Don’t just visit the Caribbean this year. Experience it. Go outside of your comfort zone and find something new. That’s the advice of our Where to Travel list for 2015, featuring some of our favourite places in the Caribbean: some are a bit off the beaten path, some a bit new, some a bit different. Some are more untouched, others are undiscovered parts of more established destinations. All are just begging to be explored. Enjoy.
Martinique
We’ve long been big fans of this French Caribbean island, blessed with lush scenery, magnificent food, one of the most vibrant cultures in the region and, of course, its 11 rum distilleries. It’s as diverse a tourism product as you’ll find. And now it’s easier to get to than ever before, with direct flights from Miami that will increase in frequency in 2015. Simply put, Martinique isn’t the Caribbean you know. It’s an exotic, foreign, beautiful island that will make you love traveling all over again. For luxe accommodations, try the Cap-Est Lagoon Resort; for a boutique gem, it has to be the Hotel Plein Soleil.
Dominica
Just a ferry ride away from Martinique (or by easy Seaborne flight out of San Juan), Dominica is known as the Caribbean’s Nature Island. And that’s for a reason — it’s perhaps the most naturally beautiful island in the Caribbean, filled with volcanoes, incredible hiking and miles and miles and miles of pure green. From the vast, untouched Kalinago Territory to spectacular diving, this was an easy inclusion on our Where to Travel list. For hyper-luxe, try the boutique Secret Bay, the very green Rosalie Bay Resort for a remote, relaxed getaway or the Fort Young hotel for a look at the classic city of Roseau.
Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe
The rainforest-covered, mountainous island in the Guadeloupe archipelago, it’s the best of all worlds: delicious Creole cooking, tiny villages, beautiful beaches and even easy island-hopping to the islands of Les Saintes nearby. But you’ll be quite happy lounging on the beach at the Langley Fort Royal resort in Deshaies. For a more eco-focused trip, try the Tendacayou lodge.
Nevis
The untouched gem of the Eastern Caribbean, Nevis is the Caribbean as it once was. No traffic lights, no pretentiousness, just old-fashioned West Indian charm and refined luxury. Whether you’re at the Four Seasons Nevis or the boutique Montpelier Plantation (or the artsy Golden Rock Inn), you’re in good hands.
Anguilla
Great beaches and great food. That’s the easiest way to describe Anguilla, a decidedly high-end island with a decidedly low-profile vibe. It’s a Caribbean vacation down to perfect component parts — afternoons at a lazy beach bar, evenings at a five-star restaurant. And that’s true of the hotels, too — go with sleek, upscale luxury at the Viceroy Anguilla or the more traditionally West Indian Cap Juluca, or hang your hat at Anguilla’s best value, the Las Esquinas bed and breakfast.
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