Luxury in the Caribbean

When exploring Caribbean vacations there are literally thousands of options for hotels and resorts. There are, however, some that stand out above the rest. These lavish resorts will give you a serious case of wanderlust. Get packing!

Jade Mountain, St Lucia

Rising majestically above the 600 acre beach front resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain Resort on St. Lucia’s south-western Caribbean coastline is a cornucopia of organic architecture celebrating St. Lucia’s stunning scenic beauty. Part of the estate is the historical plantation of Anse Mamin and Emerald Estate where the resort grows its own organic produce. Expect grand sweeping spaces where bedroom, living area and an extravagant private infinity pool glide into one another to form extraordinary platforms floating out into nature. With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain’s rooms called "sanctuaries" are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of St. Lucia’s Pitons World Heritage Site, and of course, the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

Hermitage Bay, Antigua

Hermitage Bay is a privately owned, luxury, all inclusive, 5-star boutique hotel on the west coast of Antigua with thirty individual suites set in beautiful tropical gardens on the beach and hillside of a stunning natural bay. The resort uses as much locally grown and organic produce as they can, and also have their own organic kitchen garden on site. 

Amanyara, Turks & Caicos

Set on the beautiful island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Amanyara borders the pristine reefs of Northwest Point Marine National Park, acclaimed for some of the world’s best wall and reef diving. Amanyara’s open-air Pavilions and Villas (pictured above), many with direct access to the sea, put the focus on the surrounding landscape. Four Spa Pavilions are set beside a reflecting pond, and outdoor yoga and a Pilates studio offer revitalization in an intimate, stress free setting. The menu at the ocean view restaurant focuses on Asian and Mediterranean dishes and fresh seafood. They are currently finishing repairs on the minor damage sustained during this past hurricane season. 

Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico

Once a plantation, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is now one of the most exclusive Caribbean luxury resorts in Puerto Rico inspired by the legacy and memorable vacation experiences of its original developer, Laurance S. Rockefeller. Its remoteness, discreet individualized service and deep respect for the environment distinguish it from other ultra luxury resorts by allowing extraordinary moments to unfold in the most unexpected ways. The Resort offers an array of amenities and facilities including three spectacular 18-hole golf courses, The Beach Club featuring adult and family pools, and the historic Rockefeller Nature Trail, an open-air sanctuary from land to sea.

EdenRoc at Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

Eden Roc at Cap Cana is a unique and secluded property nestles in the exclusive, beachfront community of Cap Cana at the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic. Surrounded by a tropical forest with ecological marvel, pristine beaches, towering cliffs, a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, and a bustling Marina. Think of the magnificent architecture along the French and Italian Rivieras, add a touch of Spanish Colonial design, and you get these storybook villas set among the dreamy landscape of the Caribbean. It is a unique interpretation of Mediterranean Riviera romance with a Caribbean twist.

Jumby Bay Island, Antigua

Set in one of the most beautiful, undisturbed places in the world, Jumby Bay is an island of simple pleasures. Reachable only by boat, and with no cars in sight, this private isle of white-powdered beaches and winding bicycle paths is a one-of-a-kind hideaway known, quite simply, as the finest resort in the Caribbean. The island encapsulates everything about a fantasy hideaway, with secluded sun-kissed beaches lapped by pristine turquoise waters. And for every guest there is a journey of experiences waiting to be discovered — a private beachside picnic; snorkeling the nearby coral-fringed islands; a barefoot walk across our long golden sand bar, suspended in the open sea. 

Amanera, Dominican Republic

Nestled within more than 2,170 acres of pristine Caribbean jungle,  the luxury Amanera resort overlooks the ocean from Playa Grande, whose golden sands make it one of the region’s most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. The two-bedroom Bay View Casa and 24 freestanding Casitas are perched atop 60-foot cliffs at the western tip of Playa Grande beach. ​The Spa at Amanera features two treatment rooms, while therapies can also be enjoyed in the privacy of your Casita. 

This is not an all inclusive list of luxury resorts in the Caribbean as there are many more, but just a little taste to get you thinking about your next destination. They all look heavenly. Where would you go?

Until next time!

Ana Echem
​Barefoot Voyages