The idea of picking just one island for a Caribbean honeymoon can feel like an impossible dilemma: There are more than 7,000 islands stretching across some 2,000 miles of ocean.
But being spoiled for choice has its upsides -- namely, no shortage of amazing experiences among the sun, sand, and surf of the Caribbean Sea. When stacking up one island against another, it can be hard to distinguish what makes each one unique. That's why we're breaking down the top islands for each kind of couple. For example, sun worshippers will find some of the world's most pristine stretches of sand on Turks & Caicos, while adventure-minded couples should consider heading to St. Lucia, where hiking among abundant flora and fauna is just as common as snorkeling pristine reefs.
Consider what kind of experience you're after and then use this guide to find the perfect island for your Caribbean honeymoon.
For adventurers: St. Lucia
This garden-green isle is most recognizable for the Piton Mountains, twin volcanic spires that together make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A hike to the top of Gros Piton, the taller of the two (Petit Piton is shorter but more steep and thus unsafe for travelers), offers one of the more memorable adventures in the Caribbean.
After traversing the trail for approximately two hours (it's recommended to go with a guide; try Real St. Lucia Tours), you'll get a heart-pumping workout and snap some bucket-list-worthy picks: The peak includes views of Petit Piton, the entire southern side of St. Lucia, plus St. Vincent in the distance. Couples who want to keep the adventures going can opt for a biking excursion through the jungle by top-line Cannondale mountain bikes or on horseback, as well as water-based activities like snorkeling reefs teeming with aquatic life. All that running around will seem worth it when you dunk in the private plunge pool of your open-air suite at Ladera Resort.
For beach bums: Turks & Caicos
You don't have to travel all the way to French Polynesia to find the world's softest, white-sand beaches: The 40 islands of Turks and Caicos are ringed by countless powdery stretches. Among the top ones is Grace Bay Beach, where you can check into a luxury resort like Grace Bay Club or the Gansevoort Turks + Caicos, which just added new oceanfront villas, complete with infinity pools and private swimming platforms.
Or, head to more remote escapes like Amanyara, on the secluded northwestern shore, COMO Parrot Cay, a private-island retreat with top-notch wellness and spa offerings, or Sailrock Resort on the 8.3-square-mile South Caicos, offering total seclusion for privacy-minded couples.
For foodies: Bahamas
The Bahamas haven't traditionally been lauded for their culinary offerings, but new resort developments and chef-driven restaurants on the island of Nassau are shining a spotlight on this easy-to-get-to isle. At the three-resort mega-complex Baha Mar, couples can take their pick among 20 different restaurants.
Want wood-fired pizza and hearty pastas? Head to celebrity chef Danny Elmaleh's Cleo. Tuna tataki and hand-rolled maki? Try Katsuya, by master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi. You can also dine off-site; there are more mouthwatering options at The Cove, Atlantis Paradise Island, where José Andrés just opened Fish by José Andrés and Nobu Matsuhisa offers traditional Japanese omakase, osusume, yakimono at his namesake eatery.
For culture buffs: Puerto Rico
Towering colonial fortresses meet golden-sand beaches on this U.S. overseas territory. In the capital of San Juan -- founded in 1508 by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León -- couples will find the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro (commonly referred to as "El Morro"), a 16th-century citadel overlooking San Juan Bay. As you walk the open-air fortress, peer down to the ocean atop 60-foot walls, and tour indoor galleries filled with Spanish colonial artifacts, it's easy to envision a time before iPhones.
Afterward, take a lap through the cobblestone streets of Old Town and sip cocktails at speakeasy-style bars like La Factoria, where the "Despacito" music video was famously filmed.
For scenesters: St. Barts
Every winter, the tony French West Indies isle of St. Barts fills up with billionaires and their model arm candy, celebrities looking to ring in the New Year in style, and wealthy families posting up in luxury villas that line the hillsides. Couples have no shortage of swanky hotels to choose from, many of which reopen this winter following hurricane restoration.
Hotel Le Toiny offers chic villas, each with its own outdoor deck and pool, and a rosé all day beach club. Le Sereno sits on quiet Grand Cul de Sac beach, known for its whitewashed rooms and watersports activities just off the shore (jet skiing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, and more). While Eden Rock St Barths, set atop glistening azure waters in St. Jean, is just steps from party-centric Nikki Beach Saint Barth, where celebs like Leonardo DiCaprio and Beyonce have been known to sip Champs by the bay.
For nature lovers: Grenada
You'd be surprised how few Americans are familiar with the "Spice Island," a southeastern Caribbean isle famous for its production of nutmeg, cocoa, turmeric, saffron, cinnamon, cloves, and more. That's likely because the island is less developed than its major Caribbean counterparts. But with minimal development comes less crowds and vibrant, undiluted natural landscapes. Expect blissfully empty beaches, miles of rainforests, diverse wildlife, and countless waterfalls (don't miss a hike and swim at the Seven Sisters).
And come November, luxurious digs at the new Silversands Grenada, a 43-room resort on Grand Anse Beach that will boast the longest infinity pool in the Caribbean (stretching 300 feet!) -- talk about giving other islands a run for their money.
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