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18 of the Most Beautiful Caribbean Islands

White-sand beaches, crystalline waters, and lush rain forests are calling.

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The islands of the Caribbean region are known for their stunning beaches, brilliantly blue waters, and near-perfect weather. While there are many similarities between them, each has its own topography, history, and culture. The most beautiful Caribbean islands have distinctive natural features, like St. Lucia’s haunting coastal twin peaks, Dominica’s untouched rain forest, and the pink sands of the Bahamas. On some islands, well-preserved historical architecture enhances the idyllic setting.

There are direct flights to many popular Caribbean destinations, but more remote islands, such as Canouan, require an inter-island flight or ferry — or even a private charter. We think you’ll find the secluded beaches and pristine landscapes worth the extra effort. Here are 18 of the most beautiful Caribbean islands to inspire your travels.

• Best tourist destination: St. Barts
• Underrated hidden gem: Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Best for families: U.S. Virgin Islands
• Best for couples: St. Lucia
• Best for solo travelers: Puerto Rico

Keep reading to discover the rest of our picks.

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Known for upscale resorts , villas, boutiques, and visiting yachts, St. Barts is a little over nine square miles with white-sand beaches, lagoons, and inlets. An undersea nature reserve protects the shallow coral reefs surrounding the island, providing excellent snorkeling opportunities. Divers can explore several sunken vessels as well as colorful marine life. The capital, Gustavia, is a picturesque harbor town with promenades, historic buildings, and restaurants.

Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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Canouan has the hallmarks of many Caribbean islands: luminous turquoise waters offset by white-sand beaches and verdant hills. But the natural landscapes of the tiny “island of turtles” are hardly touched by tourism, partly thanks to its remote location. Getting there involves chartering a plane or catching a flight or ferry from another island. Climb Canouan’s tallest peak, Mount Royal, for spectacular views of the surrounding islands — including the even more exclusive celebrity playground Mustique .

U.S. Virgin Islands

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About 45 miles from Puerto Rico, this archipelago consists of three main islands: St. Thomas , St. John , and St. Croix , the largest. Known for duty-free shopping, the U.S. Virgin Islands offer much more than bargains, although it’s fun to come home with a special purchase. Visitors can snorkel among coral reefs, mangroves, and colorful marine life. On St. John, the Virgin Islands National Park is home to immaculate beaches, hiking trails, and historic ruins.

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This volcanic island is known for the hauntingly beautiful Piton mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can climb the iconic twin peaks for spectacular views, though the challenging hike is best undertaken with a guide. The lush rain forest of the island's interior is home to native wildlife such as the St. Lucia Parrot. Mineral-rich mud pools, thermal baths, and sulfur springs are reminders of the island’s volcanic origins. The beauty continues under the sea, where divers and snorkelers can see coral, colorful tropical fish, and sea turtles.

Puerto Rico

From beaches to mountains to rain forests, Puerto Rico offers a diverse environment. Trails in El Yunque National Forest lead through lush greenery to natural pools and waterfalls. Spread across roughly 270 miles of coastline, Puerto Rico’s beaches range from secluded coves to lively white-sand stretches with swimming, diving, and water sports. Among the must-visit places in Puerto Rico are its rare bioluminescent bays, where the water appears to glow at night thanks to microscopic organisms that are stimulated by movement.

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

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The third largest of the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda is known for its pristine beaches, history, nature sanctuaries, and the Baths — pools and seawater grottos formed by huge granite boulders. White-sand shores include nearby Spring Bay, with clear water for snorkeling, an expansive lawn, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and a natural swimming pool created by a circle of boulders.

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This beautiful island is nicknamed the "Spice Isle" for its production of spices, including nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, pepper, and vanilla. White-sand beaches on its 75 miles of coastline, rain forests, and waterfalls are part of the appeal, as is its vibrant culture, rum distilleries, and historical architecture. Divers can enjoy its coral reefs, shipwrecks, and underwater sculpture park .

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Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica offers untouched natural beauty with rain forests, mountains, and waterfalls. A unique feature on the island is Boiling Lake, a flooded volcanic fumarole that bubbles from the molten magma below. The main town on the island’s north coast is Calibishie, an ancient fishing village about a mile from the rain forest.

Located about 600 miles from Miami, Jamaica lures visitors with gorgeous beaches . In addition to its palm-fringed sandy shores, the island has rivers flowing from its mountains into the Caribbean. On the northern coast, Dunn’s River Falls attracts hikers and beachgoers who swim in the shallow waters at the base of the waterfall or relax on the stretch of white sand. The Blue Lagoon, with its translucent, cerulean water, is another stunning spot to the east.

Turks and Caicos

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While technically in the Atlantic Ocean, Turks and Caicos is included in the Caribbean region. The British Overseas Territory consists of two island groups totaling more than 40 islands, but only eight are inhabited. The island of Providenciales is home to the majority of hotels and resorts and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world . Grace Bay Beach offers soft white sand, calm waters, and an extensive barrier reef. Take in the island's stunning scenery — above and below the water — while sailing, snorkeling, or paddleboarding.

Located in the eastern Caribbean, Anguilla combines modern, luxurious resorts with well-preserved reminders of the island’s colonial past like the 1785 Wallblake House. Soft, white sand and clear, warm waters attract visitors to resorts along Shoal Bay Beach on the island's eastern side and the West End’s Meads Bay, Rendezvous Bay, and other beautiful areas.

Necker Island and Moskito Island

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Sir Richard Branson’s private islands are a few of the Caribbean’s loveliest. Necker Island , a mile north of Virgin Gorda, features plush villas, lush landscaping, and a variety of wildlife, cared for by a team of conservationists. Moskito Island , just across from Necker Island, also offers natural beauty surrounded by clear, blue waters, with estates available for guest buyouts.

Grand Cayman

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The largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman combines coral sand and lively restaurants and bars on its famed Seven Mile Beach — one of the Caribbean's best beaches . After you've soaked up the idyllic coastal scenery, browse luxe jewelry and perfume in the duty-free stores in the capital, George Town. To immerse yourself in natural beauty, head to the eastern section of the island, where the tropical gardens and two-acre lake at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park provide a haven for native wildlife like endangered blue iguanas.

Cozumel, Mexico

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Located off the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, Cozumel is on the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Snorkeling and diving in the clear waters around the reef or relaxing on the sandy beaches are just a few ways to enjoy the island. At Punta Sur , an ecological park with white-sand beaches and croc-inhabited lagoons, you can rent kayaks or snorkeling gear. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for breathtaking coastal views.

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Lush greenery and hummingbird-attracting tropical blooms are on full display in Martinique's Jardin de Balata, one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean . Mont Pelée, an active volcano, is another natural wonder of this island north of St. Lucia. Gorgeous beaches, rain forests, and mountains provide visitors with adventures like hiking, kayaking, and exploring the island’s protected parkland. Historic shipwrecks and the island’s abundant marine life make diving a popular activity, too, along with sampling Martinique’s famed rum and cuisine.

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The easternmost Caribbean island, Barbados boasts more than 80 white-sand beaches (plus the exquisite pink-sand Crane Beach), snorkeling and diving among marine life and shipwrecks, and some of the Caribbean’s best rum. But the dramatic rock formations of the mountainous Scotland District may make you feel you've been transported to the Scottish Highlands. The island’s breezes are perfect for kitesurfing, and water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing are popular as well.

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One of the so-called ABC Islands, along with Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao is located in the southern Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela. The largest of the three islands, Curaçao offers Caribbean culture with a bit of Dutch flavor, reflecting its colonial heritage. The picturesque historical buildings and location outside of the hurricane belt are part of the allure. Natural landscapes range from powdery white-sand beaches to the striking coral rock formations of Shete Boka and verdant Christoffel National Park with its namesake mountain, wild orchids, and native deer.

There are around 700 islands of the Bahamas , which is part of the Caribbean Community despite its location in the Atlantic Ocean. All of them are beautiful and some are quite unique. Paradise Island features modern resorts, nightlife, and casinos; Eleuthera is more secluded, with pink-sand beaches and historic architecture; and the Exumas are home to swimming pigs and a marine reserve that protects the beautiful undersea life. The Abaco islands, meanwhile, are known for fishing, sailing, boating, and charming colonial towns.

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The Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2024

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I’ve been fortunate to travel widely across the Caribbean over the last 30 years. I’m also a descendant of Caribbean people, so many folks assume I’ve visited every island. Not likely—the Caribbean consists of 28 islands encompassing just over one million square miles. So while I’ve visited most, there are still a handful I’ve yet to encounter. But that’s a good thing. Many know the Caribbean of picture-perfect views —all lush green hillsides, soft beaches, sunny skies, sun loungers, and poolside cocktails. But that’s really just the white-sandy surface of this region, where each island has something distinct to offer. On Dominica , hiking is unmatched, notably its Boiling Lake, a flooded fumarole located in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, where you can traverse across the rim of an active volcano. The best island hopping is in the British Virgin Islands , while Barbados is the action island, where the historic Garrison horse racing takes place year-round.

If you’re looking to soak up some winter sun by a pool lounger and nothing more, then any island in the Caribbean will do—the hotels in St Barth's are amongst some of the best in the world. But if you’re willing to dig a little deeper and venture beyond the resort gates, these are the best islands in the Caribbean.

Which is the best Caribbean island for families?

When little travelers are involved, the ease of a resort jam-packed with activities can take the strain off parents and let everyone enjoy the trip. For this reason, Barbados is the ideal Caribbean island for families, and there’s everything from larger, more affordable resorts to smaller boutique offerings. For intergenerational holidays and trips with slightly older children, consider hiring out a villa— Oliver’s Travels allows customers to filter results by ‘great for kids.’

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best island for: action

Barbados might just be one of the best all-rounder islands in the Caribbean. Some of the top hotels in the region are found here, as are some of the best beaches, all accessible to the public—there are no private beaches in Barbados. Poolside beverages are spiked with rum, distilled on the island and best learnt about at St. Nicholas Abbey, a plantation house, museum, and rum distillery. Those looking for more diverse action can find it at the heritage railway, the racing car circuit, and the Garrison Savannah, a popular horse race that takes place throughout the year. And then there are the surrounding reefs, where you can swim with turtles, snorkel with seahorses, and spy whales in winter months.

Where to stay: Sandy Lane Hotel is one of the most glamorous hotels on the island complete with a British or American country club vibe—there are three golf courses on the hotel grounds. For something more low-key, Little Good Harbour ’s rooms feel more like private cottages and its fuss-free restaurant, The Fish Post, is beloved as one of the best in Barbados. For more ideas, consult our list of the best all-inclusive resorts on the island .

Best island for: romance

The Caribbean is synonymous with honeymoons but it's St Lucia that tops them all when it comes to serving up romance. You can thank the island’s mountainous landscape for that—it’s all about a room with a view of the 2,000-foot high Piton mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the island’s calling card.

There’s adventure to be found too, like exhilarating zip lines high above the island’s rainforest canopy or mud baths in Sulphur Springs, a geothermically active basin of hot springs and fumaroles within the the dormant Qualibou volcano in Soufrière.

Where to stay: Coconut Bay is the biggest crowd pleaser on the island—all inclusive and catering to couples, families, and even wedding parties. For something more private, Ladera is an eco-lodge where rustic suites have private plunge pools. See our edit of the best resorts in St Lucia for more.

Best island for: beaches

In a region characterized by beautiful beaches , Anguilla has the best in the region. Partly for their mesmerizing ribbon of blue water but also because their powdery white sands invariably host only a handful of other beach-goers. There are 33 beaches in total, and while each one I’ve encountered has been memorable, the standouts to see include Cove Bay, Maundays Bay, Rendezvous Bay, and Shoal Bay.

Anguilla is also a worthy choice for its culinary scene. Refreshingly there are no chain restaurants on the island. Instead, restaurants and eateries tend to be small family-run businesses. If you visit just one, make it Tasty’s, which serves up a stellar coconut-crusted fish and marinated conch salad by Anguillan chef Dale Carty.

Where to stay: The Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is the newest shiny address on the island, with seven restaurants and bars and a fleet of private jets transporting guests to and from the property. Find more editor-vetted Anguilla hotels here .

British Virgin Islands

Best island for: island hopping

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) territory has few chain restaurants and no large hotels or mass tourism attractions. Instead, you’ll encounter turquoise waters, lush green hillsides, and distinctive cuisine and culture across the four main islands: Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda.

Hopping from island to island—whether via public ferry or private catamaran—is the characteristic way to explore the BVI. On my last visit I sailed to Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay, home to casual beachfront eateries serving dangerously delicious rum cocktails and locally caught fish. Another fantastic spot is Willy T’s Floating Bar and Restaurant near Norman Island. Moored offshore, the cargo ship has been converted into an ultra-relaxed eatery.

Where to stay: Located on a broad, secluded calm-water bay on Virgin Gorda, Rosewood Little Dix Bay has 80 villas and suites each staffed with a personal butler. The Reef House is one of three restaurants and features farm-to-fork dining with fresh provisions sourced locally.

Best island for: diving

The calm waters surrounding Dominica make it one of the best diving spots in the world. The rainbow-colored seascape is best viewed at Champagne Reef, named for its bubbling waters generated by volcanic thermal springs rising from on the ocean floor. The reef also comprises plummeting cliffs, towering volcanic formations and the remains of a 17th-century Spanish shipwreck.

Another highlight is L'Abym, a dive site located on the island’s southern tip and suited to all skill levels due to Soufriere Bay’s gentle current. Underwater wonders are visible from 20 feet below the surface right down to a 1,500-foot maximum depth. An underwater wall extending its entire length gives the site its name.

Where to stay: Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski is the smartest place to stay on the island. All of the classic hallmarks are here—a full service spa, four swimming pools—but it’s the lush grounds, which incorporate Cabrits National Park, that make this spot memorable.

Best island for: natural beauty

Grenada’s 133 archipelagic square miles are laced with waterfalls, hot springs and tropical rainforests across three main islands: Grenada, Petit Martinique, and Carriacou. Ringed by 45 white- and nine black-sand beaches, the hilly isles are dotted with acres of fruit and spice trees.

One-ninth of Grenada’s land mass is dedicated to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, best seen on a guided hike of Grand Etang Forest Reserve. Sister Island Carriacou is a worthy day trip too, especially for the top-shelf diving and snorkeling.

Where to stay: Few places capture Grenada's understated magic like the Silversands Grenada resort , found at the sleepy end of the two-mile Grand Anse Beach. The biggest draw here is the 330-foot infinity pool, said to be the longest in the Caribbean, which stretches from the hotel’s entrance all the way to the sea.

Puerto Rico

Best island for: history and culture

There’s a distinct energy to Puerto Rico , one that draws upon a fascinating blend of Hispanic, African, American, and Caribbean culture and history. To see it start in colonial San Juan , the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas. Head to the old town where cobblestone streets are lined with colorful Spanish buildings housing trendy bars, boutique shopping and all-night entertainment.

Hundreds of thousands of Africans arrived in Puerto Rico via forced migration in the colonial era. Their contributions to the island’s culture, art, music and cuisine live on today in Loiza, home to Puerto Rico’s largest Black population. You can witness it via the artwork on display at Samuel Lind Studio, or at the Don Rafael Cepeda School of Bomba and Plena which puts on traditional music and dance workshops.

Where to stay: Caribe Hilton is within walking distance of historic Old San Juan and the Condado entertainment district. Designed in tropical modernist style by legendary Puerto Rican firm Toro Ferrer, the grounds incorporate 17 acres of tropical landscaping as well as nine restaurants and an oceanfront pool complex. See our edit of the best hotels in Puerto Rico for more.

St. Kitts and Nevis

Best island for: visiting two islands in one trip

Lush natural beauty and historic attractions are the hallmarks of this twin-island nation. Most travelers visit both islands, as smaller Nevis is a breezy 20-minute ferry ride from larger St. Kitts. Sightseeing on St. Kitts is best done via the scenic train—the only working railway in the Caribbean—which circumnavigates the island on routes that once transported plantation sugar cane. Another highlight is the Brimstone Hill fortress, built of hand-chiseled stones by enslaved Kittitians and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stand among the fort’s ramparts and cannon while taking in panoramic views of neighboring Saba, Statia, St. Maarten, and St. Barths .

Tiny Nevis’ resplendent landscape is overlooked by 3,232-foot high Nevis Peak, located at its center and visible from virtually every point on the island. Mountainside hiking and ATV tours uncover haunting ruins of colonial-era plantations and sugar mills.

Where to stay: Hide away in one of the traditional West Indian–inspired cottages at Belle Mont Farm . As the name suggests, dining here is farm-to-table, serving up freshly foraged organic fruit and vegetables plus seafood plucked straight out of the ocean.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

Protect Your Trip »

30 beautiful caribbean islands to visit.

It's time to plan your next tropical getaway.

(Getty Images) |

These stunning Caribbean islands will keep you busy and take your breath away.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Vieques, Puerto Rico

Corn Islands, Nicaragua

Roatan, Honduras

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Ambergis Caye

Uvita Island, Costa Rica

Cozumel, Mexico

Grand Cayman

Little Cayman

Jost Van Dyke

New Providence Island, Bahamas

Cayman Brac

Sandy Island, Anguilla

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17 Caribbean Islands You Need to Visit, Ranked

The Caribbean is a special place. With warm turquoise waters, delicious food and some of the largest coral reefs in the world, what's not to love? First dominated by Taino natives, the region is now a mix of indigenous, European and African cultures. 

We probably don't need to convince you that you should visit the Caribbean. Instead, we're here to help you decide where you should spend time. Out of 28 countries and territories, these are the 17 best Caribbean islands to visit.

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.  

17. Guadeloupe

Status:  French department

Capital:  Basse-Terre

*Rankings are from U.S. News and World Report's Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean list for 2023-24.

Where to Stay in Guadeloupe

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La Toubana was Guadeloupe's first five-star hotel.

Book it:  La Toubana

What to Expect in Guadeloupe

Though French mainlanders love Guadeloupe, the island seems to escape being on everyone else's radar. Given how prone some Caribbean islands are to be invaded by overtourism , this is one of the things we like the most about it.

Unlike other islands which are territories that are still colonized by France, Guadeloupe is actually a French department. This means that it operates in the exact same way as any department on the mainland. 

Still, that doesn't mean Guadeloupans don't have a different accent or culture, which is heavily influenced by West Africa. The island is home to La Grande Soufrièr volcano, one of the region's highest peaks, which provides some great hiking opportunities.

Status:  Territory of the Netherlands

Capital:  Oranjestad

Where to Stay in Aruba

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Aruba Ocean Villas offers the only overwater bungalows on the island.

Book it:  Aruba Ocean Villas

What to Expect in Aruba

In some ways, Aruba is your typical Caribbean island. It has beautiful beaches, fancy resorts and lots of tourists.

But the island also stands out in several ways. The most important in our opinion is that it's outside of the hurricane belt, which means strong storms are less likely to hit during the long hurricane season.

Besides that, the cuisine of the island is unique, you can go hiking to see incredible rock formations, and there's a famous beach where you'll share space with a flock of cocky pink flamingos.

15. St. Martin/St. Marteen

Status:  Territory of France/The Netherlands

Capital:  Marigot/Philipsburg

Where to Stay in St. Martin/St. Marteen

Sonesta Ocean Point Resort is perfect for a relaxing adults-only vacation.

Book it:  Sonesta Ocean Point Resort

What to Expect in St. Martin/St. Marteen

France and the Netherlands have split this island for hundreds of years. Travel from one side to the other is seamless, however, so most people still think of it as a single destination. 

The island brings everything you can expect from a Caribbean vacation spot, including shipwrecks, corals, delicious food and luxury resorts. Duty-free shopping and casinos are also very popular, though we'd encourage you to spend as much time outdoors taking in the beauty of the island as possible.

14. Jamaica

Status:  Sovereign nation

Capital:  Kingston

Where to Stay in Jamaica

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Skip staying at a resort, and stay at the family-owned luxurious Jamaica Inn .

Book it: Jamaica Inn

What to Expect in Jamaica

Do we even need to introduce beautiful Jamaica? An incredibly popular destination, Jamaica is known for its music, its beaches, its waterfalls and its food. In fact, the country has some of the best food in the entire Caribbean . Your life will change the second you taste jerk chicken.

Jamaica's diverse landscape provides unique opportunities to hike in the rainforest, visit caves and sail along rivers. For something truly special, visit Luminous Lagoon, a bioluminescent bay, one of only five in the world.

Once you've had your fill of nature, you'll be able to enjoy the country's world-famous nightlife.

13. Curaçao

Capital:  Willemstad

Where to Stay in Curacao

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Opened in 1949, the Avila Beach Hotel is the oldest hotel in Curacao that's still in operation.

Book it: Avila Beach Hotel

What to Expect in Curacao

Like its sister Dutch Caribbean island, Aruba, Curacao is blessed with a location outside of the hurricane belt. This means you can safely plan a snorkeling or diving vacation to the island, whose main attractions are its 38 beaches. 

When you're not playing in the water, make time to stroll around the beautiful and colorful capital of Willemstad, which combines Caribbean and Dutch architecture. If you like trying native dishes, order a hot bowl of iguana soup, a local delicacy.

12. Antigua

Status: Sovereign nation

Capital: Saint John's

Where to Stay in Antigua

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The Carlisle Bay Hotel is surrounded by the jungle on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other.

Book it:  Carlisle Bay Hotel

What to Expect in Antigua

Wealthy British people love vacationing in Antigua (half of Antigua and Barbuda). It is the quintessential Caribbean paradise of your imagination. The small island draws people in with its picture-perfect beaches and clear water. 

It's also a very short ride away from St. Martin/St. Marteen, so it provides an opportunity for two trips in one.

11. St. Kitts and Nevis

Capital:  Basseterre

Where to Stay in St. Kitts and Nevis

At Four Resort Nevis , you'll be in front of the famous Pinneys Beach. During the right time of year, you may get to see nesting and hatching sea turtles.

Book it: Four Resort Nevis 

What to Expect in St. Kitts and Nevis

Devon Liburd, the CEO of Nevis Tourism Authority tells Far & Wide that this dual island nation offers two different experiences. Head to St. Kitts for a more developed tourism industry and raucous wildlife. Go to Nevis if you want a quiet and peaceful escape. "Nevis is a place where as soon as you step out of the plane, you feel your shoulders relaxing," he says.

For a truly unique memory, come during March and swim from St. Kitts to Nevis. We're not exaggerating. Separated by only 2.5 miles of water, the islands offer the incredible opportunity of a cross-channel swim .  According to Liburd, you'll probably get to see turtles, fish and other beautiful marine life as you swim — sounds magical, doesn't it?

10. Grenada

Capital:  Saint George's

Where to Stay in Grenada

At Mount Cinnamon Resort , each of the 37 villas and suites boasts ocean views.

Book it: Mount Cinnamon Resort

What to Expect in Grenada

Nicknamed "The Spice Isle," Grenada is known for its nutmeg plantations, which have (as of late) been complemented by cocoa farms. If you can tear yourself away from the beach, head inland and do some agrotourism , which usually includes some delicious tastings. 

If you don't want to leave the water, then head out into the ocean to snorkel or dive around the country's famous underwater sculpture park. Though the concept has been adopted elsewhere, Grenada pioneered it.

9. St. Barts

Status:  Territory of France

Capital:  Gustavia

Where to Stay in St. Barts

Besides beach access, Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa provides unique activities like a zero-waste cooking class.

Book it: Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa

What to Expect in St. Barts

St. Barthelemy may just be the most exclusive of all Caribbean islands. Its remote location, intimate size and a dizzying number of ultra-luxury hotels, spas and casinos have made it a favored vacation spot for the rich and famous. 

We're not going to sugarcoat this. You probably need a lot  of money to vacation in St. Barts. The island is so exclusive that it even has a pet name. That really says everything you need to know about it.

Capital:  Nassau

Where to Stay in the Bahamas

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The Cove at Atlantis has become a bucket-list destination for people who love all-inclusive, over-the-top experiences.

Book it: The Cove at Atlantis

What to Expect in the Bahamas

The Bahamas consists of over 700 islands, and most people travel to a handful of them. The popular islands like Grand Bahama, Paradise Island and Harbor Island are great. And you're sure to have a good Caribbean vacation. 

But if you want to see the country outside of glitzy resorts, head to islands where tourism is limited. Trust us, there are still plenty of those. They're harder to get to, but the reward of seeing the real country is too big to pass up.

7. Barbados

Capital:  Bridgetown

Where to Stay in Barbados

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Colony Club Hotel boasts a private river that runs through its properties, making for a magical setting.

Book it: Colony Club Hotel

What to Expect in Barbados

To complement its perfect beaches, Barbados adds great music that can be heard playing from every corner of the island at any given time of day. It also has one of the best carnivals in the Caribbean. It's the best , if you ask Barbadians.

The island also has deep caves, lush gardens and plantations where you can learn about the region's dark history of slavery.

6. Cayman Islands

Status:  Territory of the United Kingdom

Capital:  George Town

Where to Stay in the Cayman Islands

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If you're looking to pamper yourself, there's no better place to stay on the islands than at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman .

Book it: Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

What to Expect in the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands aren't cheap per se, but they are more affordable than some of their counterpart islands. And they manage to be so with the same bright blue water, soft sand and friendly vibes. 

We particularly recommend Little Island, which is the smallest and most intimate. Here, you'll really feel like you've stepped out of the world for a second.

5. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Capital:  Kingstown

Where to Stay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Petit St. Vincent (@petitstvincent)

Petit St. Vincent is considered one of the most eco-friendly resorts in the world .

Book it: Petit St. Vincent

What to Expect in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

A collection of 32 islands make up this nation, and the largest island is St. Vincent. In St. Vincent, you'll find several luxury resorts right on the water but also the opportunity for outdoor adventures.

Hike up La Soufriere, an active volcano guarded by a lush tropical jungle. Go on a safari and try to catch a glimpse of some of the species that live on the island, like red foxes, alligators, deer and frogs. 

As for the Grenadines, there is an island for every type of person. Those looking for the ultimate luxury getaway go to Mustique, a private island that has hosted Princess Margaret and Mick Jagger.

But if you like a more chill vibe, you won't have a hard time finding that either.

4. U.S. Virgin Islands

Status:  Territory of the United States

Capital:  Charlotte Amalie

Where to Stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands

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Lovango Resort & Beach Club is a newly opened resort with a 70-foot infinity pool.

Book it: Lovango Resort & Beach Club

What to Expect in the U.S. Virgin Islands

You don't have to have a passport to visit the gorgeous Virgin Islands — at least not the U.S. ones. 

The territory is a boating haven, with over 50 small islands and the signature clearness of the Caribbean Sea. St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are the three main islands and where you'll likely be based.

If you're looking to cross a national park off your list, head to St. John, which is almost entirely made up of Virgin Islands National Park .

3. British Virgin Islands

Capital:  Road Town

Where to Stay in the British Virgin Islands

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The unique Oil Nut Bay features suites and villas built straight into a cliff.

Book it: Oil Nut Bay

What to Expect in the British Virgin Islands

The U.S. News and World Report gave the bronze medal for best Caribbean destination to the British Virgin Islands. Located close to their U.S. counterparts, this collection of islands is also extremely popular for boating and sailing. 

In terms of geography, there are many similarities. But there is one thing that sets the British islands apart: The Baths. Located in Punta Gorda, it is a collection of giant boulders that rise from turquoise water, creating natural pools and caves. 

There are many naturally beautiful spots in the Caribbean, but the Baths stand out as particularly astonishing.

2. St. Lucia

Capital:  Castries

Where to Stay in St. Lucia

The famed Jade Mountain Resort has the best views of the Pitons.

Book it:  Jade Mountain Resort

What to Expect in St. Lucia

Breathtaking St. Lucia boasts the most iconic mountains in the entire Caribbean region. Its UNESCO-listed Piton peaks dominate the landscape, peaking out even where you least expect it. This has brought luxury resorts to its shores and made it a premium honeymoon destination. 

But the island is not just for romance. You can also have an adventure by spending the day hiking or by driving — yes,  driving —  the Sulphur Springs volcano.

1. Turks and Caicos

Capital:  Cockburn Town

Where to Stay in Turks and Caicos

For true seclusion, stay at Amanyara , which borders North West Point Marine National Park.

Book it: Amanyara

What to Expect in Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos is the ultimate aspirational destination in the Caribbean. Neighboring the Bahamas, this collection of islands definitely deserves the top spot. 

We don't have to say that the beaches are beautiful with their soft sand. This is the Caribbean after all. But the famous Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales has been voted the best beach in the entire world.

Some great things that you can do here include horseback riding on the beach and whale watching. And if you find yourself in Grand Turk on a Thursday night, don't miss out on the Island Fish Fry , a weekly event that includes local vendors, live shows and a Caribbean vibe that guarantees a great time.