Home DestinationsBahamas A Guide to Selecting the Right Caribbean Island for You

Pondering over which gorgeous Caribbean island might suit you best has to be one of life’s more pleasant problems to solve. Though the islands are united by their wonderful climate, natural beauty and warm welcome, many of them have special or even unique attractions depending on taste.

St Barths is synonymous with ritzy international wealth and the high life. It’s the perfect Caribbean island for retail addicts and hedonistic groups. La Musique villa sleeps ten and exudes retro glamour and opulence…there’s even a grand piano.

Villa Milou sleeps twelve and is a beautifully appointed property close to historic Gustavia, which offers some of the best shopping and culture on this chic eight square mile island. Right on the harbour, the major thoroughfare Quai de la Republique is the place to find Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Hermes and Cartier.

Villa La Musique, St Barths

Barbados may also be a relatively small island, but the paparazzi hotspot of Sandy Lane makes it the perfect place for anyone interested in some serious celebrity-spotting. In addition to Barbados-born Rihanna, everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow to Hugh Grant has been spotted on the island, and it has long been the site of Simon Cowell’s familiar annual jetski shot. St James is where the in crowd stays in Barbados. The Coral Stone House has magnificent pool views and private beach access. Barbados Paradise lives up to its name, an immaculate ultra-modern property finessed to an incredibly high spec.

Barbados Paradise

The Barbados Atelier House also benefits from a keen eye for design and a gorgeous St James setting.

Attire House, Barbados

Bahamas is the nation of choice for sailing, fishing and watersports fans. There is no setting better for all three activities than a luxury private island resort. Peacock Island, a stunning atoll in the Berry Islands chain has its very own harbour and flotilla of boats. With a fully equipped gym and blissful sea front yoga platform, the activities can continue on land too.

Berry Islands, Bahamas

The Turks and Caicos Islands are the ideal place for anyone who wants to live out a genuine desert island fantasy. Quiet and secluded, they have such perfect white sand and turquoise seas that no Instagram filter is required. Sand Dollar, a luxury beach front property in Grace Bay, offers direct access to one of the best shore fronts in TCI, and the chance of long, romantic walks along the shore.

Sand Dollar, Turks and Caicos

Lush and verdant St Lucia is an extraordinary island nation for nature lovers. Mostly carpeted in beautiful rainforest, it offers marvellous walking and ziplining. The iconic Pitons, the dual peaks that form St Lucia’s national symbol, offer a challenging but unforgettable hike, with spectacular views as the reward. The Bouganville property in Soufrieres is ideally placed between the Pitons, offering a stylish luxury residence, beach access, and the chance to glimpse St Lucia’s famous birds, mongooses, agouti and iguanas. Soufrieres is also the proud home of a drive through volcano and a hot natural mud bath.

Villa Bouganville, St Lucia

Dominican Republic is great for families. Sleeping twelve in the vibrant hub of Punta Cana, Casa Ambra has facilities to suit every age range, from fun private golf carts to a flat screen TV, infinity pool to barbeque. Babysitting can be arranged for a small supplement and a couple of days’ notice. Countless nearby leisure options include whale watching, tennis courts, horseback riding and the Taino Museum.

Casa Ambra, Punta Cana

This diverse region has something for everyone, after all, and offers a world class version of virtually any activity if you know the right place to look.

By Phileas French, Travel Writer