Island Hopping in the Caribbean
Central America’s diverse region is home to a mosaic of 7,000 islands that are fringed by sublime tropical beaches and verdant forests.
The Caribbean is a paradise-hunter’s dream. Staggering natural beauty surrounds this region, where turquoise waters, flourishing landscapes and an explosion of colour merge together with the lively yet laid-back atmosphere.
Best time to visit?
December to April, when it's slightly cooler, drier and less humid (particularly on the northern islands).
Where to Stay
So which island do you pick? Outdoor-adventure enthusiasts make a beeline for unspoilt islands such as Grenada, St Lucia and the British Virgin Islands. Anguilla and St. Barth’s — home to LVMH’s bijou Cheval Blanc, the boutique Le Sereno and the newly-launched Rosewood Le Guanahani — beckon a glamorous crowd, whilst over on St. Kitt’s, the Caribbean's first Park Hyatt property sits on the shores of the idyllic Banana Bay overlooking The Narrows, a strait separating St. Kitts and the volcanic island of Nevis. Hip urbanites searching for an alternative to the crowded beaches in Miami this winter will be pleased to hear about the boutique Palm Heights on Grand Cayman, an all-suite hotel that oozes style and mid-century flourishes. Read on for more.
GRAND CAYMAN
PALM HEIGHTS
Launched at the tail end of 2019, Palm Heights lies on the highly coveted ‘Seven Mile Beach’ on Grand Cayman and celebrates regional culture, cuisine, wellness and design. Enriched by a philosophy to mentally and physically recharge, the hotel’s 52 oceanfront suites are designed with balconies, separate living and sleeping areas and come with heaps of in-room amenities that include double vanities, a fully stocked retox/detox bar and branded merchandise, just to name a few. There are, of course, off-site recreation activities to enjoy on the island and the hotel’s in-house events insures guests are entertained, but we recommend opting for a do-nothing policy; taking-in the beach view, with its rows of canary-yellow umbrellas that counterpose the sea’s endless blue horizon.
Address
West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach
Instagram
@palmheightsgc
ANGUILLA
FOUR SEASONS RESORT ANGUILLA
Located between Meads and Barnes Bay, the Four Seasons Resort Anguilla occupies two long stretches of private beach on a 35 acre site. A choice of accommodation range from villas to residencies with the Deluxe Oceanview One-Bedroom Suite topping our list of favourites, with its open-plan living area, balcony and private plunge pool. The resort hosts four restaurants, live music and a spa with treatments incorporating homegrown ingredients such as Anguillan salt.
Address
Barnes Bay, West End
Instagram
@fsanguilla
ANGUILLA
MALLIOUHANA
The northernmost island in the British West Indies, Anguilla is a tiny and exceptionally fashionable Caribbean hotspot and one of the few places in the world where time feels in good supply. This glorious island, which is fringed with white-sand beaches, is home to four exceptional hotels; Zemi Beach House, Belmond Cap Juluca the Four Seasons Anguilla (above) and the stylish icon Malliouhana, which offers modern-day island glamour with its ocean views, spacious beachfront accommodations and cascading infinity pool.
Address
Meads Bay, Anguilla
Instagram
@malliouhana
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
ROSEWOOD LITTLE DIX BAY
Rosewood Little Dix Bay is a Caribbean resort whose foregoing history and luxurious reputation makes it the perfect tropical playground. Following an extensive rebuild, the hotel is staying true to its barefoot luxury roots. A newfound focus on sustainability means produce arrives straight from the resort’s 500 acre eco farm to fork, whilst local fishermen deliver fresh seafood in a bid to help maximise conscious and ethical trading. Interiors are awash by natural materials like wood and stone, mixed in with nautical and mid-century modern accents that lend a nod to the golden era of travel. Opt for a Grand One-Bedroom Pool Suite — these airy abodes feature plunge pools with scenic views over the bay, outdoor showers and there’s even butler service.
Address
Lee Road, Valley, Spanish Town
Instagram
@rosewoodlittledixbay
BARBADOS
COBBLER’S COVE HOTEL
Located on the island's sunset-facing west coast, Cobbler’s Cove Hotel is a 1940s mansion that oozes colonial charm. Finding inspiration from the island’s lush flora and the architecture of nearby plantation houses, the property's 40, pastel-hued suites feature verandas and boast sublime ocean views.
Address
Road View, Speightstown
Instagram
@cobblerscovehotel
ST. LUCIA
RABOT HOTEL
Built on the former site of St. Lucia's oldest cocoa plantation, Rabot Hotel from Hotel Chocolat is a spellbinding getaway comprising of 14 private eco-lodges and an open-air restaurant, bar and spa. Set in the lush nature of a UNESCO World Heritage site overlooking the island’s verdant scenery, the hotel reconnects guests with nature. Take in views of the nearby Petit Piton from the hotel's black-quartz infinity pool before indulging in a Cocoa Juvenate spa treatment.
Address
Hotel Chocolat Estates, Soufriere
Instagram
@hotelchocolatsitlucia
JAMAICA
ROCKHOUSE HOTEL
Perched on the scenic cliffs of Negril's Pristine Cove, Rockhouse Hotel is a laid-back haven on the westernmost tip of Jamaica; set on eight acres of lush, tropical gardens. 34 unique rooms and villas — we recommend a sunset-facing Premium Villa — make use of local materials whilst the hotel's amenities include a cliff-top infinity pool and yoga pavilion.
Address
W End Rd, Negril
Instagram
@rockhousehotel
ST. BARTHS
LE SERENO
St. Barths could just be the perfect island getaway. Blessed with a year-round mild climate, warm waters and peppered with exceptional properties, this tropical paradise ticks all the right boxes. Relaunched in 2019, Le Sereno, is an intimate beachfront property that has long beckoned travellers for its contemporary design and understated luxury service. Occupying pristine grounds on Grand Cul De Sac, the hotel’s highlights include 39 revamped guest-rooms, a spa and two oceanfront restaurants reborn with an open-air concept.
Address
Grand Cul de Sac BP 19
Instagram
@lesereno
ST. BARTHS
HÔTEL BARRIÈRE LE CARL GUSTAF
Situated on a gentle slope nestled between the island’s verdant greenery, Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf features 21 rooms, suites and bungalows that blanket a hillside. Few properties in this tropical paradise can boast intimacy and seclusion with a birds-eye view over Gustavia — St. Barths’ glittering epicentre and a refuge of boutique and high-end retailers, fine restaurants and nightlife. Gilles & Boissier — the lifestyle design firm behind the interiors at Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid — injected green spaces filled with palm trees and other tropical flora to make each living space feel ultra-private.
Address
Rue des Normands Gustavia
Instagram
@hotelbarrierelecarlgustaf
ST. BARTHS
CHEVAL BLANC ST. BARTHS
Cheval Blanc invites discerning guests to to the world’s most sought-after destinations. The group’s fourth property is set directly on Flamands Beach, with 61 exquisite rooms, suites and villas. The hotel’s alchemists indulge the young and young-at-heart with tailor-made experiences — from well-being immersions to adventures at sea — Cheval Blanc St. Barths is a lesson in the art of la joie de vivre.
Address
Baie des Flamands, Saint-Barthélemy
Instagram
@chevalblancstbarth
ST. KITTS & NEVIS
PARK HYATT ST. KITTS
Park Hyatt St. Kitts offers a world-class hotel experience in an intimate resort environment. The Caribbean's first Park Hyatt property sits on the shores of the idyllic Banana Bay overlooking The Narrows, a strait separating St. Kitts and the volcanic island of Nevis. 78 rooms and 48 suites pair colonial accents with modern comforts and the latest in sustainable living. We love the resort's private, ocean-view balconies and terraces, rain-showers and deep-soaking tubs.
Address
Banana Bay, South East Peninsula,
Parish of St. George
Instagram
@parkhyattstskitts
TURKS & CAICOS
AMANYARA
Located south of the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos is an archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands home to the sublime Amanyara. Set on the shores of an 18,000 acre nature reserve on the north-west tip of Providenciales, this secluded beachside getaway is perfectly located between land and sea; with 36 pavilions, 20 villas an on-site spa and nature discovery centre — acclaimed for some of the world’s best wall and reef diving. Designed to maximise the surrounding landscape, the resort’s accommodations are tucked along the coast or sit overlooking tranquil ponds amidst verdant greenery.
Address
Northwest Point, Turks & Caicos
Instagram
@amanyara_resort
GRENADA
SILVERSANDS
Known as the Caribbean's spice island Grenada's unique landscape is camouflaged by sprawling greenery with wild and indigenous flora. Occupying a prime spot on Grand Anse Beach, Silversands is a sleek resort that blends seamlessly into this nature-blessed island, with 43 guest-rooms and suites that feature paired-back décor and the warmth of Grenadian hospitality.
Address
Grand Anse Main Rd, St George's
Instagram
@silversandsgrenada
BAHAMAS
CAERULA MAR CLUB, SOUTH ANDROS ISLAND
As the first property to grace the shores of South Andros island in almost 20 years, Caerula Mar Club is most definitely an ocean away from the usual cookie-cutter resorts. For starters, there’s only 24 suites and villas. Awash in creamy neutrals and subtle textures like white oak floors, pale travertine tiles, and fresh Libeco linens, the interiors provide the perfect canvas for the island’s unspoilt beauty. Opt for the Private Villa Ocean Reef, this spacious private villa sits directly on the beach with generous indoor and outdoor space and an emphasis on Bahamian barefoot luxury.
Address
Queen's Hwy, South Andros Island
Instagram
@caerulamar
For information, rates and bookings at any of the properties listed, contact us directly via the link below.