Hidden among the Caribbean’s many mega-resorts are some of the most unique, intimate boutiques travelers can imagine. With laid-back, eco-friendly attitudes, these petite hotels are some of the best in the region, offering personalized service and truly relaxing atmospheres. So consider passing on that 500-room all-inclusive and indulge in some intimacy at these wonderful boutiques.
The gorgeous Fowl Cay Resort feels more like a private home than a hotel.
Crowded beaches are unheard of on this private island resort where a maximum of 28 guests at a time have free range of 50 acres and three beaches. Personal boats for daily excursions, on-call service, spacious villas with fully stocked kitchens and wet bars, and a host of all-inclusive activities make Fowl Cay a standout gem in the Exumas. Read More »
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Bahamas,
Barbados,
Beach Hotels,
Boutique Hotels,
British Virgin Islands,
Caribbean,
Dominican Republic,
Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis,
Jamaica,
St. Barts,
St. Lucia,
Turks and Caicos
The beach, the pools, the view – these are major reasons why we travel to the Caribbean. And when we can get all in one, that’s ideal. So we scoured the islands to find the best infinity pools in the Caribbean. These spots – with gorgeous views overlooking the ocean – are perfect for sitting back, relaxing, and soaking up that sun.
Four Seasons Resort, Nevis
This Four Seasons sits on a large, attractive beach on the small island of Nevis. The gorgeous rooms here may be the highlight, with up-to-date technology, massive bathrooms, and pretty yellow-and-blue decor. But the reflection pool, an adults-only pool overlooking the ocean, is a major perk as well. Poolside guests can enjoy free snacks, as well as poolside lunch and drink service, throughout the day. The hotel also features two other slightly larger pools as well.
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Cancun,
Caribbean,
Dominican Republic,
Jamaica,
Nevis,
Punta Cana,
St. Barts,
St. Lucia,
St. Thomas,
Turks and Caicos
by Jane on March 28, 2013
During our travels around the globe, we have stayed in some pretty gorgeous rooms. But a beautiful room means nothing if it looks out at a brick wall. On the other hand, a drab room can be seriously lightened up by an amazing view. So we rounded the 10 best hotel room views we’ve ever seen.
Hotel Duquesne Eiffel
Hotel Duquesne is a comfortable 34-room hotel in the 7th Arrondissement within walking distance to Left Bank tourist sites, such as the Musee d’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower. Some rooms even boast exceptional views of the iconic structure, built in 1889 by on the occasion of the World’s Fair in Paris.
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Amsterdam,
Bermuda,
Costa Rica,
Jackson Hole,
Lake Tahoe,
Los Cabos,
New York City,
Paris,
St. Lucia,
Turks and Caicos
by Jane on February 20, 2013
It’s time to get your spring break plans in order, and if you’re looking for some fun in the sun, the Caribbean is a prime destination. But with thousands of islands (although only a few dozen are inhabited) to choose from, that doesn’t narrow things down much. That’s why we at Oyster have created an A to Z (well, actually, an A to V) guide to the Caribbean, so choosing your island and resort will be a piece of cake. First stop: Anguilla.
The boutique Anacaona has two pools.
Anguilla is a tiny British territory that covers fewer than 40 square miles and is a popular spot for couples and celebs (Sofia Vergara went on a girls’ trip to the island) due to its small size and upscale vibe. Visitors must either fly to St. Martin and take a short ferry to the island, or fly in directly (by way of a small seaplane) from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Thus, getting to the island can be pricey. So once you’re there, we’d recommend staying at the boutique Anacaona in the island’s West End. Though its not quite as luxe as the CuisinArt or Viceroy, it offers access to the same gorgeous white-sand beach as the neighboring Viceroy – through an off-property path — as well as to the nearby Greg Norman’s golf course and a few restaurants, and its prices are considerably lower. With two small pools, a great restaurant serving Caribbean fare with a twist, and a massage hut on the beach, the hotel is a good pick for value.
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Anguilla,
Aruba,
Bahamas,
Barbados,
Boutique Hotels,
British Virgin Islands,
Caribbean,
Dominican Republic,
Jamaica,
Kid-Friendly Hotels,
Luxury Hotels,
Puerto Rico,
Punta Cana,
Romantic Hotels,
spring break,
St. Lucia,
Turks and Caicos,
Value Hotels,
Virgin Gorda
by Jane on February 14, 2013
Love is in the air. After all, February is the month of love and Valentine’s Day is the day of love, so we can’t help but daydream about romantic getaways: Over-the-top luxury in Paris, quaint beachfront boutiques in Jamaica, sexy spots in New York City – they all mean romance to us. It may be a little late to be booking a romantic stay for this Valentine’s Day, but it’s never the wrong time to start planning your next romantic vacation à deux (especially if you’re in the doghouse for forgetting about today — this should help you out). Get inspired by our picks for the 10 most romantic hotels in the world, below or at USA Today.
This Eiffel Tower view is the perfect backdrop to a romantic night in.
You can’t think of romantic getaways and not consider Paris. The City of Love is full of romantic hotels, big and small, but Hotel Plaza Athenee outshines the others in setting the mood for couples. Nothing says romance like a view of the Eiffel Tower from your luxurious suite, and that’s just what you get at this iconic hotel. The 146 rooms and 45 suites are decorated in classic Art Deco style — picture draped curtains, gilded wall panels, and crystal chandeliers — with modern touches like flat-screen TVs and marble baths. And the top-notch Dior Institute spa features tons of couples’ treatments. Finish the day with a romantic meal at one of the six distinct restaurants.
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Anquilla,
Big Sur,
Cancun,
Dominican Republic,
Jamaica,
London,
Napa Valley,
New York City,
Romantic Hotels,
St. Lucia,
Valentine's Day
In honor of President Obama’s inauguration on Monday, we’re taking a look back at his travels over his last four years in office — and on the campaign trail. The Commander-In-Chief has laid his head in some of our favorite hotels around the globe and, thanks to his refined taste and seriously swanky style (although we’d argue we really have Michelle to thank for that), we’re always eager to see where he’ll travel to next (and, more importantly, where he’ll stay!). Congratulations, Mr. President! May the next four years be full of prosperous times — and plenty of unique hotel stays!
This decadent junior suite at The Hay-Adams offers White House views.
Four years ago, President Obama moved his family into the Presidential Suite at this historic hotel with White House views after former President George W. Bush rejected his request to stay in Blair House, the White House’s guest residence. President Obama wanted to move to Washington three weeks before his inauguration so that his daughters could start at Sidwell Friends School without missing the beginning of the term, but he was informed that Blair House was already booked (for former prime minister of Australia John Howard and several receptions, as it later turned out). Lucky for him, The Hay-Adams is one of DC’s most luxurious stays. Read More »
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Berlin,
Chicago,
Dublin,
Election 2012,
Historic Hotels,
Las Vegas,
Los Angeles,
Los Cabos,
New York City,
Obama,
Phoenix,
Presidential Hotels,
Washington D.C.
While there are many great budget-friendly hotels in the Caribbean, the islands are also known for their luxury properties, where guests are treated to day trips aboard yachts, couples are offered massages in sumptuous spas, and rooms are twice the size of a New York apartment (although, we guess it’s not too hard to be). We’ve compiled a list of our favorite luxury hotels in the Caribbean so you can start planning what to do after your new year’s resolution of winning the lottery (that’s not a new year’s resolution, but, really, who hasn’t had that on the list for at least a decade?) comes true.
All guests have a butler on call 24/7 assigned to their room.
Bringing tranquility to otherwise-crowded Paradise Island, the 105-room Ocean Club’s personal butlers, beautiful pools (one for adults, one for families), restaurant from Jean-Georges, and access to Atlantis’s water park, casino, and other attractions make it one of the Caribbean’s best resorts.
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Anguilla,
Bahamas,
Barbados,
Belize,
Cancun,
Dominican Republic,
Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis,
Jamaica,
Luxury Hotels,
Riviera Maya,
St. Barts,
St. Lucia,
St. Martin/St. Maarten,
Turks and Caicos
Winter may be firmly upon us now in the Northeast, but that doesn’t mean we have to write off warm weather entirely. The Caribbean isn’t too far away (especially for us East Coasters), and some island hotels are featuring wonderfully affordable rates this time of year. You may have to forgo a few luxuries to stay on budget, but designer toiletries are highly overrated, right? So pack your bags and get ready to hit the beach for a few days — or a few weeks! Oyster has the skinny on the Caribbean’s best value stays.
Dive right into the Caribbean Sea from your room at the Rockhouse.
The Rockhouse is a lush, laid-back Jamaican resort offering gourmet dining, morning yoga, a premium spa, and best of all, a gorgeous cliff-side location on Negril‘s coast. Sure, there’s no fitness center and rooms lack TVs and Wi-Fi, but its unplugged vibe is just why some guests come. Plus, with rates usually falling below $200, it’s a steal compared to similar resorts — such as the slightly chicer Caves — in the area. (NB: Children under 12 are not allowed on the property.)
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Aruba,
Barbados,
Beach Hotels,
Dominican Republic,
Jamaica,
Puerto Rico,
St. Lucia,
St. Martin/St. Maarten,
Turks and Caicos,
Value Hotels
The Wedding Pavilion at Ladera overlooks St. Lucia's awe-inspiring landscapes.
This unique luxury resort in St. Lucia provides a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind setting for an exchanging of “I dos.” The Ladera is made up of 32 one- and two-bedroom villas, each carefully carved into the surrounding hillside overlooking the island’s iconic twin Pitons. These villas – which have missing fourth walls, and in most cases, private plunge pools — are a main draw, as are the spectacular views and lush grounds. The resort also features some fabulous amenities, such as an infinity lagoon pool, a gorgeous open-air restaurant and bar, an (albeit tiny) open-air fitness center, and a lovely spa with black water soaking baths, perfect for calming any nerves before the big day. All of this comes at a price, but the Ladera nonetheless offers significantly cheaper (by about half) rates than the ultra-glam Jade Mountain. Ladera is also within close range of several of the island’s top tourist attractions: Notable cocoa plantations are within walking distance, the pristine white sands of Jalousie beach are a short drive away, and popular spots like the volcano and Tet-Paul nature trails are nearby — so you and your guests won’t lack for things to do before and after the wedding.
The resort boasts that weddings at Ladera are “perfect in every way” — and it’s pretty hard to dispute that claim. The Wedding Pavilion, seen here, overlooks the world heritage Piton Mountains, St. Lucia’s lush rain forests, and the Caribbean Sea 1,000 feet below. Ceremonies are as memorable as the setting, and are arranged quite easily thanks to an on-site wedding specialist. There are three wedding packages couples can choose from, the most basic of which includes the handling of legal documents, securing a wedding officiant, and reserving the pavilion. The next tier includes the floral wedding arch, champagne and canapes, and a wedding cake, while the most extravagant package also includes floral arrangements, music (steel drums or a guitarist), a Romantic Bliss Massage for two, a private candlelight dinner for two with one bottle of Ladera wine, and a sunset cruise. For intimate, extravagant weddings — or elopements (sometimes you just gotta do it your way!) — there is no place more unique or stunning. Check out more wedding-inspired photos of the Ladera Resort here » Read More »
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Boutique Hotels,
Destination Weddings,
Luxury Hotels,
Resort Hotels,
Romantic Hotels,
St. Lucia
by Devon on November 9, 2012
While we were in St. Lucia, we stayed at many beautiful luxury resorts. A couple of our favorites included the tres chic Jade Mountain, where every room has its own infinity pool, and the Stonefield Estate Villa Resort and Spa, which boasts a top-notch spa complete with a yoga studio, relaxation deck, and salon. But even though both of these resorts provided beautiful accommodations and breathtaking views, one cost us a cool $1,600 a night while the other was a mere $250 a night. Which is which? Take a look at the hotels’ photos (Jade Mountain here and Stonefield Estate here) and then find the answer after the jump!
Jade Mountain
Stonefield Estate
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Tagged as:
Foto Friday,
St. Lucia
