This article originally appeared in the July issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month. Today’s luxury travelers want more than just a fancy room. They want a unique experience in a unique setting – that’s the word from the first-ever Luxury Travel Report by Preferred Hotels & Resorts, which found that nearly 75% of survey respondents are unwilling to pay for luxury accommodations that feel “generic.”
For travel advisors selling the Caribbean, it’s not difficult to find hotels to satisfy clients interested in one-of-a-kind luxury hotels. The region is home to a diverse mix of properties that celebrate local culture and history, showcase cutting-edge design and provide personalized experiences.Whether clients are art lovers, architecture fans, history buffs or just looking for a vacation experience they can’t find anywhere else, these distinctive Caribbean hotels deliver luxury with lots of personality.
Six Senses La Sagesse in Grenada opened in 2024. (Photo Credit: Six Senses La Sagesse)Connecting Guests to CultureArtistic creations are a key focus at the appropriately named Art Hotel Curaçao, which, at press time, was set to open in July in Curaçao’s historic Pietermaai district of Willemstad.The result of a collaboration between local architect Cas Aalbers and Studio Dutch Piet Boon, this oceanfront, adults-only boutique property aims for a curated, creative vibe, including art installations in the Lemon Tree restaurant.
Art is also on view at the Quintessence Hotel, a Relais & Châteaux property in Anguilla. Each of the hotel’s nine suites features distinct décor — and the property claims to have the largest collection of Haitian artwork outside of the country.Hotels With Historic RootsSome of the Caribbean’s most interesting luxury properties have fascinating historic roots. The British Colonial Nassau, for example, first opened in the Bahamas in the early 20th century on the site of the Old Fort of Nassau. Its colonialstyle architecture is a reminder of the destination’s past, while refurbished guestrooms feature modern comforts.The British Colonial Nassau in the Bahamas first opened in the early 20th century. (Photo Credit: British Colonial Nassau)
In Montego Bay, Jamaica, The Tryall Club provides yet another example of traditional style blended with modern luxury. Set on a 2,200-acre estate, its 18th-century Georgian Great House and working waterwheel recall the property’s sugar plantation origins. Guests can choose sumptuous villa accommodations with private chefs and also participate in historical and heritage tours.Architectural Icons, Standout DesignsClients interested in eye-catching architectural elements and sophisticated design will also find lots to love in the Caribbean.Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines opened in 2024 with architecture that makes the most of its natural setting. The Vincy Overwater Two-Story Villas offer spectacular views, as well as indulgent extras like private fitness and media rooms. Elsewhere in the Sandals portfolio, Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica and Sandals Royal Curaçao stand out with unique features like rooftop soaking tubs and romantic bungalows.In St. Lucia, Jade Mountain’s three-walled “sanctuaries” are stylish accommodations with infinity pools and mountain and sea views. Sister property Anse Chastanet also offers accommodations with beautiful views, complemented by handmade furnishings and local art that exudes a sense of place.Also noteworthy is Cayo Levantado Resort, which sits on its own island in Samaná Bay, Dominican Republic. Guests arrive via boat and can indulge in lovely beachside villas. They can also sign up for personalized experiences through a dedicated resort ambassador.Royalton CHIC Antigua, an Autograph Collection resort, appeals to upscale travelers with 12 stunning overwater suites. With their expansive layouts, glass floor panels and hammocks that sway above the sea, these suites make it easy to appreciate the island’s natural splendor.What’s Cooking in Grenada and AnguillaLots of hotels offer sand-and-sea activities. But several luxury resorts stand out with outings that go beyond that.At Six Senses La Sagesse in Grenada, guests can join the Harvest Homestead tour, which provides an introduction to the island’s rich agricultural traditions and includes a brunch of Grenadian culinary favorites. Another option is the resort’s Reggae Fields Journey, which connects guests with local cocoa farmers and even allows them to craft their own Caribbean-style cocoa tea ballsAt Altamer Luxury Villas in Anguilla, staff can personalize virtually every aspect of guests’ stays, with activities like chef-led cooking classes, curated local excursions, and exclusive use of beachfront estates.Whatever a client’s personal taste, the Caribbean offers lots of possibilities for those who yearn for upscale getaways that are several steps above the typical vacation.
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