Fabulous sun drenched settings make hotels in the tropics dream destinations in themselves. But these have something extra that gives them a certain ‘Wow’ factor.
CoCo Reef Resort, Bermuda
Step inside the lobby of the charming beach front CoCo Reef Resort, Bermuda, and you are in for a surprise. The hotel owner John Jefferies has collected antique mirrors, plinths, artworks and chandeliers from all over the world to create a breath-taking grand entrance to an intimate hotel.
Wow factor: As well as one of the most dramatic lobbies in the region, Coco Reef offers private dining experiences in The Library which is decorated like an English country house complete with a mock open fire.
Secret Bay, Dominica
Dominica’s luxury eco resort Secret Bay is tucked away far from the ravines and the waterfalls of this lush island just 25 minutes from Antigua. Minimalist and chic, it sits on a cliff-top with just six rooms in unusual treehouses developed using sustainable practices to minimise environmental impact .
Wow factor: Guests can arrange a private jazz performance on their terrace
Jade Mountain, St Lucia
Each of the 24 infinity pool sanctuaries and 5 sky jacuzzi suites at Jade Mountain Overlooking St Lucia’s Pitons World Heritage Site is an individual work of art with no two the same. Designed by architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy, they form grand sweeping spaces where bedroom, living area and infinity pool glide into one.
Wow factor: Jade Mountain has its own Chocolate Laboratory offering tasting experiences, chocolate-making classes and even chocolate spa treatments.
The Inn at English Harbour, Antigua
This colonial style boutique property is a favourite with royals and celebrities, who might be spotted whizzing by in the hotels’ water taxi from historic Nelson’s Dockyard. With 28 cabanas and suites, it is set in 19 acres of tropical woodland, and rooms are a short walk from a private beach with views all the way to Montserrat.
Wow factor: The Terrace Restaurant is the ideal spot to sip a cocktail and people watch during glamorous Antigua Sailing Week
Half Moon, Montego Bay, Jamaica
You might not expect to find a grand piano in your Caribbean hotel room, but there is one in the Imperial Suite of Half Moon , Montego Bay, an old world colonial property that is steeped in history and star appeal. Named after its crescent shaped two-mile private beach, it is famous for its Sugar Mill restaurant, standing on a site dating back to 1676
Wow factor: the hotel is the only one in the Caribbean with a dolphin lagoon on site.
Tiamo, South Andros, the Bahamas
Only accessible by boat and sea plane from Nassau, Tiamo is a luxury hideaway in The Out islands of The Bahamas. With just 11 villas built in traditional Caribbean style, each is surrounded by palm trees with direct access to the beach.
Wow factor: One mile off the coast of the island is the third largest barrier reef in the world, The Tongue of the ocean, where guests can try their hand at bone fishing for which Andros is world-renowned.