The 7 Best Luxury Resorts in the Caribbean

The Caribbean's most luxurious lodgings are worlds unto themselves. You'll live a privileged existence, if only for the week, and you may be joined by the masters of Wall Street or Hollywood, the jet set, or old money. Everyone deserves to splurge on an island retreat at least once—and these are our favorite resorts to do it. By Fodor's Editors

Why Go: Each of Eden Rock's rooms, suites, and villas is luxuriously appointed with plasma satellite TV and high-speed Internet. Large bathrooms have loads of fluffy towels, Bulgari amenities, and either deep soaking tubs or walk-in showers. The magnificent beachfront villas sleep up to eight, with full kitchens and beautifully appointed modern living areas. Stunning bay views and great service are uniform. Vacation like the rest of the St. Barthelemy ultra-glam in one of the two super-deluxe villas: each includes two private pools, an art gallery, butler service, private cinema, and use of a Mini Cooper. Read more.

Activities: spa services, gym, boat rentals and tours, water sports

Why Go: Spectacular rooms, some with stunning Piton vistas beyond open fourth walls, peek through the thick rain forest that cascades down to the sea. Deluxe hillside rooms have a balcony, handmade wooden furniture, and impressive artwork. Without any communication devices or technology, the St. Lucia resort is delightfully peaceful. Anse Chastanet is magical, if you don't mind the bone-crushing dirt road between the town and the resort and the steep climb to most rooms. Shuttle service is available between the beach and the hillside rooms, 100 steps up. Read more.

Activities: Kai Belte spa, diving, jungle biking, ocean kayaking, diving—or take the resort website's advice and "do nothing."

Why Go: Sailing's the thing at the Bitter End Yacht Club, a busy hotel and marina on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, and the use of small sailboats, kayaks, and windsurfers is included in the price. Of course, if you just want to lounge about on the beachfront chaises or on your balcony, that's cool, too. There's a busy social scene at the hotel's bars. Rooms are bright and cheery; the decor leans toward tropical colors. Read more.

Activities: renowned sailing school, diving, water sports

Why Go: The upscale Coral Reef Club offers the epitome of elegance and style, along with a welcoming, informal Barbados atmosphere. Individually designed suites are in pristine coral-stone manses and cottages scattered over 12½ acres of flower-filled gardens; the public areas ramble along the waterfront. Spend your days at the beach or around the pool, taking time out for afternoon tea. In the evening mingle at the bar before dining in the excellent terrace restaurant. Read more.

Activities: waterskiing, speedboat cruises, fishing, charters

Why Go: This family-friendly beachfront resort's design—gleaming white-stucco buildings, blue domes and trim, glass-block walls—blends art deco with a Greek Island feel. On the Southwest Coast of Anguilla, CuisinArt has huge rooms painted in a calming sky blue and fitted with flat-screen TVs. Guests return in droves to enjoy the casual atmosphere, full-service spa, extensive sports facilities, and fulfill-every-wish concierge crew. A hydroponic farm provides ultrafresh organic produce for the two restaurants. Read more.

Activities: health club, children's programs, greenhouse, garden, and orchard tours, cooking classes and demonstrations

Why Go: An incomparable beachfront setting, impeccable service, superb extras, effortless elegance: Curtain Bluff is that rare retreat that remains ahead of the times while exuding a magical timelessness. The lavish gardens, legendary 25,000-bottle wine cellar, and waterfront spa exemplify the Antigua resort's world-class status. Sunken junior suites—the majority of the rooms—have marble bathrooms, grass mats, Mexican earthenware, deco-funky lamps, and coffered raw-wood ceilings. Patrons flock to the alfresco restaurant for classic Continental dining and dancing to live bands. Read more.

Activities: free scuba diving and deep-sea fishing, children's programs, cooking and wine-pairing classes with chef Christophe Blatz

Why Go: Paradisus Palma Real Resort is a showstopper of a resort. It's one of Punta Cana's luxury all-inclusives and a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. The average suite, with flat-screen TV, CD player, balcony or terrace, and semi-open marble bathroom with jet showers and a Jacuzzi for two, is extraordinary. Signature family concierges lavish attention on children, who get their own check-in, amenities, and mini-size robes and slippers. Balinese sun beds make lounging beside the glorious pool extra comfy. Among the resort’s opulently decorated restaurants, try Gabi Beach, with exceptional classical cuisine in a contemporary presentation. Read more.

Activities: exemplary spa, complimentary access to Cocotal Golf Course, horseback excursions, "Scuba Doo" (underwarter biking with an oxygen supply)