Not a fan of the long, cold months ahead? If your mind drifts to waking up with the ocean at your doorstep, warm trade winds, swaying palms and late-afternoon walks along secluded shorelines, these four boutique island properties deliver. Pack your bags and leave the chill behind.
© Courtesy of Lovango Resort & Beach Club
Lovango Resort & Beach Club, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands’ newest resort marks its fifth year with fresh one-bedroom cottages and expanded programming, such as Stay & Sail, which lets guests explore nearby waters aboard a luxury charter. Situated on a private island a short 10-minute ferry from St. John or St. Thomas, Lovango feels a world away while remaining conveniently accessible to U.S. citizens. Accommodations range from spacious villas and luxury treehouses to elevated glamping rooms, and most offer sweeping ocean views that make it tempting to linger on the terrace. Spend mornings at the beach club lounging by the pool or playing cornhole, snorkel or hike in nearby Reef Bay National Park, or take a short trip to Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas for shopping and dining.
© Courtesy of Silversands Beach House
Silversands Beach House, Grenada
Opening in February 2024, this 28-key luxury property was designed to frame dramatic Atlantic Ocean views with terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows. Much of the resort is tucked into the cliffside and includes an upscale trattoria, an infinity pool, one-bedroom beachfront rooms and spa treatment rooms with a relaxation area. Guests also enjoy access to amenities at the nearby sister property Silversands Origin, including additional pool facilities, the PURO spa and dining options, creating a refined, cohesive resort experience.
© Courtesy of Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort
Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort, St. Eustatius
Golden Rock is the first upscale eco-resort on the quietly charming Dutch Caribbean island known as “Statia.” Built for adventurous travelers, it offers outstanding diving and snorkeling thanks to a large, ocean-fed lagoon, as well as guided hikes to the Quill, a dormant volcano that dominates the island landscape. The property features about 70 rooms, suites and standalone cottages nestled in lush gardens, and dining is centered at Bobbie’s Beach Club, which serves fusion dishes prepared with ingredients from an on-site 20,000-square-foot greenhouse. On-site amenities include two pools, an oceanfront gym, mini golf, a new PADI Dive Center, a private indoor cinema, paddle and pickleball courts. Improved accessibility via new JetBlue service to nearby islands and a concierge speedboat transfer further simplify travel to this secluded escape.
Playa Grande Beach Club, Playa Grande, Dominican Republic
Set on the island’s quieter north coast, Playa Grande Beach Club offers an intimate alternative to the bustle of Punta Cana. Charming one- and three-bedroom cottages showcase traditional pastel color schemes, Dominican tile floors, handmade furniture, local artwork and antique accents, along with shuttered porches that invite cooling ocean breezes. A new two-bedroom bungalow debuts this winter. The main Great Room houses a dining area, lounge and bar, plus a library, evening bar, lap pool and cabanas. The restaurant focuses on Caribbean-inspired cuisine using local and organic ingredients, including daily seafood delivered by local fishermen. Water activities span surfing, paddleboarding and snorkeling, and spa services are available both in-suite and on the beach. Quiet, authentic and full of local character, Playa Grande is a true hidden gem in the Dominican Republic.