While the travel landscape might have been turned upside down in the past couple of years, the hotel industry in the Caribbean has been resilient, to say the least. The tourism sector of these nations has been maintaining a pace as if the world had not been interrupted. These recent additions to the Caribbean inventory showcase sustainable practices while offering plenty of style and luxuries.
Caerula Mar Club, South Andros Island, Bahamas
On an island where very little has changed the opening of Caerula Mar was a big deal on the island and in the HGTV world. The largest island of the Bahamas, Andros has always been a low-key off-the-radar place – a quiet retreat for visitors who come to fish, bird watch, and dive blue holes. The island is pretty much left in its natural state and that was a consideration when Brian and Sarah Baeumler purchased the abandoned property in 2017 to renovate into an ultra-luxe boutique property, the star of the HGTV show, Renovation Island. Incorporating ethical and sustainable practices this low-density resort sits on 10 acres with a gorgeous beachfront where all of the cottages are just steps from the sea. With just five private villas and 18 suites, guests find themselves immersed in nature, and the sea, and pretty much secluded from the outside world. It’s barefoot luxury at its best. When it comes to amenities, there are three restaurants to choose from, a spa, a fitness center, and a selection of on-the-water activities and bikes for exploring the backroads of this pristine island. To find out more: https://www.caerulamar.com/
Caerula Mar in The Bahamas features sustainable and natural materials in the suites mirroring the outdoor living spaces. Photo: Caerula Mar
Hammock Cove Resort & Spa, Antigua
Set near the dramatic limestone formations of Devil’s Bridge, Hammock Cove overlooks a tranquil and protected area of the bay on the northeastern edge of Antigua. Each of the 42 villas is single-story, king-bedded and comes with large outdoor living spaces that include plunge pools, sun loungers, and a cocktail area with a fully stocked wine cooler and of course, a view. This new luxurious boutique ticks all the boxes and more. In addition to indoor and outdoor spaces, this adults-only 5-star resort comes with an all-inclusive plan better known as uninterrupted luxury. Taking the concept to a level above with Micheline-star dining from breakfast to dinner including traditional English afternoon tea with an Antiguan twist, personalized service as each villa has its guest ambassador, yoga and fitness classes, paddle boarding, or snorkeling. If downtime is on the agenda drift off on the floating relaxation mats. A big hit with couples, this star opened at the end of 2019 and is a member of the Elite Islands Resorts group which includes four other resorts in Antigua. For more info: https://www.hammockcoveantigua.com/
Each villa at Hammock Cove has uninterrupted views of the turquoise water. Here guests enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and paddle boarding in the calm bay. Photo: Hammock Cove
Rock House, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
Capturing inspiration from Capri and Nice where villas are set within seaside cliffs, Rock House takes guests on a journey to the Mediterranean. With conscious efforts to preserve the existing natural landscape along the rugged limestone coast north of Grace Bay, the 46 oceanfront villas with an aura of the Amalfi Coast have come to the Caribbean. Constructed by local artisans, limestone feature walls wrap around the one and two-bedroom standalone villas that feature outdoor terraces, shower garden bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows to seamlessly blend indoors and outdoors, where the turquoise sea is a constant vista. A handful of villas overlook the 100-foot infinity pool which is surrounded by day beds and umbrellas, beyond is a white sand beach and a jetty that reaches out 130 feet into the Atlantic. Oceanfront dining showcasing Adriatic cuisine and two bar options fuel guests for kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. For more information: https://rockhouse.gracebayresorts.com/
Rock House, a member of Grace Bay Resorts is the first cliffside residential resort to open along the north shore of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos. Photo: Rock House
Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski, Dominica
Surrounded by Cabrits National Park, a 1,313-acre region set up to protect tropical forests, reefs, and wetlands on the north end of a peninsula near Portsmouth, this property made its debut in the Fall of 2019. It’s the first new build from the iconic European hotelier to come to the Americas. And it’s the first grand property, with 151 guestrooms, in Dominica, an island that has remained sheltered from mass tourism. The five-star hotel brings all the amenities one might expect. Luxuriously appointed rooms with mountain and ocean views done in coastal colors with wood accents merge indoor and outdoor ambiance. The juxtaposition of nature and luxury is the intended experience. Guests might hike in the forest all day and return to a freestanding soaking tub filled with aromatic bubbles. An 18,000 -square-foot spa continues the connection to nature with treatments inspired by local culture and the surroundings offered in treehouse cabanas. Dining concepts bring in local fare with Creole dishes as well as farm-to- table and sea-to-table offerings. A small black sand beach dotted with six cabanas, four pools, a fitness center, and water sports keep families entertained. For more details: https://www.kempinski.com/en/cabrits-resort-kempinski- dominica
Luxury meets nature in Dominica, where Cabrits Resort & Spa was constructed to harmonize with the natural setting of mountains and ocean at Douglas Bay. Photo: Cabrits Resort
Saba Rock, British Virgin Islands
The rebirth of this tiny island resort in the North Sound of the British Virgin Islands took place in October 2021. Hit hard by Hurricane Irma in 2017, it took five years to rebuild, but this rendition is tougher and stronger and built to withstand any future storm. The island has been a haunt for sailors and divers since its heyday in the 1960s when diving pioneer Bert Kilbride set up his diving base on the island. Today, a miniature museum takes visitors on a journey to the past showcasing maritime treasures found through the islands. You’ll find sailors and water sports enthusiasts with beer or cocktails in hand at the rooftop sunset bar and dining in the open-air restaurant. Stayover guests might feel like they are sleeping on a boat in the middle of the sea and the experience is not far from that, guest rooms are on the second level outfitted with large picture windows with direct views of the blue water. The decor is one-of-a-kind vintage and contemporary nautical with wooden oars and kiteboards lining the walls. The resort offers just nine rooms in total, seven guest rooms, and two suites, so the place never carries much of a crowd after happy hour and diners head back to their yachts. This is where you can escape the day-to-day stresses and watch the sailboats go by from the deck. Book your room at: https://sabarock.com/
The newly renovated private island resort of Saba Rock is a must-stop for yachties plying the waters of the BVI’s. Photo: Saba Rock
Coulibri Ridge, Dominica
The newest and latest in eco-luxury resorts to come to the nature isle. Years in the making, and every detail was researched to minimize the impact on the environment from the power technologies down to the linens you will sleep on. Here, the mantra of sustainable luxury includes conscious choices that preserve the environment. The concept is to enjoy life’s luxuries without depleting resources. Set within 200 acres of secluded wilderness with views of mountains and the sea where Martinique lingers on the horizon, the small enclave offers just 14 suites. Imagined and realized to be off-grid with solar panels, wind turbines, and the collection of rainwater to fuel the small resort that opened in October 2022. Even the interiors bow to sustainability drawing on recycled teakwood and aluminum while the exterior incorporates hand-chiseled stone sourced from the property and constructed by local community members who remain in various capacities at the resort. Guests enjoy two dining options, two pools, a spa, a yoga pavilion, and, a gym along with an island packed full of natural scenery waiting for discovery. To book a room contact: https://www.coulibriridge.com/
Structures that harmonize with the national beauty of the landscape were a consideration in the creation of Coulibri Ridge, a fully sustainable resort on Dominica. Photo: Coulibri Ridge
Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort, St. Eustatius
This quaint off-the-beaten-path island hasn’t seen a new resort in years. Statia is one of a few hidden gems in the Caribbean that maintains an authentic Caribbean lifestyle and a pristine natural landscape. However, it’s been no secret to divers who have been coming for years to explore the diverse underwater habitat. Today, comfort and luxury have landed topside with the opening of Golden Rock, Statia’s ecologically sustainable resort which is powered by solar panels and receives drinking water from the sea via reverse osmosis. Sitting between the Quill, the island’s dormant volcano, and the sea, the eco-resort includes 32 deluxe rooms and suites that are carefully melded into 40 acres of natural terrain dotted with flowering gardens and an organic vegetable patch. Guests have tennis courts, a small spa, a large saltwater pool, a fitness center, and Breeze, the restaurant offering local delicacies with an ocean view. Look for the opening of the pool bar and pool cabanas next year. To book a room: https://www.goldenrockresort.com/
Villas at Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort have views of The Quill and the sea on this hidden Caribbean Island of St. Eustatius. Photo: Golden Rock
The Morgan Resort & Spa, St. Maarten
New on the scene in Dutch St. Maarten, The Morgan opened its doors in June of 2021. This new luxury boutique has brought a jolt of fresh energy to the island’s hospitality scene. The feel is a bit elegant, trendy and chic. Rooms are dressed in sleek and contemporary furnishings with walls of windows and private balconies or terraces. Guests gravitate to the beach-style infinity pool featuring an underwater music system and a swim-up bar with a blackjack table. Chaises and umbrellas line the walk-in pool edge and for added privacy cabanas with billowing drapes are set in the background, all within sight of the sea. The highlight is the rooftop observation deck where observers will have a 360-degree view of jets landing at Princess Juliana Airport, a favorite pastime for visitors of Maho Beach, which is just steps from the resort. For more information and to make reservations, visit: https://www.themorganresort.com/ or call 1-833-9-MORGAN.
Dutch St. Maarten’s modern and stylish newcomer, The Morgan Resort & Spa, features 124 rooms and suites and overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Photo: The Morgan
O2 Beach Club & Spa, Barbados
The south coast of Barbados received a breath of fresh air with the opening of O2 Beach Club in November of 2021. The new five-star all-inclusive luxury boutique is the transformation of the former Ocean Two Resort with an additional 42 ocean view and oceanfront rooms. Contemporary, colorful, and cheerful in design bringing in elements that encompass island living with palm fronds and coral motifs in artwork, fabrics, and floor coverings. The ambiance is upbeat while remaining chill just like you’d expect from a beach club. Amenities include non- motorized sports and a full activity plan from aqua aerobics to beach volleyball is on the slate. Experience ambassadors set up how-to classes allowing you to go home with a new skill; you might learn how to make fish cakes, play the steel pans or blow a conch shell. Dining includes several options from toes-in-the-sand to fine dining with 360-degree views of the south coast. Sunset champagne and canapes are part of the elegant mix on the sky terrace. Three collections of suites allow guests to select the level of accommodations from adults–only to spacious one or two-bedroom suites. For more information: https://www.o2beachclubbarbados.com/
Fresh and vibrant guest rooms bring in tropical colors and views of the pool and beach at O2 beach Club in St. Lawrence Gap in Barbados. Photo: O2 Beach Club
