The Caribbean marks one of the world’s most coveted travel destinations. And yes, much of the region’s appeal centers on white-sand beaches, aquamarine waters, and shady palm trees: the postcard and wall-calendar stuff.
But the beauty of the West Indies is the Caribbean’s diversity: diversity of culture, scenery, and travel experiences. Some islands rear up in rugged green volcanic grandeur; others manifest as outposts of sand-edged limestone and coral rock. Indigenous, American, African, European, and Asian cultural influences intertwine here, expressed in some outstanding music, art, and dance—and some truly thrilling cuisine.
But where to go? With such variety, it’s a tall order rounding up the best Caribbean islands to visit, but the following are certainly top contenders!
The tiny volcanic isle of St. Barthélemy—aka “St. Barths” or “St. Barts”—in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles is rightly celebrated as the “Gem of the Caribbean.” This French overseas collectivity delivers swoony scenery: steep, lush mountainsides plunging to white-sand beaches, with coral reefs buffering the nearshore waters.
An exclusive, upscale playground that never feels crowded or rushed. St. Barths delivers a wonderful gumbo of natural splendor, French Caribbean culture, and waterfront R&R. All this on one of the safest islands in the Caribbean.
Foodies: From classic French haute cuisine to Creole and Latin American influences, St. Barths is one of the premier Caribbean vacation spots for culinary exploration.
Beach Lovers: Ranging from completely pristine beaches such as Colombier and Saline to more lively shores such as St. Jean Beach and Shell Beach, St. Barths claims among the most glorious beachfronts in the Caribbean.
Francophiles: It’s not only the food—visitors to St. Barths hear plenty of French (though English comprehension is widespread), marvel at colonial architecture, and otherwise get a full dose of French Caribbean culture.
Must-See Places: The capital city of Gustavia with its historic architecture and other landmarks; the undeveloped beaches of Gouverneur, Saline, and Colombier.
Top Activities: Snorkeling amid protected coral reefs (keep an eye peeled for sea turtles!); enjoying arguably the Caribbean’s best boutique shopping; taking a sunset catamaran cruise; attending one of the island’s spirited annual festivals (such as Gustavia’s popular New Year’s Eve soirée).
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Bonito: This slopeside eatery serves up French cuisine with South American inflections alongside spectacular sunset views. Dishes include Peruvian ceviches and tiraditos, plus fresh Caribbean catches and charcoal-grilled beef and guinea fowl.
Eddy’s: Dine in Gustavia amid a lavish tropical landscape at Eddy’s. One of the best spots on St. Barths for experiencing Creole cuisine: goat curry, Indian-spiced rack of lamb, goat-cheese samosas, and more.
Le Toiny: The Hotel Le Toiny features top-notch French cuisine at its classy restaurant courtesy of one of the island’s most lauded chefs. Savoring lobster salad, snapper tartare, and other delicacies, you’ll also enjoy a refined, mellow soundtrack courtesy of the establishment’s DJ.
Best places to stay in St. Barths
Set at the far northern edge of the West Indies, this British overseas territory is only a few hours’ flight from U.S. East Coast metropolises. Providenciales is the most popular island, and it harbors the majority of the Turks and Caicos’ population.
Renowned for some of the highest-rated beaches on the globe, “Provo” (as locals call it) provides a wonderful mixture of seaside culture and Caribbean ecotourism, with multiple national parks and top-notch snorkeling and diving among significant reefs.
Families: You will find plenty of well-developed amenities and several all-ages beaches with calm waters. Providenciales offers some of the best Caribbean vacations for families with small children.
Beach Lovers: From iconic Grace Bay Beach—a sumptuous dozen miles long—to Long Bay and Sapodilla Bay beaches, you’ll immediately see why Provo beachfronts so frequently end up on “World’s Best Beaches” lists.
Scuba & Snorkeling: The Turks and Caicos support one of the world’s largest barrier-reef complexes, hosting exceptional Caribbean diving and snorkeling. Provo is a prime jumping-off point for undersea odysseys with extensive protected waters, including the numerous unpeopled cays within easy reach.
Must-See Places: Grace Bay Beach; Long Bay Beach; Chalk Sound National Park; Princess Alexandra Land and Sea National Park; Northwest Point Marine National Park; Little Water Cay
Top Activities: Snorkeling and diving one of the Caribbean’s finest barrier reefs; kiteboarding and horseback riding along Long Bay Beach; golfing; savoring local conch cuisine
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Coco Bistro: This beloved Grace Bay fine-dining destination comes nestled within Provo’s biggest palm grove, translating to singular ambiance. The dishes are as first-rate as the setting, including standouts like Caicos Conch Chowder and West Indian-style Shrimp Curry.
The British overseas territory marks the northern tip of the Leeward Islands—and one of the most coveted Caribbean getaways of all.
This high-end island is a popular retreat for the rich and famous. With more than 30 spectacular beaches, it’s a magnet for sun-and-sand worshippers. Anguilla also features some of the best dining selections in the West Indies.
Beach Lovers: Thirty-three main beaches ringing Anguilla make kicking back with sand between your toes and a turquoise backdrop easy as pie. Some of these Anguillan strands, such as Shoal Bay Beach, rank among the superstars of the Caribbean.
Foodies: Anguillan cuisine comes woven with many (delectable) cuisines, from French and Spanish to African and West Indian. Couple that melting-pot framework with some of the best restaurants and most accomplished chefs in the Caribbean, and you’ve got a heavenly playground for gourmets.
Must-See Places: Rendezvous Bay, Shoal Bay Beach, Meads Bay, Little Bay
Top Activities: Beachgoing and watersports (paddleboarding, kiteboarding, sailing); day trips to nearby islets and cays, some of which (such as Prickly Pear and Scilly Cay) host their own restaurants and bars; snorkeling and diving (including among notable shipwrecks)
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Blanchard’s: Anguilla’s best-known restaurant and one of the top eateries in the Caribbean, Blanchard’s delivers fine dining steps from the surf along Meads Bay. The multifaceted menu, which looks from local West Indian cuisine to European and Asian stylings for inspiration. Signature dishes include Grouper Nicoise, Grilled Anguilla Crayfish, Citrus Chicken, and also accommodates gluten-free patrons.
Straw Hat: Another Meads Bay staple, Straw Hat marries delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner plates with great views from its deck. Highlights here include the curry goat potpie, spring rolls, and blackened lobster tacos.
Dolce Vita: Right on the beach at Sandy Ground, Dolce Vita is one of a few outstanding Italian restaurants in Anguilla, with traditional pasta, meat entrées, and other preparations and plenty of fresh seafood on offer.
Best places to stay in Anguilla
St Martin offers a delightfully dual personality: The island, located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, comes split into French (St. Martin) and Dutch (Sint Maarten) sides, each with its own distinct vibe and culture. From the gingerbread architecture, markets, and restaurants of the French capital of Marigot and Sint Maarten’s lively nightlife and duty-free shopping to more than 30 spectacular Caribbean beaches, Saint Martin has a little something for everybody!
Creole Cuisine: Gastronomes will delight in the great diversity of restaurants on Saint Martin, among them many opportunities to sample strongly French-inflected Creole and West Indian cooking.
Beach Lovers: Saint Martin comes well-furnished with postcard-perfect Caribbean beaches, not least the much-loved swath of sand along Orient Bay. The island includes multiple clothing-optional beachfront, as well.
Must-See Places: Marigot, Restaurant Row in Grand Case, Orient Bay Beach, Mullet Bay Beach, Pic du Paradis (1,278-foot high point of the island)
Top Activities: Dining at the beachfront restaurants of Grand Case, shopping and casino-going in Sint Maarten, surfing at Mullet Bay Beach
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Rosemary’s: A shining example of the multiple open-air barbecue joints, or "lolos," you’ll find in Marigot. Rosemary’s is a fabulous choice for sampling Creole cuisine, including West Indian curry and stewed conch.
Tropicana: An exquisite bistro along Marigot’s marina, Tropicana serves French classics and local seafood dishes on its ravishing terrace.
Mario Bistrot: Take a journey through high-end, creative French-influenced Caribbean cuisine at Mario Bistrot. Originally opened by Quebec-born Chef Mario on the French side of the island in 1995 but now situated at The Cliff along Sint Maarten's Cupecoy Beach.
Best places to stay in St. Martin
Curious to see how islands compare to each other head to head? See our comparison guides below:
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