Travel Spotlight

Top 5 Under-the-Radar Caribbean Getaways

By Brooke Katz

Whether you’re planning a full-length vacation under the sun or a quick weekend jaunt to escape the chill, the Caribbean’s sandy beaches and warm waters beckon. For travelers looking to avoid the typical winter crowds and discover an off-the-beaten-path paradise, Indagare rounds up five Caribbean destinations that we've vetted and that are under the radar (for now).Contact Indagare for assistance planning a customized journey to the Caribbean. Our dedicated trip designers can match you with the best island and property for you.

St. Kitts

There’s no better place to stay on this easy-to-reach West Indies island than the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, the destination’s first true luxury resort. Set on 20 waterfront acres, the 126-suite property took design inspiration from the sugar plantations that still dot the island and offers all the amenities you could want in a beach vacation: two pools (one just for adults), water sports such as kayaking and paddle-boarding, three restaurants—including a casual spot for just-caught seafood—and, for families, plenty of kid-friendly activities.Related: Indagare's Caribbean Matchmaker

Grenada

Called “Spice Island” for its production of nutmeg, this low-key getaway caught our attention last year with the opening of the Silversands Grenada, the first property to open on the two-mile-long Grand Anse Beach in more than two decades. It’s home to the longest pool in the Caribbean (100 meters), suites with private terraces and ocean views, expansive beachfront villas and impressive art from the owners’ personal collection. The on-site restaurants source the majority of their vegetables and fruits from local female producers, while dishes highlight all manner of Grenadian spices and fresh seafood (don’t miss the bang-bang shrimp at Asiatique).

Panama

When Canadian restaurateur Annick Belanger first came to Panama thirteen years ago, the intention was never to stay. But then, she fell in love with a 15-acre piece of land in Bocas del Toro, Panama’s northwestern archipelago of six lush, tropical islands that are framed by the Caribbean Sea. She transformed the spot into Sweet Bocas, a gorgeous multi-level villa that is a handcrafted passion project, a unique base for exploring the activities-rich Bocas area and the ideal backdrop for an amazing house party all wrapped into one. Built over a shallow lagoon, the 20,000-square-foot main house has 360-degree jungle and sea views and is surrounded by waters so clear that you can see schools of colorful fish zipping by simply when sitting on the deck. Activities include boat trips to white sand beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving, jungle hikes and exploring the five other islands of the Bocas archipelago.

Related: Just Back From Panama

Canouan

This secluded island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines may be tiny, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see, with sand so powdery and white and water so turquoise that none of it looks real. Make your base the 1,200-acre Canouan Estate, where guests can choose from 14 fully-staffed villas, or a suite or villa at the lavish Mandarin Oriental, Canouan. The sprawling property also has a Jim Fazio-designed golf course, a beachfront Pink Sands Club, tennis courts, a kids’ club and plenty of places to eat and drink. Divers can arrange scuba trips to explore the region’s largest living coral reef.

Vieques

Located just seven miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, the quiet, mostly undeveloped island of Vieques is an ideal escape for those looking to reset and recharge while surrounded by natural beauty, including horses that roam free and the world’s largest bioluminescent bay. From horseback riding to sailing excursions, there’s plenty to do on the island, which is best explored by car (you can rent one at the airport). Travelers looking for a hip, buzzy scene should stay at boutique hotel El Blok, known for its unique contemporary design and award-wining tapas restaurant.Related: Direct Flights to the CaribbeanContact Indagare for assistance planning a customized journey to the Caribbean. Our dedicated trip designers can match you with the best island and property for you.

Published onOctober 7, 2019

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