Experiences

The Caribbean Curated: An Insider’s Guide to the Archipelago’s Most Coveted Escapes

Best Caribbean Islands to Visit: Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Escape

For the discerning traveler, the Caribbean is not a destination, but a collection of distinct moods. It is a world where luxury is measured in privacy, heritage, and the seamless anticipation of your needs. While Villa Nyx in St. Barts serves as the ultimate anchor for your journey, the surrounding beautiful Caribbean islands offer a symphony of experiences for those who demand the exceptional.

Below is our curated selection of the most beautiful Caribbean islands, tailored for the UHNWI perspective.

The Leeward Inner Circle (Minutes from Villa Nyx)

St. Barts

St. Barts: The Anchor of Excellence St. Barts remains the only island where European high-fashion meets the untamed Caribbean spirit, including top-notch Caribbean food. Here, the “see and be seen” of the absolute seclusion of private hillside estates like Villa Nyx perfectly balances the culture of Gustavia’s harbor. Spend your mornings at the boutiques of Hermès and Prada, followed by a long, champagne-fueled lunch at Nikki Beach. As evening falls, retreat to the villa where a private chef prepares a menu tailored to your exact nutritional preferences and palate. Truly, St. Barts is one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands.

Anguilla

Anguilla: The Gastronomic Sanctuary Anguilla is the preferred choice for those who find St. Barts too “busy” and crave the world’s most pristine, blindingly white sands. The island is a culinary powerhouse, home to the legendary Veya and the iconic Belmond Cap Juluca, where service is elevated to an art form. It is the ultimate “barefoot luxury” destination, where you can walk miles of untouched beach without seeing a single soul. A 15-minute private flight from Villa Nyx makes this the perfect midday escape for a seafood lunch over the azure waters of Maundays Bay.

Antigua

Antigua: The Yachting Heritage With its 365 beaches and deep-water harbors, Antigua is the historic heart of the Caribbean’s nautical elite. Nelson’s Dockyard offers a rare glimpse into Georgian maritime history, while the ultra-exclusive Jumby Bay provides a car-free sanctuary for the world’s billionaire class. The island’s social calendar peaks during the Antigua Sailing Week, where the world’s most impressive superyachts compete for glory. From Villa Nyx, a helicopter transfer offers a breathtaking aerial view of the island’s jagged, beautiful coastline.

St. Kitts & Nevis

St. Kitts & Nevis: The Discerning Hideaway Nevis, the smaller sister, is a masterclass in “quiet luxury,” characterized by its volcanic peak and lush, green estates. It is home to the Four Seasons Nevis, where the elite play golf among green vervet monkeys, and historic plantation inns that offer unmatched privacy. Unlike the more commercial islands, Nevis feels like a private club where everyone knows your name but respects your silence. It’s an easy 20-minute hop from your villa, ideal for a day of mountain hiking followed by a spa treatment in a colonial-style garden.

Montserrat

Montserrat: The Volcanic Majesty Montserrat offers a rare, intellectual travel experience, serving as a modern-day Pompeii after the Soufrière Hills eruptions. The northern “Green Zone” remains a peaceful enclave of lush hills and black-sand beaches, while the southern “Exclusion Zone” offers a hauntingly beautiful landscape. A private helicopter tour from Villa Nyx is the only way to truly appreciate the scale of the volcanic flows and the buried capital of Plymouth. It is a destination for the curious mind, offering a perspective on nature’s power that no other island can match. It’s probably the most beautiful island in the Caribbean.

Saba

Saba: The Island that Defies Gravity Saba is a dramatic spire of rock rising from the ocean, famous for having the world’s shortest commercial runway—a thrill even for the most seasoned private flyer. Below the surface, the Saba Marine Park offers “pinnacle” diving, renowned for its vertical walls and abundance of marine life. On land, the quaint villages of “The Bottom” and “Windwardside” offer a charming, storybook atmosphere with red-roofed cottages. A day trip here is a refreshing break from beach life, focusing instead on high-altitude hiking and deep-sea exploration.

The French & Dutch Influence

Sint Maarten / St. Martin

Sint Maarten / St. Martin: The Dual Gateway As the primary hub for private aviation in the region, St. Maarten is the gateway through which most Villa Nyx guests arrive via the private FBO. The French side, St. Martin, offers the sophisticated dining of Grand Case, often called the “culinary capital of the Caribbean.” The Dutch side offers a high-energy, cosmopolitan lifestyle, with its deep-water superyacht marinas and high-end gaming. For the savvy traveler, the secret lies in the private cays like Îlet de Pinel, where you can enjoy a secluded lobster lunch far from the commercial crowds.

Martinique

Martinique: The Aristocrat of Rum Martinique combines the rugged beauty of a volcanic island with the polished infrastructure of a French department. It is the spiritual home of Rhum Agricole, with estates like Habitation Clément offering private tours of their historic cellars and contemporary art collections. The island’s rainforests and the majestic Mont Pelée provide a dramatic backdrop for adventurous luxury. A 45-minute flight from Villa Nyx allows you to stock your villa’s bar with rare, vintage rums that are unavailable anywhere else in the world.

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe: The Archipelago of Contrast Guadeloupe is an archipelago shaped like a butterfly, offering two distinct worlds: the volcanic, wild Basse-Terre and the rolling hills of Grande-Terre. The real gem for the luxury traveler is Les Saintes, a cluster of tiny, prettiest Caribbean islands with one of the most beautiful bays in the world, perfect for anchoring a yacht. The local culture is a sophisticated blend of French technique and Creole soul, visible in both the architecture and the world-class fusion cuisine. It’s a favorite stop for those sailing south from St. Barts who seek a more authentic, European-feeling anchorage.

Curaçao

Curaçao: The Architectural Masterpiece. Curaçao stands out for its vibrant, pastel-colored Dutch colonial architecture in Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Beyond the city, the island’s west end hides secluded “Bocas” and beaches like Kenepa Grandi, where the water is a startling shade of electric blue. The island lies outside the hurricane belt, making it a reliable year-round destination for those who appreciate history as much as they do the sun. For the UHNWI, the private enclaves of Spanish Water offer the most exclusive moorings and waterfront estates.

Aruba

Aruba: The High-Energy Desert Aruba is a desert island of wind-sculpted Divi-Divi trees and expansive, white-sand beaches like Eagle Beach. It offers the most developed luxury infrastructure in the southern Caribbean, with high-end casinos and designer shopping malls that rival those in Miami. The island’s constant trade winds make it a world-class destination for kitesurfing and sailing. While far from St. Barts, a 90-minute private jet flight brings you to a world of vibrant nightlife and impeccable service.

Bonaire

Bonaire: The Guardian of the Reef Bonaire is a sanctuary for nature lovers, where the entire coastline is a protected marine park with some of the best shore diving on the planet. The luxury here is understated and focused on conservation; it’s where you go to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the ocean. The island’s salt flats and pink flamingo sanctuaries offer a surreal landscape that is a photographer’s dream. It caters to a low-key, wealthy demographic that prioritizes environmental stewardship and quiet privacy.

The Lush South & Nature Islands

  1. St. Lucia: The Height of Romance St. Lucia is defined by the Pitons, two emerald volcanic spires that rise directly from the sea, creating the most iconic skyline in the Caribbean. The island’s luxury resorts, such as Jade Mountain, are architectural marvels that eliminate the fourth wall to bring the outdoors in. It is a land of chocolate estates, sulfur springs, and dense rainforests, offering a “vertical” luxury experience unlike any other. For a guest at Villa Nyx, it represents a dramatic shift from the dry elegance of St. Barts to a world of lush, tropical intensity. If you want the most tropical Caribbean island, go here.
  2. Dominica: The Island of 365 Rivers Known as the “Nature Island,” Dominica is for the adventurer who has seen it all and now seeks total immersion in the wild. There are few white sand beaches here; instead, you find boiling lakes, hidden waterfalls, and secret sea caves. The luxury is found in boutique eco-resorts like Secret Bay, which offer absolute seclusion and personalized service in the heart of the jungle. It is the ultimate destination for “disappearing” from the world while still enjoying five-star amenities and a private chef.
  3. Grenada: The Fragrant Isle Grenada is the “Spice Isle,” where the air is scented with nutmeg, cinnamon, and cocoa. Grand Anse Beach is a masterclass in coastal beauty, but the real intrigue lies in the island’s interior, where spice plantations and hidden waterfalls await. The arrival of Silversands has brought a new level of ultra-modern, minimalist luxury to the island, catering to those who appreciate clean lines and high-end design. It remains one of the most authentic and unpretentious islands in the chain.
  4. St. Vincent & The Grenadines: The Royal Playground This archipelago is the crown jewel of the southern Caribbean, featuring the ultra-exclusive private island of Mustique. Favored by British royalty and rock legends, Mustique offers a level of privacy and security virtually unmatched worldwide. Nearby Canouan is emerging as a “billionaire’s backyard” with a world-class marina and a championship golf course. This is the territory of the superyacht, where you can hop from one uninhabited cay to another in total anonymity.

The Northern Greats (Private Jet Territory)

  1. Turks & Caicos: The Blue Infinity Turks and Caicos is home to Grace Bay, often voted the best beach in the world for its powder-fine sand and impossibly clear water. The prettiest Caribbean island of Providenciales is a hub for ultra-luxury villas and resorts like Amanyara, which offer a zen-like retreat from the world. For true seclusion, take a private boat to the outer cays or the private island of Parrot Cay, a favorite of Hollywood’s elite. It is a destination where the horizon is the only limit, perfect for diving, kiteboarding, or total stillness.
  2. The Bahamas: The Exumas Expedition With 700 islands, the Bahamas offers infinite variety, but the Exumas are the true pinnacle for the yachting set. Here, the water is so shallow and clear that your yacht appears to be floating in the air. From swimming with the famous pigs at Big Major Cay to exploring the hidden grottos of Staniel Cay, the Exumas are about discovery and play. For the UHNWI, the private island of Musha Cay represents the ultimate in bespoke, “choose-your-own-adventure” luxury.
  3. British Virgin Islands (BVI): The Sailor’s Eden The BVI is a collection of 60 islands that are perfectly spaced for day-sailing, making it the world’s premier yachting destination. Virgin Gorda is home to “The Baths,” a geological wonder of giant granite boulders forming secret tide pools. Private islands like Necker and Guana offer exclusive retreats for those who want the entire island to themselves. It is a world of “Painkiller” cocktails and hidden bays, where life centers entirely on the water.
  4. U.S. Virgin Islands: The Protected Jewel St. John is the standout here, with over 60% of the island protected as a National Park, ensuring its beaches remain pristine and undeveloped. Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay offer some of the most beautiful snorkeling trails in the Caribbean, surrounded by lush green hills. While St. Thomas offers the high-end shopping and private jet facilities, St. John remains the quiet, upscale refuge for those seeking nature. It is a perfect blend of American convenience and untouched tropical beauty.
  5. Puerto Rico: The Sophisticated Heart Puerto Rico offers a “big city” luxury experience that no other Caribbean island can match. Old San Juan is a historic marvel of Spanish colonial architecture, while the Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers a contemporary sanctuary on the northern coast. The island is a hub for art, fashion, and world-class golf, making it a favorite for those who want a culturally immersive stay. With its private FBOs and direct connections to the US, it is the most accessible luxury hub in the region.
  6. Vieques & Culebra: The Hidden Spanish Virgins These two islands off the coast of Puerto Rico are the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. Vieques is home to the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay, a magical experience where the water glows neon blue with every movement. Culebra’s Flamenco Beach is a crescent of white sand that is consistently ranked among the world’s top five beaches. These islands are for the “castaway” who still wants a private villa and a cold bottle of Rosé waiting at the end of the day.
  7. Cayman Islands: The Culinary Hub Grand Cayman is the most sophisticated and affluent of the Caribbean islands, boasting a standard of living and infrastructure that rivals any major global city. Seven Mile Beach is a pristine stretch of luxury resorts and high-end condos, all served by the Caribbean’s most impressive dining scene. The annual Cayman Cookout attracts the world’s top Michelin chefs, making it a pilgrimage for the global foodie elite. It is safe, impeccably clean, and offers the ultimate in “urban luxury” on a tropical shore.
  8. Dominican Republic: The Golfing Mecca The Dominican Republic is a land of vast diversity, from the colonial history of Santo Domingo to the rugged cliffs of the north coast. Casa de Campo in La Romana is a legendary 7,000-acre resort that is a world unto itself, featuring three championship golf courses and a private marina. In the north, Amanera offers a more minimalist, serene luxury overlooking the dramatic Atlantic surf. It is the destination for those who want “space”—large estates, wide fairways, and endless horizons.
  9. Barbados: The Platinum Coast Barbados is the most “British” of the islands, where polo matches and high tea are part of the weekly social fabric. The west coast, known as the “Platinum Coast,” is lined with ultra-exclusive estates and the legendary Sandy Lane hotel. The island offers a polished level of hospitality hard to find elsewhere, making it a favorite among the global business elite. From world-class golf at Apes Hill to the rugged Atlantic beauty of Bathsheba, Barbados is a study in refined living.

The Connoisseur’s Toolkit: Essential Tips

  • Logistics: Utilize Pilatus PC-12 aircraft for inter-island hops. They are the “SUVs of the sky”—capable of landing on short, exclusive runways while maintaining a luxury cabin.
  • Seasonality: While the “Season” peaks in December, the “Shoulder Season” (May-June) offers the same azure waters with significantly more privacy at beach clubs.
  • Seamlessness: Our concierge can arrange “VIP Meet & Greet” services, whisking you through private lounges while your luggage is handled discreetly—you never have to stand in a queue.

Villa Nyx is more than a St Barts villa; it is a meticulously curated environment that is the highlight of your Caribbean portfolio. Whether you are returning from a day of shopping in St. Maarten or a week of sailing the Grenadines, the villa remains your sanctuary of “quiet luxury.” Do you wonder where do celebrities go on vacation? St. Barts is one of the most popular destinations.

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