The 20 Best Boutique Hotels in the Caribbean

Strawberry Hill

The Caribbean offers a landscape of unadulterated paradise, which leaves the interior designers planning Caribbean hotels with a lot to live up to. Some hotels keep it simple and rely on the views, but our Hotel Gurus know some of our travellers are looking for more, so they’ve weighed up all our favourite Caribbean hotels and come up with a list of the best boutique hotels in the Caribbean. Whether you’re looking for small hotels, hidden gems, or the best beachfront boutique hotels in the Caribbean we have a design beautiful recommendation for you.

Hidden Gems

Sorobon Luxury Beach Resort

  • Sorobon Luxury Beach Resort is a fabulous boutique find overlooking Bonaire's Sorobon Lagoon on the island's less populated east coast. Waterfront cottages boast beach chic decor with a neutral palette and plenty of natural materials on show. They all offer outdoor showers, private terraces and fully equipped kitchenettes. A truly laid-back and family friendly hidden gem.
  • The Other Side is the most glamorous glamp site in the Caribbean (or Eleuthera in the Bahamas to be exact). A collection of six elegant tents with hardwood floors, magnificent four-poster beds, vintage record players and Berber rugs, this is Robinson Crusoe living for the luxury lovers amongst us. The restaurant and bar are as amazing as the location and the decor.
  • Perched on a hillside in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, Strawberry Hill Hotel is an 11 room escape known for its views across Kingston, its Jamaican antique style, and its afternoon breezes. The Jamaican restaurant and bar are relaxed but very memorable, and there’s a spa with a yoga terrace if you need to wind down even further.

For Boutique Luxury

Rabot Hotel

  • Set in amongst the jungle surrounding a cocoa plantation, the designers of the 14 room Rabot Hotel have incorporated lots of references to cocoa and chocolate into their contemporary stylings, and it’s airily delicious, from the dark wood furnishings, the cocoa based restaurant menu (and spa menu), and the gorgeous infinity pool overlooking St Lucia's iconic Pitons.

For Beachfront Chic

Barbuda Belle

  • Barbuda Belle is a beautiful beach bolthole on Barbuda’s pink sands. All that’s between you and the beach is your balcony, with its spectacular views of the ocean in one direction and the mangroves of the Codrington Lagoon Park in the other. The dark wood interiors add to the luxury castaway feel.
  • Lone Star is a fabulous restaurant with rooms converted from a garage on Barbados’s west coast. And it’s a local institution — its restaurant has a reputation for being The Ivy of the Caribbean. Everything about this property is memorable, from the pristine beach one overlooks while eating, to the chic decor and luxurious details.

For Bijou Boutique

Geejam

  • With just sixteen rooms to share Geejam’s seven lush, private acres of waterfront grounds and gardens you can be guaranteed an escape here in Port Antonio, Jamaica. The accommodation is varied, but all a relaxed kind of chic — think white fabrics, and dark wood, enormous bathrooms and even larger terraces. The Caribbean-fusion restaurant is superb.
  • Casas del XVI is an elegant, colonial era home, comfortably converted into a spacious hotel situated in the heart of Santo Domingo's colonial zone. Expect laid-back Caribbean hospitality that makes you feel at home too, in this collection of just seven rooms and suites, beautiful tropical gardens, and welcoming communal areas.
  • The Quintessence Hotel is a nine suite tropical mansion overlooking the white sand of Long Bay, Anguilla. The decor has Haitian accents to add colour to the stylish, neutral tones, and there’s a chic spa and acclaimed restaurant to top off the experience.

Best Small Beach Hotels

The Ocean View Club

  • The Ocean View Club sits upon its own private beach (on Harbour Island), with some beach cottage accommodation actually sitting on the sand, in amongst palm trees. The other choices are ‘tent cottages’, or rooms in the hotel proper, but there are only a handful of each, so whatever you opt for you’ll have plenty of beach to yourself. The Bahamian restaurant is known for its seafood dishes.

Affordable Boutique Hotels in the Caribbean

Golden Rock

  • Golden Rock is a collection of stone cottages tucked away on a tropical hillside outside Charlestown on Nevis. As a backdrop to the verdant views from private terraces, and the pool terrace, guests will hear the buzzy twittering of hummingbirds. Harmonious and tropical.

For All Inclusive

Hermitage Bay

  • Hermitage Bay is a small, all inclusive, beach front wonder. From the huge suites — just 30, with their stylish dark wood decor and outdoor rain showers — to the lush garden surrounds, beautiful infinity pool, pampering spa and white sandy beach, this is relaxed, sophisticated Caribbean perfection.

Best Boutique Hotels for Families

Cap Maison

  • Perching atop Smuggler’s Cove, St Lucia, Cap Maison has incredible views from its 50-odd rooms, suites and villas, most of which have spacious private verandahs for enjoying it from. Surrounding the accommodation are lush gardens, so it’s tropical paradise in every direction. The villas offer plenty of space for families and the facilities are top notch.
  • The Playa Grande Beach Club in the Dominican Republic, is a stunning hotel with only a tranquil garden between it and a gorgeous stretch of beach, and it has crossed all the ’T’s and dotted all the ‘I’s when it comes to detail. The nine bungalows — the three largest have three bedrooms — are carefully decorated in pastels, and they all have their own large kitchens and terraces. Plus there’s a romantic restaurant too.

For Eco-Friendly Chic

ECO Lifestyle

  • Barbados’s ECO Lifestyle + Lodge manages to be both ecologically impressive and beautifully boutique. Its ten rooms have been decorated with up-cycled antiques and local artworks, there’s a delicious and sustainable plant-based restaurant, and saltwater hot tubs to top it all off.
  • Mockingbird Hill is an elegant eco-hotel in a beautiful hilltop position just outside Port Antonio in Jamaica. There are just ten rooms, all with muslin-draped four-poster beds and bamboo furniture, but no phones or televisions. There’s a pool and spa and a seafood restaurant with far reaching views, which has the reputation for serving some of the best seafood in Jamaica.

For Boutique Romance

Casa Bonita

  • Set into a hillside awash with tropical greenery overlooking the water at quiet La Clenga in the Dominican Republic, Casa Bonita is a small, secluded boutique hotel, perfect for a couples escape. The suites have private plunge pools and terraces, and four-poster beds; and there’s a glorious infinity pool to share, close to the excellent organic restaurant, which overlooks miles of white, sandy beach.
  • Montpelier Plantation Inn is a fabulous hotel in a prime position on a lush hillside on St Kitts. There are just 19 sophisticated rooms and suites, with four-poster beds, private terraces and tropical views. There are three restaurants, a spa and a pool to complete the stunning, and rather romantic, picture.
  • Bordering on a nature reserve on the Atlantic coast of Martinique, French Coco offers paradise both inside and out. The elegant suites have Caribbean inspired wood furnishings, and chic details, private plunge pools and terraces. There’s also a larger pool and tapas bar. No restaurant and no kids.

Still not sure where to book?

  • You could browse our pick of the best places to stay in the Caribbean
  • Refine your search to a particular island: try the best hotels on Barbados, St. Lucia, or in the Bahamas
  • Or check out our recommendations for the Best 5 Star Hotels in the Caribbean or the 20 Best luxury hotels in the Caribbean
  • Alternatively, you can contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
    • Sorobon Luxury Beach Resort Kralendijk, Bonaire 30 rooms from AU$585

      Beach Life  -  A stunning resort right on the sands of Sorobon beach, with all the watersports you can imagine available
      Windsurfing  -  The hotel is sitauted on Sorobon Lagoon one of the world's top windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations
      Total relaxation  -  This is the perfect place for chilling on the beach; a quieter side of the Caribbean
      Restaurant  -  As well as serving great cocktails, the Reef Bar offers breakfast, lunch and dinner (dinner Thurs - Sat)
      Restaurant

      A charming beach resort overlooking Bonaire's Sorobon Lagoon. Waterfront cottages boast cool beach-chic decor, outdoor showers, private terraces with a view and fully equipped kitchenettes. The Reef Bar is a sociable spot for cocktails and more. A laid-back and family friendly hidden gem. See More

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    • Hermitage Bay St Johns, Antigua 30 rooms from AU$1833

      Honeymoons  -  Hermitage Bay is the perfect destination for a luxury honeymoon with stunning accommodation and service to match.
      Foodies  -  Caribbean cookery lessons and farm tour to see where the fresh produce is sourced on the island
      Total relaxation  -  Infinity pool, 16 acres of lush gardens, white beaches and sailing trips
      5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
      SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

      Superlative all inclusive beachside resort in lush gardens. Huge suites feature darkwood floors, shuttered windows, outdoor rain showers and day beds. Infinity pool, sandy beach, spa and gym. Excellent Caribbean and European cuisine, laid-back bar. Ideal for a sophisticated, relaxed beach holiday. See More

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    • Cap Maison St Lucia 49 rooms from AU$705

      Groups  -  One-bedroomed suites can join; ideal for up to 3 couples. Sitting room with a dining area, a full kitchen and 2 verandas
      Honeymoons  -  Splash out on a Villa Suite, some with a pool, a Jacuzzi or a roof terrace - total privacy and seclusion
      Birdwatching  -  Little blue herons, hummingbirds, magnificent frigate birds, broadwinged hawks, mocking birds and even ospreys on the estate
      Restaurant  -  Top notch caribbean inspired cuisine, and relaxed beachside restaurant (open selected nights for dinner too)
      Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking
      Recommended by  -  I Escape, CN Traveller

      Sensational hotel above Smuggler's Cove. Rooms & villas are spacious, with shuttered windows, dark wood furniture and large verandahs. Villas have kitchens, living rooms & flexible layouts that are perfect for families or groups. Outdoor pool, gym, spa and gardens. Luxurious, intimate and serene. See More

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    • Barbuda Belle Codrington, Barbuda 8 rooms from AU$1619

      Local exploring  -  Explore the surrounding Lagoon Park with kayaking tours, snorkelling and windsurfing - all available from the hotel
      Beach Life  -  Set on the beach in the Codrington Lagoon Park on Barbuda, this hotel offers a unique seaside getaway
      Birdwatching  -  Barbuda is a world-renowned bird watching region; look out for the spectacular frigate-bird colony on a hotel excursion
      Kayaking  -  Discover the Lagoon Park on a kayaking trip; use of kayaks is complimentary with your room reservation
      Air conditioningRestaurantViewsNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels , Small Luxury Hotels

      This beautiful beach bolt-hole is nestled on the pink sands of Barbuda in the Caribbean. Beachfront bungalows have balconies with spectacular views of the nearby mangroves of the Codrington Lagoon Park. Inside, wooden floors and four-poster beds offer a stylish place to rest after island exploring. See More

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    • ECO Lifestyle + Lodge Saint Joseph, Barbados 10 rooms from AU$218

      Beach Life  -  Crane beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Bring a picnic from the ECO Pantry, a cooler of drinks and enjoy
      Groups  -  The upstairs rooms can be converted into one big apartment with full kitchen and enormous terrace
      Value chic
      Eco
      Air conditioningRestaurantGardenParking

      An intimate eco-boutique hotel located on the idyllic East Coast of Barbados. 10 rooms designed in a modern bohemian style with up-cycled antique furnishings and local Barbidan artworks. Enjoy organic and sustainable plant-based fare. Relax in the saltwater hot-tubs with a cocktail. Sustainable chic See More

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    • Casas del XVI Santo Domingo (Ciudad Colonial) 7 rooms from AU$323

      Local exploring  -  The perfect location for exploring the Old Colonial City
      Sights nearby  -  Located in the heart of Santo Domingo's Colonial Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
      Local markets  -  Visit Santa Domingo's local markets
      Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
      Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Small Luxury Hotels, Tablet

      Laid back Caribbean hospitality in an elegant old colonial home. Contemporary bedrooms and a number of relaxation areas with gorgeous Dominican artifacts and beautiful carved wooden furniture. Enjoy the tropical garden and courtyard, among sprawling ferns and palm trees. Great restaurants nearby. See More

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    • Rabot Hotel Soufriere, St Lucia 14 rooms from AU$660

      Foodies  -  One of the most popular restaurants on the island. Every dish here is augmented by cacao in some shape or form
      Back to Nature  -  Learn about where chocolate comes from, walk through the forests and take sailing trips
      Views  -  Stunning views over St Lucia's famous Pitons
      Cooking classes  -  Tree to Bar class, which starts with guests cutting cacao pods and ends with creating chocolate bars and truffles
      SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolViewsParking
      Recommended by  -  Tablet, Mr & Mrs Smith, Fodors

      Contemporary hotel in a cocoa plantation. Rooms have dark wood furniture, modern four poster beds and sumptuous bathrooms. Outdoor infinity pool, gardens, spa and terrace. Excellent cocoa based menu, and great bar. Ideal for those wanting a slice of urban chic, off the beaten track. See More

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    • The Ocean View Club Harbour Island 9 rooms from AU$550

      Beach Life  -  Perched on the iconic pink sands of the Bahamas, Ocean View Club is deserving of its name with gorgeous views of the Atlantic
      Weddings  -  Get married in paradise, The Ocean View Club can arrange the perfect ceremony on the beach
      Diving  -  The Bahamas is home to some of the world's best diving spots
      Great walks  -  Explore the surrounding Bahamas and Dunmore town on foot
      RestaurantViews

      A charming family-run hotel nestled on the beach. Guests can choose from authentic private beach shacks under coconut trees, 'tent cottages' or rooms with an ocean view in the hotel itself. The restaurant serves authentic Bahamian cuisine including delicious seafood. See More

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    • Strawberry Hill Blue Mountains, Jamaica 11 rooms from AU$542

      Hideaway  -  Enjoy the infinity pool with a view, hammocks and spa treatments before laid back drinks in this chilled hotel
      Views  -  Amazing 360 degree views from its hilltop location.
      Great walks  -  Get Rasta Dave to take you on one of his guided walks through the Blue Mountains. He is a mine of local information.
      Sights nearby  -  Craighton house coffee estate hike and tour trips
      SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews
      Recommended by  -  Fodors, Kiwi Collection, Tablet, I Escape

      Boutique hotel on a hilltop perch amid the Blue Mountains. Gorgeous rooms feature antique Jamaican furniture, mahogany four posters & mountain-view porches. Outdoor pool, spa & yoga terrace. Delicious 'new Jamaican' cuisine, chilled bar area. A stylish stay with unbeatable views across Kingston. See More

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    • Geejam Portland, Jamaica 16 rooms from AU$623

      Hideaway  -  Set in 6 acres of forest stretching down to the beach, enjoy the space and quiet from the tree canopy deck
      Private Hot Tub  -  Several rooms come with private hot tubs on their verandahs
      Restaurant  -  Bushbar serves Jamaican and Asian fusion cuisine
      Sights nearby  -  10 minutes drive from historic Port Antonio.
      TennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking
      Recommended by  -  Tablet, Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape

      Gorgeous hotel set amid six lush acres. Rooms feature darkwood floors, white furniture, wooden terraces and enormous bathrooms. All rooms come with built in entertainment systems. Outdoor pool, gym and spa treatments. Superb Caribbean fusion food in the restaurant. Secluded and chic. See More

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    • Lone Star Mount Standfast, Barbados 6 rooms from AU$726

      Foodies  -  The restaurant at Lone Star has a reputation as the "Ivy of the Caribbean"
      Restaurant  -  Fabulous restaurant with terrace overlooking a pristine beach specialising in European dishes with a Caribbean twist
      Spa  -  There is no spa per se, but the hotel will organise any treatments you wish to be taken in the privacy of your room
      Seaside  -  Stunning ocean views
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantGardenViews

      A stunning restaurant with rooms on Barbados's west coast, overlooking a pristine sandy beach. With just six rooms this is an intimate, luxurious stay where the ethos is pampering to the max! The excellent restaurant has reputation as "The Ivy of the Caribbean". Unmissable! See More

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    • Playa Grande Beach Club Prov. Maria Trinidad Sánchez, Dominican Republic 9 rooms from AU$846

      Families  -  With a real home from home feel and three bedroom villas to rent, this is the perfect place to unwind with family.
      Beach Life  -  Located right on a pretty white sandy beach. Spend lazy days lounging under the sun.
      Surfing  -  Catch some waves on Playa Grande a favourite haunt of professionals.
      Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool.
      RestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParking

      A pretty as a picture hotel situated in tranquil gardens on a stunning beach. Gorgeously designed bungalows are decorated with pastel hues and all feature full kitchens and large terraces. Dine on Dominican and international cuisine in the romantic restaurant. The makings of a perfect beach holiday. See More

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    • The Other Side Eleuthera 6 rooms from AU$880

      Hideaway  -  The most luxurious and indulgent desert island hideaway, with hardwood floors, plush bedding and plenty of peaceful seclusion
      Sights nearby  -  Head to the nearby Blue Hole, a pool surrounded by jungle which one can jump in and out of with ropes
      Local markets  -  Take a boat to nearby Harbour Island to check out the bars, boutiques and lively atmosphere
      Barefoot Luxury  -  For total relaxation.
      Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolPet friendlyViews
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

      The most glamorous glamping site in the Caribbean. These indulgent tents offer hardwood floors, Berber-style rugs, vintage record players and magnificent four-poster beds. The restaurant is phenomenal and the bar boasts an extraordinary array of drinks! Unwind in Robinson Crusoe style luxury. See More

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    • Quintessence Hotel Anguilla 9 rooms from AU$1103

      Foodies  -  Featuring a celebrated restaurant, this hotel is great for foodies. Ask for a pairing with your meal from the hotel wine cellar
      Beach Life  -  Set on the seafront on Long Bay surrounded by white sand beaches, this hotel makes for an island break with added luxury
      Honeymoons  -  Book the penthouse suite for a private terrace with panoramic views for a romantic stay
      Great walks  -  Take a heritage tour of Anguilla and visit protected sites like the Big Spring Cave, known for its prehistoric petroglyphs
      Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux

      This luxurious tropical mansion is a quintessential Caribbean stay. Overlooking the white sand beaches of Long Bay, the hotel offers beautifully appointed suites with a hand-selected collection of Haitian art. An acclaimed restaurant and chic spa complete the experience. See More

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    • Golden Rock Nevis, St Kitts and Nevis 11 rooms from AU$264

      Total relaxation  -  Complete peace and tranquility in a jungly setting.
      Luxury
      Views  -  Great views from hotel
      Romantic Break
      SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking
      Recommended by  -  Tablet

      A real gem nestled in a secluded tropical hillside setting. A collection of stone cottages surrounded by humming birds, and that's about it. Boutique rooms all with private verandahs, pool, stunning views into the distance, and an excellent restaurant. Very harmonious. See More

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    • Mockingbird Hill Port Antonio, Jamaica 10 rooms from AU$364

      Active Holiday  -  Plethora of activities nearby such as snorkelling, bird watching and hiking- hotel provides extensive info
      Foodies  -  Short or intensive Jamaican cookery courses available; Mille Fleurs is a fantastic restaurant
      Eco  -  Solar heated water and lots of upcycling. Sustainability is the key word here.
      Spa  -  Outdoor garden of Wellness area offering a selection of holistic treatments including herbal baths, facials & more.
      SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking
      Recommended by  -  I Escape, Fodors

      Elegant, eco-friendly hilltop hotel. Rooms feature muslin-draped four posters & bamboo furniture but no phones or TVs. Outdoor pool, spa treatments and rooftop canopy. Some of the best food on the island is served in the ocean facing restaurant. Chilled and charming - perfect for total escape. See More

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    • Casa Bonita Barahona, Dominican Republic 12 rooms from AU$346

      Views  -  Stunning views from its hilltop perch out to sea and to the beach below.
      Spa breaks  -  Excellent couple's therapies and massages.
      Swimming Pool  -  Stunning infinity pool.
      Honeymoons
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Small Luxury Hotels

      A beautiful boutique hotel set on a lush tropical hillside with ocean views, stunning gardens, lagoons, and acres of nature reserve to explore. Romantic rooms in creams with four poster beds and verandahs. Superb infinity pool steals the show, delicious organic produce, and miles of white beach. See More

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    • Montpelier Plantation Inn Nevis, St Kitts and Nevis 18 rooms from AU$692

      Views  -  Panoramic views all around
      Luxury
      Romantic Break
      Great walks  -  Hike to Saddle Hill or climb Nevis Peak (3,232 feet) for the best views in the Caribbean
      Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking
      Recommended by  -  I Escape, Relais & Chateaux

      A fabulous hotel on a 18th century sugar plantation. Sophisticated rooms and suites with four poster beds and all the mod cons. Three fine dining restaurants, charming spa, stunning grounds and pool. A tropical hillside setting and an iconic Caribbean atmosphere. Romantic and luxurious. See More

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    • French Coco La Trinité, Martinique from AU$425

      Total relaxation  -  Book an in-suite massage to complete the experience at this relaxing boutique break; enquire with the concierge for details
      Romantic Break  -  With discreet private suites, a gorgeous swiming pool and romantic bar, book this hotel for an indulgent couples' getaway
      Back to Nature  -  Located next to the beautiful Presqu'Île Caravelle nature reserve, book this hotel for a luxury back-to-nature retreat
      Surfing  -  Get acquainted with the waves off the coast with surf classes; ask the concierge to help you reserve with a local agency
      Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels

      This boutique island retreat is set alongside a nature reserve on the Atlantic coast of Martinique. Elegant guest suites have Caribbean-inspired wooden furnishings and Creole interior design, opening onto a pool terrace and intimate garden. A luxurious base to explore the island from. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Tuesday, 4th June 2024