5 expensive Caribbean-style resorts to stay in during the winter season

For much of the United States – the world indeed – it is about to be cold, very cold, and many thoughts are turning to sunny, warmer climates.

Clear blue waters, white sand and all that is tropical beckons you. And for those who want the best of everything, here are five suggestions – in no particular order – to think about and possibly book.

Note that prices are for the first half of 2022 and do not include taxes, tips or additional services. Prices may also differ depending on availability

1. Mystery Resort: Have you ever heard of Pine Cay?

If you haven’t, that’s part of its charm. Unlike St. Barts, the Caribbean playground for yachts this time of year and all about the flash, Pine Cay is said to be its polar opposite. This is probably why you haven’t heard of it.

Not to be confused with Pine Key in the Florida Keys, this private 800-acre island is part of Turk and Caicos and was thoughtfully developed in the 1970s with an eye on quiet luxury.

It is a short 90 minute flight from Miami and there is only one hotel, offering 10 oceanfront rooms or two independent oceanfront suites. There are also private home rentals. . And of course two miles of white sand.

Rates? A premium oceanfront room starts at $ 1,650 a night. Not too expensive, but what a price for beauty, peace and quiet?

2. So you want flash, in a way: Hôtel Le Toiny, Saint-Barth

Yes, there is really a traffic jam with yachts at the moment in Gustavia, the capital of the island of Saint-Barthélemy, better known as Saint-Barth.

There is no shortage of resorts or luxury homes, but Hotel Le Toiny stands out as part of the fray – St. Barts is a small island – but still apart: the resort has 22 separate villas, each with a private swimming pool and terrace overlooking the bay of Toiny. The Beach Club is a popular place to dine on the beach, and the quiet allows you to read a good book anywhere in the resort.

At $ 2,706 per night with one bedroom, the Signature Suite’s pool offers the perfect view of the setting sun, no doubt a cocktail in hand, or try La Villa Nureyev, which has four bedrooms and has its own massage area. private – at $ 12,248 a night.

Stay here for lounging or hop in a car and head to Gustavia for some shopping and a night out.

3. Find your own shaman: Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen

Who better to learn about the best places to visit in Mexico than the readers of Travel + Leisure, who voted this resort one of the “best in the world” in 2021.

Located in the heart of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Mayakoba consists of four resorts, over 25 restaurants, a diving and sports center, nature trails, a PGA Championship golf course, tennis and shops.

But what made this place stand out among T + L readers was one of the experiences: working with a shaman “to determine personal role models and your self-esteem goals,” creating an agenda for help you on a journey of self-discovery, “using the elements of nature and ancient pre-Hispanic teachings as mentors”.

After two difficult years, who doesn’t need this?

The Presidential Suite, which opens onto the beach, starts at $ 14,715 a night.

4. The Shopping Set: The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach, Florida

Winter is high season in Palm Beach and the people – and the yacht watching – are spectacular. What’s better than a perch at the refreshed Colony Hotel? Its distinctive pink-hued exterior sets it apart from the crowds and is just steps from Worth Avenue shopping and various beach activities.

What has developed over the years is the avenue’s art scene, with more galleries than ever.

Book the luxurious Villa Jasmine by AERIN (it’s Aerin Lauder of Estée Lauder fame) with a price to be determined, because you have to contact the hotel to find out. A standard double room starts at $ 1,060.

And the hotel accepts pets! (For a small fee.)

5. Welcome to the jungle: Amanera, Dominican Republic

While Casa de Campo receives the most publicity, this resort receives the kudos. Amanera is perched in the jungle overlooking the golden sands and the ocean on the north coast of the Dominican Republic.

Twenty-five independent villas (casitas) overlook the beach and 13 have private swimming pools. Aman Golf Course is nearby. But what turns visitors on is the number of activities, including sea kayaking to explore the jungle, some for finding botanical remedies.

A bay view pool casita starts at $ 3,200 per night. And if you really need to get there quickly, the resort offers a VIP expressway and helicopters for airport transfers.

Photo: Top photo: Parrot Cay; all other resort photos courtesy of the resorts