Few things in the world inspire romance like island life in the Caribbean. The sun, the sea, the surf—it’s a magical combination for couples. And while there’s certainly no shortage of Caribbean family resorts where you can bring the kids, you’ll find an equally impressive number of adults-only all-inclusive resorts on the best Caribbean islands for couples.
While almost any Caribbean island can be a recipe for romance, there are some that turn up the heat even more with extra special romantic touches. If sunset cruises, seaside candlelight dinners, and moonlight strolls along the beach are your idea of a romantic getaway, then pack your bags and head to one of these romantic Caribbean islands.
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1. Jamaica
As if the over-the-water bungalows and overwater bar at Sandals South Coast weren’t romantic enough already, this couples-only resort on Jamaica’s south coast is set within a glorious 500-acre nature preserve. Chill in one of the three pools, or get active by kayaking, diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, waterskiing, or sailing around this romantic Caribbean island. Bring your appetite because this Sandals resort offers five-star dining at more than a dozen restaurants. Prepare to be doted on, too: Butler service means you get into the best restaurants and can have bubble baths drawn up whenever you want them.
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Another option on Jamaica is the Rockhouse Hotel. Perched on a cliff in Negril’s West End, this 40-room boutique resort comes romance-ready with villas and thatched roofed huts. Each guest room is built with timber, stone, and thatch set amongst fossilized rocks and lush island vegetation. Opt for an ocean view suite with a king bed, lounge area, and spacious balcony perfect for watching the day turn to night over a glass of bubbly.
2. St. Barths (St. Barthelemy)
Tiny St. Barths in the French West Indies is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, many of them just steps from a five-star couples hotel. There’s no wrong choice among the dozen or so beaches, but you should make a special effort to visit Colombier, which is well worth the half-hour trail walk required to reach it. There you can sail, jet ski, windsurf, snorkel, dive, deep sea fish, and kayak.
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Of course, this romantic Caribbean island isn’t only about the water: You’ll also find upscale restaurants serving French, Italian, Thai, and Creole cuisine. Eden Rock St. Barths, the island’s first swanky hotel, still charms couples with its infinity pool, spa, private beach club, and unforgettable culinary delights.
Situated snugly in a quiet bay, Le Barthélemy Hotel and Spa is another favorite. Go for an oceanfront suite with a private plunge pool and book a custom couples massage at Le Spa. Soak in hydrotherapy pools before setting sail on a private sunset catamaran cruise around the island. End the evening sipping cocktails and stargazing at the Whiskey Foxtrot Tango rooftop bar.
Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf is the only hotel that can boast panoramic views of the port of Gustavia on this Caribbean islands for couples. Feast on French fare at the renowned Fouquet’s restaurant and relax at Spa Diane Barrière.
3. Kamalame Cay, Bahamas
There’s something to be said for a journey to a private island via water taxi. The 96-acre Kamalame Cay in the heart of the Bahamas is only accessible via boat and situated just off the world’s third-largest Great Barrier Reef. Scenic coconut palm groves, bougainvillea, and all manner of stunning vegetation combine to make it one of the best Caribbean island destinations for couples.
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Anticipate the rockstar treatment at Kamalame Cay. The staff shows much love from arrival to departure—there’s always someone looking to put a smile on your face. You’ll get a lot of quality time with your sweetheart here, too, as there are no distractions like television (or lots of other people). The action here is deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, tennis, biking, picnicking, or watching a movie at the outdoor cinema. Otherwise, throw back a cocktail or two at the Monkey Bar, lie in a hammock on the beach, or visit the overwater spa for a couples massage.
4. Curacao
The island of Curacao is a bit less traveled than other Caribbean islands for couples, making it ideal for anyone who’d prefer not to deal with crowds. On this Dutch Caribbean island you’ll find white sand beaches and turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling, tropical and botanical gardens, pastel Dutch and Colonial architecture, and romantic dinners at notable island restaurants like Fish and Joy and Restaurant 020.
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Accommodation options range from independently owned and artsy boutique hotels like Bario Hotel or BijBlauw Boutique Hotel to well-known brands and as private luxury villas. My pick for couples is the five-star Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao Resort, tucked in a protected mangrove forest, where you can relax on the private beach or in the infinity pool. Treat yourselves to the Presidential Suite with a private on-balcony plunge pool overlooking the sea—glass of Champagne in hand, of course.
5. St. Lucia
On luscious St. Lucia, the scenery is all about the greenery. The island’s famed twin peaks, the Pitons, await adventurous couples who want to climb the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of course, if you aren’t up for hiking then sailing past them on a yacht is pretty cool, too. Horseback riding, golfing, zip lining, diving, and snorkeling are other options for active couples, while playing in the mud baths at the world’s only drive-in volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime memory waiting to happen.
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As for where to cuddle, couples will get that glow at romantic resorts like Jade Mountain, which sits atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, with open-air Jacuzzis, open-walled private infinity pool sanctuaries, access to two beaches, and more. You’ll also feel like royalty in a Plunge Pool Butler Suite at couples-only Serenity at Coconut Bay. Settle in with an oversized soaking tub, glass-enclosed rain shower in an en-suite bathroom, and four-poster mahogany king bed looking out on a private plunge pool and a hammock-for-two. Your butler can arrange an in-suite massage and a picnic on the beach.
At Calabash Cove Resort and Spa, stay in one of Calabash Cove Water’s Edge Cottages. These Balinese mahogany cottages come with a secluded plunge pool, Jacuzzi, outdoor rain shower and hammocks, and ocean views. The Windsong restaurant and C-Bar overlook the infinity pool and spa.
6. Grenada
Water worshippers, Grenada is your island. Get ready for the 40 beaches, 15 waterfalls, moonlight kayaking, and the world’s first submarine sculpture garden, Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park. Back on land, take a food tour to sample the Spice Island’s cuisine, then and pop into the House of Chocolate for a mini museum experience that tells the history of chocolate and has a small cafe serving decadent homemade chocolates.
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For accommodations, consider Silversands Grenada. It’s anchored by a 100-meter pool, the longest in the Caribbean. Have a private dinner on the beach or in your villa. When you’re ready for relaxation, this is the only resort in the Caribbean to feature the Gharieni Quartz Sand Beds for Hot Sand Therapy, also known as Psamotherapy.
Another great option is Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel, where you can arrange for a sunset Champagne boat ride. The resort’s romance package includes house-made chocolate truffles, Prosecco to greet you upon arrival, a 60-minute Swedish massage for two, and a candlelit dinner on the beach.
7. Barbados
The Caribbean’s easternmost island is also one of its most romantic when you stay at the adults-only Sandals Barbados in the the lively St. Lawrence Gap area. Variety is a major part of the appeal at this sprawling all-inclusive luxury resort for couples, which has three distinct village areas to choose from, letting you try something new each day without ever leaving the property.
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All-inclusive couples vacations at Sandals Barbados include unlimited drinks and dining, but also fun activities like glass bottom boat tours, scuba diving, and (if the mood strikes you) even a free wedding! Opt for a swim-up room that opens right into the island’s longest lazy river pool.
