Caribbean Queens: Timeless Luxury Resorts

Ladera, St. Lucia

Imagine the blue Caribbean framed by the lush, vertiginous Piton Mountains from your three-sided, open-air suite, and you’ll understand why you’ll never tire of the views at Ladera. This 32-room hillside hideaway, once part of the oldest plantation in Soufrière, has long been one of St. Lucia’s top hotels. Gaze at the green peaks from your muslin-draped bed or, better yet, from your private grotto-style plunge pool. Rainforest hikes and beaches are easily accessible, but really, there’s no reason to leave this paradise. Room rates start at $575 a night.

Photo courtesy of Ladera

Montpelier Plantation & Beach, Nevis

Montpelier is one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive inns, this former sugar plantation has just 19 rooms, but lots of romantic history — it served as the site of British naval hero Horatio Nelson’s marriage to Fanny Nisbet, the daughter of an estate owner. These days, couples can take a dip in the pool with mist-covered Mount Nevis as a backdrop, and later on sip a rum punch in the Great Room before sitting down to a gourmet West Indian dinner inside the 300-year-old stone sugar mill. Room rates start at $225 a night.

Photo courtesy of Montpelier Plantation & Beach

One&Only Ocean Club, Bahamas

The ultra-luxe Only&Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island was once a private estate and its grace and grandeur will set your heart racing. The recently renovated, 107- room resort sits on 35 acres with terraced gardens and a spectacular new infinity pool that was sunk into the landscaped grounds so it doesn't block any sea views. Cozy up in a seaside British colonial villa with a spacious balcony, perfect for an intimate dinner for two. Be as busy as you want to be — there’s golf, sailing, snorkeling, tennis — or simply lie out in a chaise while the crystal-blue surf whispers its secrets. Room rates start at $985 a night.

Photo courtesy of One&Only Ocean Club, Bahamas

Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic

Casa de Campo opened in 1974 on the island’s eastern coast, and it’s still a winner. The 235-room resort is spread over 7,000 acres (golf carts are used to get around), and you’ll never run out of exciting activities, such as playing on the world-famous Teeth of the Dog golf course, horseback riding and skeet shooting. Or indulge in leisure time at the pool’s swim-up bar, in the pampering spa or at the excellent restaurants and beachside cafés. Room rates start at $350 a night.

Photo courtesy of Casa de Campo Resort & Villas