More Than a View, But What a View it Is! Spectacular Caribbean Hotels

By Michael Alan Connelly

Choosing the right hotel is an important part of any successful vacation, but there’s something about the Caribbean, more than other parts of the world, that makes you want to find the perfect property. More than 7,000 islands are found in the Caribbean, 13 of which are independent islands. That means there’s no shortage of hotels to consider booking when you’re planning a trip to the region. To help you out, we’ve selected seven of our favorite Caribbean properties, all of which appear on our 2014 Fodor’s 100 list. Read on to see where your island fantasy can become a reality.

Viceroy Anguilla
Viceroy Anguilla

(Courtesy: Viceroy Anguilla)

Viceroy Anguilla
Where: Anguilla

Luxury seekers, look no further than the Viceroy Anguilla for all your posh needs. Overlooking the sands of stunning Meads Bay, this fashionable property features five restaurants, a full spa, gym, yoga center, tons of activities, and a camp-like program for kids. All lodging options here are “wow”-inducing, but none more so than the private villas, which come equipped with private infinity pools and hot tubs, indoor-outdoor showers, tons of electronics, a professional kitchen that’s fully stocked, and even a house manager to run the show.

Jade Mountain
Where: St. Lucia

Jade Mountain
Jade Mountain

(Courtesy: Jade Mountain)

Want to wake up to stunning views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea? Then book a stay at Jade Mountain, where the rooms are so luxurious they’re called “sanctuaries,” each of which features an infinity plunge pool in the sitting area. With a minimum of 1,400 square feet of open-concept living space in each sanctuary, including an entire wall that’s open to the sea, there’s hardly any reason to leave your private abode. If you do, however, the adults-only property is home to a bar, restaurant, spa, fitness center, and sky-top terrace. For all these reasons and more, Jade Mountain no doubt earns “trip of a lifetime” status.

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Curtain Bluff
Where: Antigua

Curtain Bluff
Curtain Bluff

(Courtesy: Curtain Bluff)

With a loyal following of guests who return year after year, Curtain Bluff stands out for its dramatic beachfront setting, fine dining (there’s a 25,000-bottle wine cellar), waterfront spa, and superb activities like free scuba-diving and deep-sea fishing. Unlike some other properties in the Caribbean, this all-inclusive resort doesn’t shy away from families; in fact, multigenerational groups are quite common here. One thing to note: Curtain Bluff closes in late July and doesn’t reopen until October.

Eden Roc at Cap Cana
Where: Dominican Republic

Eden Roc at Cap Cana
Eden Roc at Cap Cana

(Courtesy: Eden Roc at Cap Cana)

It may be located in the Caribbean, but Eden Roc at Cap Cana’s look is all French Riviera. A member of the elite Relais & Chateaux portfolio, it features 34 suites that come equipped with glamorous interiors and private pools. You’ll also find LCD TVs, iPads that control everything in the room, luxurious beds, and indoor and outdoor showers. The in-demand one-bedroom suites are perfect for honeymooners, but there are only eight of them, so book far in advance if you’re interested. One fun perk here: You get your own golf cart to drive between your suite and reception.

The Royal Palms
Where: Bermuda

Look Bermuda
Look Bermuda

(Courtesy: Look Bermuda)

Named after two on-site specimens that tower over the property, The Royal Palms offers a classic Bermudian experience with its colonial architecture and coral-colored walls. With only 32 rooms housed in two 19th-century manor houses, each guest receives a lot of attention, and the service here is known for being top-notch. Days spent here begin in the sunny, all-grass breakfast room, where you dine at 90-year-old Bermudian cedar tables. The property also features lush gardens that are home to a variety of local fruit trees and an herb garden that supplies Ascots Restaurant.

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Hotel Guanahani and Spa
Where: St. Barthélemy

Hotel Guanahani and Spa
Hotel Guanahani and Spa

(Courtesy: Hotel Guanahani & Spa)

The largest full-service resort on St. Barts, Hotel Guanahani and Spa appeals to those looking to stay active—with tennis courts, a beachside fitness pavilion, and a large roster of water sports—or chill out—in the Frédéric Fekkai hair salon or at the serene Clarins Spa—on this landscaped beach peninsula. In addition to impeccable personalized service, Hotel Guanahani offers one of the island’s only children’s programs. The most luxurious suites here come with butler service and other creature comforts, but there are a variety of rooms and rates to choose from.

Related: The Most Chilled-Out Caribbean Spots — Ever

Meridian Club
Where: Turks and Caicos Islands

Meridian Club
Meridian Club

(Courtesy: Meridian Club)

Do you need to de-stress in a timeless environment? Look no further than the Meridien Club, which hasn’t changed much since opening in the 1970s—in a good way. That helps explain why the resort sees so many repeat visitors, who are drawn by staying on the prettiest beach in Turks and Caicos as well as the lack of phones and TVs here. Off the property there’s a 2.5-mile-long deserted stretch of beach to enjoy, in addition to nature trails that can be explored by bike or on foot. When you’re at The Meridien Club, you’ll find a communal vibe, as well as some of the finest meals on the islands (which are covered by the room rates).

See more of the most stunning Caribbean Hotels.

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