Finding The Best Caribbean Island For You | Sucheta Rawal | World Renowned Keynote Speaker on Food and Travel

AAA The Extra Mile. November 2023.

With over 7,000 islands, 13 sovereign island nations and 12 dependent territories, choosing the best Caribbean island is rather subjective, and should be based on your own taste and preferences. Each one of the islands offers a distinct landscape, culture, and variety of experiences, so here are some tips to help you choose the island that matches your interests.

BEST CARIBBEAN ISLANDS FOR BEACHES
The Islands of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Aruba boast some of the most expansive, white-sand beaches in the Caribbean. If you are looking for an easily accessible destination with outstanding resorts, head to The Cayman Islands, made up of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. On Grand Cayman, walk, jog, and swim along the world-renowned Seven Mile Beach. Dotted with premier resorts such as the Kimpton® Seafire Resort + Spa, you will find modern accommodations, luxurious spas, private entertainment, and dining destinations that attract the best chefs from around the world.

BEST CARIBBEAN ISLANDS FOR NATURE LOVERS
While you can find natural beauty on practically every Caribbean Island, St. Lucia offers a striking backdrop of the Twin Pitons jutting against the turquoise sea. With mountainous terrains, volcanic mud pools, lush rainforests, and beautiful beaches, St. Lucia is the ideal island for nature lovers. For the ultimate luxurywithin natural surroundings, book a romantic suite at Jade Mountain Resort to enjoy a private butler and an in-room infinity pool. You will be at eye level with the mountain peaks, watching tropical birds and feel as if you are floating in the sky. Best Caribbean Islands for Golfers If you prefer to stay active while on vacation but don’t want to be bothered by large crowds, head to Saint Kitts and Nevis. Spread over 350 acres, The Four Seasons Resort Nevis offers the dramatic Robert Trent Jones II 18-hole golf course overlooking the sea, as well as 8 tennis courts, 4 pickleball courts, 3 swimming pools, a gym, hiking trails and plenty of watersport toys to keep all ages engaged. You can also get to know the staff during the weekly 9-hole guest/ manager scramble!

BEST CARIBBEAN ISLANDS FOR DIVING
The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) making up the Netherland Antilles have some of the best coral reefs that is perfect for snorkeling and diving. They are also further south of the hurricane zones so are not impacted by weather patterns. The 5-square-mile volcanic island of Saba (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) plunges below the sea as steeply as it rises above, allowing for shallow reefs and deep underwater seamounts. Year-round diving attract beginners and experts from around the world to see the abundant underwater life.

BEST CARIBBEAN ISLANDS FOR CELEBRITY SPOTTING
If you want to hobnob with Hollywood celebrities, head to the quiet and luxurious islands of St Barts or Anguilla. From Paris Hilton and Beyonce to Sandra Bullock and Denzel Washington, actors, artists, and jetsetters can be seen in their flip flops and snorkel gear having a paparazzi-free vacation. The absence of all-inclusive resorts makes Anguilla very exclusive and also one of the most expensive spots to be in the Caribbean.

BEST CARIBBEAN ISLANDS FOR CULTURE
The dual country island of Saint Martin (French) and Sint Maarten (Dutch), is really special because you get to experience two cultures at the price of one—just fly into the common airport SXM. The diversity of the island leads to year-round cultural festivities including carnival, regatta, Holi, and food and wine festivals. You can choose from quaint beaches with million-dollar beachfront bungalows as well as boutique resorts. Alive with gourmet pastry shops, beachside fish fry shacks, and fine dining restaurants as well as nightlife, shopping, and entertainment, there’s a little bit of everything on this island.

CARIBBEAN ISLANDS TO VISIT WITHOUT A PASSPORT
The right island for you to visit may be the one that’s open to U.S. citizens traveling without a passport. San Juan, Puerto Rico offers charming neighborhoods with colorful Spanish architecture, and a bustling nightlife with rooftop bars, nightclubs, and casinos, perfect for fun-loving travelers. At the three United States Virgin Islands—Saint Thomas, Saint Johns, and Saint Croix, you can have a family-friendly vacation exploring historic towns, sandy beaches, and protected reefs.