Top 12 Romantic Caribbean Islands with White Sand Beaches, Fine Dining, and Secluded Resorts

Is there a dreamier image than a secluded white-sand beach encircling deep blue waters? A sunset cocktail in a seaside hammock? Spending time together in your own private pool?

The Caribbean has been the backdrop to many a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, or “just-because” romantic trip. This region in the Americas, just south of the Gulf of Mexico, is made up of the islands and surrounding coastlines in the Caribbean Sea.

The area is a hotspot for luxury resorts, gourmet cuisine, and beach fun. With a spread of islands, reefs, and cays, each more beautiful than the next, the Caribbean might seem daunting to some travelers. Here, we point you in the right direction and outline the perfect location for any romantic getaway, including where to find the best hotels (several of which are adults-only and all-inclusive), restaurants, and local attractions.

Whether you and your partner are looking for private beaches or adventurous excursions, here are the best Caribbean vacations for couples.

01. St. Barts

The Caribbean charm, European influence, and overarching natural beauty of St. Barts is an incredible combination. This may explain why honeymooners and couples continue to flock here in droves, despite the heftier price tags. On the island, 11 beaches await. The best include Anse des Flamands for rolling white sands and verdant greenery, Baie de Saint Jean for beachside restaurants like Nao Beach, and Anse de Grand Cul-de-Sac for watersports. If you’re after a romantic setting with Hollywood glamour and world-class views, try the famous Eden Rock hotel.

02. Dominican Republic

If you want to feel like you’ve uncovered an opulent yet secluded spot with your partner, the Samaná Peninsula region of the Dominican Republic is it. Samaná is a sleepy and traditional town on the peninsula, which drops off into the sparkling waters of Samaná Bay—home to hundreds of humpback whales during mating season from January to March. For accommodations, couples must head to the dizzyingly beautiful isle of Cayo Levantado. Palm tree-lined beaches and chalky-white sands can be explored at the five-star resort of Cayo Levantado Resort, set to open summer 2023.

03. Jamaica

Located on the island’s far western side, Negril is perfect for couples in search of a lively and picturesque vacation. Sun-basking, reef-swimming, and indulgence take place here on the golden sands of the famous, sunset-facing Seven Mile Beach. Negril boasts stylish boutique hotels atop stunning limestone cliffs, the most impressive of which is The Caves. There are also plush beachfront hotels like the Royalton Negril.

04. Corn Islands, Nicaragua

Head to Nicaragua’s pleasingly affordable Caribbean coast, where the Corn Islands offer untapped beauty with a rustic edge. A short flight from Managua, the islands will tempt you with their crystalline waters, coconut bread, and diving options. The larger of the two, Big Corn Island, houses more locals and better beaches. Stay at Casa Canada for cabanas overlooking the ocean, an impossibly pretty infinity pool, a no-fuss restaurant, and charming service. In comparison, Little Corn Island maintains its party reputation and offers a larger range of boutique accommodations, like the luxury resort Yemaya Reefs.

05. Turks and Caicos

Two hundred miles of powdery white sands and gorgeous reefs meet utter indulgence in Turks and Caicos, an archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands. While technically part of the Bahamian chain in the Atlantic, this tropical destination is often considered to be part of the Caribbean.

Romance-seekers find rich options when it comes to elegant accommodations and dining, particularly on the gateway island of Providenciales (known as Provo). Try sensational seafood at Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar or check out the lively crowd at Da Conch Shack and Rum Bar.

Hotels and resorts are predominantly luxury: Como Parrot Cay, a resort on a private cay, is ideal for couples wanting to absorb all the beauty of the islands without feeling as if they’ve stepped onto a resort. Amanyara, on the other hand, offers pure opulence with private villas and bungalows surrounded by nature reserves.

06. St. Kitts and Nevis

This pair of tropical islands off the coast of Puerto Rico is not one of the Caribbean’s best-known spots, but there are few better places for couples seeking serenity, seclusion, and adventure. The UNESCO-protected Brimstone Hill Fortress offers history, and climbing one of St. Kitts’ volcanic peaks, like Mount Liamuiga, provides a journey for adventurers seeking monkeys and wild orchids. Couples can relax to the gentle lapping of the waves at the luxury beachfront Four Seasons Resort Nevis.

07. Aruba

This Dutch Caribbean island is perfect for couples who enjoy a mix of all-inclusive resorts, nature, and history. Create memories while swimming with flamingos on a neighboring private island, hiking to the Arikok National Park to work up a sweat, and exploring the island’s museums, including those focusing on archaeology and glass ceramics. Aruba has no shortage of excellent restaurants, featuring coconut shrimp and Jamaican jerk chicken at the popular outdoor dining spot Smokey Joe’s Island Grill and gourmet dining at 2 Fools and a Bull. Intimate resorts include the cozy MVC Eagle Beach hotel and the eco-friendly Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort.

08. Barbados

Couples can watch the sun melt into the sparkling sea on a romantic catamaran tour or stroll along Barbados’ many breathtaking beaches. The island’s cuisine is diverse, enriched by African, Spanish, and West Indian influences. The Fish Pot, set within an 18th-century fort and part of the Little Good Harbour hotel, serves up delicious dishes alongside an unbeatable ambiance. For romantic accommodations, consider the five-star Fairmont Royal Pavilion or the larger Sandy Lane hotel, which features a golf course and spa along with its spectacular suites and oceanfront rooms.

09. Grenada

Grenada features idyllic sands, tropical trees laden with fruit, a dramatic coastline, and the enticing aroma of nutmeg in the air. Most accommodations on Grenada offer low-key luxury, such as Mount Cinnamon Hotel & Beach Club Grenada, which provides guests with an on-site spa and exciting sailing and watersports activities. The low-rise, all-inclusive Spice Island Beach Resort, sprawls along the sparkling waters and white sands of Grand Anse, the islands’ most scenic beach. Be sure to also visit the picturesque Tobago Cays for some of the Caribbean’s premier diving and indulge in candle-lit gourmet Caribbean meals at The Beach Club and Rhodes Restaurant at the Calabash.

10. Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the Caribbean. The island’s northern region is more developed, featuring vibrant beaches, bars, and restaurants, while the south is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Saint Lucia’s Pitons. Day trips between the north and south can be made easily, but it’s worth spending significant time on each side. For a truly spectacular and intimate retreat, visit the unforgettable hilltop hotel, Jade Mountain, where you can birdwatch, scuba dive, and relax in the property’s 24 infinity pools. The hotel also offers special experiences for anniversaries, honeymoons, and vow renewals. The all-inclusive Total Romance Package includes a Sulphur Springs tour, snorkeling trip, scuba diving, and sailing on the resort’s yacht.

11. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

St. Vincent and the Grenadines encompass 32 islands, secluded private cays, and harbor filled with yachts. It is renowned as a leading sailing destination and offers some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Stay at the luxurious beachfront Mandarin Oriental, Canouan on Canouan Island, known for its wild tortoises, and enjoy the hotel’s Godhal Beach setting before kayaking to picturesque Shell Beach. Later, you can hike up to Mount Royal and take in the panoramic views of the Caribbean waters, Mustique, Bequia, and Tobago Cays.

12. Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda lie between the Atlantic and Caribbean, impressing visitors with a variety of natural wonders and friendly locals. Half Moon Bay and Rendezvous Bay are spectacular must-sees for both divers and sunbathers; the latter accessible via a 90-minute jungle trek (though barely drivable). There’s also the Georgian-era marina and national park, Nelson’s Dockyard, which is Antigua’s top sightseeing draw and was designated a UNESCO site in 2016. For romantic accommodations, consider Jumby Bay Island resort, a private island paradise adorned with hammocks.