Long-haul
Best Caribbean islands: how to choose your island and where to stay
Two green volcanic peaks rise straight out of the sea, and from your bed you see them with no wall in between. The best Caribbean islands, what each one suits and the hotels we would choose.
Two green volcanic peaks rise straight out of the sea, and from your bed you see them with no wall in between. In the morning birds sing in the rainforest, and in the evening the sea turns pink. The Caribbean is hundreds of islands, and no two are alike.
Here are the islands we would choose, what each one suits and the hotels where you get the most out of your stay.
The links to the hotels and experiences are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How to choose a Caribbean island
St Lucia: dramatic scenery with the Pitons, rainforest and hot springs. Best for honeymoons.
Barbados: calm seas on the west coast, rum, cricket and great restaurants. Easy to reach.
Antigua: beaches all around the island and historic Nelson’s Dockyard.
Jamaica: music, food, waterfalls and the Blue Mountains, with Montego Bay and Negril for beaches.
Dominican Republic: long beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Read more in our guide to Dominican Republic holidays.
There are direct flights from the UK to several islands, and others can be combined with short hops by plane or boat.
Book the experience: See things to do on St Lucia
St Lucia: the Pitons and the rainforest
The twin volcanic peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton are on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the island’s trademark. Nearby are the sulphur springs, where you can bathe in warm mud pools.
Soufrière
Sugar Beach sits between the two Pitons.
St Lucia: Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
Sugar Beach sits in the valley between the two volcanic peaks, with white sand and villas spread through the rainforest. Few beaches in the world have a backdrop like this.
Guests praise the staff, and the reef for snorkelling is close by.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sugar Beach
St Lucia: Jade Mountain Resort
At Jade Mountain the rooms have no fourth wall, so the Pitons and the sea are right in front of your bed, and many have their own pool. It is one of the most unusual hotels in the Caribbean.
Book your stay: See rooms at Jade Mountain
Barbados, Antigua and Jamaica
Barbados and Antigua suit those who want the beach front and centre, Jamaica those who want more life around them.
Barbados
Coral Reef Club sits on the calm west coast of Barbados.
Barbados: Coral Reef Club
Coral Reef Club sits in large gardens running down to the beach on the west coast, where the sea is calmest. It is a family-run hotel with a long tradition, and guests praise the room service.
Holetown with its restaurants and shops is a short walk away.
Book your stay: See rooms at Coral Reef Club
Antigua
Carlisle Bay sits in its own bay on the south coast of Antigua.
Antigua: Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay sits in its own bay on the south coast, surrounded by green hills and rainforest. The beach is calm, and the hotel has several restaurants and a spa.
Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbour, with yachts and restaurants, are a short drive away.
Book your stay: See rooms at Carlisle Bay
Jamaica
Round Hill sits on a headland west of Montego Bay.
Jamaica: Round Hill Hotel and Villas
Round Hill sits on a green headland west of Montego Bay, with villas on the hillside and a small private beach. It is a classic Caribbean hotel with a calm, elegant feel.
From here you can take trips to the waterfalls, Negril or the Blue Mountains.
Book your stay: See rooms at Round Hill
When is the best time to visit the Caribbean?
December to April is high season, with dry, warm weather and little rain, perfect for winter sun. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with most activity from August to October, but May and June can be lovely months with lower prices.
When should you book?
Christmas, New Year and February half-term: book five to nine months ahead, the best hotels fill up.
Easter: popular, book early.
Combine: two islands in one trip is easy with short flights between them.
Caribbean islands FAQ
Which Caribbean island is best?
It depends on what you want. St Lucia is best for scenery and honeymoons, Barbados for calm seas and food, Antigua for beaches and Jamaica for music and adventure.
When is the best time to visit the Caribbean?
December to April is the dry, high season. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with most activity from August to October.
Can you fly direct to the Caribbean from the UK?
Yes, there are direct flights from the UK to several islands, including Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia and Jamaica.
Can you combine several Caribbean islands?
Yes, with short flights between islands or by boat. St Lucia and Barbados is a popular combination.
Where should I stay in the Caribbean?
Sugar Beach and Jade Mountain on St Lucia, Coral Reef Club on Barbados, Carlisle Bay on Antigua and Round Hill in Jamaica are among the hotels we would choose.