15Views 0Comments
Our 50 Favorite Boutique Hotels for 2026 Deliver a Different Kind of Caribbean Vacation
Boutique hotels are where the Caribbean really shows its personality. These are places defined by feeling, not formulas — small enough to know your name, distinctive enough to stay with you long after you’ve left. From rainforest hideaways and private islands to classic inns and toes-in-the-sand escapes, these are the boutique hotels we love most right now across the Caribbean.
This year’s Boutique 50 takes you across the region, from the beaches of The Bahamas to the casitas of Aruba and everywhere in between, built for very different kinds of travelers — romantic hideaways, design-forward resorts, adventure lodges, wellness escapes, and places that simply get the details right.
These are 50 boutique hotels for a very different kind of Caribbean vacation in 2026, as chosen by our Caribbean travel experts. Happy island hopping.
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel, Aruba
We fell in love with this place the first time we visited, and it’s just kept getting better and better over the years. Now, it’s one of best-run, most enjoyable hotels anywhere in the Caribbean, with a fun, playful vibe, a deliciously lush environment, 49 colorful, detail-oriented casitas and an impossibly friendly staff. It’s unique, it’s filled with personality and it’s the essence of what makes a great Caribbean boutique hotel.
You know you’re somewhere special when the forest feels louder than the resort. At Secret Bay, villas are tucked into a rainforest hillside above the Caribbean Sea, each one opening to expansive decks, private plunge pools, and uninterrupted water views. Interiors feel residential and thoughtful, with full kitchens and dedicated hosts who tailor days around beach walks at Tibay Bay, yoga at sunrise, and lingering dinners at Bwa Denn. It’s a six-star resort, and that means luxury on an entirely different plane.
The Saint sits high above Cruz Bay, an adults-only hideaway where modern suites face the horizon and nothing interrupts the view. This gem, which just opened its doors in 2025, is instantly the coolest place to stay on an already-very-cool island, with a scene-filled pool and a great wellness program, along with seriously good food.
Silversands announces itself with what is the Caribbean’s longest pool, running from the lobby to the sand on Grand Anse. The mood is contemporary and precise, but never cold, with rooms and villas that favor light, privacy, and clean coastal lines. It’s almost hard to call this a boutique, given just how complete it is, and how high a level of luxury it delivers, from the world-class spa to the marvelous rum bar called Puro.
Life moves to a different rhythym at Bluff House, where boats idle below your balcony and the ocean is always within view. Set on the impossibly charming little island of Green Turtle Cay in Abaco, the inn blends classic Abaco charm with polished comfort. Guests drift between dockside lounging, casual seafood dinners and a spectacular beach that comes with a legendary beach bar.
Perched dramatically above the water, Rock House feels carved rather than built. Limestone cliffs frame villas and studio suites, many with private plunge pools overlooking Providenciales’ north shore. Days unfold at the Beach Club below, with calm water, swimming platforms, and quiet afternoons that stretch into sunset cocktails by the infinity pool. It’s a cool fusion of Mediterranean hip and Caribbean cool.
The coolest boutique option on buzzy St Kitts is a tiny all-suite resort that’s powered with geothermal energy. The food is outstanding, the pool is magnificent, and the vibes are all about warm, authentic service. It’s a great way to experience all this island has to offer.
Baoase feels like a destination layered onto Curaçao rather than simply placed there. Asian-inspired villas and suites sit along a calm stretch of beach just outside Willemstad, many with private pools and personal service. Dining is central to the experience, from refined tasting menus to candlelit meals staged in secluded corners of the property. This is a remarkable luxury hotel in a small package.
Barefoot luxury takes on real meaning at Turtle Inn, where 20 cottages line a palm-fringed beach in Placencia. Crafted with Balinese furnishings and natural materials, the resort feels handmade and grounded. Guests move easily between beachfront dining, the spa, and the village, with the reef offshore and jungle adventures inland. And then there’s the wine list…
Staying at Graycliff feels like stepping into another century. The historic mansion in downtown Nassau houses richly layered rooms, a legendary wine cellar, and one of the region’s most storied restaurants. Days are filled with chocolate-making, cigar rolling, and long lunches in shaded courtyards just beyond the old city walls. Or you can simply sit by the magnificent pool and take in the serenity.
Hammock Cove, Antigua
So it’s really more than a boutique resort — it’s one of the most complete properties anywhere in the Caribbean — but the all-inclusive luxury here is set across an intimate collection of cliffside villas on one of Antigua’s most beautiful bays. And every single one comes with its own infinity plunge pool.
Ambergris Cay, Turks and Caicos
Arriving at Ambergris Cay feels like landing on your own island — because that’s exactly what you do. The hotel picks you up at Providenciales’ main airport, takes you to the private terminal, then flies you on one of their own planes for a 15-minute aerial journey to paradise. Private villas and bungalows are spread across a protected nature reserve, each with pools, golf carts, and direct beach access. Days revolve around exploration, from snorkeling and paddleboarding to quiet meals that appear exactly when you want them. It’s a magical resort, and it’s all-inclusive, too. Did we mention that there’s a floating bar?
Kokomo Botanical Resort, Turks and Caicos
Kokomo is an oasis of calm and wellness. It’s a place that just makes you feel different. Set inland on Providenciales, the resort is cultivated inside lush, garden-filled pathways, with koi ponds airy cottages. It’s a place for slow mornings, thoughtful dining (including the outsanding WE Market Cafe), and afternoons spent cycling or heading out to the resort’s private beach club on Grace Bay. The best part? It’s now part of Marriott’s Home and Villas collection.
Cape Eleuthera, The Bahamas
Remote in the best way, Cape Eleuthera sits where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic. Accommodations range from marina-view rooms to toes-in-the-sand bungalows, all surrounded by wild beauty. Fishing, boating, and beach walks define the days, while nights are quiet and star-filled. And then there’s some of the best diving in the Caribbean, too.
This is Jamaican iconography made personal. Once the private estate of Ian Fleming, GoldenEye now offers cottages, villas, and beach huts set among tropical gardens and lagoons. You kayak, swim, and wander the grounds by day, then settle into relaxed dining and candlelit evenings. It’s got an indescribable feel — and a special kind of magic.
In Frederiksted, The Fred brings boutique polish to a historic setting. The adults-only hotel combines restored architecture with modern comforts, anchored by a beachfront pool and an easygoing restaurant and bar. Sunset becomes a daily ritual here, watched from the sand or your balcony.
A little more intimate and relaxed than its sister property, Silversands Beach House sits directly on the sand of Portici Beach. Suites open to balconies and terraces facing the sea, while the atmosphere feels social and breezy. Dining spills toward the beach, and days are defined by swimming, sun, and long lunches. There’s even a very cool outdoor gym. This is a creative, hip place for sophisticated travelers.
Round Hill
There’s a timelessness to Round Hill that never feels staged. The historic resort outside Montego Bay pairs Ralph Lauren–designed rooms with private villas tucked into the hills. Guests return year after year for the gracious service, quiet beach, and evenings that feel comfortably familiar.
Reaching Hermitage Bay requires a winding drive, and that sense of arrival never fades. Suites are scattered along a secluded beach and hillside, each with either private decks and plunge pools. The experience centers on privacy, thoughtful dining, and days that unfold without interruption. It’s an all-inclusive, but it’s also real, and romantic.
Cornucopia feels deeply connected to its landscape. Set high above Virgin Gorda, this place is equal parts large villa and boutique hotel, with elegant rooms, and a focus on fine dining that draws guests from across the island. It’s intimate and refined with a self-described “country French” vibe.
French Coco channels Martinique’s French-Caribbean soul with quiet confidence. Suites are elegant and understated, surrounded by tropical gardens (and some wth plunge pools). The restaurant is a highlight, blending local ingredients with true culinary artistry. It’s just a stroll from the beach, and deliciously tied to the charming beach town of Tartane.
History shapes every corner of this Antigua hideaway. Set near Nelson’s Dockyard, the Inn at English Harbour offers cottage-style accommodations facing a calm bay. Tennis courts, spa treatments, and refined dining give the stay a classic resort rhythm. It’s wonderfully calm here; it’s elegant, it’s refined. Just a beautiful little hotel (try to get the toes-in-the-sand bungalow).
Small Hope Bay Lodge, The Bahamas
This is dive culture distilled into a relaxed beachfront lodge. On Andros Island, Small Hope Bay pairs simple, comfortable cottages with world-class access to reefs and blue holes. Days are active, meals are communal, and evenings wind down with the sound of the sea. It’s the original adventure resort for people who want to see a totally different side of The Bahamas.
Rollezz Villas, Cat Island The Bahamas
Rollezz feels like staying with friends who happen to have great taste. Set on Cat Island, the villas are colorful, personal, and steps from the beach. The experience is casual and welcoming, with home-cooked meals and easy access to one of the Bahamas’ quietest shores — and one of its best, Old Bight Beach.
Vida brings a fresh boutique sensibility to Grand Cayman’s quieter side. The design is clean and modern, the atmosphere intentionally calm. It’s a place for travelers who want style without formality and beaches without crowds, looking for active, experiential vacations that take you toward the essence of Grand Cayman.
Montpelier Plantation and Beach, Nevis
Set on a former sugar plantation, Montpelier offers Nevis at its most graceful. Rooms are surrounded by gardens and rolling hills, with a private beach club a short drive away. Dining emphasizes local flavors, and the pace feels gently unhurried — including the unforgettable Mill Privee experience, a candlelit culinary journey in an old mill.
Les Ilets de la Plage, St Barth
This is the essence of what makes St Barth cool. Beachfront bungalows sit directly on the sand, with little separating you from the sea. Mornings begin with coffee and waves, afternoons drift by barefoot, and evenings stay simple. The villas are airy and comfortable. It’s a place for visiting the market, journeying to an empty beach, evenings with fresh fish and fresher laughter.
Elegance here feels natural rather than imposed. Cobblers Cove on Barbados’ west coast pairs pastel-hued suites with impeccable service and a strong culinary program. The beach is calm, the mood refined, and the experience quietly polished.
Laluna is just a cool place to be: a Grenadian beach resort with an Italian soul. Here, it’s all about the senses: the way the light hits the stone, the sway of the palm trees, the perfect Mediterranean lunch. Whether you’re in a room or a villa, you’ve found a high-design haven on a stunning beach.
Pink Palm, St Thomas
St Thomas’ premier boutique hotel still feels like a secret shared among friends. Set above the water on St. Thomas, it’s colorful, hip, playful and fun, with eclectic-sleek rooms, great food and a must-visit rooftop deck in a terrific setting in the heart of Charlotte Amalie.
Tendacayou, Guadeloupe
If you haven’t been to Guadeloupe, you’re missing out on one of the most fascinating destinations in the wider region, particularly the seaside town of Deshaies (best known as the setting for the BBC show Death in Paradise). And here, high in the hills, is an eco-chic hideaway with a fantastic spa and energy that will make you feel five years younger.
Rabot Hotel from Hotel Chocolat
You wake up to the scent of cocoa and rainforest air. Rabot Hotel sits on a working cacao estate near Soufrière, with lodges overlooking the Pitons. Chocolate-infused dining, spa treatments, and immersive experiences define the stay. But the best part is the infinity pool, with one of the best views in the Caribbean.
Plein Soleil, Martinique
Art and landscape meet at Plein Soleil. This Martinique boutique hotel pairs colorful design with panoramic views and a creative, locally driven restaurant. It feels intimate, expressive, and deeply rooted in place — with lovely rooms, most of which come with their own plunge pools rimmed by banana trees.
O:live Boutique Hotel
Modern Mediterranean influence shapes every detail at O:live. Located in Condado, the adults-only hotel offers sleek rooms, rooftop lounging, and thoughtful dining. It’s urban, intimate, and distinctly stylish — and in many ways the hotel that ushered in San Juan’s current era of cool.
Ocama, Dominican Republic
Ocama is about retreat in the purest sense. Set above the ocean in the Dominican Republic, the small eco-luxury hotel emphasizes privacy, sustainability, and expansive views. You come here to disconnect and stay that way, with stunning villas and an authentic air in the still under-the-radar beach town of Las Galeras.
Ti Kaye, Saint Lucia
Romance defines Ti Kaye. Cottages perch above a secluded Saint Lucia beach, many with private pools and sweeping sea views. Days move between snorkeling, spa treatments, and dinners that stretch long into the evening.
Pagua Bay House, Dominica
Dominica is mysterious, mystical. It’s otherworldly. And this place taps into that spirit. Modern design meets wild Atlantic energy at Pagua Bay House onn Dominica’s northeast coast, where you get ocean front cabanas and impossible-to-find serenity.
Bimini Big Game Club, The Bahamas
This is old-school island energy with thoughtful updates. Bimini Big Game Club sits at the marina, blending nautical history with refreshed rooms and lively dining. Fishing, diving, and sunset cocktails set the tone. It’s one of the region’s most famous adventure resorts, and a stay here checks a box on your Caribbean bucket list.
Bamboo is playful, colorful, and quietly cool. The small Bonaire hotel centers around a relaxed pool deck and individually designed rooms, with a cool desert-style setting across from the beach and some seriously enjoyable rooms, including several with magnesium plunge pools.
Point Grace, Turks and Caicos
With just 30 rooms on Grace Bay Beach, Point Grace feels at once residential and refined. The all-suite hotel offers generous accommodations with full kitchens and balconies. Service is polished, the beach is spectacular — and then there’s the food at Grace’s Cottage.
Le Soleil d’Or, Cayman Brac
The Brac is different. It’s not Grand Cayman, it’s not Little Cayman. It’s a rugged, beautiful island with a different energy – and one charming boutique hotel. Staying here feels like living on a private estate. Le Soleil d’Or combines refined rooms with organic gardens and immersive culinary experiences. Nature, privacy, and thoughtful luxury guide the stay.
This is Jost Van Dyke, beautifully done. The Hideout offers contemporary accommodations near White Bay, with an emphasis on privacy and simplicity — and, most importantly, a plunge pool in every one of the seven villas. If you love Jost (and who doesn’t), this takes an already marvelous island and raises it to another level.
Everything here faces the sea. Keyonna Beach offers couples-focused cottages directly on the sand in Antigua, many with plunge pools and open-air layouts. The atmosphere is romantic, relaxed, and intentionally intimate, from the bali beds to the locally-sourced food.
Staniel Cay Yacht Club, The Bahamas
This is the front door to the Exumas’ wild beauty. Staniel Cay Yacht Club combines casual rooms, dockside dining, and direct access to swimming pigs, blue holes, and untouched cays. The experience is adventurous and unpretentious — married with one of the best bar-restaurant combos in The Bahamas. It’s a crossroads of Exuma, and the vibes are unmatched.
Another Coppola gem, this hotel hidden deep in Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge feels worlds away from the coast. Thatched villas sit along rivers and waterfalls, with gardens and trails throughout. Days are cool, quiet, and immersed in nature. It’s a place for quiet days with great books, journeys into pure adventure and, of course, the Jaguar Bar.
Privacy is the point at Cayo Espanto. The private island off Ambergris Caye offers a small collection of villas, each with personal service and tailored dining, some with pools, including an overwater option. Every detail is shaped around the guest — and it’s all-inclusive, too.
Karibuni Boutique Hotel, Saint Martin
Karibuni captures the gentle elegance of the French West Indies. Set above the sea in the Cul de Sac area of Saint Martin, the hotel offers spacious suites, refined dining, and views that stretch endlessly across the water. But the best amenity is a guaranteed seat at Karibuni’s own beach bar across the water on Pinel Island where we guarantee you will want to spend every single morning and afternoon.
OLV 55 brings modern energy to Condado. Sleek design, a rooftop pool, and a strong culinary identity define the adults-only hotel. It’s compact, stylish, and deeply connected to its neighborhood — with some of the coolest bathrooms you’ll ever find in a hotel room.
Art Hotel Curaçao, which just opened its doors last year, blends creativity with coastal calm. Located near the water in Willemstad, the hotel emphasizes local art, relaxed spaces, and easy access to the city’s cultural life — along with a striking infinity pool with a jaw-dropping view.
The House
Torch-lit evenings, champagne breakfasts. Repeat. We’ve just always been fond of this tiny all-inclusive on the Platinum Coast where you get quite a lot in a small package. And yes, it’s all-inclusive — and you can even book it on Bonvoy points.
