The best new hotels opening (and reopening) in the Caribbean this year.
The Caribbean is booming with new hotels, featuring palm-fringed beachfront enclaves, cliffside hideaways, and towering all-inclusive resorts catering to various travel personalities. Consequently, established hotels are responding to the influx of tourists this year with complete rebrands, multimillion-dollar renovations, and sustainable initiatives. Steps away from some of the world’s most vibrant coral reefs and national parks, you can immerse yourself in the stunning environments at these remarkable hotels. If you’re seeking a reset at a hotel that has undergone a major refresh, here are some of the best new hotels opening (or reopening) in the Caribbean this year.
1. Secret Bay, Dominica
Located on a cliffside on Dominica, known as the Caribbean’s “Nature Island,” Secret Bay launched four new clifftop multi-villa estates in June, with four more set to open by the year’s end. These villas boast three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a private plunge pool, and direct access to an on-property funicular. Moreover, the Relais & Châteaux rainforest resort will introduce a variety of new amenities, including an outdoor chef’s table experience located in the property’s organic garden, a full-service microbrewery that produces locally made kombucha, and three floating decks that offer views of the ocean and Cabrits National Park.
2. Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection, St. Thomas
After suffering damage from Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Marina in 2017, this 94-room hotel reopened in May following a $425-million rebuild. The Marriott Bonvoy property features four beach and poolside bars with private cabanas, an infinity oceanfront pool, and private charters on Frenchman’s Reef. Located on St. Thomas’s south coast, on Morningstar Beach, guests will also enjoy access to The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef, where amenities are available for Buoy Haus guests. Pro tip: explore more of the U.S. Virgin Islands by taking a 15-minute boat taxi ride to St. John for a sunset dinner at La Tapa restaurant.
3. Curtain Bluff, Antigua
This fall, one of Antigua’s most cherished all-inclusive resorts will showcase a multimillion-dollar renovation including new suites, an adults-only wellness area, a yoga pavilion, and an infinity pool. The 72-room celebrity favorite is positioned on the south coast of an island known for having 365 beaches. Rooms are situated directly on powdery white sand, with the luxurious Hulford Collection suites featuring sweeping verandas and infinity soaking pools. To experience local flavors, don’t miss a short walk to Gina’s Cook Shop, known for its jerk chicken and fresh tropical offerings.
4. Sam Lord’s Castle – A Wyndham Grand Resort, Barbados
Set to debut in September as the largest all-inclusive resort in Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle will feature five towers comprising a total of 422 rooms. Once a pirate’s castle, this beachfront property on the southwestern coast will include 10 restaurants and bars, including a food hall showcasing local delicacies, perfect for those craving authentic island cuisine. Eco-conscious guests will appreciate rooms designed with private balconies offering ocean views and spacious layouts up to 650 square feet.
5. Belnem House, Bonaire
This eco-friendly resort opened in May, featuring 31 luxury suites, apartments, and penthouses. Fully powered by solar panels during the day, the resort exclusively uses biodegradable products to maintain its sustainability. Additionally, it has partnered with Wannadive to provide diving experiences at one of the oldest marine reserves globally, the Bonaire National Marine Park. At Belnam House, guests can unwind by the pool or in the lush on-site tropical garden.
6. The Riviera Maya Edition, Kanai, Mexico
Latin America is set to welcome its first Edition hotel before the year’s end with the opening of The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai. This luxurious destination will feature 186 rooms and suites along the stunning Caribbean coastline, just moments away from the region’s renowned lagoons, ancient temples, and vibrant coral reefs. The hotel will also boast a spa, six exceptional restaurants, and an anticipated trendy beach club, all within the 680-acre gated community situated a short distance from downtown Playa del Carmen and home to a newly opened St. Regis.
