The
Caribbean has long been a popular warm-weather destination. And as each year
goes by, another island becomes “discovered” by tourists, meaning the quick
appearance of megaresorts, chain restaurants, souvenir shops, and crowds. But
there are a handful of spots that are still secrets. Some are tiny boutique
properties that are easily overlooked, while others are luxurious resorts that
are hidden among rainforests and cliffs. But whatever the case may be, these
eight hidden gems should not be missed. So visit them now before the secret’s
out.
Mount
Cinnamon Grenada
Mount
Cinnamon is an upscale boutique hotel tucked away on a hillside in Grenada,
one of the Caribbean’s most underrated islands. Overlooking Grand Anse beach,
its spacious villas and suites feature colorful, contemporary decor. The
resort's excellent beach cabana area is its stand-out feature, providing a
relaxed oasis with comfortable loungers and daybeds, a bar and cafe, and games
in a lovely garden.
Bellavista
Bed & Breakfast, St. Thomas
With
only four rooms, Bellavista
Bed & Breakfast is a relaxing and upscale hilltop retreat with
personalized service from the owners, who live right next door. Though St. Thomas is
certainly a popular getaway, this property provides a charming and quaint oasis
with gorgeous harbor views. The island-style decor is whimsical and fun, yet
tasteful, and quirky touches such as a cactus garden give the property
character and personality. Breakfast is one of the best parts of the stay --
it’s two courses and feels decadent but still healthy.
Pink Sands,
Bahamas
With
25 freestanding cottages along a 20-acre bird sanctuary, this hilly resort is
one of just a handful of hotels on Harbour Island. Understated sophistication
is the vibe here; the grounds are peaceful (except for the roaming roosters),
and most guests seem happy to spend their days simply soaking up the sun at
Pink Sands Beach -- a beautiful and unspoiled three-mile stretch of sand from
which the resort takes its name. There's great dining on-site, but guests can
take a golf cart to other parts of this charming island for more restaurant choices.
Villa
Tropical Oceanfront Apartments on Shacks Beach, Puerto Rico
These
29 studio, one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments along a secluded local's
beach are owned and/or managed by a charismatic Canadian couple. Units are
located in the main Villa Tropical building, neighboring buildings along the
beach (higher floors have a better views), or across the street. The
first-floor office is the hub for morning coffee and water sports equipment
rentals (such as surf boards and stand-up paddleboards); maps of the best
snorkel spots and underground caves are available here, too, and staff can give
recommendations of wonderful restaurants nearby.
Westender
Inn, Jamaica
Tucked
far back in Negril's West End, the Westender Inn
is a secluded cliffside boutique with a mix of 24 oceanside rooms and suites,
spacious garden villas, and log cabin suites. This mid-range, spilt-road
property offers a tasty restaurant, two bars, two pools, a small sandy beach
(hard find in the West End), and well-cared for garden grounds. Because of its
remote location, it's most ideal for couples or large groups seeking a relaxing
and private Jamaican holiday.
Nonsuch Bay
Resort, Antigua
Nonsuch Bay
is an upscale resort on a secluded corner of the tranquil island of Antigua.
It features 62 contemporary apartment-style rooms with full kitchens, and there
are three pools, a pleasant beach, and a sailing club. Though the one
restaurant is excellent, dining options are very limited due to the resort's
remote location. With fewer activity options than at some bigger family
resorts, peace and relaxation are the order of the day at Nonsuch.
Hotel La
Banane, St. Barts
This
retro-chic boutique hotel, located just a skip away from Lorient Bay, is a
Parisian-like escape on St. Barts,
with rooms inspired
by 1950s Paris -- white and pastel blues and tile, open bathrooms,
art books, wall murals, and vintage minimalist furnishings. The nine
freestanding bungalows all have indoor/outdoor showers and private terraces,
and two small pools are
surrounded by palm trees and white lounge chairs. This place is tres chic --
not to mention sexy. It's a good choice for couples looking for a quiet getaway
with ambiance.
The Atlantis
Hotel, Barbados
If the name “Atlantis” conjures up images of the mega-The Atlantis Hotel in Barbados -- a historic property from the 1800s with only eight rooms -- is the polar opposite. The boutique hotel re-opened in 2009 and offers freshly decorated nautical-themed rooms with canopy beds, stylish furnishings, and modern amenities. Located on the remote and rocky east coast, the beach is more suitable for surfing than swimming, and a car is recommended to get around the island.
resort in the Bahamas, then
think again.
If the name “Atlantis” conjures up images of the mega-The Atlantis Hotel in Barbados -- a historic property from the 1800s with only eight rooms -- is the polar opposite. The boutique hotel re-opened in 2009 and offers freshly decorated nautical-themed rooms with canopy beds, stylish furnishings, and modern amenities. Located on the remote and rocky east coast, the beach is more suitable for surfing than swimming, and a car is recommended to get around the island.
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