Best Hotels in the Caribbean

This time last year, the travel infrastructure in the Caribbean looked very different. In 2018, readers’ choices for the best Caribbean resorts understandably drew heavily from properties outside the main path of 2017’s devastating hurricanes. Jamaica and St. Lucia (largely untouched by the storms) and Anguilla and Turks and Caicos (some of the first destinations to recover), in particular, dominated the rankings.

As editors, we’ve been doing as much as we can to encourage travel to this vibrant region; right now, tourism dollars mean real change. We are happy to report that, if our readers’ choices for the 2019 World’s Best list are any indication, some of our favorite Caribbean destinations are back in fighting form.

Survey Insights

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

Top Caribbean Resorts

The most well-represented island on this year’s list of resorts? Jamaica is a tried-and-true destination that offers a variety of landscapes, atmospheres, and cultural experiences. Tensing Pen, on the western tip of the island, was the top-ranked Jamaica property on this year’s list. Said one fan of the resort, “You know exactly what to expect before going. This small property has just what you need to relax and unwind.” Another reader agreed: “Their service is like no other. I cannot wait to go back!”

Two well-loved islands — both of which were able to recover quickly from the storms — are St. Lucia, which has four properties on the list, and Anguilla, which has three. Moreover, many properties on this year’s list represent other destinations (the British Virgin Islands, St. Bart’s, Dominica) indicative of the region’s broader comeback. Puerto Rico, absent from last year’s rankings as the hurricane fallout continued to reverberate, now claims two honorees, including the Serafina Beach Hotel in San Juan’s Condado district (the first new opening after Maria). One respondent had stayed there five times in the past year, while another praised its “sexy, swanky look” and “great location for nightlife.”

Turks and Caicos properties earned three spots on this year’s list, including the No. 1 Resort in the region. Read on for the full list.

25. Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Puerto Rico

Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico — Courtesy of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Score: 91.28

More information: ritzcarlton.com

24. Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa, Anguilla

Semi Beach House, Anguilla — Courtesy of Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa

Score: 91.85

More information: zemibeach.com

23. Serafina Beach Hotel, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Serafina, Puerto Rico — Courtesy of Serafina Beach Hotel

Score: 92.21

More information: serafinabeachhotel.com

22. Couples Sans Souci, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Couples Sans Souci, Jamaica — Courtesy of Couples Sans Souci

Score: 92.67

More information: couples.com/resorts/sans-souci

21. Necker Island, British Virgin Islands

Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands — Courtesy of Virgin Limited Edition

Score: 93.07

More information: virginlimitededition.com/en/necker-island

20. Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, Nevis

Nisbet Plantation, Nevis — Courtesy of Nisbet Plantation

Score: 93.33

More information: nisbetplantation.com

19. Couples Tower Isle, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Couples Tower Isle, Jamaica — Courtesy of Couples Tower Isle

Score: 93.73

More information: couples.com/resorts/tower-isle

18. Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia

Sugar Beach, A Vicery Resort, in St Lucia — Courtesy of Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

Score: 93.74

More information: viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/sugar-beach

17. Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour

Score: 93.75

More information: hyatt.com

16. Rockhouse Hotel, Negril, Jamaica

Rockhouse, Jamaica — Courtesy of Rockhouse

Score: 93.93

More information: rockhouse.com

15. Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia

Anse Chastanet, in St Lucia — Courtesy of Anse Chastanet

Score: 94.00

More information: ansechastanet.com

14. Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection, Anguilla

Malliouhana, in Anguilla — Courtesy of Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection

Score: 94.09

More information: aubergeresorts.com/malliouhana

13. The Palms Turks and Caicos

Tha Palms Turks and Caicos resort — Courtesy of The Palms Turks & Caicos

Score: 94.30

More information: thepalmstc.com

12. Kamalame Cay, Bahamas

Kamalame Cay, in the Bahamas — Courtesy of Kamalame Cay

Score: 94.34

More information: kamalame.com

11. COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos

Score: 94.51

More information: comohotels.com/en/parrotcay

10. Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Jamaica Inn resort — Courtesy of Jamaica Inn

Score: 94.53

More information: jamaicainn.com

9. Cap Maison, St. Lucia

Cap Maison, in St Lucia — Courtesy of Cap Maison

Score: 94.55

More information: capmaison.com

8. Secret Bay, Dominica

Score: 94.60

More information: secretbay.dm

7. Le Sereno, St. Bart’s

Le Sereno in St Bart — Courtesy of Le Sereno St. Barths

Score: 95.00

More information: serenohotels.com

6. Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Round Hill Resort and Villas in Jamaica — Courtesy of Round Hill Hotel and Villas

Score: 95.32

More information: roundhill.com

5. Tensing Pen, Negril, Jamaica

Tensing Pen, in Jamaica — Courtesy of Tensing Pen

Score: 95.67

More information: tensingpen.com

4. Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 95.75

More information: jademountain.com

3. Curtain Bluff, Antigua

Score: 95.95

More information: curtainbluff.com

2. Frangipani Beach Resort, Anguilla

Score: 96.25

More information: frangipaniresort.com

1. The Shore Club Turks and Caicos

Score: 96.79

More information: theshoreclubtc.com

This property, opened in late 2016, is the only major development on Long Bay Beach — considered one of the most beautiful on Providenciales, the most populated island of Turks and Caicos. Why do readers love it? One respondent commented on the “beautiful rooms” — a mix of spacious private villas set right on the beach and elegant suites decked out in blues, whites, and sandy hues — and others praised the dining options from acclaimed chef Martin Davies, which include a Caribbean venue and a nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) restaurant. In addition to the expected amenities (indoor-outdoor spa, water sports, four different pools), guests can also take part in community events hosted on property or charter the Shore Club’s private yacht.

Explore more about readers’ favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more.