A Guide To The Caribbean’s Hidden Gems

With bucket list trips firmly on the travel agenda after years of disruption, our attention is turning to the Caribbean. With its vast swathes of soft white sand and turquoise waters brimming with flourishing wildlife to spy through snorkels and scuba goggles, this collection of tropical islands are ever-popular, but off-the-radar islands can still be found – and we’ve teamed up with Sandals Resorts to highlight three of these Caribbean hidden gems.

With adults-only resorts set in gorgeous tropical settings, Sandals Resorts is our go-to for all-inclusive luxury, marrying specialty restaurants and bars serving premium liquors and wines with must-do land and water sports including golf and PADI® certified scuba diving. Better still, Sandals’ all-inclusive offering makes travelling a breeze, with transfers to and from the airport also included.

Here are the must-visit Caribbean hidden gems, plus how best to enjoy them.

Visit The Sandals Website To Find More

Inside The Caribbean’s Hidden Gems

Saint Vincent & The Grenadines

A haven of untouched natural beauty in the Windward Islands, Saint Vincent marries majestic rainforests with white sand beaches, azure waters and buzzy local towns. Get out and about above ground, hiking up La Soufriere volcano and absorbing the panoramic views from the crater – Saint Vincent’s highest point, 1,234 metres above sea level. Or delve below the surface, snorkelling through calm mangroves, scuba diving in the Tobago Cays, and exploring colourful coral gardens at Anchor Reef, home to stingrays, turtles and unique black coral, found nowhere else in the world.

Where To Stay: Sandals Saint Vincent & The Grenadines

Wind down from your mind-expanding excursions at the paradisal Sandals Saint Vincent, nestled in its very own private cove and beach on the island’s south west coast. Here, you’re a 20 minute drive from the island’s capital, Kingstown, where local culture offers a change of pace. If relaxation is the order of the day, lounge by one of the four pools, two whirlpools, or on the private soft sand beach. If you’re here for activities and to explore the best natural vistas Saint Vincent has to offer, you’re also well-placed, with tennis and land sports, snorkelling, PADI-Certified scuba diving and equipment (for certified divers), Hobie Cats, paddleboards, kayaks and more all included in your stay.

Be one of the first guests to visit Sandals Saint Vincent, which officially opened its doors on 27 March 2024, and check into your very own two-storey Overwater Villa complete with a daybed hanging over the water and a second-floor deck dedicated to ocean gazing. Or opt for one of the Beachfront Butler villas, complete with your very own private pool and an outdoor Tranquillity Soaking Tub, both with ocean views. Bliss.

Visit The Sandals Website To Book Your Stay

Willemstad

Curaçao

This Dutch Caribbean island is dotted with vibrant terraced houses, their colours bouncing off the crystal clear waters. Situated just 37 miles off the north coast of Venezuela and ringed with untouched beaches, Curaçao’s culture is diverse – with Dutch, Papiamentu, English and Spanish all spoken here – and the vibrant street art of Willemstad is just a stone’s throw from incredible spots of natural beauty. Dive into the inviting azure waters, scale the Tafelberg Mountain, or scour the coast for a secret cove of your own. Plus, explore the island at ease with your very own convertible Mini Cooper when you book an Awa Seaside Butler Bungalow or a Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalow at Sandals Royal Curaçao…

Where To Stay: Sandals Royal Curaçao

This spectacular west-facing oceanfront resort opened in June 2022 and stretches across 44 acres, with a stunning two-level infinity pool at the centre of it all. Sip premium liquor sundowners from one of 13 bars (including a swim-up bar) after a day of adventures, before resting your weary head in your tranquil room. Think seaside bungalows with thatched roofs, bright and airy coastal decor, tropical gardens and private pools galore in some of the Caribbean’s best bedrooms and suites. Explore the estate on your very own Dutch bike, cycling over to the onsite tennis courts, volleyball courts or fitness centre.

Foodies are well catered for here, and can savour delicious new flavours at the eight on-site restaurants and three new food trucks, or enjoy $250 of Dine Out Credit for select restaurants in Curaçao when you book a seven-night stay in a Butler suite, spanning Dutch, Caribbean, Latin and Creole cuisine.

Visit The Sandals Website To Book Your Stay

Grenada

Grenada – aka the ‘Spice Isle’ – sits in the Caribbean Sea between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Venezuela, with two smaller islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, to the north. The nation was governed by France and Britain before gaining independence, so is home to an amalgamation of cultures, blending French, British, African and Caribbean influences into a vibrant yet laid back atmosphere. It’s the Caribbean island for foodies, with vibrant markets offering the spices the island is known for, including nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and saffron. Or venture to historic sites like the Belmont Estate plantation, the River Antoine Estate rum distillery or the House of Chocolate, with natural sites like Seven Sisters Falls, Concord Falls and endless beaches to enjoy to boot.

Where To Stay: Sandals Grenada

Sandals Grenada is perched on the island’s south westerly tip, with the Canoe Bay’s waters lapping onto the shore of the world-renowned Pink Gin Beach. This spot is all about balancing island luxury and natural beauty with unique innovations, including: opulent Skypool Suites, which come with their very own private pool in the sky; a quirky living room space in the hotel’s beachfront pool; and a sculpture park submerged beneath the sea’s turquoise waters, ripe and ready for scuba exploration. Elsewhere, four other pools and two whirlpools are ready for a refreshing dip, or lounge on the beach instead, gazing across the glistening waters. Fuel up at one of 10 delicious restaurants before turning into your cloud-soft king-sized bed.

Visit The Sandals Website To Book Your Stay

DISCOVER

Visit the Sandals website to find more information on the Caribbean and the Sandals Resorts you can find there, as well as some of the best offers so you can start planning your holiday. sandals.co.uk