Article written by Mark Stevens. Photos by Sharon Matthews-Stevens.
Tranquility Beach is ideally situated on Meads Bay Beach.
Maybe you’ve scrimped and saved to finance that perfect week in paradise. Maybe you’re celebrating a honeymoon in heaven, a red-letter anniversary, a birthday present to yourself. Or maybe you just deserve a little pampering.
Whatever your reasons, one thing is certain. If you’re looking for luxe here in the Caribbean you’re looking in all the right places.
CLAIM AN ISLAND FOR YOURSELF (British Virgin Islands)
The rooms at Scrub Island marry Caribbean vibe with Manhattan sophistication
Claim an island all for yourself at Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina in the northeast corner of The British Virgin Islands.
Thirty-two rooms overlook a photogenic seaside plaza boasting docks populated by a fleet of yachts. Room options range are varied, from one-bedroom suites to the Governor Suites, accommodations boasting décor and furnishings best described as Manhattan meets Caribbean Great House. Or maybe you want a villa to yourself. No worries.
Visit the onsite spa or explore this private island – take a hike, visit North Beach, sample a barbecue on the beach. Surrounding islands beckon but it begs the question. You’ve claimed an island for yourself.
Why go anywhere else?
EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE IN EXCLUSIVITY (Anguilla)
Relax and enjoy the turquoise waters of Meads Bay Beach. Photo courtesy of Tranquility Beach Anguilla.
Anguilla’s Tranquility Beach is a minimalist resort comprised of three simple white buildings surrounded by impeccable landscaping. The ultimate in exclusivity, Tranquility Beach boasts only fifteen suites. While there’s no restaurant on site, helpful staff members are happy to arrange a private chef. Then again, Anguilla’s finest restaurants are mere steps away. This property is snugged down at water’s edge on Meads Bay Beach, one of Anguilla’s most scenic beaches.
Tranquility Beach is so alluring you might never want to leave, thanks to that feeling of seclusion that comes from sharing your swathe of sand with fewer than a dozen other guests. Or maybe that feeling comes from a beloved evening ritual: sipping a cocktail in the Jacuzzi on your balcony while you watch one more perfect sunset.
ESCAPE THE MADDING CROWD (Antigua and Barbuda)
On an island boasting a wealth of beaches, Carlisle Bay boasts one of the most scenic
The two-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda is known for its beaches but one in particular stands out – a gentle amber arc snugged down in the southwest reaches of the island.
Surrounded by lush mountains and rainforest Carlisle Bay Resort is the ideal spot for escaping the madding crowd. A long row of low-lying buildings facing the beach offers accommodation choices ranging from garden suites to the multi-bedroom Carlisle Suites. You’d be inclined to just grab a beach chair and while the day away – the resort gives off that vibe – but that might be a mistake. The south-facing bay offers great snorkeling or you can book an excursion to nearby Cades Reef. Try a non-motorized water sport or rally on one the five tennis courts or two pickleball courts. Sign up for afternoon tea or a yoga class.
Do dinner – maybe Asian or Italian. Or savour the fact you’ve found exactly the right place to escape the madding crowd.
SATISFY YOUR INNER GOURMET (Cayman Islands)
Rooms at the Kimpton Seafire are best defined as “rustic-meets-polished.”
My friend Barry just got back from a Grand Cayman getaway and he raved about the island. “Didn’t have a bad meal the whole trip,” he said. While The Cayman Islands’ reputation as a foodies’ destination is well-deserved, I could have offered him some advice: just stay at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa. And dine at Avecita, a restaurant in a restaurant. Consider booking a seat at the “chef’s counter” for a tasting menu featuring six different courses.
If food and drink were the only selling features of this property it would still be worth a stay but, like so many luxury properties, it’s all about location, location, location. This resort is located on Seven-Mile Beach, an expanse of sand consistently rated among the Caribbean’s top ten. From a design standpoint the Kimpton might be best described as “rustic-yet-polished,” incorporating modern furnishings that pair nicely with natural wood and stone.
LOOK FOR LUXE IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES
Jade Mountain and sister property Anse Chastanet occupy a setting that offers some of the Caribbean’s best views
Your Caribbean quest for luxe is hardly limited to this must-do quartet. Choose Antigua and Barbuda and consider either Hermitage Bay or Blue Waters Resort and Spa.
Treat yourself to a room boasting the Caribbean’s best views at Jade Mountain in St. Lucia.
Young Island Resort in St. Vincent and the Grenadines once hosted Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp.
And that’s just the beginning. If you’re looking for luxe in the Caribbean you’re looking in all the right places.
Article written by Mark Stevens. Photography by Sharon Matthews-StevensFor twenty-five years the writing/photography team of Mark Stevens and Sharon Matthews-Stevens has provided editorial and photographic Caribbean content to a multitude of publications.
They’ve worked with newspapers from The Washington Post to The Globe and Mail, magazines from Travellife to Caribbean Business and Travel, and online publications from ATasteforTravel.ca to VacayNetwork.com. They have hiked the rainforests of St. Vincent in search of the Vinci parrot, sailed the waters off countless islands and traversed Jamaica in search of the world’s best jerk.
In addition to numerous other writing and photography awards, they have been recognized for their writing and photography fifteen times by the Caribbean Tourism Organization during their Canadian Media Awards events. Mark and Sharon are true Caribbean specialists.
