Perfect strands of sand are complemented by haute hotels and cool attitudes on these paradise islands.
By: Jill FergusYou’re a girl who’s never fully dressed without sky-high heels and the right bag. He’s more comfortable sipping whiskey while wearing topsiders than shooting tequila in flip-flops. And yet you both love to hit the beach. So it stands to reason you’re looking for the ultimate champagne treatments to accompany your sun-filled, sandy Caribbean holiday. Luckily for you cosmopolitan beach bums, there are a host of sparkling island retreats that offer more sophisticated experiences with luxurious hotels, impeccable cuisine and seamless service. Bonus: Most of these idyllic islands are blissfully crowd-free. Here, our five picks for a fabulous high-living Caribbean honeymoon.
Photo courtesy of Amanresorts
Turks and Caicos
With swanky, super-private resorts catering to the boldest of bold-faced names and water so blue you run out of adjectives to describe it, this quiet island chain south of the Bahamas appeals to those who are used to being completely spoiled. Under English rule, the archipelago of Turks and Caicos is comprised of some 40 islands — many of which are uninhabited and protected due to an extensive network of coral reefs. And the gorgeous sparkling sands of the Turks and Caicos are rivaled only by the underwater spectacular. On the capital island of Providenciales, the resort-lined Grace Bay Beach is popular with most visitors. Those seeking a more exclusive experience can head to a private island resort or to the wind-swept northwest tip of Provo.
Where to Stay: At the ultra exclusive Amanyara on Providenciales, with timber-and-glass open-walled villas and lush landscaping, pampering is raised to an art form. Want champagne and lobster at midnight? No problem. His-and-her massages followed by a snorkeling cruise in the offshore marine park with a breakfast hamper? You got it. Rooms are divided into private lakeside or beachfront pavilions and sprawling villas equipped with private chefs (room rates start at $1,300 a night and include mini bar, airport transfers and some activities; amanresorts.com). Far from prying eyes is Parrot Cay by COMO, an Asian-inspired retreat offering yoga and Ayurvedic spa therapies set on its own private island. Of course if you should simply want to amble from your villa down to the beach where you won’t see another soul, that’s perfectly fine too (room rates start at $475 a night and include breakfast, afternoon tea, non-motorized watersports, some activities and airport transfers; comohotels.com).
Photo courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts
Martinique
Part of the French Antilles, this sophisticated island is more low key than its well-known sister island St. Barth, which makes Martinique one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets. The upscale appeal is thanks to stellar Gallic gastronomy, interesting Creole culture, lush mountainous scenery and an abundance of beaches. The volcanic island — Mount Pelee last erupted in 1932 — was once a major sugar-producer. Today, you’ll go by some banana plantations en route to gorgeous beaches like the black-sand Couleuvre and the southern coast’s Les Salines. The capital of Fort de France, with its charming boulangeries and patisseries, feels like a slice of Paris. You’ll want to frequent the fashionable restaurants serving haute French-Creole cuisine including red snapper in a spicy sauce called au chien. Late night, hit the casino and clubs in Pointe du Bout.
Photo Credit: M. Jerome Mondiere
Where to Stay: Don your smartest resort wear while at the dreamy Cap Est Lagoon, a Relais & Chateaux property with rooms nestled amid fragrant gardens (some have outdoor showers and private pools). Dine in the romantic Belem restaurant and enjoy treatments in the Guerlain spa (room rates start at about $350 a night; capest.com).
Photo Credit: M. Jerome Mondiere
