The best Caribbean resorts to visit by superyacht

St Kitts has been slower to embrace tourism than most of its Caribbean neighbours, but this palm tree-strewn resort on its south-east peninsula is a stylish statement of what the island’s future might hold. As Park Hyatt’s first foray into the Caribbean, the hotel caused quite a stir when it opened in 2017 as part of the Christophe Harbour development, which also includes a new superyacht marina. 

The Park Hyatt seamlessly blends modern St Kitts with heritage touches: traditional stone arches line its elevated infinity pool and a replica sugar mill is used for yoga. Its 126 rooms are bright and modern, with vast stand-alone bathtubs and private balconies, but colourful furniture and wooden panelling keep the Caribbean feel. There are also plenty of opportunities to indulge in local cuisine. Formal sharing menus, with dishes such as yellowfin tuna with papaya, or rum baba, are served in the Stone Barn restaurant, or those seeking something more casual can head to the overwater Fisherman’s Village. Serving ocean-to-table cuisine, the restaurant offers some of the best views of the twinkling lights of neighbouring Nevis, which is just three kilometres (or an ambitious swim) away.

Sitting on the blindingly white sands of Nassau’s Cable Beach, Rosewood’s first foray into the Bahamas has flourished since it opened its doors in 2018 following a multimillion-dollar refurbishment. It’s as grand as you would expect from the luxury hotel group, with an exterior wreathed in the greenery of tropical flower gardens, while the luxe interior is lined with shelves of books, coral sculptures and local artworks that add pops of colour to its British colonial style. 

Superyachts can dock at Albany Marina, a 30-minute drive away, and to get a taste of the surrounding cruising grounds, make the five-minute boat trip to Long Cay, Rosewood’s private island. A private butler will ensure your champagne glass is charged and waiting for you on shore while you’re snorkelling. Later, for an authentic Bahamian experience, head to Nassau waterfront’s “fish fry” and enjoy a rum flight at John Watling’s Distillery.

In-the-know celebrities scorn Barbados’s flashy west coast in favour of the palm-tree-studded grounds of the island’s oldest hotel. Built in 1887, the 16-hectare resort’s historic cobbled quarters artfully incorporate modern amenities; a spa pool with coastal views sits in the stone-walled carriage house, while a pink-sand beach is reached by a glass-fronted lift.

Have your tender drop you on the beach at sunset and sink into the powder-soft grains (the yacht can moor a 40-minute drive away in Bridgetown’s port), then head to one of the hotel’s five eateries for dinner. Try the local delicacy of crispy flying fish at the resort’s sea-breeze-scented, cliffside restaurant L’Azure, or spiced crab maki topped with fish roe at Zen, its Japanese restaurant. The only acceptable way to finish the night is with a sweet but strong rum punch at the suitably old-school Bar 1887.

Flanked by flourishing rainforest on one side and a palm-tree-lined beach on the other, this Caribbean institution is based in one of Antigua’s most beautiful bays. Its understated style combines colonial touches with minimalist sophistication; dark grey tones and neutral marble are interspersed with plantation shutters and flashes of colour. Its laid-back vibe is contagious and guests – who are greeted with a walkway over a lily pond – quickly swap stilettos for flip-flops and espressos for rum punch.

Relaxation is aided by thoughtful touches rather than in-your-face service: chilled water coolers are placed twice-daily by the cream beachside sun loungers and a wash bowl topped with fuchsia petals is left by your door so that you can rinse the sand off your tootsies. It’s been a firm favourite with snowbirds since it opened in 2003 and its modern jetty and calm anchorage mean that it is on the up with the superyacht set. Less than five nautical miles from English Harbour, its four restaurants, floodlit tennis courts and cavernous spa offer plenty to tempt you ashore.

Sitting at the southern end of the three-kilometre curve of golden sand that is Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach, Spice Island Beach Resort is a gleaming white example of Grenadian hospitality. The property is run impeccably by Sir Royston Hopkin and his family and exudes old-school luxury: porters in gleaming gold buttons and pith helmets greet you upon arrival, staff address you by your surname and “elegant casual” dress is required for dinner.

The low-lying resort, which was rebuilt after Hurricane Ivan struck in 2004, is undergoing a rolling revamp to ensure it keeps up to date with Grenada’s luxury tourism boom. Its traditional interior colour palette is being modernised to include brighter blues and lighter woods to complement its spectacular views of the gently shelving beach and cerulean waters beyond. This picturesque location is also handily located just a short drive, or quick tender spin, from the Camper & Nicholsons Marina – making it the perfect stop-off before or after an exploration of the unspoilt Grenadine chain by boat.