21 Hottest Caribbean Escapes

Nothing says vacation like crystalline blue waters, white-sand beaches and luxurious indulgence. That's why we're counting down the 21 best destinations in the Caribbean, where vacation is a lifestyle.

By: Erica Walsh

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Nassau, The Bahamas

Visibility in the water off Nassau in The Bahamas can reach up to 100 feet -- and that's why it's home to the world's best diving. Explore the Blue Hole, a natural hole 100-feet across and 200-feet deep full of large schools of fish. Trinity and Piece of Cake caves both have openings large enough to swim through and are home to some large lobsters. There are also countless shipwrecks that have occurred along the reefs surrounding the islands of the Bahamas that make for some very exciting underwater adventures.

The Caves Resort - Negril, Jamaica

Poised on the limestone cliffs of Negril, The Caves is owned by famed music producer, Chris Blackwell. An oceanfront sanctuary featuring 11 exclusive cliffside accommodations, 2 main dining gazebos, private cave-dining and the sexy Cave Rum and Cigar Bar, The Caves is classic Caribbean luxury and the perfect romantic getaway.

Stanford Antigua Sailing Week - Antigua, The West Indies

To pack a little action into your Caribbean vacation, head to the annual Stanford Antigua sailing week. Participants from all over the globe flock to Antigua each year hoping to win what is now considered one of the premier sailing regattas in the world. The excitement of the race combined with the hospitality and beauty of Antigua make for a vacation you'll never forget.

Jade Mountain - St. Lucia

Jade Mountain is an eco-luxury resort facing St. Lucia's Twin Piton Mountains. The resort sits on over 400 acres full of biking and hiking trails, not to mention the scuba-diving available at the marine park. Guests here are at one with nature -- because there are only 3 walls to every room at the resort. There are no phones, televisions or radios in any of the rooms. It truly is a sanctuary rather than a hotel.

Stuart Cove's - Nassau, The Bahamas

Dive underwater to experience the amazing visibility of the Bahamas' pristine waters. Stuart Cove's offers a unique way to experience undersea life. Climb into your personal undersea bubble: a seahorse-shaped submarine that propels you to a depth of up to 15 feet. No snorkeling or scuba experience is required, and you'll love exploring the coral reef in your own personal submarine.

Cap Juluca - Anguilla

Cap Juluca is only minutes from St. Maarten by air or boat, yet it feels completely insulated from the outside world. A self-contained enclave along 2 miles of the most pristine beaches in the world, the resort is a romantic paradise featuring 18 Moorish villas, 5-star restaurants and beautifully landscaped tropical gardens.

The Landings - St. Lucia

Open since December 19, 2007, The Landings has quickly become an idyllic vacation destination. The resort offers lavish 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom villas along St. Lucia's most gorgeous bay. The 7,000-square-foot RockResorts Spa, fitness gallery and Beach Club Restaurant all offer first-rate service to the hotel's guests.

Grace Bay Club - Provo, Turks and Caicos

Located on 11 acres of immaculate beachfront, the Grace Bay Club was Turks and Caicos' first luxury all-suite hotel. The hotel is divided into two sections: the adults-only hotel and a family-friendly villa resort. Each provides private swimming pools and dining experiences to meet your travel desires. New features to the hotel include the Caribbean's longest bar, luxury Anani spa tents, 100 new chic day beds, a kids' tree house and the Anacaona restaurant.

The Sandy Lane Resort - Barbados

From the moment it first opened its doors in 1961, The Sandy Lane Resort has been the preferred resort for royalty, celebrities and other members of the elite. A treasured hideaway for the world's most discerning travelers, the resort combines classic elegance with lavish state-of-the art amenities. Famous for its tranquility, the resort also boasts 45 holes of golf spread out over 3 epic courses designed by Jim Fazio.

Rick's Cafe - Negril, Jamaica

Located on Negril's beautiful West End Cliffs, Rick's Cafe was the first public bar and restaurant of its kind to offer unrivaled views of the sunset from the naturally formed cliffs. The cafe sits over one of West End Cliff's most incredible coves and many have jumped or dived from platforms as high as 35 feet into the crystalline water below.

Pink Sands Resort - Harbour Island, The Bahamas

A 20-acre haven set on the famous 3-mile pink sand beach, the Pink Sands Resort offers 25 cottages scattered throughout lush tropical grounds. The romantic resort offers a freshwater swimming pool, 3 tennis courts, an exercise studio and in-room massages.

La Concha Resort - San Juan, Puerto Rico

For a Caribbean escape that doesn't require a passport, head to La Concha Resort in San Juan. Originally built in 1958, the resort recently underwent a $100-million facelift. By day, it's all about the beach and the multilevel infinity pools; by night there are 5 restaurants and bars to fit your every mood.

High Seas Private Excursions - The Bahamas

If you're looking to create your own oceanic adventure vacation, then look no further than High Seas, Bahamas. You and your friends can choose what boat you'd like to be on, where you'd like to explore and how long you want to be at sea. Private beaches and exclusive snorkeling sites are part of the company's promise to show you the real Bahamas.

Silver Sands Resort - Christ Church, Barbados

Silver Sands Resort may sit on 12 beautifully landscaped placid acres, but its status as the windsurfing capital of Barbados is the real draw. The Club Mistral windsurfing station is open between November and June, but novices need not apply; a skill rating between 5 and 6 is required to windsurf and kitesurf the waters off Silver Sands.

Raffles Resort - Canouan Island, The Grenadines

Canouan Island is located in the heart of The Grenadines in the southeastern Caribbean. Raffles Resort occupies 300 acres of tropical paradise boasting 3 secluded white-sand beaches. The horseshoe-shaped resort surrounds the bay and each of the 156 1- and 2-story villas offer gorgeous views.

Trinidad and Tobago

The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are the birthplace of steelpan and home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The islands are rich in biodiversity with more than 430 bird species, 108 mammals and 55 reptiles. Many who visit Trinidad head for Riviere Beach, the premier site for nesting turtles.

The Four Seasons - Nevis, West Indies

Nevis, located in the tropical Leeward Islands, offers visitors near-perfect weather and beaches. The Four Seasons resort offers exclusive villas and estate homes, an award-winning spa and some of the world's most scenic golf courses. The canopy cover of palm trees stands uninterrupted, as the local government does not allow buildings taller than two stories.

Peter Island Resort - British Virgin Islands

Peter Island Resort is a private island paradise exuding relaxation and tranquility. The resort has more staff members than guests, offering an unparalleled level of service. Whether your heart's desire is to swing in a hammock, sail, scuba dive or hike, Peter Island promises you an island experience unlike any other in the Caribbean.

The Underwater Sculpture Garden - Grenada

For a truly one-of-a-kind vacation experience, visit the Underwater Sculpture Garden off the coast of Grenada in Moilinere Bay. The bay is now home to 65 sculptures, which are not only stunning to view, but create artificial reefs for marine life. The sculptures lie in clear shallow waters easily visible to snorkelers and glass-bottomed boats.

Tom Beach Hotel - St. Barts

Located on St. Jean Beach on St. Barts, the Tom Beach Hotel is the perfect combination of intimacy and luxury. The small hotel offers only 12 rooms, decorated in Caribbean colors with private terraces or patios. Two suites feature a terrace directly on the beach.

Beaches Resort Villages & Spa - Turks and Caicos

A visit to these beautiful islands will often cost you a pretty penny, but not if you stay at the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort and Spa. Opened in 1997, this popular spot is an all-inclusive resort.

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