Curaçao
On a breezy hilltop above Jan Thiel Beach, this historic plantation has served as a farm for salt, oranges, goats and cows since the 17th century. Three…
Must-see hotels in Caribbean
Grand Cayman
What was once an old Hyatt underwent a cool million in renovations, compliments of new owner Dart Realty Group, and reopened in 2019 as Grand Cayman's…
British Virgin Islands
Anegada's slickest property has two options: beachfront glamping tents (canvas-sided structures on stilts with canopy bed, heated shower, deck with…
Haiti
Cap-Haïtien’s oldest and most charming hotel, this French colonial building has something of a haunted Spanish hacienda about it. There’s an elegant,…
Santo Domingo
The French owner has created an idyllic oasis, an exceptionally sophisticated combination of European elegance with a colonial-era facade and an art-deco…
Barbados
The HQ of Zed’s Surfing Adventures is on a pretty little point just steps from the sand and a very good break. The seven comfortable units here surround…
Havana
An infinity pool overlooking the harbor is just one highlight of this 321-room hotel, centrally located at the entrance to the bay. Accommodation is…
Saba
With regal views, the hillside 'Queen' has indeed welcomed Dutch royalty. Its 12 spacious suites are filled with elegant Caribbean furnishings; most have…
Jamaica
Exquisite is an understatement for these six private villas scattered around the Bluefields Bay waterfront that offer all-inclusive services (chef,…
Out Islands
These 21 luxurious yet unfussy units on a quiet, mangrove-backed stretch of Small Hope Bay are a lovely place to linger. Always convivial and beloved by…
Holguín Province
Ensconced in one of Cuba's largest pine forests, Pinares del Mayarí stands between the Altiplanicie de Nipe and Sierra del Cristal at 600m. Part chalet…
St Vincent & the Grenadines
A luxurious escape featuring 22 cottages and villas that are designed with comfort and privacy in mind. There are spacious sundecks only feet from the…
Willemstad
Willemstad's premier 'poshtel' (an upscale hostel, for the uninitiated) opened in 2017 in a formerly abandoned parliament building, and its central…
Playa Girón
The second house on the road to Cienfuegos is Playa Girón's premier casa, and arguably one of Cuba's best. Set back from the road with two stone lions…
Cienfuegos
Long popular for its city-center location and warm hospitality, Bella Perla is what you might call a ‘boutique’ private homestay. The house, with two…
Vedado
What started as a casa particular has morphed into a de facto private hotel of four-star quality. Spread over three floors (4, 5 and 11) in a residential…
Havana
A little brutal from the outside but beautiful within, Miramar's Hotel Meliá Habana is one of the city's best-run and best-equipped accommodations options…
Ocho Rios, Port Antonio & the North Coast
The Mocking Bird is one of the most vigorous proponents of ecotourism in Portland and supporter of local environmental causes. The property is a lovely…
Ciego de Ávila Province
Surely one of the most professionally run casas in Cuba, Maité's place is reason alone to visit Morón. Relax by the small pool, on the breezy roof terrace…
Cabarete
Owned and designed by a husband-and-wife team, this collection of marvelously designed, Thai-inspired thatched-roof bungalows about halfway between…
Camagüey
A former convent, this enormous, painstakingly restored colonial house sports broad arches, high ceilings and dozens of antiques. The helpful owner Rafael…
Port of Spain
Renovated by its architect owner, this beautiful fretworked 1920s house has bags of character, with a breezy veranda and a stylish outdoor space at the…
Ocho Rios, Port Antonio & the North Coast
A green 'ecovillage' meets sculpture park overlooking Boston Bay; this is a distinctive and imaginative collection of African-style huts and tree houses…
Oasis Coral Estate Beach Resort
Curaçao
Clunky name aside, this chic oceanfront resort is your basic Caribbean dream stay. A handful of sumptuous first- and second-story rooms are surrounded by…
St-Martin & Sint Maarten
On the quiet northeast end of the beach, this gently sprawling resort's low-rise red-roofed buildings have airy renovated rooms facing the sea. Its…
Treasure Beach
If you haven’t been to Jake’s, you haven’t really been to Treasure Beach. This romance-drenched boutique hotel is the nexus of pretty much everything in…
Deshaies
This incredible hideaway in the mountains above Deshaies is run with flair by a French architect and his wife, and it may well be the most memorable and…
Sancti Spíritus
Even committed casa particular fans will have trouble resisting this meticulously restored 1818 mansion situated on quiet (until the Casa de la Trova…
Tobago
Beautifully designed self-contained wooden villas on a lushly landscaped hillside that offers lovely views of the beach. Each is thoughtfully kitted out…
Martinique
This gorgeous retreat amid thick jungle in the heights of Fonds St-Denis is one of Martinique's most exquisite escapes. The simple, brightly painted rooms…
Holguín Province
Among Cuba's biggest hotels, Playa Pesquero has 933 rooms taking up prime real estate on a beautiful beach. It was opened by Fidel Castro in 2003, and his…
Playa Girón
Owner Julio is the most experienced dive instructor hereabouts, meaning his modern house with three plush rooms is a useful option for divers. The huge…
St Kitts & Nevis
Hugging the foothills of Mt Liamuiga, this vast luxe boutique resort has sublime West Indian–style villas set within an organic, sustainable farm. Expect…
Holguín
A renovated 1846 mansion that's seen it all. After the original owner went bankrupt, it was turned into stables. Now it sports contemporary interiors with…
Ponce & South Coast
Ah, imagine. Jamacas (hammocks) swinging in a breezy location on a verdant hill above town, amid a courtyard replete with plenty of plants and a pool. La…
St Kitts & Nevis
This low-key but glamorous and contemporary resort sits on crescent-shaped Banana Bay. It has 126 rooms designed to feel effortlessly elegant; it's…
St Lucia
Hidden in the hills to the south of Soufrière, this 250-year-old working cocoa plantation is a great place to unwind. Fifteen tastefully refurbished…
Puerto Plata
This rambling old house is easily the best place for independent travelers in Puerto Plata. Coming through the security gate at the end of a long driveway…
Ocho Rios
Jamaica Inn has been hosting guests since way before cruise ships ever thought of stopping at Ocho Rios – Churchill stayed here in the 1950s. Tucked into…
St Lucia
Privacy, luxury and service are hallmarks of this sanctuary built on a seaside bluff. The elegant Moroccan-Caribbean architecture features suites that are…
