Best Caribbean Beach Resorts: Jamaica, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and Beyond
Justifying a beach getaway isn’t difficult; they’re popular with every demographic—old and young—for good reason; an expansive ocean view is scientifically proven to calm our minds. It’s no wonder unwinding beachside is a top choice for vacationers worldwide.
For those wanting to relieve a cold winter with a dose of sunshine, enjoying a tropical climate, whether you’re simply a relaxation-seeker wanting to enjoy a laid-back beach retreat or an adventure-seeker who enjoys water-based sports like scuba diving, there seems to be something for everyone in the Caribbean. A favored vacation region, the Caribbean, includes 25 countries that are a short flight from the East Coast United States and hundreds of resorts.
Caribbean travelers are choosing to stay at resorts for overall comfort and convenience, as many are all-inclusive without compromising luxury—and smaller, private resort beaches tend to be less crowded than other island beaches. Before booking your next beach getaway, consider our list of five Caribbean countries with some of the best Caribbean beach resorts.
Also read: Why You Should Get Travel Insurance for All-Inclusive Resort Vacations
Turks and Caicos Resorts
With miles of white sandy beaches and pink coral reef, Providenciales, called Provo by locals, is the most developed island in Turks and Caicos—and most resorts here are family friendly. There’s also country-wide policy to keep mass development at a minimum, so you won’t have to worry about over development. And here’s a fun fact: although Turks and Caicos is under British-rule, it uses the American dollar.
When to Go: (December - May) Like other Caribbean beach resort destinations, Turks and Caicos’ busy season is from December to March as most activities are available then. You’ll avoid larger crowds in April and May, right before rainy hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
Also read:
• Weathering the Storm—Preparing for Travel During Hurricane Season
• Hurricane Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know
Top-rated Caribbean Beach Resorts - Turks and Caicos
The Palms Turks and Caicos (Providenciales, Turks and Caicos)
Located on Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, solo travelers, couples and families alike will enjoy oceanfront views and plenty of uncrowded beach access. Top-notch amenities and activities include checking into the 25,000 square-foot spa, bicycle rentals, tennis, horseback riding, parasailing, jet-skiing, and whale watching. Some rates are all-inclusive, which include onsite food and beverages.
Grace Bay Club (Providenciales, Turks and Caicos)
Situated in the heart of Grace Bay Beach, which is known for its white sands and calm, warm turquoise-hued waters, this resort offers the most sandy ocean front on the island. The picturesque terrain is also good for easily accessible snorkeling opportunities in nearby coral reef. One of the most posh Caribbean beach resorts, it offers amenities and accommodation options that appeal to couples, families, and other group vacationers. You have the option of a private beach front villa with personal concierge services, an adult-only building, or a family friendly suite. Not all-inclusive, but breakfast is included.
Jamaica Resorts
If you’re an active traveler, you may find that Jamaica has a lot to offer. From water-based activities like scuba diving to land-based mountain hiking—there’s plenty to do. And if you need to squeeze in some R&R, there’s a wide variety of spa services and beach lounging opportunities.
When to Go: (November - March) Early season, from November to mid-December, is recommended as weather is best—but January through March is considered peak booking season. Hurricane season lasts all summer into early autumn.
Top-rated Caribbean Beach Resorts - Jamaica
Sandals Montego Bay (Montego Bay, Jamaica)
This adults-only, all-inclusive resort offers unlimited scuba diving and many other activities including nightly parties and entertainment. Also included, you can visit other Sandals Jamaica resort properties outside of Montego Bay.
The Caves (Negril, Jamaica)
Located on Jamaica’s west coast, and about an hour and a half by car from the airport in Montego Bay, this intimate, all-inclusive cliffside resort has only 11 cottages and villas. Unlike most Jamaica resort properties in Negril, there’s no beach access; instead they offer diving and snorkeling adventures. There doesn’t seem to be a shortage of relaxing moments here, though; romantic candlelit meals, clifftop ocean views and sounds of crashing waves are highlights. The main resort is for adults only; best for an exclusive all-inclusive romantic getaway, bypassing beach sunbathing.
Bahamas Resorts
The Bahamas has a wide reach. With 700 islands, 23 inhabited, there’s everything from pink sandy beaches, underwater caves, historic landmarks, busy cities to exclusive golf courses.
When to Go: (December - April) Like most Caribbean destinations, rainy season starts in May and peak hurricane season is from June to late November.
Top-rated Caribbean Beach Resorts - Bahamas
Atlantis (Paradise Island, Bahamas)
The largest resort in the Caribbean, and only an hour flight from Miami, this popular mega resort offers a lot of activities and food options for larger groups and families. When it comes to Bahamas Resorts, Atlantis is a go-to kid-friendly vacation—there’s a waterpark and the world's largest open-air marine habitat on property. All-inclusive and children under 4 years old are free.
Dominican Republic Resorts
The Dominican Republic is the most visited island in the Caribbean; it’s also one of the region’s most geographically diverse countries with beaches, colonial architecture, mountainous terrain and even desert scrublands.
When to Go: (December - May) Peak season is December through March, but April and May are best for those wanting to avoid major crowds. Keep in mind, the Atlantic Ocean’s hurricane season lasts from June to November.
Also read: Best Places to Rent a Beach House in the U.S.
Top-rated Caribbean Beach Resorts - Dominican Republic
Tortuga Bay Resort & Golf Club (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic)
A nature-filled sanctuary, Tortuga Bay caters to honeymoon couples, golf enthusiasts, and families seeking luxury amenities. The 30-room, five-mile beachfront property is located on a 1,500-acre ecological reserve and offers two 18-hole golf courses, tennis, snorkeling and sea kayaking. It also houses the only Six Senses Spa in North America offering yoga wellness-focused experiences. All-inclusive and includes 24-hour room service.
St. Lucia Resorts
Geographically and culturally rich, St. Lucia has a lot to offer. See our page all about traveling to St. Lucia, and why it’s a popular Caribbean destination
When to Go: (December - April) May and June are recommended as weather is best during late Spring. Similar to other Caribbean island nations, peak hurricane season occurs in the summertime.
Top-rated Caribbean Beach Resorts - St. Lucia
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa (Coconut Bay, St. Lucia)
Covering 85 acres along the southern Atlantic coast of St. Lucia, this 250 room all-inclusive resort aims to please singles, couples, and families alike.
Also read - Your Questions Answered: Traveling to Costa Rica
Travel Tips for a Caribbean Beach Resort
Here are a few quick tips for your Caribbean beach resort vacation:
1) Help protect your trip with Generali Global Assistance. Travel insurance is especially important when traveling during hurricane season, as you may encounter travel disruptions. Although many Caribbean destinations go years unscathed by hurricanes, there’s always risks involved with natural disasters. See also: Traveling During Hurricane Season. Additionally, most medical plans don’t cover international medical expenses—so if you’re traveling outside the US, you may want to consider purchasing a plan with Medical and Dental Coverage.
The Caribbean made the list of the 10 Most Popular Trips Covered by Travel Insurance. Find out why.
2) Pack sunscreen and mosquito repellant. See also: More Beach Safety Tips.
3) Don’t forget your passport for non-US territories in the Caribbean. You may also want to enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This program makes it easier for consulates and embassies to notify you in case of emergencies when traveling to a foreign country.
Consider one of Generali Global Assistance’s three levels of travel protection plans so you can really relax before and during your vacation, knowing we’re by your side, ready to help with 24-Hour Emergency Assistance Services and insurance coverages ranging from Trip Cancellation, Medical and Dental, Emergency Assistance and Transportation and more.
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