Unique Destinations to Visit in the Caribbean
With clear blue waters, pristine white sand, palm trees with coconuts and no worries to be found, the Caribbean really is an escape from the everyday. While we do love a cocktail in hand sitting poolside under the hot sun, many of these great resorts are surrounded by surreal hidden gems from deep blue swimming holes to desolate islands.
It’ll be easy to find beautiful beaches of course, but some attractions are specific to destinations such as the iconic Piton mountains in St. Lucia, or the swimming pigs in Exuma, the Bahamas. Here is some travel inspiration for the most unique spots to visit in the Caribbean…
St. Lucia
St. Lucia looks like a scene set in Jurassic Park. The serene tapering mountains are the Pitons, located on the western side of the island. Other wonders you’ll find are volcanic beaches, fishing villages and diving spots.
Where to stay: Jade Mountain is a majestic escape that might just seem like a dream. This hotel was built into the side of a cliff along the ocean. Without a fourth wall in the rooms, guests can stargaze from their bed at nighttime, and breathe the ocean air. It’s designed around its surroundings from bringing in local farming to indigenous herbal medicine and cacao harvesting.
Curacao
Unlike most, Curacao is a Dutch island so you won’t come across many Americans. Like a real-life diorama, buildings of businesses and residences are painted vibrant colors that have become signature to the island. You’re not allowed to paint your home black though!
A short drive out of the city awaits beaches with crystal clear blue water, coves, coral reefs and more. Known for some of the best diving in the world, swim among giant but friendly sea turtles and other marine life.
Where to stay: The Corendon Mangrove Beach Resort encapsulates the island with its own private beachfront, pools, local beer and even theme park sized water slides! Most importantly, it’s location is right near the colorful downtown.
South Andros, Bahamas
Known as “the island no one has heard of” as it’s one of the least inhabited islands with a population of approximately 2,000. It’s home to the largest number of blue holes, also known as ocean caves and a barrier reef. Expect to truly live like a local and forget about your life back home.
Where to stay: The opening of Caerula Mar Club in 2020 brought tourism to the island for the first time ever. The resort is designed by HGTV stars Bryan & Sarah Baeumler and features only 18 suites and 6 villas. It’s an elegant stay without losing the culture of this authentic place.
Grand Cul-de-Sac, St. Barths
Find respite from the busy Gustavia port and lively scene of St. Barths and venture to through the island hillside to the secluded Grand-Cul-de-Sac. In the afternoon when the winds pick up, the beach haven transforms into a nirvana for kite-surfers, which you can watch from the comfort of your beach lounge-chair, oceanfront restaurant or private ocean-view luxury suite deck — or give it a go yourself and take a lesson with professional kite-surfers.
Where to stay: The serene crescent-shaped sliver of beach located on the northeastern side of the island is a hidden gem and home to the luxurious Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa, nestled between the Natures Reserve and reef-protected waters creating that picturesque Caribbean calm. Grand Cul-de-Sac is home to nearly ten resident sea turtles which can be spotted as you glide over the waters in a glass bottom kayak or from Le Barthelemy’s private yacht.
Bonaire
What’s most interesting about Bonaire is their infamous Salt Pans and pink water. Gotomeer, a saltwater lagoon below the Salt Pans is protected by the government which allows flamingos to nest, breed and live without any human interference. Visitors can also go sand surfing on this lesser known Dutch Caribbean island.
Where to stay: Captain Don’s Habitat strives to create the smallest impact on the local environment by use of solar water heaters and energy efficient design throughout the resort. The founder believes that while guests enjoy their visit, they must treat the island as if it were their own.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has the best getaways for a day on the boat or unique shores such as Juanillo Beach. Escape to Saona Island, where scenes from movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean and The Blue Lagoon were filmed.
Where to stay: Margaritaville Island Reserve has just opened and has everything for you to indulge after an adventurous day. From beach bonfires with cocktails in hand, live performances and yacht sailings it truly is an oasis.
Anguilla
Anguilla is known for its picturesque cliffs as a backdrop among the beaches and ocean. Visitors can explore secluded coves by boat, as well as Big Spring Cave which is a historical site to petroglyphs.
Where to stay: With plenty of options to stay, the Quintessence is a boutique property nicknamed “The Tropical Grand Mansion”. The property sits above the Long Bay Beach with French-Caribbean fine dining and decor.
Turks and Caicos
A British territory that’s neighbors with the Bahamas, visitors can scuba dive along an astounding 14-mile barrier reef. While there are 40 different islands, only 8 are inhabited. The largest is Providenciales – Provo for short – and is home to luxury properties, shopping and nightlife.
Where to stay: Grace Bay Resort has the largest beachfront with oceanfront suites to take in all Turks and Caicos has to offer. There’s also an adults-only and family-friendly areas.
Exuma, Bahamas
Aside from its amazingly clear water, Exuma is home to Pig Beach and Iguana Island. Tagged and taken care of by a local board, it’s mesmerizing to see these wild pigs roam the Caribbean shore. It’s said that years ago, a ship crashed and the pigs found refuge on the island as they’re not native animals to it.
Where to stay: Grand Isle Resort and Residences comes with your very own golf cart to roam the property. Daily excursions are set up where you can see the pigs, iguanas and swim with nursing sharks!
Aruba
Aruba is only 20 miles long and 6 miles wide but boasts plenty to explore including a natural pool in Arikok National Park. Exploring the waters either by scuba or boat is a day well spent before unwinding for dinner.
Where to stay: The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino is an ideal spot to relax and take in the island along with nightlife and entertainment.
Canouan
Canouan, an island in the Grenadines measures only 3.5 miles by 1.25 miles with a population of approximately 1,700. It’s the most luxurious spot on this list to visit, and be sure to hike Mount Royal to see panoramic views.
Where to stay: The Mandarin Oriental, Canouan defines relaxation from the minute you step foot onto their property. This boutique experience boasts just 26 suites and 13 villas, making your time on the island serene and peaceful.
Antigua
Antigua is one of the two islands that make up Antigua and Barbuda. The island is rich in history along with sandy beaches and coral reefs to explore.
Where to stay: Carlisle Bay sits oceanfront as it’s surrounded by the lush rainforest. Guests can enjoy themselves to spa treatments, explore the surrounding land under the sun and watersports such as stand up paddleboarding.
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