Here’s our updated list of new Caribbean resorts for the upcoming peak travel season.
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
Opened November 2016
Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach is one of the most glorious stretches of sand in the Caribbean, yet the island chain popular for snorkeling and diving hasn’t seen a newly built resort in years. In addition to being the first new development along Seven Mile Beach in more than a decade, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is also be the brand’s first resort outside of the continental U.S.
Why go? Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa was designed with contemporary resort elements in mind. Guests can expect modern amenities like communal firepits, a beachfront boardwalk and a separate adults-only pool. Foodies will appreciate craft cocktails and trendy menus featuring tapas and ceviche.
Royalton St. Lucia
Opened February 2017
St. Lucia’s northwest coast gets a pair of new all-inclusive resorts this winter: Royalton St. Lucia and the adults-only Hideaway at Royalton St. Lucia. These above average all-inclusive resorts feature luxury amenities like comfy Dreambeds, 24-hour room service, rainfall shower heads and fully stocked mini-bars. Unlimited, reservation-free dining includes sushi, a steakhouse and a martini bar.
Why go? We love Royalton St. Lucia’s family-friendly amenities. In addition to activities for kids and teens, families can book swim-out suites, which are typically found at adults-only resorts on the island. And grown-ups don’t need to worry — there are plenty of swim-out suites found at the adults-only Hideaway, as well.
Royalton is also opening new resorts in Montego Bay and Negril, Jamaica.
Riu Reggae
Opened November 2016
Riu Reggae became the sixth Riu resort in Jamaica when it opened in Montego Bay (and the second adults-only Riu on the island). The resort promises a non-stop party, with two infinity pools, two swim-up bars, 24-hour snacks, and liquor dispensers in each guest room.
Why go? While many of Jamaica’s adults-only resorts are geared towards couples, Riu Reggae appeals to couples, singles, and groups alike. There are plenty of activities, from water sports to a hopping nightclub.
Breathless Montego Bay is another new adults-only resort geared toward couples, singles and groups.
Zoetry Montego Bay
Opened January 2017
AMResorts opened its first Zoetry resort in Jamaica in January. Zoetry resorts are known for their focus on health and wellness, and Zoetry Montego Bay is no exception. Guests will enjoy organic dining options, premium bath amenities, yoga and meditation classes, and relaxing in the resort’s lazy river. Splurge on a swim-out suite for access to a private pool.
Why go? If you’re looking for a Zen vacation experience but don’t want to give up the beach and pool, then Zoetry Montego Bay is a perfect choice. Holistic offerings include a peaceful spa with gardens, organic meals including gluten-free and vegan options, and a yoga facility. The resort’s stunning infinity pool and oceanfront location keep the beach vacation vibe strong.
See our complete list of new resorts in Jamaica.
Pineapple Beach Club
Opened October 2016
The former Grand Pineapple resort in Antigua has been sold to its original owner – Elite Island Resorts – and has undergone some fabulous upgrades. Renamed Pineapple Beach Club, Antigua, the resort is now adults-only and features five restaurants, two pools, a spa, a private catamaran, and plenty of water sports from its beachfront location.
Why go? The restaurants at Pineapple Beach Club are pretty impressive, whether you choose Italian cuisine at Chef Pietro’s or island specialties at Pineapple Grill. Don’t miss a trip to The Outhouse, an open-air restaurant set atop a hill overlooking Long Bay. In addition to panoramic views, the unique restaurant serves up BBQ ribs and jerk chicken along with beer and cocktails.
Four Seasons Anguilla
Opened October 2016
Four Seasons Anguilla debuted this fall as the second Four Seasons Caribbean resort — the other being on Nevis. Set at the site of the former Viceroy Anguilla, the resort already has a lot going for it, including a prime location between Barnes and Meads Bay and a clifftop restaurant perched high above the beach. There’s no doubt that Four Seasons will bring even more luxurious amenities to an already popular property.
Why go? Travelers looking for an upscale, authentic island experience will love Anguilla. It’s one of the only Caribbean islands to ban cruise ships, casinos and high-rise hotels so guests can enjoy the natural island beauty. Four Seasons Anguilla’s pristine beachfront location and reputation for quality make it a standout on the island.
Other new, notable Anguilla resorts include Zemi Beach House and The Reef by Cuisinart.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
Opened May 2016
The all-inclusive Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana has been open for a few months and is already making waves with families and luxury travelers alike. Kids enjoy sampling slime smoothies and splashing away at the large water park, while adults appreciate stylish suites, an upscale spa and an adults-only restaurant.
Why go? We love the variety of room options offered at Nickelodeon Punta Cana. The resort features 208 spacious suites in seven styles, from intimate Jacuzzi Pads and Flats to modern swim-out suites, with impressive features like Jacuzzi tubs, private patios, and 24-hour in-room dining options. For the ultimate Nickelodeon experience, book the Pineapple Villa inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants’ home in Bikini Bottom.
Majestic Mirage Punta Cana
Opened January 2017
The all-inclusive Majestic Mirage opened in Punta Cana in January and is geared toward adults, with Jacuzzis on every balcony, swim-up suites and the exclusive Mirage Club offering a private beach with Bali beds and two rooftop lounges.
Why go? In a word, pools! Majestic Resorts offer some of the best pools in the Dominican Republic, with large lagoon-style pools stretching from the lobby to the beach. There are 13 pools at Majestic Mirage.
Dreams Dominicus La Romana
Opened November 2016
Dreams Dominicus La Romana is a new beachfront resort located in Bayahibe, a popular beach destination and fishing town on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic. The all-inclusive resort offers something for everyone, including island hopping to nearby Saona Island, an onsite PADI diving center, expansive spa, and kids’ club with treasure hunts and movies on the beach.
Why go? Dreams’ parent company AMResorts is busy expanding in the Dominican Republic this year. We love this new resort in particular because of its proximity to Saona and Catalina Islands. Take the resort catamaran to one of these offshore islands and spend the day snorkeling and diving.
See our complete list of new resorts in the Dominican Republic.
Warwick Paradise Island
Opened November 2016
Warwick Paradise Island celebrated a soft opening this fall in the Bahamas. Set along the harbor with views of Nassau and Paradise Island, the adults-only resort features new guest rooms, four dining options, a rum bar, and lots of activities including an onsite dive shop and full-service spa (the spa and seaside terrace restaurant will open at a later date).
Why go? The Warwick is the only all-inclusive, adults-only resort on Paradise Island — and it’s been updated with new guest rooms and dining options including a shish kebab restaurant and poolside pizza oven. Plus, the resort is close to shopping, casinos and the Nassau water taxi.
The popular Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island is also getting some updates.
Keep an eye out for:
Puerto Rico’s first fully all-inclusive resort, Dreams Puerto Rico Resort & Spa opens in 2018.
Overwater bungalows are coming to Aruba in 2018, when all-inclusive Zoetry Isla Di Oro Aruba opens on the southwest coast.
