The past year has seen challenges and changes in the travel landscape, especially in the luxury segment, but the concerted effort and solution-oriented approach of the Caribbean region has been incredibly impactful and dynamic as we look forward together.
While each island nation has developed unique protocols and strategies to maintain a healthy and safe lifestyle, the collective region has a unified messaging that can and should be directly linked to the recent growth in inquiries, web visits, and bookings. at The Hartling Group, we already have a few sold out weeks in 2021 and a promising forecast for the coming summer and autumn, a welcome change from 2020 and a positive outlook on travel trends for the future.
What the Caribbean has to offer is a diverse collection of exceptionally private escape routes that are easy to reach from the United States, that are highly sought after in the current travel climate and that meet the needs of wealthy travelers. Travel age west reported that an American Express poll found that “44 percent … accommodation.” Searches and bookings for private islands and private flights follow the same pattern.
Here are the Caribbean luxury gems that offer the ultimate in privacy, service and experiences:
The Shore Club Turks & Caicos is the only resort on Long Bay Beach, Providenciales’ most pristine stretch of beach – a less crowded and discreet place to spend vacations or longer periods of time. In addition to the 106 guest rooms and suites, four pools, four restaurants, a wellness center and the Dune Spa, the six private villas are outstanding accommodations for exclusive excursions. With private plunge pools, personal beach access, well-equipped kitchens, and even underground tunnel access, the detached villas embody the best of indoor and outdoor living. They are the most sought after in the Caribbean and have hosted celebrities like actress Chrissy Metz and comedian Tracy Morgan. The resort itself offers direct beach access and a variety of activities including paddleboarding, kayaking, and boat trips.
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Jadeberg in St. Lucia is known for its three-walled open-air sanctuaries, accessible via private bridges from the main resort. The oversized suites have private infinity pools, breathtaking views of the two Piton Mountains and the Caribbean Sea, and 24-hour butler service. The resort offers private experiences geared towards relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration, from in-suite spa treatments and learning how to make candy at the on-site Chocolate Lab, to organic farm tours, world-class snorkeling, and scuba diving to hikes on the Gros Piton with a personal hiking butler equipped with gourmet canapés and cold towels.
Necker Island, located in the British Virgin Islands, has reopened after being closed for two years after being destroyed by Hurricane Irma. Stays on Necker Island typically require a full buyout, which means guests have the entire place to themselves. Guests arriving in 2021 will be among the first to experience the new island after its restoration, including the brand new Bali Hi complex with an expanded pool and outdoor lounges, as well as private pools in each Bali villa. Travelers to Necker can interact with native wildlife like lemurs and enjoy an abundance of water sports like snorkeling off the coast.
Eden Roc Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic is a Relais & Châteaux hotel in the upscale residential complex of Cap Cana for privacy at the highest level. Located on a private beach, it offers travelers an ultra-luxurious Caribbean boutique experience. The 30,000 hectare luxury resort houses luxurious accommodations (from multi-bed villas with private pools to suites on the beach), several restaurants that celebrate regional products, a brand new spa and wellness experience and a family-friendly program.
The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort, Located on Paradise Island, Bahamas, is the ultimate destination for those seeking an ultra-luxurious and private retreat. Some of the most sought-after accommodations include the three and four bedroom beachfront villa residences, which offer the glamor and luxury the resort is known for. For a longer stay, the new At home at The Ocean Club is a home-away-from-home concept that embodies all aspects of a luxury home with personalized pre-arrival designs (including family picture frames and decorations).
Karen S. Whitt is that VP of Marketing for The Hartling Group (which owns and operates three luxury Turks & Caicos properties). She is also a longtime board member of the Caribbean Travel + Hotel Association and an award-winning former GM.
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