You know you want to honeymoon in the Caribbean, but which island? The islands are incredibly diverse. Some have better beaches. Some are ideal for foodies. Some islands are favorites for adventure. The islands are as diverse as the people who visit. Here are some suggestions for the perfect Caribbean honeymoon.
Best Islands for Beach Lovers
Anguilla
Anguilla is located at the northern end of the Leeward Islands chain in the Eastern Caribbean, a short 25-minute boat ride north of St. Martin. You won’t see any mountains or rainforest on Anguilla, as it is largely coral and limestone with limited vegetation. However, what it lacks in elevation, it makes up in gorgeous turquoise waters and stunning beaches, a total of 33 beaches to chose from. Our favorite is Rendezvous Bay, with its long stretch of white sand and views of St. Martin. The beach was hit hard by Hurricane Irma, but both the CuisinArt Resort and Dune Preserve plan to reopen this November. Many resorts on the island have already reopened, ready to welcome guests.
Barbuda
We love walking the beach, but even we could not cover all of the 17-mile long, pink sand beach on Barbuda. Part of the twin island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbuda is the less-developed of the two. What it lacks in development, it makes up for in natural beauty. Barbuda is a conservationist’s heaven, home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, miles of unspoiled beach, and loads of sea life. On your beach walks, you’ll see sea turtles, rays, a wide variety of birds, and maybe even some baby reef sharks! Barbuda came on everyone’s radar when it took a direct hit from Hurricane Irma, but the beautiful Barbuda Belle plans to reopen this November.
Eleuthera
There are so many beaches on Eleuthera, there is a whole book devoted to it, “The Elusive Beaches of Eleuthera.” Don’t worry, they aren’t that hard to find, and are spectacular! Our favorite is a stretch of pink sand, French Leave Beach, also known as Club Med Beach, for the resort which formerly operated in the area.
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
Making many top ten lists of beaches in the world, Grace Bay Beach is a twelve-mile long stretch of white sand and gorgeous turquoise water for which the Caribbean is famous. The beach has many resorts at various price points, and plenty of restaurants and bars for refreshment as you walk along this amazing beach.
Harbour Island
Harbour Island, “Briland” to the locals, is located just a mile or two off the coast of Eleuthera. The island is known as a hot spot for billionaires and celebrities, but the real star of the show is the incredible three-mile stretch of pink sand beach. The pink hue is attributable to single-celled marine organisms, foraminifera. Foraminafera have calcium carbonate shells called “tests.” The tests of one species of foraminifera, Homotrema rubrum, is red or pink in color, and is abundant in the area. When the foraminafera die, the decomposed tests tint the sand pink. The beach is wide, and home to only low-profile resorts, so that the view, and your long walks, are unencumbered.
Best Islands for Foodies
Anguilla
Explore the foodie paradise of the island of Anguilla, with the best chefs of the world preparing everything from escargot at Madeariman to churros at Picante. Great beachside eats from the grill at Garvey’s Sunshine Shack on Rendezvous Bay and Blanchard’s Beach Shack on Mead’s Bay. There are loads of great options at all price points from an elegant meal at Veya to awesome chicken and fish off the grill at B&D’s. Sadly, one of our favorite’s, Smokey’s at the Cove, does not appear to be returning after Hurricane Irma, but the rest are back or on their way back to reopening later this year.
Nevis
Nevis has a variety of offerings from high end dining at Coconut Grove, to the best in beach bars at Sunshine’s, where you can enjoy jerk chicken, ribs, and the signature rum punch, the “Killer Bee.” Enjoy the view of the island and spectacular island dishes at Bananas, perched above the Hamilton Estate just outside Charlestown. Have a taste for a juicy burger? Don’t miss the DD Burger at Double Deuce. Do you have a taste for Indian food? Indian Summer can’t be beat. Up for wood-fired pizza? So many options can be found at the Yachtsman Grill. An order of conch fritters and a Mangojito at the Cabana Bar at the Four Seasons always hits the spot. Want a variety of options because you just can’t decide? Try Turtle Time on Pinney’s Beach, and don’t forget to order the Hakka Shrimp, a spicy treat you won’t find on the menu. There are so many options for every taste and at every price point.
Best Islands for Ocean Lovers
Andros
You don’t go to Andros, Bahamas for the night life or casinos or shopping. You go because of its natural beauty, the beaches, the wildlife, the wetlands, and the third largest barrier reef in the world. If you like to explore the natural environment, Andros is for you. One of the most interesting natural features of Andros are its blue holes. Blue holes are vertical caves, formed by the slow erosion of the limestone bedrock of the island from acidic rainwater trickling through crevices in the limestone. Andros has the highest concentration of blue holes in the world, over 220 total, some inland, and some oceanic. In 1971, the famous diver Jacques Cousteau, released dye into the water of an inland blue hole, which was later detected emerging from an oceanic blue hole, proving that the holes were connected through a series of underwater caves.
Nevis
Turtle lovers will love a visit to Nevis. The Nevis Turtle Group and the Sea Turtle Conservancy monitor sea turtle activity, and promote awareness to protect turtle nests. Visitors can “adopt” a sea turtle, attend the launch of the “Tour de Turtles,” and track their turtle’s migration throughout the region.
Antigua
Antigua is surrounded by gorgeous coral reefs to explore, including the amazing Paradise Reef. If you are staying at Jumby Bay, a private island resort just off the shore of Antigua, you can follow the turtles from land as well. Founded in 1987, the Jumby Bay Hawksbill Project is a research and conservation project which monitors hawksbill sea turtles nesting on the island. During the nesting season, running from June to November, you let the Concierge know the latest time you are willing to be called, and they will alert you if they spot a hawksbill turtle laying her eggs on Pasture Beach, or if eggs are hatching. It is an incredible experience!
Best Islands for Adventurers
Nevis
Nevis is a 36 square-mile island, the center of which is Nevis Peak, rising to 3,232 feet. Christopher Columbus discovered Nevis on his second voyage in 1493, naming it “Nuestra Senora de Las Nieves,” “Our Lady of the Snows,” referring to the small cloud, resembling snow, which is nearly always present at its peak. There are a number of different hikes to take on Nevis, including a 4 to 5 hour hike to the peak. Prepare to use ropes for assistance in the climb, and to be covered in a bit of mud. For those less athletically-inclined, try the Source Trail Hike, a two to three-hour hike which takes you along the path that fresh water flows from a small waterfall at the top of the mountain through piping down the mountainside. Some hikes take you all the way to the waterfall, and some simply take you along the source trail to scenic vistas, learning about plants and animals along the way. You might even spot a few green vervet monkeys along the way!
Virgin Gorda
The Baths are a collection of massive granite boulders, volcanic in origin, along the shore of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. You can follow “The Crawl,” a somewhat challenging pathway of ladders and passages through The Baths, including the famous grotto, or head directly to Devil’s Bay, a beach nestled among the boulders.
Andros
Fishermen rejoice upon arrival at Andros, the “Bonefishing Capital of the World.” Bonefishing is extremely challenging, and these fish are quick to spook. Precision casting is required. We were not so skilled, but moved on to fish for some snapper, making for a great day.
Best for Island Festivals
Andros
Every June, people gather on Andros for Crab Fest, a homecoming and festival in celebration of the land crab, which are abundant on the island. There are cooking contests, crab cooked many different ways, music, and the “release” of the crabs. The festivities continue outside the grounds as many islanders enjoy cookouts celebrating the homecoming.
Nevis
Held every July, Nevis Mango Fest celebrates the many different varieties of the fruit found on the island. The cooking competition is fierce with chefs from the island and the world.
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
To celebrate the most important food product of the islands, in 2004, the Turks & Caicos Conch Festival was first organized. The festival, held annually the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day, showcases the conch with a “conch-e-tition” where local chefs compete for the honor of the best chowder, salad, and specialty dishes. Included are competitions in conch blowing, conch “knocking,” extracting the conch from the shell, and a competition for the best Mojito among the islands’ bartenders. The festival features live music, boat races, and activities for children. The festival is held in Blue Hills, an area off the beaten path from the resort-filled Grace Bay Beach.
Anguilla
Anguilla’s Moonsplash began as a moving music festival with the first concerts on Sandy Island off St. Martin and in St. Barths. In 1995, Moonsplash landed in its permanent home at The Dune Preserve on Anguilla. Over the years, Moonsplash has featured many famous musicians, including Toots and the Maytals, Third World, Steel Pulse, Buju Banton, and Marcia Griffiths, just to name a few, in addition to Anguilla’s own Bankie Banx and Omari Banks. This year’s event did not take place due to damage from Hurricane Irma, but they are rebuilding, and in November, the Dune will be back to full strength!
Carnival
Carnival is celebrated in the islands throughout the year, so don’t forget to check for local events wherever you go! Our friend, Brian, had a great time during Carnival in the Dominican Republic!
Best Islands for Relaxation
Barbuda
With only 1800 residents, few tourists, and miles of gorgeous beaches, Barbuda is ideal for relaxation. Heavily hit by Hurricane Irma, residents are still rebounding, but things are looking better with the reopening of Barbuda Belle, a luxury beach resort, in November of 2018.
Andros
A private island is the perfect place for relaxation. Kamalame Cay is a private island resort located off the shore of Andros, with a “barefoot luxury” feel, as if you were staying in a friend’s gorgeous beach home.
Eleuthera
Eleuthera is only a 20-minute flight from Nassau, but seems like it’s a world away. The island is 110 miles long with loads of gorgeous beaches. It seems like you can walk for hours without any distractions other than the waves.
Best for Unique Island Souvenirs
Tortola
Callwood Distillery Rum – Rum has been distilled and blended by the Callwood family for more than 200 years on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Callwood produces sugar cane rum, aged in oak barrels. It claims to be the Caribbean’s oldest continuously operating pot distillery. Take home conveniently-sized bottles for family and friends, including its famous “Panty Remover.” Callwood survived the hurricane, and the island is rebuilding and beginning to welcome guests once again. We stayed at Scrub Island Resort, which is just a short, complimentary ferry ride from Tortola and Beef Island, which has already reopened.
Andros
Androsia Batik is family-owned and operated and has been around since 1973. Every piece is made by hand. The designs are carved from sea sponge and each stamp is applied by hand to the fabric, making each piece unique. After a tour, stop in the shop for clothing, accessories, and home goods fashioned form the gorgeous prints.
Middle Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands
The Turks & Caicos Islands are actually 40 islands and cays, 8 of which are inhabited. Among the inhabited islands is Middle Caicos, known for the handmade baskets made from reeds and grasses from the marshes and fields of the island. The Middle Caicos Coop was formed to preserve the art of Caribbean basketry. Pick up a beautifully crafted basket, and maybe take one or two home for family and friends.
Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts
Jumby Bay
A honeymoon at Jumby Bay could spoil you for the rest of your married life. They seem to know what you want even before you know yourself. With luxurious accommodations, incredible food, and over-the-top service, Jumby Bay, a private island resort off the coast of Antigua, is a great choice. Don’t miss the Thursday evening beach barbecue, explore island rums at the rum tasting, and splash out on one of the snorkeling trips. And if you love turtles, sign up for Turtle Watch and you’ll get a call when turtles are spotted laying eggs or hatching on the beach! Everything is perfection from the pastries at breakfast to the hand-painted seashell on your bedside table each night.
Kamalame Cay
Kamalame Cay is a private island resort like no other. Located just a short boat ride off Andros, Bahamas, Kamalame Cay makes you feel at home with beachfront cottages, casual dining, and a bar where you can serve yourself if you like. Start the day with a basket of breakfast goodies delivered to your door, including fruit, pastries, and a thermos of hot coffee. Walk the long beachfront, take your golf cart for a tour of the island, or relax in a hammock nestled among the palms. For the more adventurous, explore the reefs and blue holes on your own or with one of the resort’s knowledgeable and helpful guides. Challenge yourself with a bonefishing trip, or just take a boat ride around the island. Relax in the overwater spa, as you look down to the sea life below. More like a friend’s perfect beach house than a resort, Kamalame Cay is perfect for those who want to take it easy and do things at their own pace.
For more information on any of these islands, click the links above, browse through the menu at the top of the page, or leave a comment! Have a great trip!