With breathtaking scenery and exciting locales, the Caribbean is a popular destination for many. From sandy beaches to dense rainforests, the Caribbean has it all, but there are likely way more islands in the Caribbean than you think.
With hundreds of beautiful islands making up the Caribbean, there are a plethora of choices for your next vacation. From popular destinations to hidden treasures, here are five great places to stay when you travel to the region.
The Dominican Republic
First discovered by Columbus in 1492, the Dominican Republic was initially named Hispaniola, or “Little Spain.” With beautiful weather and world-class beaches, it’s easy to see why this has become an increasingly popular holiday destination.
With flights as short as 3 hours from New York, getting to the Dominican Republic is easy. In no time you can be exploring the north coast of the island, home to some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean. Additionally, the east coast offers a sportsman’s paradise with the newest designed golf courses in the entire region.
Where to stay
Equity Residences Cap Cana Resort Luxury Villa
This luxury 5-bedroom, 5-bath villa is located on the coast, overlooking the 8th hole on the number-one-rated golf course in the Caribbean and Mexico, the Punta Espada golf course. The world-renowned course was designed by a golf legend Jack Nicklaus.
Beyond the beautiful views and easy access to the island and the Cap Cana Eden Roc Beach Club, the best part of this home may be the personalized service you will receive from the local live-in caretaker. This personalized, unique experience can be extenuated with your own private chef.
What to do
The Dominican Republic offers visitors stunning mountain scenery, vibrant cities, and colonial architecture, making it one of the Caribbean’s most geographically diverse countries. Because of this, there are many things to do around the tropical island including:
- Descending 27 waterfalls of Damajagua
- Exploring the Hoyo Azul
- Sailing to Isla Saona
- Visiting Santo Domingo
- Whale watching
- Golf
- And more
Read our Dominican Republic destination highlight.
The Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya features world-class restaurants, a thriving nightlife, world-class golf courses and is home to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world. The Riviera Maya features the best of all worlds; the peninsula hasn’t become completely urbanized, allowing you to become one with nature as you explore the extensive coral reef or exotic beaches.
Where to stay
Equity Residences Luxury South Akumal Beach Villa
This beautifully extravagant villa is located halfway between hip Playa del Camen and boho-chic Tulum. With your own private pool, two generous master suites and your very own private beach you’ll be living in luxury as the two wonderful caretakers are at your service, at all times.
What to do
As we mentioned, Riviera Maya has some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. Take advantage of its location by exploring the vast coral reef located just offshore. Once you’re done exploring you can check out other activities including:
- Visiting Tulum
- Touring the Mayan Ruins
- Taking a dip in a Cenote
- Swimming with whale sharks at Isla Holbox
Ambergris Caye, Belize
While it’s likely you have heard of our first two destinations on the list, Ambergris Caye, Belize is definitely the less-traveled option. Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, at 25 miles long and just over a mile wide.
The island has become a hotspot for divers and fishermen as the Belize Barrier Reef is just half a mile from shore. At just over 15,000 people, this small town is becoming increasingly popular with scuba divers and deep-sea fishermen who are looking for a more rural experience.
Where to stay
When visiting Ambergris Caye, you’ll want to stay at the private island of Little Harvest Caye, available through our affiliate ThirdHome.
Little Harvest Caye offers a one-of-a-kind Caribbean real estate experience, featuring the services and amenities of other private luxury homes on the mainland, with the exclusivity and privacy that a private island offers. Just a short 5-minute boat ride from Placencia, Little Harvest Caye allows you to relax while also getting to enjoy the restaurants, bars, shopping and attractions located in Placencia Village.
What to do
Ambergris Caye is home to what National Geographic has dubbed the most sacred cave in the world. Additionally, there’s lots to do outside the caves including:
- Snorkeling and sailing with sharks and rays
- Exploring the ruins of Altun Ha
- Helicoptering over the world-famous “Blue Hole”
- Visiting the Howler Monkey Sanctuary
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
St. Thomas is a little island that has managed to pack a million miles worth of things to do into it. At just over 32 square miles, St. Thomas is by no means large but has become world-renowned for its prestigious golf courses, picture-perfect beaches, and incredible nightlife.
Where to stay
The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, available through our affiliate ThirdHome, allows visitors the chance to find inspiration in an enchanting setting complete with understated luxury and graceful service
The Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Thomas is made up of a small group of plantation-style buildings situated on 30 oceanfront acres with idyllic powder-white beaches. Book here to experience unparalleled pampering, from dinner at one of the elegant restaurants to a cliff-side massage to a sunset cruise.
What to do
Beyond relaxing, there are a number of things to do on St. Thomas. You can:
- Take an island food tour
- Visit the botanical gardens
- Stroll through Charlotte Amalie
- See the second oldest synagogue in the hemisphere
- Climb the 99 steps
St. John, US Virgin Islands
St. John is a tranquil neighbor to St. Thomas. Two-thirds of the island is occupied by the Virgin Islands National Park. There are many ways to enjoy your time in St. John. You can go to one of the many beaches this island offers, sample local seafood, take boat tours, go snorkeling, swimming, or kayaking.
Where to stay
Equity Residences Waterfront Villa located in Chocolate Hole
This residence combines the best things St. John has to offer: easy access to the bay, so you can go paddle boarding or snorkeling; expansive views of the Caribbean sea; a short drive to Cruz Bay with its plethora of restaurants and beaches; and a private garden where you can relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
This is a new addition to the Equity Platinum Fund portfolio, and we can’t wait to welcome our investors to enjoy the residence.
What to do
Read our guide to St. John and chose your own adventure.
Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos isn’t only an idyllic destination in the Caribbean; it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. With 350 sunny days a year, Turks and Caicos is home to magnificently beautiful turquoise water and soft white sand beaches, as well as the third-largest coral system in the world.
Where to stay
Villa Capri, Turks and Caicos by Equity Residences
Villa Capri in Turks and Caicos is the newest addition to the Equity Platinum Fund portfolio. Set upon the Chalk Sound National Marine Park, this stunning residence offers some of the best water views in the entire Equity Platinum Fund portfolio.
What to do
There is truly no better place in the world to sit and relax on a beach then Turks and Caicos, but if you’re looking for more to do you can take in many of the island’s activities including:
- Visiting Grace Bay
- Horseback riding
- Playing Provo Golf Club
- Exploring Smith’s Reef
- Taking in the Conch Bar Cave
For more ways to enjoy your Turks and Caicos vacation, read our blog.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re traveling to Belize, Turks and Caicos, St. John, or one of the many beautiful islands that comprise the Caribbean, you can find a beautiful, luxury experience that’s right for you. Explore Equity Residence’s Home Collection to find your ideal Caribbean real estate option.
If you want to learn more about our existing homes, our upcoming locations, and our affiliates, schedule a virtual portfolio tour
