Perched on a hill in Gustavia, Bonito has an all-white interior with a raftered hip-roof ceiling, plus an expansive semicircular open-air pavilion with memorable views over the town. (This is a terrific spot for sunset cocktails.) The menu features delicious ceviches, plus fine salads such as an excellent take on the classic Caprese with thick slices of beefsteak tomatoes, chunks of feta and mozzarella, and toasted hazelnuts. The fish is invariably good, a standout being the sliced wahoo in a ponzu sauce with basmati rice, shiitake caps and baby bok choy.
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Traveling the World in Search
of Truly Enchanting Places
Caribbean
Overview
From Andrew Harper
Over the years, we have visited the Caribbean countless times, and our experiences there have ranged from blissful to dire. On a good day, however, it is undeniably one of the most agreeable places on earth. The sun is hot but not too hot; the sand and water can be world-class; and the gently insistent trade wind brings a delicious softness to the island climate.
At the end of our recent extended trip, we concluded that the region is changing fast, and in many ways for the better. The Caribbean’s besetting sin used to be complacency. Its islands are so close to the United States that hoteliers once seemed to believe that they had a captive market that would continue to pay grossly inflated prices for a markedly inferior product. As stylish resorts sprang up around the globe, we began to wonder just how long the place could hope to remain in business.
To be frank, there are still only a handful of Caribbean properties that compete with the best that Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean have to offer. But in the recent past, we have observed steady improvement. Gaudy fabrics and unremarkable rattan furniture are being replaced by thoughtful interior design; the cuisine now frequently employs local ingredients and is enlivened by indigenous culinary traditions; and proper staff training has resulted in greatly improved levels of service. Somewhat belatedly, the global craze for luxurious leisure spas has become widely established. (Indeed, one surprised general manager confided that revenue from beauty treatments now exceeds that from the golf course around which his resort was originally constructed.)
For decades, the prosperity from tourism has flowed overwhelmingly to coral islands such as Antigua and Barbados. Indeed, it seems that white-sand beaches are still the best guarantee of commercial success. Given current preoccupations with the environment, however, combined with an increasing preference for spa therapies over sunbathing, the green and mountainous islands of the Caribbean may finally be coming into their own as fashionable and appealing destinations.
Hotels
All recommended hotels in Caribbean
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Carlisle BayContemporary resort in the picturesque southwest of Antigua, overlooking a crescent of golden sand. |
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Hermitage BayHideaway set on a hillside above a secluded bay on Antigua’s southwest coast. |
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Jumby Bay, A Rosewood ResortCongenial resort on a 320-acre private residential island 15 minutes from Antigua, managed by Rosewood and reopened in 2009 after a $28 million renovation. |
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Cap JulucaStylish resort on its own 180-acre garden peninsula, fronting arguably the finest beach in the Caribbean. |
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Cobblers CoveTranquil beachfront English country house-style hotel amid tropical gardens on the northwest coast, close to Speightstown. |
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Sandy LaneLuxury resort amid mahogany trees in a parklike setting fronting a broad crescent beach. The 112 spacious guest accommodations contain baths with twin vanities, deep soaking tubs and multispray spa showers. |
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The Peninsula HouseCaptivating plantation-style guesthouse within 15 acres of landscaped grounds set on a lush hillside overlooking the coastline of the Samana Peninsula. Six airy suites and striking public areas, filled with lovely antiques and museum-quality art collection. |
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Tortuga BayThirteen canary-yellow villas housing 30 suites set on a sparkling private beach within the grounds of the much larger Puntacana Resort & Club. Interiors by famed designer Oscar de la Renta are bright and airy. |
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The Tryall ClubResidential golf/tennis resort on 2,200 landscaped acres with sweeping views of mountains and sea, 35 minutes west of Montego Bay. |
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Montpelier Plantation & BeachRomantic hideaway of 19 separate or semi-detached guest rooms within a restored 30-acre 18th-century sugar plantation on a lush hillside 750 feet above the sea. |
Villas
All recommended villas in Caribbean
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LaCure VillasLaCure Villas serves a wide variety of destinations with villas selected with a careful and detailed selection process to include the most private villas in each location. Ocho Rios |
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Parrot CayParrot Cay Estates are villas set on the private island of Parrot Cay, about a 35-minute boat journey from Providenciales, the main island of the Turks & Caicos. Providenciales |
Dining
All recommended restaurants in Caribbean/Bahamas/Bermuda
BONITO ST. BARTH
Gustavia
Netherlands Antilles
US$75
LE GAIAC
This elegant open-air terrace restaurant perches on a flower-strewn hillside with panoramas of the neighboring volcanic islands of St. Kitts and Sint Eustatius. Chef Stéphane Mazières oversees one of the finest kitchens in the Caribbean, where he creates a refined and innovative menu that combines French and Creole traditions. Starters, for example, might include plump ravioli filled with a mix of local pumpkin and sea scallops with pistachio and a tangy dash of grated lime, or a delicious salad of king crab, sun-dried tomatoes and freshly grated ginger. Watch for main courses such as a fillet of turbot marinated with thyme, then grilled and served with a tartar of zucchini and oysters, all with a lemongrass emulsion; a black truffle-flecked veal chop baked in a sea-salt crust and served with a veal-truffle jus; or a grilled Black Angus filet with spicy Sichuan pepper and french fries.
Hôtel Le Toiny
Netherlands Antilles
US$100
LE RESTAURANT DES PECHEURS
With minimalist interiors designed by Christian Liaigre, Le Sereno hotel does not greatly appeal to me. However, its restaurant, Le Restaurant des Pêcheurs, certainly does. Airy, tranquil and affording lovely views of the Grand Cul de Sac bay, it offers excellent fresh fish. Start with the superb rendition of a Mediterranean classic, bouillabaisse, here prepared with a variety of reef fish and augmented by a lively rouille. If it’s on the menu, order grilled triggerfish, a welcome departure from the snapper/dorado/tuna trinity that dominates the island’s menus.
Le Sereno Hotel
Netherlands Antilles
US$60
L’ESPRIT DE SALINE
Despite an unassuming exterior beside the road leading to popular Saline Beach, this informal open-air establishment serves some of the most delicious, eclectic food on the island. The chef scours the market daily looking for the best produce, so the menu, which has an Asian cast to it, changes constantly. Dishes might include homemade chicken and shrimp fried spring rolls, a wonderful lobster fricassee flavored with lemongrass and Clément rum from Martinique, and grilled rack of lamb with fresh herbs and lavender. Reservations are a must.
Saline
Netherlands Antilles
US$75
L’ISOLA
There comes a time when all good visitors to St. Barths just do not want another grilled fillet of snapper/dorado/fish du jour — tasty as they may be. This charming spot replaced much-loved PaCrí as the most popular Italian restaurant on the island when it opened in 2008. The whitewashed cottage in Gustavia is fully enclosed and air-conditioned, perfect for a rainy or humid evening. The menu features the traditional dishes of an Italian trattoria, with salads such as refreshing watercress with albacore and cannellini beans, antipasti like prosciutto and mozzarella, pastas such as the delicious house-made ravioli bursting with ricotta and spinach in a tomato sauce, and meat dishes like the delicate veal scaloppini in a bracing lemon sauce.
Gustavia
Netherlands Antilles
US$70
MAYA'S
It’s hard to believe that this charming waterfront restaurant has been drawing diners for more than 25 years. It is a simple affair — just a white pergola with a corrugated metal roof, some strategic lighting and food that reflects St. Barths’ Creole heritage. The team here comprises chef Maya Gurley and her husband, Randy, who runs the front of the house. Start with the best planter’s punch on the island and then the excellent fish soup, Maya’s island answer to the Mediterranean classic. Among the main courses, it’s hard to go wrong with the local grilled fish or the snapper in green curry. If it’s on the menu, don’t miss the coconut tart. If you want to start a conversation, bring up Maya’s: Some love it, some loathe it. We have always thoroughly enjoyed it. Reservations made well in advance are a must in high season.
Gustavia
Netherlands Antilles
US$90
ON-THE-ROCKS
This stylish place enjoys a prime spot on a craggy outcrop overlooking the turquoise waters of Baie de St-Jean. The extensive and inventive menu takes inspiration from cuisines the world overand is under the direction of star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Starters might include Gulf shrimp salad with avocado and tomato in a Champagne dressing,anda main coursecould bethe local lobster with garlic butter, basil, lemon and a tangy Thai coleslaw on the side. The view is one of the island’s best, and the bar is a fine place for sunset cocktails.
Eden Rock Hotel
Netherlands Antilles
US$100
Special Offers
Special Offers
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Meridian Club - Anniversary PromotionConfirm a stay in May, June or July 2013, and guests may choose between either a $40 savings on the nightly rate or a $40 beverage credit per person. |
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Petit St. Vincent - Drinks Are On UsEnjoy a $50 credit toward drinks at the Beach Bar. Also Includes: |
Itineraries
Itinerary: Exploring the Virgin Islands by Private Yacht
The top Caribbean resorts may be sold out for the holidays, but that doesn’t mean an amazing beach vacation is out of reach. Perhaps the most exclusive way to explore the Caribbean is by private yacht charter. You and your captain customize the itinerary, allowing extra time for a cookout on a private beach in the British Virgin Islands or fishing off the reefs of Barbuda. Besides being supremely comfortable and relaxing, yacht charters open up islands and coves normally inaccessible to the public. Several of our favorite yachts still have availability over choice winter dates.
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My wife and I are looking for a fun place to take two teenage girls for spring break. The girls want tennis, snorkeling and a spa. Dad wants golf nearby. All want a great beach and good food without a throng of people. We have considered Grace Bay Club, Cap Juluca and Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman. Any suggestions or recommendations would be appreciated.
Hello,
We discussed your question, and there is general agreement here that you're on the right track with your resort selections for Spring Break. You might also consider the Four Seasons Nevis or the Sunset Key Guest Cottages.
To discuss the merits of the various options and secure reservations, feel free to contact the Travel Office at (800) 375-4685, (630) 734-4610 or reservations@andrewharper.com.
Best Regards,
The Travel Office
Hello - I'm planning a special long weekend getaway for February '11 --traveling from NYC -- looking for to a small Caribbean resort recommendations - must be quiet, luxurious, great service, beautiful private beach/on beach, great food, nice gym/spa, no golf, no kids, no groups. Look forward to seeing your recommendations. Thanks so much!
Hello,
We did an informal survey here in the Travel Office, and people agreed that Amanyara would be a resort well-suited to your needs. Jumby Bay, while perfectly lovely, does have a kids club. It might not be exactly what you're looking for in this case.
To discuss options further, feel free to contact the Travel Office at (800) 375-4685, (630) 734-4610 or reservations@andrewharper.com.
Best Regards,
The Travel Office
Check out Jumby Bay Resort...meets all of your criteria - quiet luxurious, beautiful beach, etc. etc. Reserve one of their newly renovated beachside courtyard suites or pool suites -- just gorgeous! It's an all inclusive, and they may require a minimum stay, but I noticed they are running a promotion right now where you stay four nights and get the fifth night free. The resort is located on a private island just two miles off the coast of Antigua. You catch a ferry about 5 minutes away from the airport, so it's easy to get to. I don't know where you are located, but Continental offers a nonstop flight from Newark to Antigua... makes the trip very easy. We love this place!
My husband and I are staying at PSV in Jan. 2011. Beachfront. Does anyone have any comments? Gail
Thank you, Donna. That is one of the cottages that we requested. Gail
Gail, We've stayed three different times at PSV. It has been a few years, however, the layouts/locations don't change. Unit #6 is the most secluded of the beachfront cottages. Hope this helps. Donna T.
Hi Gail...we haven't been to PSV for a couple of years...however it is a fabulous get-away and a wonderful place to just totally relax. We are off to Mustique in a couple of days and will probably sail to PSV for lunch at least one day...if we do I'll update you upon our return.