Corals and cobalt seas, palm trees and powdery sand – the Caribbean has long held sway over travelers’ imaginations. There are all-day adventures for those with an active streak, and plenty of beaches to spend your entire trip lounging upon. With such a variety of islands, there’s something for everyone. The Luxury Travel Agency has a long history of travels in the Caribbean, both for ourselves and others; we’d love to plan your next journey there!
Luxurious Properties: Lucayan Luxury
With their proximity to mainland USA, the Bahamas have long been a preferred island escape for sun-seeking travelers. The capital city of Nassau is a mere hour’s flight from Miami, a gateway to the 700 islands that make up the nation. This plethora of choice makes it easy to find the perfect property for your travel desires – no matter where you end up, the magical coral reefs and some of the globe’s clearest ocean waters will certainly capture your senses. There’s no better resort to enjoy this from than the Rosewood Baha Mar.
A lush hideaway at the Rosewood Baha Mar
Situated a speedy 10-minute drive from the Nassau Airport, the Rosewood is the third (and by far most exclusive) property in the sweeping Baha Mar complex. Guests can enjoy the facilities at the other two resorts, but the comfort and elegance of the Rosewood property will almost certainly render that unnecessary! Rooms and suites are done in crisp cream and tan shades, with distinctly Bahamian artistic touches that complement the décor rather than control it; there is a strong sense of place here. The property enjoys a premium position along Cable Beach, widely acknowledged as one of the Bahamas’ best. Diners have plenty of choice, from bright coastal Mexican dishes to an elevated “fish shack” placed right on the white sand, but a secret standout is The Library, with a gorgeous design best enjoyed alongside late-afternoon cocktails and treats after a day in the sun.
Further southeast, the Lucayan Archipelago terminates in the Turks & Caicos Islands. The lesser-known cousin of the Bahamas, these islands are even more laid-back and exclusive, with some of the world’s most inviting beaches and the third-largest barrier reef to explore. The main island of Providenciales has plenty of excellent central dining opportunities, but make no mistake: this is a place to get away from it all, and align yourself firmly with “island time”. And when you’re looking for an ultra-luxurious hideaway, the property of choice has to be Amanyara.
The serene atmosphere of Amanyara is unmatched in the Caribbean
While most of the island’s resorts are located along its eastern flank, Amanyara was built on the western shore, with an abundance of space and privacy for its guests. Accommodation consists of standalone Pavilions and Villas, all of which embody the finest in indoor/outdoor living, with multiple terraces and floor-to-ceiling glass windows for squeezing every drop from the surrounding splendor. Many have private pools, and certain categories provide direct access to the stunning blue waters below; the resort itself contains a one-kilometre private beach that rivals any competitor in the Caribbean. The underwater ecosystem of the surrounding Marine Park is one of the region’s most diverse, and whether you choose to explore it above the water’s surface (on a catamaran or fishing boat) or below (think snorkelling or scuba diving expeditions), you’ll find no end to the aquatic treasures that await.
Luxurious Properties: Great(er) Antilles
Moving south, we get into the Caribbean proper, with a set of larger islands known as the Greater Antilles. Included here are several of the most well-known island nations, such as Cuba and Jamaica, but The Luxury Travel Agency would like to highlight one of their smaller neighbors: the Cayman Islands. While technically made up of three islands, virtually all of the action takes place on Grand Cayman, the largest. Here, travelers can enjoy a palette of fantastic living, dining, and activity options, all set along the world-famous Seven Mile Beach which fringes the west coast. There are plenty of excellent properties to pick from, but a new contender for the island’s best is the Kimpton Seafire, a trendy modern addition to the Cayman scene.
The striking central pool welcomes guests to a vibrant new resort with plenty to offer
Passerby on the beach can’t help but stop and marvel at the massive central pool, which winds its way through beautiful gardens and sets the tone for the rest of the resort. Every room has a private balcony from which to enjoy the ever-shifting blues and greens of the Caribbean Sea, and standalone bungalows provide oodles of space for family or friends. Splashes of bright colour inject just enough energy into the décor without pushing it into the realm of tacky. Dining is a true highlight at Seafire: Avecita offers delectable Spanish-style tapas at a Chef’s counter, while Coccoloba is one of the island’s few restaurants situated directly on top of Seven Mile Beach’s pristine sands. There’s no better place for a Caribbean sunset!
As we travel further east into the Atlantic, we come to the island of Puerto Rico. A U.S. territory, Puerto Rico displays a unique mix of Spanish, American, and Caribbean influences that set the island apart from its neighbors. The historic district of Old San Juan is stuffed with brightly colored buildings and cobblestone streets, with ancient forts and romantic restaurants side by side. The atmosphere is a special one, not to be missed – yet with the quality of luxurious properties here, leaving your resort might prove difficult! One of The Luxury Travel Agency’s favorite properties in the entire world calls Puerto Rico home: we’re talking about Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
Suite living rooms open onto sunbeds, plunge pools, gardens, and the ocean beyond
There are only a handful of Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties across the globe – each is the epitome of an “exotic sanctuary”, with dedicated butler service, elevated experiences, and a strong sense of place. The Dorado Beach resort is no exception. The property underwent a complete renovation after Hurricane Maria’s 2017 landfall, and the results are truly spectacular. Suites and “Reserves” are plenty spacious – the smallest is nearly a thousand square feet – all of which are located on or near the resort’s private beaches, with stunning ocean views. Accommodation is split into East and West Beaches; we recommend the West Beach, with closer proximity to the best spots for ocean swimming. Activity options are seemingly endless, highlighted by the “Bioluminescent Bay Experience”, where guests can kayak through nighttime waters and watch as the plankton light up in vivid incandescence all around you! Their signature restaurant COA has Puerto Rico’s largest wine cellar…need we say more?
Luxurious Properties: Lovely Leewards
Past the Greater Antilles, the islands of the Caribbean get smaller, and start to bend south in a crescent shape. The first handful of these, known as the Leeward Islands, are some of the most exclusive in the region. Anguilla is among their number – a Caribbean postcard personified, with soft powdery sands and swaying palms. This is another excellent candidate for a true hideaway holiday, with the island largely avoiding the crush of mass tourism that plagues some of its neighbors. The place to do it? None other than the Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Anguilla.
Elevated dining – quite literally – with unbroken views of Anguilla’s seas
A relatively new build (opened in fall 2016), the Four Seasons Anguilla occupies a privileged position near the western tip of the island. Buildings rise above the sand in clean whites, their interiors complemented by smooth cream shades that seem to invite the sunshine in. Ocean-View Suites are excellent for honeymooners – the rooftop option especially – while standalone multi-bedroom Villas are unmatched for a family vacation. Soft ocean breezes caress the wide-open spaces of the resort, whether it be the casual Half Shell Beach Bar framed by gorgeous natural wood or the signature restaurant Salt overlooking the water from its blufftop perch. The resort employs a “Spa Everywhere” concept; what better way to unwind than a personal salt scrub at a seaside cabana? You’ll leave Anguilla infinitely refreshed and ready to take on the world.
If Anguilla is the place to get away from it all, it’s southern neighbor – Saint Barthélemy, commonly known as St. Bart’s – is the opposite. This is the haunt of socialites and starlets, a place to see and be seen while still enjoying the laid-back Caribbean vibes. Travel to the island is a bit tricky – the only direct flight would be a private charter, enhancing its exclusivity – but once you’re there, you’ll be in no rush to leave. All the world’s best luxury brands have boutiques here, and the beach parties are peerless. The island is no more than a 20-minute drive from tip to tail; spend a day with the top down in a rental convertible, and you can explore all of its 16 beaches and countless treasures. There are no shortage of extraordinarily luxurious properties on St. Bart’s, but for elegant romance, the Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France is impossible to beat.
Cheval Blanc’s Beach Suites are a design lover’s dream
The only property in the Caribbean to hold the ultra-exclusive Palace designation, Cheval Blanc St-Barth sits on the northwest end of the island, along one of St. Bart’s longest and most tranquil beaches. Everything here is done in impeccable taste: the sprawling white suites with expansive terraces, the seaside cuisine enjoyed in sumptuous wicker chairs, the sailing yachts for cruising the sparkling seas. The Cheval Blanc brand prides itself on exceptional service; a team of “Alchemists” are on your doorstep at a moment’s notice, ready to create any kind of experience you wish (and even some you might have never thought of!). It’s the very best in romantic travel – and when you’re ready to party, Nikki Beach is eight minutes away.
Each of these delightful properties are part of The Luxury Travel Agency’s elite Partner Hotel network, with all of the Caribbean’s best resorts as members. At all of our Partner Hotels & Resorts, we can offer unbeatable rates along with complimentary benefits such as room upgrades, daily breakfast, exclusive experiences, spa credits, VIP status, and so much more! All this simply for booking with The Luxury Travel Agency.
We can help with everything from a simple hotel or resort booking to complete travel planning, including yacht and private jet charters, villas, and more! Contact us today via Whatsapp or telephone at +1-647-551-4560 and let’s start planning your next trip.
Interested in other tropical trips? Check out our pieces on the luxurious properties of Oceania, a closer focus on the Turks & Caicos Islands, and a look at the Royal Caribbean cruise line!
