All the very best boutique hotels in the Caribbean for your next ultimate island getaway
But where to discover first?
If you’ve already enjoyed the beaches of Thailand and Croatia, then maybe a Caribbean vacay should be on the cards? Offering endless hours of sunshine, stunning scenery, and some of the best wellness treatments available, the hardest part will be deciding which island you want to discover first. Take a look at our list of the best boutique hotels in the Caribbean, each luxurious retreat tried-and-tested and waiting for you to indulge.
The best boutique hotels in the Caribbean
1. Hermitage Bay | Antigua
Hermitage Bay is truly a paradise found on Antigua’s western coast, built on a peaceful hillside where you’re surrounded by jungle, beach and little else to disturb you. Just 30 stunning cottages are scattered throughout the property, all made from dark wood, with slatted doors opening out onto endless ocean views. Despite the colonial charm of their design, each one retains modern amenities such as private plunge pools and terraces, plush king-sized beds, and a customisable minibar.
Hermitage Bay serves super fresh food at their restaurant, where many ingredients are grown onsite and combine European and Caribbean flavours. Elsewhere, wellness is top of mind. Stop in at the Garden Spa, opt for some yoga, pilates, or a meditation class, or choose from one of the many activities at the resort. Water sports like sailing, diving, snorkelling and fishing can all be arranged in the spectacularly blue waters surrounding the island, or you can stay on land with a farm tour or head to the local town for a taste of Antiguan history.
Learn more about Hermitage Bay or Book through Booking.com
2. Aruba Ocean Villas | Aruba
With all the ocean views, palm-fringed rooftops and luxury amenities you could dream of, Aruba Ocean Villas sits in the small village of Savaneta on the island’s south coast. It happens to be the only resort in Aruba with overwater villas and is adults-only, perfect for a private paradise getaway.
There are seven overwater villas, five beach bungalows, and the majestic Owner’s Estate Sunset Villa. All are decked out in dark wood, gently swaying palm-frond roofs and brightly coloured furnishings, and come with private decks, outdoor showers, a Jacuzzi, a palapa lounge, and stairs directly into the water.
Literally on the sand, The Old Man and the Sea restaurant serves both local and international dishes like sambuca clams, chicken with truffle sauce, and a New Zealand rack of lamb. Before unwinding at the beachside tiki bar, you can also enjoy massages, water sports, and live music or explore the surrounding island: horse riding, diving and sailing adventures are just a few unmissable options.
Find out more about Aruba Ocean Villas
3. The Cove Eleuthera | The Bahamas
Manicured lawns, pristine beaches, and all-white decor make The Cove Eleuthera in The Bahamas the ultimate luxury retreat. Eleuthera is a secluded island that allows The Cove to have not one but two private beaches and surroundings straight off of a postcard.
The 29 rooms range from suites to villas and bungalows; all decked out in white wooden walls and ceilings, stone floors and indoor-outdoor living styles. Amenities include king-sized beds with 500-thread-count linens, private patios, outdoor soaking tubs, and oceanfront views.
Asian cuisine takes centre stage at the restaurants, whether you opt for the Sushi Bar or Gregory Town Grill, while sundowners are expertly mixed at Point Bar. The list of excursions and experiences is simply endless at The Cove, ranging from cycling, water sports and yoga to sunset cruises, private beachfront dinners and even a floating sea lounge.
Discover more about The Cove Eleuthera or Book through Booking.com
4. Cobblers Cove | Barbados
The pale pink, opulently colonial-style Cobblers Cove sits on the peaceful waterfront of Saint Peter in Barbados. Pink and white is the theme throughout, from the striped umbrellas to the cute pool floaties, and the room’s patterned furnishings, all contrasted by lush plants and classic jungle colours, making it feel like a tropical Barbie villa.
In the forty suites, king-sized beds, private verandas overlooking the ocean and locally made toiletries come as standard and all are kitted out in pink, blue and white pastel shades with wicker finishes.
The restaurant, Camelot, offers a delectable three meals a day plus a classic afternoon tea and has a reputation for the best food in Barbados – frequent barbecues, local seafood, and international favourites ensure there’s something for everyone.
As for what to do while you’re there, aside from the pretty pool area, Barbados is your oyster. Cobblers can arrange beauty treatments, horse-riding, cruises, rum tours, and every imaginable water sport, or secure tickets to cricket and polo matches if you fancy a day out.
The hotel also features on our list of best pink hotels.
Find out more about Cobblers Cove or Book through Booking.com
5. Matachica Resort | Belize
Redefining luxury amidst the serenity of nature, Matachica is a gorgeous seaside resort with an equally hummable moniker. The adults-only destination in Belize boasts the ultimate privacy, offering guests a chance to experience the natural wonders of the region, in particular, the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
Accommodations at the resort comprise 32 sustainably designed casitas, suites, and villas. The former is our pick from the lot, as they come loaded with features such as uninterrupted sea views, king-sized beds, walk-in showers, patios with hammocks, branded bath amenities, and murals by illustrator Cécile Gariépy.
Even though it is far from the bustle of everyday life, there is plenty to do while staying at Matachica. Activities include sea kayaking, snorkelling, fishing, scuba diving excursions, and spa treatments such as Mayan Coffee Scrub and the Aloe’s Sun Lover’s Treatment at Jade Spa. When hunger strikes, The Bistro comes calling, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, for that special culinary treat, book a table at the famous Mambo Restaurant for a mix of French and Belizean delicacies plated under the tutelage of Chef Léon Carredo and Stephen Lighter.
Find out more about Matachica Resort or Book through Booking.com
6. The Loren at Pink Beach | Bermuda
A sense of minimalism brought about by the purity of white embraces the aura of The Loren, a contemporary oceanfront property at Pink Beach in Bermuda. As one of the most imaginative boutique hotels in the Caribbean, The Loren creates a relaxed and savvy atmosphere accentuated by art and design of the highest calibre.
Conceptualised by former investment banker Stephen King, the resort displays a range of curated features. Expect bespoke corridor runners by Creative Matters, gastronomic extravagances, and a collection of creative pieces by over 20 notable artists, such as Nancy Rubins, Cornelia Parker, Thomas Schutte, and Tony Feher.
Lightness and calm are a common strand that connects the hotel’s common spaces with its private abodes. Floor-to-ceiling windows, the use of natural wood and greens, and a playlist of sounds that change throughout the day further incorporate the surroundings into the ambience of the spaces. Moreover, the 45 suites and villas come with amenities like marble bathrooms, private terraces, SFERRA towels, double vanities, bathtubs, rain showers, a Sonos sound system, Nespresso machines, and extra living space.
Loren’s sea-to-table philosophy ensures you only get the tastiest and freshest food at any of its dining locations. The Marée Lounge, open for food in the evening, is a chic yet comfortable spot, ideal for a quick snack and a sundowner. While at the Pink Beach Club, one can savour poke bowls, burgers, and pizzas throughout the day.
Learn more about The Loren at Pink Beach or Book through Booking.com
7. Secret Bay | Dominica
Fruto Vivas’ beautifully planned villas, dotted across a cliff-top peninsula, are a dream destination. This boutique hotel in the Caribbean, a passion project of Sandra And Gregor Nassief, promises a one-of-a-kind getaway. It is an opportunity for guests to relish the best of both worlds: the blues of the sea and the greens of the forests that have made Dominica famously known as the “Nature Island.”
The residential villas at Secret Bay are a combination of sustainable design and modern facilities. While the Guyanese hardwood construction is evident, what is more commendable is that the property was developed by hand without heavy machinery. However, the residential-like abodes are far from rustic and include creature comforts such as private plunge pools, indoor-outdoor living spaces, complimentary WiFi, streaming services, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, personal iPhone, concierge service, and Sonos Bluetooth speakers.
Dining at Secret Bay Dominica is equally exotic. The open-air Zing Zing Restaurant has an excellent “no menu” concept at dinner that is sure to fascinate Epicureans. At the same time, Botanica is all about going organic with a chef’s table menu that features garden-to-fork recipes. As for those seeking something even more unique, head to Bwa Denn, the in-house microbrewery.
Find out more about Secret Bay or Book through Booking.com
8. Samán Boutique Hotel | Dominican Republic
A cosy boutique hotel in the Dominican Republic, Samán is a 24-room hidden gem, a perfect spot to explore the traditionality and charms of the Samaná Peninsula. Situated in Las Terranas, the hotel’s speciality lies in its ecological evolution and origin. The wood across the property, from headboards and side tables to furniture and decorative pieces, is entirely local, designed by regional artisans, with raw materials collected from fallen trees after Hurricane Irma in 2017.
The rooms here are minimalist but display oodles of character, primarily due to their unique and colourful decor. Among the facilities you’ll find are Nespresso coffee machines, WiFi, smart TVs, and air conditioning. When travelling with family, we recommend going for the junior suite, which offers extra living space and a terrace.
Among the highlights of a stay at Samán Boutique Hotel are its shaded main pool and the rooftop bar with its own plunge pool area. Food lovers, though, should not miss out on eating at Albizia. The in-house restaurant plates delicious Caribbean fare in a gorgeous setting.
Learn more about Samán Boutique Hotel or Book through Booking.com
9. Laluna | Grenada
Laluna isn’t simply a hotel but an estate comprising sixteen cottages on the beautiful island of Grenada. The entire property exudes rustic yet luxury charm, with villas designed by Armani architect Gabriella Giuntoli and interiors featuring warm, limewashed walls and plenty of modern outdoor furniture. Every room enjoys sweeping ocean views, spacious daybeds, and a private pool, with cottages retaining a classic wooden design complete with billowing curtains and open plan bathrooms, while the more expensive villas are elevated with sleek white exteriors, kitchenettes and infinity pools.
Relaxing is a top priority at Laluna, which has a spa, yoga pavilion, and tennis court, plus personal healing sessions. If you’d prefer to indulge, the gorgeous thatched roof restaurant serves Italian classics – with ingredients imported directly from Italy; overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Discover Laluna
10. Geejam Hotel | Jamaica
The trendy hideaway of celebrities and those in search of a fun, edgy luxury holiday complete with a recording studio and its own Banksy, Geejam isn’t your regular boutique Caribbean hotel. Cool interiors littered with bright red sofas and deck chairs, paired with a constant soundtrack and dense palm trees maintain the young, laid-back vibe.
Choose from a room, cabin or villa. The cabins are perched on the hillside, surrounded by jungle and made entirely of wood, featuring private terraces, plunge pools and a home theatre system. The villas wouldn’t be out of place in the Hollywood hills. Each has a private chef, housekeeping and security, 360-degree ocean views and a curated art collection – one was even the former holiday home of Audrey Hepburn. Constant beats, flowing drinks, and a sparkling infinity pool make up Bushbar, the onsite restaurant and did we mention you can pay for your stay with Crypto?
Find out more about Geejam Hotel or Book through Booking.com
11. Domaine de la Palmeraie | Martinique
Domaine de la Palmeraie lies in the quaint town of Diamant, on Martinique’s stunning south coast. Although it sits in lush green gardens with flowers tumbling from every building, the hotel is just a few hundred metres from the nearest beach and its design encapsulates island living.
In the spacious villas, large and small pools, hammocks and daybeds ensure you can relax outside, while the interiors are modern, with sleek black kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs, and sparkling white ensuites.
The hotel also has its own sparkling outdoor pool, and offers yoga classes, massages, and even grocery deliveries, for making full use of your kitchen. You won’t find a restaurant or activities here, but its proximity to Diamant and the wealth of beachfront activities and excursions mean you’re never far from adventure.
Find out more about Domaine de la Palmeraie or Book through Booking.com
12. Hotel El Convento | Puerto Rico
A convent in a past life, this stunning San Juan hideaway dates back to the 17th Century. Home to just 58 rooms, guests here can enjoy views of the bay from Juliet balconies or spending time in the plunge pool.
Local delicacies are served daily at the two onsite restaurants and visitors also get access to the private beach club located at their sister property.
Read our full story on the best boutique and luxury hotels in Puerto Rico.
Discover more about Hotel El Convento or Book through Booking.com
13. Le Toiny | St. Barth
Le Toiny is all about total indulgence in the spoils of St Barth. The hillside property allows guests to reside in one of 22 one- and two-bedroom suites overlooking Toiny Bay. Presently owned by Charlie and Mandie Vere Nicoll, the hotel underwent renovation in 2017 under the watchful eyes of Lady Bee Osborn, resulting in a classy seaside look underlined by its original French roots.
The suites at Le Toiny are spectacular in their composition, presenting guests with classic island-living features like private pools, terraces, ocean views, kitchenettes, full-glass doors, walk-in dressing areas, bathtubs, and dual vanities. Furthermore, the interiors are mostly white, with splashes of natural accents from the furniture, pulling the eyes outside to admire the greens and blues of the island.
Dining at Le Toiny is a gastronomically fun affair. During the day, the Beach Club allows you to enjoy the sun while sipping cocktails and munching comfort food. Dinner at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, headed by executive chef Eric Desbordes, is unmissable. As for a true-blue St Barths experience, ensure your stay coincides with Le Toiny’s Beach Extravaganza. The full-moon-like beach party with fire breathers, music, and more takes place every Thursday and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Find out more about Le Toiny or Book through Booking.com
14. Golden Rock Inn | Saint Kitts and Nevis
Holding a monopoly on paradise on the Nevis half of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Golden Rock Inn is a former sugar estate combining island decor with its original stonework architecture. The main buildings feature imposing columns, bare brickwork, and tiled floors which feel like an ancient castle, yet the soft furnishings in bright pops of colour, contemporary furniture, and fun artwork keep it in the 21st Century.
There are only eleven rooms here, including the spacious stone Sugar Mill, luxurious Paradise Cottage and cosy Garden Rooms. You’ll have French press coffee, an outdoor lounge, and Le Labo toiletries, while the Sugar Mill adds a sunk-in volcanic stone shower.
Complimentary breakfast, pastries, ice cream and rum punch are a given, and the restaurant, The Rocks, serves local Caribbean cuisine under the stars, surrounded by jungle and sea views.
The property’s gardens were designed, appropriately, by Raymond Jungles to cover 40 acres of land and are home to monkeys, bats, birds and hundreds of types of plants, making them the perfect palace to take a stroll or an expert-led tour. For wellness, poolside yoga and massages can be arranged, or excursions to black sand beaches and geothermal pools await further afield.
Discover more about Golden Rock Inn or Book through Booking.com
15. Fond Doux Eco Resort | Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is bursting with plantations and resorts set on plantations, yet Fond Doux is arguably the best of all, swathed in palm, banana, and bamboo trees. This boutique hotel in the Caribbean sits within the stunning Soufriere UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by dense rainforest and perched on a hillside not far from Anse des Pitons beach.
Fond Doux prides itself on sustainability which can be seen through its design: classic wooden cottages, original features and room for the abundant plant and bird life to flourish. There are seventeen cottages spread across the property, which each have warm wood floors, vaulted ceilings, and four poster beds, while some also include private pools, verandas and full living-dining areas.
On the dining front are two Caribbean-inspired restaurants, both open-air and serving delicious farm-to-table Creole cooking. For a sweet treat, the hotel is still a working plantation so there’s endless chocolate to be found and you can learn all about it on a heritage tour. Likewise, chocolate making, a small spa, a garden tour, and a hiking trail to reach epic views of the Petit Piton are also available for those with itchy feet.
Read our full story on the best boutique hotels in Saint Lucia.
Learn more about Fond Doux Eco Resort or Book through Booking.com
16. Beach Enclave | Turks and Caicos
In Turks and Caicos, holiday destinations for the rich and famous, there are numerous luxury hotels to choose from. Located on Providenciales, Beach Enclave is just a few steps from Long Bay Beach. They haven’t held back on luxury here, with endless ocean views, exclusive private experiences, and ultra-sleek accommodation.
There are beachfront and ocean-view villas to choose from, most of which are multi storey and contain modern, white furniture, infinity pools, huge bathrooms with free-standing tubs, and large private glass terraces overlooking a pristine beach. Up to 10,000sq-ft, they also have private beaches, outdoor showers, in-villa spa services, private butlers, and chefs on call.
If you do manage to leave your villa, a range of sports courts, water sports, fitness classes, horse-riding and island excursions are just a phone call away. The hotel doesn’t have a set restaurant; instead the onsite chefs can design your own bespoke menu or cook up a favourite dish, whether in your villa or by the pool.
Discover more about Beach Enclave or Book through Booking.com
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