Paradise, Perfected: My Favorite Ultra-Luxury Caribbean Escapes
I’ll admit it.
Growing up on the East Coast of the US, I somehow managed to overlook the Caribbean. I craved the far-flung—the Himalayas, the hidden temples, the stories etched into ancient stone. I sought altitude, depth, culture, novelty. The Caribbean? That was for cruise ships and honeymoon clichés… right?
Wrong. So, delightfully, wrong.
Now that I’m older, wiser, and thoroughly unafraid to admit that I love an infinity pool as much as a monastery, I’ve found myself quietly enamored by the Caribbean. And not just as a “vacation” (a word that always feels slightly underdressed for my taste), but as a rejuvenating reset—a long weekend to reintroduce yourself to yourself. A birthday bash under the stars. A scuba-soaked honeymoon (or second one). A family trip that doesn’t feel like a hostage situation. You name it.
Because yes, the Caribbean is more than rum punches and beach towels. It’s turquoise tranquility paired with culinary brilliance, bespoke butlers, private villas, jungle-meets-ocean drama, and design that rivals the best in Europe or Asia.
And as anyone who knows me would say, “She always knows just the place.”
So here are a few of my favorites.
✦ For Barefoot Romance: Amanyara – Turks & Caicos
Aman does it again—this time with sleek, minimalist pavilions hidden among native vegetation, right on the edge of one of the world’s most beautiful reefs. Think privacy, spa pavilions over reflecting pools, daily wellness rituals, and sunsets that seem to slow down time itself.
Perfect for: Romantic getaways, honeymoons, and anyone whose soul has been begging for stillness.
✦ For Design-Lovers Who Travel Chic: Jade Mountain – St. Lucia
Jade Mountain is architectural poetry. Each suite (or “sanctuary,” as they rightly call them) has no fourth wall—just an uninterrupted panorama of the Pitons rising from the sea. Private infinity pools shimmer with colored tiles. The service is intuitive, the cuisine local and organic, and the vibe? Grown-up, glamorous, a little surreal.
Perfect for: Design-savvy couples, proposal weekends, and artful escapes.
✦ For The Ultimate Private Villa Vibe: Eden Rock – St Barths
Once a jet-set haven, now a glamorously revived Relais & Châteaux icon, Eden Rock blends old-Hollywood energy with modern French-Caribbean ease. Nestled on a rocky promontory overlooking turquoise bays, this is where the cool crowd comes to unwind—with ultra-luxury villas, private chefs, and toes-in-the-sand sophistication.
Perfect for: Birthday celebrations, girls’ getaways, or the luxury traveler who wants to see and be seen.
✦ For Scuba, Serenity & Jungle-Luxe: Secret Bay – Dominica
This is where luxury meets eco-conscious adventure. Built into a cliffside rainforest, Secret Bay’s villas feel like sophisticated treehouses for the soul—with private plunge pools, ocean decks, and outdoor rain showers. Explore underwater caverns, waterfalls, and hike to boiling lakes, then return to gourmet meals and total seclusion.
Perfect for: Adventure couples, scuba divers, and off-the-beaten-path romantics.
✦ For Wellness & Modern Caribbean Minimalism: GoldenEye – Jamaica
Yes, that GoldenEye—where Ian Fleming wrote James Bond. Today, it’s a creative retreat with private beach huts, sea-view villas, and a vibe that’s pure understated cool. Take paddleboards to a spa treatment in the lagoon, enjoy farm-to-fork meals, or sip rum beneath firefly-strewn skies.
Perfect for: Creative souls, solo escapes, and wellness retreats with flair.
✦ For Laid-Back Elegance (and Family-Friendly Fun): Four Seasons Resort – Nevis
Yes, you read “family” and “Four Seasons” in the same breath—and yes, it works. With everything from a sea turtle conservation program to an 18-hole championship golf course, this is one of those rare resorts where kids, couples, and grandparents all find joy. But don’t worry: the private beach cabanas, beachfront spa, and epic rum tastings ensure it’s still very much a luxury escape.
Perfect for: Family trips, multigenerational escapes, and beach weddings without the chaos.
✦ Say Y.E.S. to a Quick Getaway That Feels Like a World Away
You don’t always need to fly across the planet to feel renewed. Sometimes it’s a quick flight, a warm welcome, and the perfect breeze rustling the palms as a private chef brings you a plate of grilled lobster and a chilled glass of rosé.
Whether it’s a spontaneous long weekend, a milestone celebration, or a much-needed exhale—I know just the place. Let’s make the Caribbean your new favorite quick escape.