13 Super Luxe Stays in the Caribbean

March 24, 2014— -- intro: For those seeking a truly decadent escape, the Caribbean is certainly not short on options. The islands boast everything from intimate boutiques in hidden, tranquil locales to expansive resorts that wow not only in breadth, but style. These super-luxe properties cater to celebrities and socialites — and you can enjoy them too (for a price, of course — or at least just in pictures). Spoil yourself with these 13 uber-fancy spots!

quicklist: 1title: 1. Hotel Le Toiny, St. Barts text: One of the most prestigious hotels in St. Barts, this exclusive 15-villa resort sits amid 28 lush acres of natural hills and beachfront. The private villas are spacious and airy, and each boasts its own infinity-edge pool. Plus, the views here are jaw-dropping. The French restaurant is one of the island’s most renowned, and you can often spot a celebrity dining during high season. Rates are nothing to sneeze at, but you’ll definitely receive all-star treatment.media: 23005211

quicklist: 2title: 2. Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia text: Romantic. Unique. Expensive. Jade Mountain is all that and more. Through an innovative, open fourth wall, each of Jade’s 29 enormous suites overlooks the sea from its chromatherapy-lit whirlpool tub, canopied bed, and private infinity pool. It’s a trek to get there, but this ridiculously luxurious hotel promises organic cuisine, doting service, unwavering silence (no TVs, radios, or children), and extraordinary design — all of which make the long journey worthwhile.media: 23005401

quicklist: 3title: 3. Parrot Cay and COMO Shambhala Retreat, Turks and Caicos text: Accessed via a 30-minute boat ride from Providenciales, this 1,000-acre all-inclusive resort on a private island is the definition of tranquility. With an incredible infinity-edge pool, the world-renowned COMO Shambhala Spa, waterfront Balinese-style villas, doting service, and more than three miles of pristine beaches, it’s easily one of the most luxurious and romantic options in the Caribbean.media: 23005827

quicklist: 4title: 4. Viceroy Anguilla text: The Viceroy Anguilla is the one of the newest properties on this tiny island–and arguably the most luxurious. The Kelly Wearstler-designed resort manages to mix an upscale look with a laid-back, beachy feel throughout the 166 rooms, which have romantic balconies as well as marble bathrooms with separate showers and soaking tubs. The world class spa, fitness center with Pilates and yoga classes, and stunning views (from literally every corner of the resort) only add to the luxe vibe the resort exudes.media: 23007278

quicklist: 5title: 5. One&Only Ocean Club, Bahamas text: Bringing tranquility to otherwise-crowded Paradise Island, the 105-room One&Only Ocean Club features personal butlers, beautiful pools (one for adults, one for families), and a Jean-Georges restaurant. Plus, One&Only guests are granted access to nearby Atlantis’s water park and casino.media: 23005999

quicklist: 6title: 6. Sandy Lane, Barbados text: Decked out in signature pink, the 112-room Sandy Lane is the creme de la creme of Barbados — indeed, it’s one of the most luxurious resorts in the world — with unparalleled service and distinct touches. Guest amenities run rampant, but perhaps the most noteworthy is access to the super exclusive Green Monkey golf course (a favorite of Tiger Woods’s). A Rolls Royce Phantom, top-notch spa, outstanding restaurants, and celebrity sightings are just a few aspects that set the elegant Palladian-style hotel apart from the rest.media: 23006813

quicklist: 7title: 7. Turtle Inn, Belize text: Owned by the Coppola family (they also own the Cayo District’s Blancaneaux Lodge), this intimate luxury resort mostly caters to couples — and it’s easy to see why. The resort offers a peaceful setting and Balinese-style private cottages and villas — each with a fabulous indoor/outdoor bathroom — separated by sand and stone walkways. Three restaurants, two bars, two outdoor pools and a number of guided tours and excursions are additional features.media: 23007162

quicklist: 8title: 8. Rosewood Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands text: The jungle-meets-ocean setting of this luxury resort in the BVI makes it one of the most romantic spots on this sparsely populated island. The hotel sits directly on a beautiful sandy beach, and most units are just a couple dozen yards from the water. Beach Houses and Villas are the most luxurious stays, with wonderful extras like private pools, full kitchens, flat-screen TVs in every room, Wii game consoles, and free use of golf carts to move around the property. The acclaimed spa with gorgeous views, the dozens of available activities, and the long list of exceptional freebies make this hotel a great high-end pick.media: 23006598

quicklist: 9title: 9. Eden Roc at Cap Cana, Dominican Republic text: Eden Roc is a beautiful all-suite boutique in the gated community of Cap Cana, home to tennis courts, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, a marina, a beach club, and numerous vacation villas and second homes. Unlike the party-centric Punta Cana, Cap Cana attracts a more reserved crowd of couples and families. The sprawling property is best explored via golf cart, and all guests of this luxurious resort receive one with their suite.media: 23006241

quicklist: 10title: 10. Four Seasons Resort Nevis text: This Four Seasons — on a large, attractive beach on the small island of Nevis — is a top spot for luxury. The gorgeous rooms here are a highlight: Updated decor has a Ralph Lauren-like look, and the massive bathrooms feature separate showers and tubs. Plus, almost all rooms have beautiful views of either mountains or the ocean. There are three pools, a small spa, multiple tennis courts, a golf course, and a kids’ club, making it an excellent luxury pick for both couples and families.media: 23006488

quicklist: 11title: 11. Strawberry Hill, Jamaica text: This former coffee plantation, nestled among the steep and winding hills of Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountain, is a little oasis overlooking the city of Kingston. The luxe resort affords plenty of privacy, with just 12 cottages on more than 26 acres, but it boasts the features of a larger property: an expansive spa, a breezy restaurant and bar, a hilltop pool with panoramic vistas, lush gardens, and ample relaxation space.media: 23006942

quicklist: 12title: 12. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico text: The ultra-luxurious St. Regis features top-notch amenities, including a gorgeous spa, a huge free-form pool, an outstanding restaurant, and an exceptional golf course. The rooms are large and the attractive decor includes exposed wood beams, big modern bathrooms, and large furnished terraces. At the foot of El Yunque National Forest, it’s pretty secluded — which is a plus for those seeking a truly relaxing vacation.media: 23007042

quicklist: 13title: 13. The Royal Hideaway Playacar, Riviera Maya text: The Royal Hideaway is a member of exclusive hospitality consortium Leading Hotels of the World, and as such it is one of the most luxurious properties in Riviera Maya. The resort features upscale rooms with high-end amenities, a full-service spa with a plethora of treatments on offer, several pools, and some of the best dining in Riviera Maya. The beautiful grounds, overall sophisticated vibe, adults-only policy, and beautiful beachfront location — just a short drive from shopping on Playa’s Fifth Avenue — make it one of the most attractive options in Playacar.media: 23006742