
The Caribbean is one of the most famous regions on the planet for anyone looking for a tropical idyll, so it should come as no surprise that this gorgeous spread of islands is home to a wide range of five-star hotels which are ideal for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life and wants to blow the budget. The choice is massive, from beachfront resorts with every facility imaginable to island hideaways where you might expect to run into a celebrity or two. We've scoured the whole region and found properties that are great for families as well as others with a more grown-up vibe where romance is the name of the game. Whatever the reason for your visit (family holiday, honeymoon, or active tropical adventure) use our guide to the best five-star hotels in the Caribbean and start to plan your luxury getaway.
For a luxury family holiday

- Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort is one of our favourite family-friendly Caribbean five stars. It enjoys the most stunning location with accommodation spread throughout a lush hillside between St Lucia's iconic Pitons. Beautifully elegant suites come with a butler as standard and every guest is given a mobile phone so that you can contact them at the drop of a hat. There's plenty for all ages here from the pampering spa and great dining options to the kids' clubs with their plethora of activities including treasure hunts, kayaking and much more.
- Spice Island Beach Resort is a stunning, privately owned, all-inclusive beachfront resort on Grenada's Grand Anse Beach. This tropical paradise boasts two restaurants, tennis courts, all-suite accommodation (many with a private pool), and kids' clubs to keep all those between 3 and 12 amused throughout the day.
- Rosewood Little Dix Bay is an 80 room luxury resort on Virgin Gorda. It offers a range of rooms, suites and villas, all beautifully appointed; but if you're travelling with kids, we recommend going for one of the villas (they sleep between four and eight and all come with a private pool). There's the usual plethora of facilities: spa, watersports, pools, bars and restaurants, plus a dedicated children's centre where they offer a range of activities from nature walks to treasure hunts and sandcastle building contests.
- Another luxurious family pick is Amanyara in the Turks and Caicos. This spectacular beachfront property offers chic accommodation in a range of pavilions and villas, most with private pools and all in the beautifully understated style that typifies Aman properties. For children, there's a Nature Discovery Centre offering a range of programmes for all ages, plus kids' pool, jungle gym, junior spa and more. For adults, there's unbridled pampering with the Aman Spa, fabulous food and the pristine 1km private beach.
For a honeymoon

- Some would argue that Secret Bay on Dominica is the ultimate honeymoon destination. This stunning all-villa rainforest resort is situated in a fabulous clifftop location. The delightful suites are constructed from sustainably sourced tropical hardwoods and each offers vast indoor and outdoor living spaces and breath-taking views, plus a private plunge pool as standard. All also come with a dedicated villa host, on-call concierge service and butlers and chefs on tap. Six-star grown-up Robinson Crusoe luxury at its finest!
- Hermitage Bay on Antigua is another of our top picks if romance is the order of the day. It's a superlative all-inclusive beachside resort with just 30 rooms; the emphasis here is on ensuring that every guest has the best experience possible, so the amazing staff go above and beyond. The accommodation is spread amongst hillside (with private plunge pools) and beachfront suites; all are beautifully done with romantic muslin draped beds, enormous egg-shaped bathtubs and outdoor monsoon showers. The food is fantastic, and the vibe is intimate and chilled.
- Jade Mountain on St Lucia is legendary for its mountainside location and its luxurious suites all of which come without a fourth wall, and all of which feature a private plunge pool with a jaw-dropping view. This exceptional property is known not only for its exemplary eco-credentials and architecture, but also its friendly staff and superb food. And with no children allowed under 16, it makes for perfect honeymoon material!
- The Ocean Club in Nassau epitomises Bahamian style and has been a regular celebrity hangout since it first opened in 1962. Now operating under the Four Seasons umbrella, you can expect seamless service, elegant and sophisticated accommodation, fine dining at Dune Restaurant, an expansive spa for some serious pampering and gorgeous gardens leading to a white sand beach.
- GoldenEye is on Jamaica's northern coast just outside Ocho Rios, situated on Ian Fleming's famous estate and incorporating his original villa in the accommodations. It's a seriously private spot here (all the better to protect the A-list guests), and once you've entered the enclave, you'll find it hard to leave. As well as gorgeous rooms and suites, there's excellent oceanside dining and a laid-back vibe. Perfect luxury RnR.
For Boutique Chic

- Eden Rock is another legendary property, this one on St Barts. Popular with the rich and famous, you come here for stunning contemporary rooms and suites (some with hot tub terraces, others with private pools). And with just 37 in total, it's small! As well as the stylish accommodation, there's superb dining, Remy Bar for the cocktails, and a wide range of activities for all ages. Luxurious, spoiling and very chic!
- Le Carl Gustaf is also on St Barts, though this time over on the west coast. Its 21 rooms and suites are inspired by nature (featuring exotic prints and bamboo furnishings) and the best have large terraces with extraordinary sea views. There's excellent French Brasserie style dining, free electric bikes for those who want to explore and a pampering spa for those who don't, not forgetting the beach at the bottom of the garden!
- Amanera is an exceptional property set atop a cliff on the Dominican Republic's north coast overlooking Playa Grande Beach. Come here for luxury of the finest order: stunning, elegant interiors, infinity pools, epic views, delicious Mediterranean cuisine and an excellent spa. With just 26 rooms, you'll feel that you've booked your very own little slice of paradise.
- Belle Mont Farm on St Kitts is a little gem of a property where the name of the game is luxury and sustainability. There's a charming collection of guesthouses, farmhouse and villas (which can sleep four), and a huge infinity pool, all set on an organic farm which produces most of the ingredients for the dishes that are served at a range of venues. Off-the-beaten-track, feel-good luxury!
For a luxury beach resort
- Barbados's Sandy Lane has been the byword in luxury Caribbean resorts since it opened in 1996, and it's still calling the shots! Opulent interiors feature romantic bedrooms with marble bathrooms, chandeliers and top of the range everything. There's an outdoor pool with a waterfall, a palatial spa, three golf courses, tennis courts, beautifully manicured grounds and a glorious beach where the service is so slick, they'll even polish your sunglasses whilst you go for a swim. A classic.
- On Puerto Rico's Atlantic coast you'll find Dorado Beach a Ritz Carlton Reserve, a property that was originally opened in the 1950s. The suites and residences offer gorgeous, spacious hideaways and all have an outdoor living space and open-air shower to ensure the connection to nature. There's a range of dining options and Botanico Spa for special pampering.
- Tortuga Bay Punta Cana is the one to book if you're looking for a designer pad set on 5 miles of untouched coast in the Dominican Republic. Beachfront accommodations are spread amongst suites and villas and all interiors were designed by Oscar de la Renta. There are six world-class eateries on-site plus a Six Senses Spa and Wellness centre, a raft of tennis courts, two championship golf courses and watersports aplenty.
- Anguilla's Belmond Cap Juluca has been turning heads with its sleek reimagining of a classic Caribbean beach resort; it boasts a contemporary and chic seaside look and first-class facilities. All rooms come with a terrace and sea views but if you want to treat yourself go for a suite with a private pool. There's direct beach access, a spa, pool and superb dining in four restaurants.
For an island hideaway

- Jumby Bay Island is perhaps one of the most exclusive places to stay in the Caribbean. The property is a little island just off Antigua's north coast that plays host to the rich and famous who come here to unwind on its sandy beaches and lounge in lavish villas! Superb dining comes as part of the all-inclusive experience whether you want to eat poolside or in the estate house, plus there's activities galore from watersports and snorkel tours to bikes for exploring the island.
- Mandarin Oriental Canouan is a remote island hideaway on idyllic Canouan (one of the islands that make up St Vincent and the Grenadines). It comprises a collection of colonial-style suites and luxurious Italian designed hillside villas, each with a plunge pool. You'll also find five restaurants and bars, a spa, golf course, tennis and watersports...sheer bliss for couples or families.
- It has been said that everyone should try to visit Petit St Vincent once in their lives and we'd have to agree, even if you have to win the lottery to get there! This stunning collection of beachfront stone cottages on a private island is unbeatable. There's over two miles of private sandy beach to explore, tennis, massages or of course simply lying in the sun! Paradise...
Still not sure which to book?