, the center of activity, still stands and has managed to remain intact for 57 years through the hurricanes. Guests now find the open-air spot serving shared plates with a sea vista. The bar offers 107 rums with weekly small-batch rum tastings and serves classic cocktails from the 1960s. Farm-to-table dining with produce from the onsite organic farm and other locally sourced ingredients blended into curries and seafood pots is found at Reef House.

Cottages and villas are set back from the sea with clear paths to the beach, where chaises await each guest. A total of 81 accommodations includes rooms, suites, and four house-like villas that feature a mid-century modern décor with plenty of natural stone and wood. Details of any kind are attended to by the personal butler, who every guest gets and who is more like a personal concierge to help with excursions and dinner plans. Active types find six tennis courts, two courts for pickleball, and a selection of non-motorized watersports ready on the beach. One of the highlights is the spa tucked unobtrusively in the hillside overlooking Sir Francis Drake Channel. Offerings include a blend of enduring healing traditions and contemporary techniques. With nature all around, it’s a place to unwind and disconnect from the outside world in understated lux.

The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef

St. Thomas, USVI

The long-awaited return of Frenchman’s Reef came to fruition after a 425 million investment inviting guests back in June 2023. Together with adjacent property Buoy Haus, the island of St. Thomas is finally back on track. This mainstay on St. Thomas first opened in 1973 as a Marriott. It remained open with a 2011 renovation until the two massive hurricanes came through in 2017, leaving the compound with massive water and wind damage, closing the property, and sending a staff of over 500 home to wait it out for a few years. After changing hands and management companies, the hotel reopened under the Westin brand with 392 island-inspired rooms, where ocean colors meet sand in a light palette. Most rooms come with ocean views as the resort is perched on a peninsular overlooking the sea and the harbor of Charlotte Amalie.

Today, The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef has returned to its former glory and is busting with activity as visitors flock in and locals find reason to celebrate and enjoy the assortment of bars and eateries where Sunday brunch remains as popular as it was 20 years ago. Sugarfin is where guests start the evening with cocktails overlooking the harbor; this Asian dining experience has a bar with an assortment of local rums. For Mediterranean coastal cuisine, Luna Mar offers an open-air setting. Pool bars and a barista service grab-and-go make it a breeze to get quick service. On the deck are three pools, one for adults only, with a swim-up bar and an infinity edge where guests prop up on their elbows to gaze out to sea. Here, you’ll find the Westin experience of well-being from sleep to play in the many amenities. A fleet of paddleboards, kayaks, Hobie Cats, and snorkel gear are easily accessible. More formalized excursions are booked on the resort’s vessels available for day charters, including the 125- person catamaran, the Flying Frenchman.

Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort

St. Thomas, USVI

Once known as the Morningstar Resort, this beachfront 94-room boutique property underwent serious renovations and additions after hurricanes Irma and Maria struck the northeastern Caribbean islands. As part of the massive rebuild with sister property The Westin, the refreshed look at Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort debuted in May 2023. Rooms are in the original structures of five two- and three-floor buildings; each room features a private outdoor terrace where you can enjoy morning coffee or evening cocktails with garden or ocean views and plenty of breezes. Interiors introduce an airy contemporary beach house feel with light woods, rattans, grasses, and fibers accented in coastal hues and reflections of the sand and sea.

The best part of the redo is the reception, lobby, and restaurant within the framework of Palm Court. This social space first greets guests in the reception area, where an artistic installation of buoys hangs on one wall. Guests can gather in several groupings, all with perfect sea views. The adjacent Sandbar offers food and drinks doused in flavors from Spain. Up the staircase, Isla Blue continues providing an ocean view with innovative Caribbean-inspired cuisine with a touch of Mexico. The Salt Shack sits along the sands for locally inspired meals, and exclusive to the property is the Tide Pool, which has cabanas and poolside service. Guests are invited to visit the Westin for more culinary choices, a fitness center and spa, and a range of non-motorized watersports. And, of course, here, the sands and sea of Morningstar Beach is the star, and a gorgeous crescent of golden sand and turquoise water is just steps away. Chaises for guests allow for ordering drinks and bites right from the beach.

The St. Regis Bermuda Resort

St. George’s, Bermuda

Enjoy another side of Bermuda on the soft sands of St. Catherine’s Beach in St. George’s, where nights are quiet and the days languid. Once the site of Club Med destroyed by a hurricane in 1987, the property stood abandoned for years until this new build of 120 elegant guestrooms, including 21 suites, opened in 2021. Spaces at The St. Regis Bermuda Resort feature custom furnishings with a touch of colonialism, melded with the contemporary, where stone walls accent and frame spaces, each with a private balcony with ocean views or stunning vistas to lush gardens. Followers of the beloved St. Regis brand will now have another destination to delight in the impeccable service that St. Regis is known for, including butler service, afternoon tea, and the evening ritual of sabering champagne. Guests can buy into the adjacent residential program where two- and three-bedroom residences enjoy the St. Regis lifestyle.

While most hotels on the island are scattered along the southern coast, this smaller property sits at the edge of the historic town of St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next to the property are the ruins of Fort St. Catherine, where tunnels, ramparts, and towers are worthy of a morning exploration. Walk the cobblestone streets of the town of St. George’s, visit St. Peter’s Church, and have a fish sandwich at Wahoo’s Bistro. Back at the resort, relaxation awaits at The St. Regis Spa, which offers a menu of personalized treatments using natural elements. Overlooking Bermuda’s famed azure waters, the resort’s pool deck features two swimming pools, luxury loungers, and private cabanas for those exclusive private moments. Golfers have access to an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. course right outside the entrance to the property. Dining at BLT Steakhouse, conversation in the sophisticated drawing room space, and cocktails at the iconic St. Regis Bar round out the day.

Sandals Royal Curacao

Curacao

This is the first Sandals on the island of Curacao, and it extends all the luxury and exclusiveness of a private resort set on a 3,000-acre Santa Barbara Estate. The enclave of Sandals Royal Curacao sits behind gated privacy, allowing guests to explore the 44 acres that Sandals occupies without a care in the world, either on foot or bike, one of the many offerings included at the property. Here, you’ll find three levels of room categories: Butler Elite, Club Sandals, and Sandals Luxury. The lowest category is Sandals Luxury, the entry-level rooms; the mid-range is Club Sandals, which includes room service; and the top rung is Butler Elite Suites, which comes with personalized butler service. You’ll want to book in the new signature suite category called Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows, where each bungalow comes with a private infinity edge pool and sits directly on the coast overlooking the sparkling blue sea. Of course, these bungalows include butler service, soaking tubs, 24/7 in-room dining, a premium in-room bar, private decks with loungers, and sporty complimentary Mini Coopers for a short tour of the island. (the Mini Copper is yours for four hours).

Dining options are over the top at this resort, with eight onsite restaurants, including Zuka for Latin Fusion, Gatsu Gatsu, the Asian sushi stop, and Aolos, which serves Mediterranean cuisine in a setting overlooking the golf course. There are three pop-up food trucks with colorful and tasty options, and the property boasts 13 bars, so there is always a drink in hand and a snack on your plate. New for Sandals is the off-site dining program with options to visit eight island restaurants, allowing guests to experience more of the island culture. There are three pools, one infinity-edged overlooking the sea, beach chairs, and umbrellas (you’ll want to get one early in the day), tennis, pickleball, Hobie Cats, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and even scuba diving. In addition to all these amenities, guests receive complimentary transfers to and from the airport, regardless of room category.

Lovango Resort + Beach Club

St. John, USVI

Making a splash in the world of luxury travel, this private island nestled between St. Thomas and St. John also appeals to the eco-minded. Reachable by boat, the resort ferry shuttles in guests from Red Hook on St. Thomas and Cruz Bay on St. John in just 10 minutes to Lovango Resort + Beach Club. This family-owned endeavor is the first new build in the US Virgin Islands in over 30 years and brings a fresh approach to island getaways where nature takes the lead. Maintaining much of the natural island topography and eco-systems, visitors find a deserted island castaway feeling but with full-service high-end resort details. Groups and extended families can book the Villa Lovango, a 5,400 square-foot private abode with a pool, patio, fire pit, and state-of-the-art kitchen ready to host a family of six adults and three kids. More stand-alone villas are on the books, and today, there are a handful of one-and two- bedroom cottages that offer both indoor and outdoor showers, are done in warm earth colored décor with plenty of wood, wicker, rattan, and woven fibers, and all with ocean views.

First opening as a beach club, with limited memberships, for day trippers and boaters to explore the hiking trails and snorkeling and savor the waterfront restaurants for lunch or dinner. The property later unveiled 11 luxury glamping tents and five treehouses with outdoor showers and panoramic vistas of the sea where St. John and St. Thomas are on the horizon. Cabins are tucked in the hillside and designed to blend into the landscape. These range from 800 to 1,00 square feet of indoor and outdoor space where luxurious fixtures and bedding work in tandem with nature. Mosquito netting drapes over large, comfy canopy beds with the option of air- conditioning when needed while living spaces are open to the ocean breezes. A stay includes a continental breakfast and access to the many activities like the Beach Club, where the infinity pool, beach chairs, and large umbrellas offer a reprieve from the sun, ferry trips to Honeymoon Beach on St. John, snorkeling, hiking, and an outdoor rustic gym. There are charters to visit the British Virgin Islands and a selection of options, such as visiting the National Park on St. John or shopping in Charlotte Amalie.

Moskito Island

British Virgin Islands

Richard Branson’s second private island getaway sits two miles across the water from sister Necker, both off the coast of Virgin Gorda. Moskito is all about privately owned villas, some with up to eleven bedrooms, ensuite baths, and every conceivable space a group might want. Each estate villa at The Branson Beach Estate is one of a kind, showcasing individual flair in architecture and interior design. While the island will have a total of nine privately owned palatial enclaves, four are rented out when not in use by their owners. This is your opportunity to live a billionaire’s life with family and friends for a week. You’ll have undivided personal attention from a staff dedicated to your villa only, a private chef will create personalized menus and cocktails, and champagne will fill every glass. Choose from The Village Estate, perched on a cliff facing west, a collection of buildings housing suites with a common great room, DJ booth, fire pit, and a two-tiered infinity pool with slide and grotto whirlpool. The Oasis was constructed to resemble a superyacht. The Point, with direct access to Manchioneel Beach, sleeps up to 16 adults and eight children, and Cape Stout is full of action with a half basketball court, gym, and outdoor theater.

You can stay in your villa with your group and finish out your stay without seeing an outsider. Or venture out and enjoy some of the amenities the island has to offer. The Beach House is a gathering spot with a pool, bar, private dining space, two tennis courts, access to hiking trails, and a fully equipped gym. Water sports include a multitude of equipment offering all guests kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, Hobie Cat, Flight Boards, Seabobs, and other non- motorized water equipment. If you choose, the staff will assist in excursions to nearby islands. Rates include everything–all food and beverages as well as airport transfers. Exclusivity, anonymity, solitude, discretion, indulgence, and privacy are included in the nightly rate.

Rosewood Le Guanahani

 St. Bart

Set on a beachfront peninsula and within the protected reserves of Grand Cul-de-Sac, this beloved property came back on the scene in late 2021 after a four-year renovation. Branded as a Rosewood this time around, the resort holds onto its unique spirit, drawing in a sense of place and a Rosewood philosophy. Rosewood Le Guanahani ties the property to the local culture; “guanahani” translates to welcome in the native Arawak language. French-Caribbean-style cottages have maintained their charm from the original opening 1986 with Caribbean fretwork and gingerbread painted in pastel yellow, turquoise, and lavender. Each of the 66 suites and cottages has a front porch or terrace, some of the suites have private pools, and interiors are open and airy with whitewashed board and batten ceilings, ceiling fans, poster beds, and touches of France and the Caribbean in décor and art.

Wake to the sound of waves lapping the crescent of sand outside your suite. The two beaches are not far away. Marechal Beach is a natural beach with views and the soft sound of waves, ideal for a quiet beach setting. Grand Cul-de-Sac is the place for an active day. Non-motorized watersports are on hand, including paddle boards, kayaks, floats, and snorkeling gear. Active pursuits include hiking the picturesque paths winding throughout the peninsula or venturing off-property to explore the 15 paths on the tiny island that unveil the island’s rare plants and wildlife. Tennis buffs are in luck with a synthetic grass court ready for the day or night volleys, and gym buffs can maintain their routine. There are two pools, each offering a unique atmosphere. The families gravitate toward the Beach House Pool with views of Anse de Grand Cul-de-Sac lagoon. For a serene escape, Sense’s adults-only pool is where you are guaranteed some quiet time.

The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

The 12-mile stretch of white sands of Grace Bay welcomed the first branded resort to the island in 2021. New for the island of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos is the Ritz-Carlton, a high rise of 12 floors, which is well above the norm for this stretch of the beach. Embracing the island’s beauty, the hotel maintains an indoor-outdoor theme in the many social gathering spots and the hotel lobby, which looks right out to the glistening sand and the shimmering turquoise sea. You’ll find direct access to the two pools from the walkway, one for families and the adults-only pool, where day beds appear to float on the water. Every guest room at the Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos continues with the same visual promise, offering balconies with glass railings to bring in vistas of sea and sand. Choose a room in the Club Level with an exclusive lounge and personalized concierge service, or better yet, move into one of the residences or penthouses offering stunning views from large terraces and all you might need for a home away from home.

If you choose some time indoors, the Ritz spa is the place to be for renewal and relaxation. Stone and salt therapies are on the menu, and the soothing warmth of the Jacuzzi and sauna continue the tranquility. If action is on your agenda, the casino is open for blackjack, craps, roulette, and slot machines with live music Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Four dining options include BLT Steak, Mediterranean at Coralli, Italian at Casa Nonna, and sushi at Noori in the Lobby Lounge, where Caribbean cocktails entice an inquisitive tastebud. Back on the beach, the resort is set up with non-motorized watersports, including kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear. Explore the town with one of the resort bikes, spend the day in the gym, or explore the island and the surrounding cays. Or just sit back and enjoy the view from one of the beach Biminis with a bottle of Prosecco and a platter of fruit.