Located just southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and the North America mainland are a group of islands, islets, reefs and cays that make up the Caribbean Plate. With sparkling blue water and forested land sure to make any other country envious, there is no doubt why the Caribbean is an ongoing popular holiday destination for celebrities and every day folk alike.
The best romantic resorts in the Caribbean
Some of the bigger, more recognized islands that make up the Caribbean Plate are the Bahamas, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands and Saint Lucia. Overall, there are over 700 islands that make up the land total, most of which have room for tourists; offering only the most luxurious and grandest of resorts for guests to indulge in.
Parrot Cay by COMO, Turks and Caicos
Located in the Turks and Caicos, an archipelago of islands is Parrot Cay, a private island resort rich in hidden coves and pristine beaches. The resort has been given an internationally recognized ranking of 4.5 stars out of five, and for all of the right reasons. Parrot Cay is particularly popular amongst celebrities, so keep your eyes peeled.
Parrot Cay is dedicated to having high standards, with great facilities offered to travellers of all kinds. The resort offers a retreat, consisting of nine treatment rooms with private cottages, Japanese baths and an infinity pool with a sundeck. The retreat also offers guests a private yoga studio, a pilates hut, steam room, outdoor Jacuzzi and gym.
Adventure time comes easy when staying at Parrot Cay, with complimentary watersports included in your stay, such as sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling, kayaking and paddle boarding.
Where to eat
For dining out, visit the sophisticated and gourmet restaurant, Lotus, serving Thai and Japanese cuisine every night. The Terrace restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine, with a contemporary Italian twist. If eating out isn’t your thing, you can have your dinner delivered to your villa – or in a romantic spin of things, enjoy dinner on the beach in a candlelit hut; perfect for a romantic getaway.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico
Nestled in the romantic and secluded area of a Caribbean coconut plantation is the St Regis, a resort with plenty to offer. On one side of this beautiful resort is a lush green national forest, and on the other, pristine blue water and white sand beaches; simply put, paradise. This is the type of resort that’s perfect for a couples retreat or for honeymooners.
The rooms offered by the St Regis range in price depending on the size of accommodation and the view. There are suites that have tropical garden views, one with views of the pristine green of the golf course, there are ocean front rooms, and for those parties that are bigger than two, you can book the Governors suite, which houses four people. No matter which room you choose, you will be greeted with stylish and sleek furnishings and a comfortable bed; great for after a full day of water sports.
The St Regis offers guests the choice of lounging pool side, playing tennis or golf on the superb green. There are spa facilities, where you can indulge in only the best of body treatments, salon services, massages and skin care services. For those more active, the St Regis is located on two miles of unspoilt coastal area, known as Bahia Beach. It’s here that you can participate in water sports including paddle boarding, snorkelling, kayaking, sailing and fishing.
Jade Mountain, St Lucia
A resort that rises above the rest, Jade Mountain is nestled amongst a mountain and is a resort quite unlike any other. The layout is the work of the owner and architect, Nick Troubetzkoy, and is most recognized for the infinity pools and stone faced columns built into each room. What makes the Jade Mountain resort so unique is that it is technology-free.
Say goodbye to your mobile phone, and don’t expect a television in your room, either. The only place internet is available is at front reception upon request – all in the name of complete sanctuary.
Each room on offer at Jade Mountain comes with its own private infinity pool – each with stunning views of the lush forest and beach below. Aside from the 24 infinity pool suites, there are sky suites, each with Jacuzzis and the fourth wall open, offering views and a sea breeze, perfect on a summer evening.
What to expect and what to do
Jade Mountain has extraordinary spa experiences, yoga and fitness classes offered to guests. All of the services offered at the sister resort of Anse Chastanet, located below the Jade Mountain resort, are shared between the two. For example, if you are a guest of Jade Mountain and wish to use the facilities of the Anse Chastanet resort, you are more than welcome to do so.
The spa facilities also offer asyurvedic and holistic services. Yoga classes are complimentary to guests, and private lessons can be arranged if necessary. Aside from these services, there is a fitness studio featuring cardio and strength building equipment. There are also escorted daily walks and hikes offered to guests of the 600 acre estate surrounding the resorts.
The Cove Atlantis, Bahamas
Known for its hotels and resorts, the Atlantis is always sure to please even the most fussy of travellers. Located in the tourist hub of the Bahamas, the Cove Atlantis is everything that you want from a resort – and more.
Indulgence is a way of life at The Cove, with each room offering stylish and sophisticated furnishings, and an ocean view. Guests are given access to the adults-only pool, a place of relaxation, as well as access to the adventure waterpark, 11 other pools, marine exhibits, library, fish feeding activities, movies in the Atlantis Theatre and shuttle between each of the towers of the Atlantis. Surrounding the resort and hotels are three impeccable white sand beaches, sure to impress.
Dining at The Cove is an experience in itself, with delectable cuisine from all over the world to choose from throughout all stages of the day. Indulge in seafood and fresh sushi at Nobu restaurant. Custom-make your meal at Mosaic, where the food is Mediterranean influenced and cooked fresh, right in front of you. Try out Casa D Angelo, where the cuisine is Tuscan themed, with a southern Italian twist.
What to do in the cove
Day or night, the Cove has plenty of activities on offer. There’s a casino, and the Aura nightclub. You can go swimming with dolphins, visit Cain at the Cove – the adults only pool with private pavilions, head for drinks at the Sea Glass or go shopping at one of the many boutiques. There’s also a world class golf course and a spa, for those of us who need to relax after shopping.
Viceroy Anguilla, Anguilla (British West Indies)
Located on a small island in the British West Indies, the Viceroy is considered to be one of the most exclusive resorts in the Caribbean due to its secluded location. It is located close enough to other islands – just five miles from St Maarten – for easy access, however. The resort is one of modern sophistication and style, nestled nicely between the pristine beaches of the area and the surrounding forests and plantations.
This resort is particularly aimed at spa and wellbeing, offering guests only the best facilities possible when it comes to spa treatments, yoga and fitness. Men do not go unnoticed at the spa, with an array of treatments aimed particularly for them. There is also an abundance of sun beds, available ocean side or poolside for guest relaxation and convenience.
How to spend your time
Aside from yoga and the fitness studio, the Viceroy offers a number of water activities for guests, including kayaking, paddle boarding, boogie boarding, windsurfing, snorkelling and sunfish sailing – all of which are complimentary. There is also a golf green and tennis courts on offer. Meads Bay Beach, located at the forefront of the resort is great for swimming and amazing sunset walks. On land, there is also rock climbing available, as well as basketball courts and shopping indoors at the resort boutique.