You need winter sun, and you need it now. Pack your bags for these dreamy hotels and as well as guaranteed rays, you’ll get privacy, romance and much-needed serenity.
Buzzy Bahamian capital Nassau will feel a world away when your seaplane touches down at Kamalame Cay, a strip of golden sand, rustling palms and luminous mangroves just off the vast, wild island of Andros. Celebrities including Justin Timberlake and Serena Williams have booked into the isle’s spacious villas – complete with perfect sunrise and sunset views – to get unadulterated, low-key R&R. They fill their days with snorkelling excursions to the nearby coral reef, one of the world’s largest, and cast lines for skittish, silvery bonefish. Come evening, they sink cocktails at the cosy bar and feast on local lobster in the romantic, window-lined restaurant.
Views of St Lucia’s Pitons, its mountainous volcanic peaks, don't get much better than from this honeymoon-favourite resort on the island’s west coast. The sunsets are rather spectacular too, especially when enjoyed from your private clifftop infinity pool with frosty rum punch in hand. There’s no need see another soul – even six-course menus can be delivered direct to your room or served up on a secluded terrace under the stars. But if you are up for some friendly interaction, morning yoga sessions and chocolate-infused spa treatments await.
Big-name musicians have crashed at this stylish property on Jamaica’s north coast, as it provides complete privacy. In fact, once they’ve checked in, many guests don’t leave their villas at all. The funky pads, dressed in white with cow-print footrests and outdoor tubs or plunge pools, look out to sparkling sea, home to a coral reef where you can snorkel with darting fish. Between lazy piña colada sipping sessions on your dedicated terrace, nibble on crab cakes from the restaurant or a visit the seaside spa for a shoulder-unclenching massage. If you can get up the energy to head out, there is river rafting and forest to explore nearby.
Set on a perfect curve of white-sand beach – with cabana bars and butler service – Cap Juluca was made for lounger days. The only hotel at southwestern Maundays Bay, the Moorish-inspired stay feels exclusive from head to toe, whether you’re dining on Peruvian bites under the moon at Uchu or kayaking over the frothy surf (non-motorised watersports are included). Belmond hotels always go the extra mile with experiences, and whether you want to cast a line with Anguillan fisherman Shawn Romney or to scuba dive with pros, the attentive team will make it happen.
Up in the hills on the east side of volcanic Nevis, this hotel occupies a 100-acre estate once home to a 19th century sugar plantation. But despite the old stone walls and vaulted ceilings, there’s a contemporary edge to the place, exemplified by its cherry red pops of furniture and quirky prints. Squirrel yourself away in a corner of the rambling mountainside garden with a good book, and you’ll be disturbed by nothing but bird song and the wind-rattle of trees. Plant geek? Ask for a guided walk with the head gardener, who will point out the must-see highlights in the 40 acres of landscaping.
A tiny blot of hilly green in the sea, friendly Bequia is the paragon of a Caribbean isle, with its surf-lapped sands, chilled out beach bars, sailboat-studded port and swathes of bougainvillea. One of the island’s few hotels, Bequia Beach gazes across to A-list hideaway island Mustique from its 10 acres of landscaped gardens. Rise for coffees on your private terrace in view of the beach, then lunch just steps from the surf at Bagatelle restaurant, serving seared red snapper. Come nightfall, sip rum and soak up live music under the stars.
The Platinum Coast may be one of the more popular corners of Barbados, but when you book into Cobblers Cove you’ll experience an intimate, homely vibe that will quickly make you forget you’re in the thick of the action. The pink-hued mansion, cloaked in tropical greenery and gazing out to blue, has just 40 rooms, with floral-print fabrics, white-washed walls and wicker chairs. When you want more than just poolside serenity, sign up for a horse-ride along the beach or go swimming with hawksbill turtles in the adjoining bay. Meanwhile, Hobie Cat and speedboat rides are on tap for real thrill-seekers.
Looking for a Caribbean hideaway that puts wellness front and centre? COMO Parrot Cay nails it, with its Shambala Spa boasting yoga and pilates studios, Japanese-style baths and a knock-out treatment list (think anti-ageing Guinot facials and detoxifying dead sea mud therapies). Set on a castaway-perfect island in Turks and Caicos, tranquillity is part of the deal too, as are Southeast Asian-influenced meals at Lotus restaurant and diving alongside vertical reef walls (typical in this part of the Caribbean). Rooms, meanwhile, are pared back luxe, with plenty of natural wood and white.
Soak in these infinite water and sunset views from your private sanctuary at JADE MOUNTAIN! https://t.co/foSA1JsJsh #stlucia #love pic.twitter.com/kVMCpXCH6P
— JADE MOUNTAIN (@JADEMOUNTAIN) December 10, 2021
