Exclusive Caribbean Resorts for an Idyllic Getaway
A cold drink, warm sunshine, and the sound of the roaring sea – if you’re lounging in the Caribbean near major airports like Montego Bay, Nassau, or Punta Cana, your vacation could be interrupted by the din of jetliners ferrying visitors into and out of a tropical paradise. However, if you venture a little further and travel lighter, you can escape the crowds at these exclusive Caribbean resorts.
1. Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa – St-Barth
Landing in St-Barth can either be a breeze or a nail-biter, depending on local winds. One route sends visitors onto Gustaf III Airport’s single stretch of tarmac over the marina of Baie de St Jean, while the other route involves a sharp plunge over a mountaintop.
A narrow road meanders a 20-minute route from the airstrip to the quiet cove occupied by Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa. With windsurfers and beachgoers providing a picturesque backdrop, this resort offers a real-life portrait of paradise from its seaside rooms and two award-winning restaurants. Le Barthélemy also provides entire seaside houses or a unique mountaintop cabin via its sister brand, Le Barth Villas.
Getting There
St Barth’s Gustaf III airport (SBH) is accessible via daily Tradewind Aviation flights from Luis Muñoz International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Each ticket provides access to a private lounge and fast-tracked re-entry upon returning to the United States.
2. Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort – Belize
Most major airlines operate regular flights to Belize City. However, access to this remote dive resort near the country’s barrier reef requires an additional leg. From Dangriga, passengers bound for Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort will board a Tropic Air transport that feels part city bus and part passenger plane, making multiple stops until reaching the destination.
Hamanasi arranges for transport from the airstrip to Hopkins Village, a backpacker’s hideaway that has transformed into a dive destination where visitors can immerse themselves in Garifuna culture.
Getting There
Tropic Air provides flights from Belize City’s Philip SW Goldson International Airport (BZE) to Dangriga (DGA), where a Hamanasi shuttle will ferry you 32km (20mi) down the Southern Hwy to Hopkins Village.
3. Cape Santa Maria Resort – Bahamas
Christopher Columbus landed near the powdery beaches of Cape Santa Maria in the 15th century. Fast forward 500 years, travelers exploring this secluded area of the Bahamas can equally delight in its tranquility thanks to airstrips located on Long Island. This lesser-known destination offers incredible cave exploration opportunities and some of the best reef fishing in the country.
At Cape Santa Maria Resort, seaside bungalows serve as the perfect base camp for fishing and snorkeling expeditions, as well as meals enjoyed while overlooking the Caribbean sunset.
Getting There
Bahamas Air operates daily shuttles to Stella Maris Airport (SML) and Deadman’s Cay (LGI) from Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS).
4. Belmond Cap Juluca – Anguilla
To reach the small British island of Anguilla, take a puddle jumper and head to Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). From there, you can board a ferry or take a 10-minute flight to the aptly named Clayton J Loyd International Airport (AXA).
The stunning Mediterranean-style rooftops of the Belmond Cap Juluca overlook Anguilla’s southern coast. This resort is a haven for sailing, kayaking, golfing, and birding.
Getting There
Seabourne Airlines operates flights to Sint Maarten (SXM) and Anguilla (AXA) from San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU). Moreover, Tradewind Aviation offers charter flights from San Juan (SJU) to Anguilla (AXA).
5. The Mandarin Oriental – St Vincent and Grenadines
During peak season, The Mandarin Oriental Canouan consistently ranks among the most expensive resorts in the Caribbean. Located on the secluded island of Canouan, rates often exceed US$2300 per night from May to November.
Despite its elite tag, The Mandarin Oriental reduces rates during shoulder season, providing a slightly lower entry point into the realm of ultra-luxury.
Getting There
The Mandarin Oriental operates a six-seat charter jet connecting to Barbados (BGI), St Vincent (SVD), St Lucia (UVF), Grenada (GND), and Martinique (FDF) for US$4500 round-trip.
6. Queen’s Gardens Resort and Spa – Saba
The volcanic wilderness of Saba is unique in that the main attraction lies inland rather than along the coast. This tiny Dutch island offers visitors an exotic haven of hiking trails with breathtaking views.
The Queen’s Gardens Resort and Spa is nestled in the jungle landscape, providing five-star services in a setting reminiscent of a tropical paradise.
Getting There
Flights to Saba (SAB) depart several times a week from Sint Maarten (SXM) via Windward Island Airways.
