Caribbean Calling: The Best Island Hotels for a Sun-Soaked Sojourn

The new-look Cobblers Cove is the Caribbean at its very best. Located on the calm west coast of the island, with a beachfront location and stunning views, the family-owned hotel is a unique beach-side retreat and embodies Caribbean charm. In October 2019, the hotel unveiled a dramatic new look following a five-year refurbishment programme. The hotel’s extensive refurbishment, led by hotel owner Sam de Teran, included the renovation of all rooms, suites and public areas and concluded with a remarkable partnership with British interior designer, Soane Britain.

Claiming one-quarter mile of white sand beach in a quiet cove, the boutique hotel is encompassed by a coral stone wall and three acres of lush tropical gardens. The powder pink exteriors with their pretty white woodwork are complemented inside with elegant shades of blue, pink and green and hand-printed linens. The 40 suites are spread among nine two-storey cottages set in the gardens surrounding the original house. Spacious sitting rooms open onto a terrace with views over the gardens or the sea. The Camelot and Colleton suites offer the height of quintessential Caribbean luxury, with marble floors and four-poster beds.

Renowned for its island-inspired dishes that cleverly reflect the changing seasons, the award-winning Camelot Restaurant is overseen by local Bajan Chef Jason Joseph and serves the finest food in Barbados. Travellers will be spoilt for choice with weekly BBQ’s and authentic Caribbean cuisine at Island Night –  guests can even accompany local fisherman Barker on his daily search for the ‘Catch of the Day. Days can be spent relaxing around the pool under candy-striped umbrellas or enjoying a range of activities such as tennis, yoga, water skiing, paddle boarding and sailing. Those after something a little more challenging will love nearby surfing hotspot Bathsheba, and the new series of guided hiking experiences across the island including a 7.5-mile East to West Coast hike and a 10,000-step hike directly from Cobblers Cove to Holetown.

HOW: Rates at Cobblers Cove start from $420 (currently approx. £302) per room per night on B&B basis. Book here.

Entry requirements: 

• Fully vaccinated travellers: provide proof of a negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours of departure, alongside proof of vaccinations (received no less than 14 days prior to arrival). Travellers must take a 2nd PCR test at the airport/hotel on the day of arrival and stay at the hotel until results are in (usually the day after). When a negative result has been received guests are free to use the hotel facilities and explore the island.
• Unvaccinated partially vaccinated travellers: provide proof of a negative PCR test, taken with 72 hours of departure. Travellers must stay in their rooms and take a PCR test on day 5. When a negative result has been received guests are free to use the hotel facilities and explore the island.

Since opening in December 2018, Silversands Grenada has introduced a new level of modern luxury to the island, opening it up to the discerning traveller with its heartfelt service, locally driven cuisine and ultra-sleek design, including its 100m swimming pool – the longest in the Caribbean. The property has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting hotels in the region. The all-suite resort and residential project offer a chic luxury experience perfectly befitting the warmth and authenticity of a true Grenadian lifestyle.

There are 43 Studio Suites, in addition to 9 three-bedroom Hillside and four-bedroom Beachfront villas unobtrusively peppered throughout the surrounding landscape. Grenada itself is the perfect destination for groups of all ages, with its lush mountain ranges, powder-soft white sands, warm turquoise waters and balmy temperatures. The resort has partnered with local tour operators and guides to connect visitors with the island’s spectacular landscape. Guests can embark on rum distillery tours, waterfall hikes and visits to chocolate making factories. For those who prefer to take to the water, travellers can book a selection of boat trips on luxury yachts or traditional Carriacou sloops to visit the island’s famous underwater sculpture park.

Back at the resort, emphasis on community and culture flows throughout, with three distinctive restaurants to showcase the island’s abundant agriculture, serving the likes of line-caught fish perfectly seasoned with handpicked herbs, spices and fruit, alongside Grenadian craft beers, rums and wines. Silversands Grenada is also home to a world-class spa complete with an ice cave, Hamman and experiential shower.

HOW: Rates at Silversands Grenada start from $880 (currently approx. £632) based on two sharing on a B&B basis. Book here.  

Entry requirements: 

• Vaccinated travellers will need to book accommodation for a minimum of 2 nights, apply for travel authorisation and get tested 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers will then need to show a Travel Authorisation Certificate and a copy of the negative RT-PCR test before boarding, show a copy of the vaccination card and the negative PCR test upon arrival. Then travellers will need to get PCR tested on arrival in Grenada and upon receiving negative results in 48 hours, will be free to enjoy Grenada.
• Unvaccinated travellers need to book accommodation for a minimum of 7 days, apply for travel authorisation, get tested 72 hours prior to travel, show Travel Authorisation Certificate and copy of negative RT-PCR test before boarding. Then travellers will need to get tested on day 5, receive results in 48 hours, remain in isolated quarantine up to day 7 regardless of whether negative test results have been received or not, continue to monitor and report for 7 days after being released from quarantine.

Set in one of the most beautiful untouched locations in the world, Jumby Bay Island is a private island of simple pleasures in the Caribbean nation of Antigua & Barbuda, just two miles off mainland Antigua. Ringed with coral reefs and reachable only by boat with no cars in sight, the private isle comprises three stunning white-powdered beaches and countless winding bicycle paths, to create a one-of-a-kind hideaway known, quite simply, as the finest resort in the Caribbean.

Jumby Bay Island recently slimmed down its suites from 40 guestrooms and seven suites to just 28 suites – as it was when the resort first opened in the 1980s – promising more space and seclusion. Surrounded by lush tropical foliage, it spans 300 secluded acres and is home to 4.5 miles of pristine shoreline, with the main resort presiding over some of the most spectacular and fiercely protected beaches in the Caribbean.

The Spa at Jumby Bay was also recently renovated from head to toe and is the ultimate sanctuary providing a truly tranquil setting for guests to unwind. A shaded open-air relaxation lounge and plunge pool overlook the sea with five ocean-view treatments rooms, a steam room and a sauna. There is also a salon, spa boutique, fitness centre and yoga pavilion offering regular and speciality classes suitable for all levels of ability. The spa offers a curated menu of treatments that combine modern therapeutic practices from around the world with ancient healing remedies of the West Indies and African cultures.

Meanwhile, those with more thirst for adventure will never be without a new activity to try on the island and, world-famous for its sailing, the property recently relaunched the Jumby Bay Sailing Academy, inviting guests of all ages to learn a brand-new skill or hone their existing craft. The resort team can assist with customised courses and training plans that fit seamlessly into their stay, and custom Sailing Adventures are also available for those looking to take the sailing experience to the next level.

The latest addition to Jumby Bay Island’s extensive offering is a special pop-up bar in partnership with ultra-premium tequila brand, Casamigos. This collaboration includes the launch of a limited-edition Casamigos Margarita Beach Shack pop-up with cocktails specially curated for the resort, and a Margarita Hotline for cocktails delivered to suites, villas and Private Residences by a Casamigos bar on wheels. Located in the vibrant centre of the resort on Jumby Bay Beach, the beach bar embodies both brands’ ethos of bringing friends together in a fun and relaxed way with branded umbrellas, surfboards and glassware, creating a colourful backdrop and photo moment.

HOW: 2021 rates for Jumby Bay Island start from $2,100 per night (currently approx. £1,510) in a new Beachside Suite, inclusive of all meals, beverages, cocktails and house wine by the glass, as well as all watersports activities and kids club. Rates are subject to an additional 14% ABST government tax and 10% service charge. Book here.

Entry requirements: 

• Guests (including children over the age of 2) arriving by air must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken within seven days of their flight. This also applies to Guests arriving from an on-island location or via private yacht. All arriving passengers must complete a Health Declaration Form and will be subjected to screening and temperature checks by Port Health Authorities upon arrival in Antigua and Barbuda. For departing guests needing a COVID-19 RT-PCR test, this is done via the Mount Saint John’s Medical Centre. For guests needing a COVID-19 Antigen (rapid) test, this can be arranged on property via the Concierge.

Images © in order of appearance: Cobblers Cove (image 1); Miguel Flores Vianna (image 2); Silversands Grenada (images 3, 4 & 5); stefanocandito.com for Jumby Bay (images 6 & 7)