Like stepping into a postcard, when you picture a Caribbean vacation, chances are your mind will conjure up images of overwater bungalows, stunning beachfront hotels, and sugary white sand being kissed by cerulean waters. Thankfully, the following hotels do not disappoint.

In Aruba, you’ll find dreamy villas, so in sync with the surrounding nature, it feels as if the hotel itself was grown from the ground. On oh-so-chic St. Barths, the luxurious Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf sits atop a bluff, offering a celebrity-style stay with enviable views. And in Puerto Rico, Finca Victoria is making a name for itself as the only Ayurvedic boutique hotel in the Caribbean, seamlessly blending quiet luxury with nature. Whatever you fancy, the following five hotels promise to set the standard of peace, calm, luxury, and beauty.

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Aruba Ocean Villas

Savaneta, Aruba

Discreetly located on the southwestern part of the island of Aruba, in the town of Savaneta, lies Aruba Ocean Villas, remarkable thatched-roof overwater villas. Enter the sanctuary and you’ll notice a colorful mosaic walkway that was laid by the owner. Walk through the lush gardens until you reach a sandy beach, and you’ll be met by the crystal-blue waters of the Caribbean, as well as a few friendly resident dogs. The resort consists of overwater villas, beach bungalows, and a few off-property estates.

The family-owned haven believes in a harmonious union with the environment, one that encourages open-air living—think outdoor bathtubs and even outdoor beds—while incorporating materials from the environment to give each villa a unique personality. Some villas have bathtubs made of natural wood while others have real marble tubs. Some tables are propped up by real tree trunks, and many sinks were shaped from natural stones. The sinks were shaped from natural stones brought from Brazil, Indonesia, and Suriname and handpicked by the owner.

The staff is incredibly friendly and personable, and the service impeccable. Opt to have your meals from the resort’s on-site restaurant, The Old Man and The Sea, located on the small sandy beachfront with live music nights, at Oliver’s Lounge, a bar in addition to a chef’s table located in a speakeasy-style room behind the reception desk, in your villa, or on the overwater gazebo.

Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel

Anguilla

A member of the exclusive Belmond, which is part of the leading luxury group, LVMH, Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla, is simply Caribbean barefoot luxury at its best.

The lobby is the gathering space where you feel the soul and pulse of this hotel and disconnect to reconnect. Here you can enjoy the daily Champagne sabering ritual and celebrations before indulging in an authentic Italian dinner at Cip’s by Cipriani or elevated Caribbean classics at Pimms. Water-edge tables are coveted at both restaurants. The newly opened beachfront Cap Juluca Spa by Guerlain (a haven of luxury and relaxation) draws inspiration from Anguilla’s Arawak tribe, incorporating elements of nature, water, and salt. Take a dip in the spa’s infinity pool in between relaxing treatments.

Cap Juluca’s thoughtful design ensures you can view the endless blue sea from anywhere on the property, creating an enduring sense of place. Every detail for a seamless stay has been considered. This includes a pre-arranged itinerary, dedicated villa host service, a golf cart, reserved beach lounge chaises/umbrellas, and yoga mats in the room so you can enjoy a sunrise while you simply exhale. The 108 rooms and suites evoke serenity and luxurious comfort. Each room features King or twin beds, a marble tub, oceanfront views, and, most compelling, you are steps away from the beach. The signature gleaming white Greco-Moorish architecture and enviable location on the famed crescent-shaped Maundays Bay are swoon-worthy features of this five-star hotel.

Finca Victoria

Vieques, Puerto Rico

Nestled in the heart of Vieques, Puerto Rico, Finca Victoria is the only Ayurvedic boutique hotel in the Caribbean, seamlessly blending quiet luxury with nature, lulling guests to sleep with the calls of coquí frogs. Finca Victoria aims to help guests “regain balance and keep harmony in the body” through its eco-friendly design and Ayurvedic—traditional medicine native to India— amenities. Its key feature? Slow mornings begin with a complimentary yoga session in the ocean-view yoga shala, a serene space designed for holistic wellness and guest interaction, followed by a complimentary vegan breakfast made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the grounds.

Each of the 14 units has a fully equipped kitchen with Ayurvedic spices and oils, inviting guests (especially those staying for long or remote workers) to create their own wellness meals. The units also feature private decks, terraces, or balconies; every outdoor space is equipped with an outdoor shower. You can easily spend a whole week recharging by the pool, but if you prefer exploring, the island’s town, Esperanza, is a short 10-minute drive away, and most major beaches, including Sun Bay, Media Luna, and Mosquito Bay, are within a 15-minute drive.

Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf

St. Barths

There’s nothing ordinary about the luxurious Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf. The blufftop locale, views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea, and Gustavia Harbor, with its yachts and sailboats, set the stage for serenity. Exhale. With just 21 rooms, suites, bungalows, and a villa, it never feels crowded. Enjoy your piece of paradise on your terrace and in your private plunge pool (get a water bike if you like). Pamper yourself further at Spa Diane Barrière with a customized massage on the bungalow terraces or your suite’s balcony. Keep the chill vibe flowing in the yoga studio or a private session in your suite.

Feeling playful? Hit the fitness center, jet ski, surf, go out on a sea bob or flyboard. Or perhaps take a picnic lunch prepared by the chef for a sailing adventure on a catamaran to one of the island’s beloved beaches; the concierge will make arrangements. You don’t have to go far for the resort’s private beach restaurant, Shellona, on Shell Beach. Lapping waves, sunshine, cocktails, and delicacies from Greek head chef Yiannis Kirorglou will leave you wanting for nothing. At the restaurant Beefbar St. Barths, take your pick of premium cuts: Black Angus, Kobe, or Wagyu. Wind down your day watching the sunset with a cocktail at The Bar.

Malliouhana Resort

Anguilla

Anguilla’s first luxury property, Malliouhana Resort, has plenty to celebrate as it marks its 40th anniversary. Nestled on a bluff with views of spectacular Meads Bay (Anguilla’s top beach), Malliouhana continues to set standards and embrace the spotlight. Guests describe a sense of coming home upon arriving, so it is no surprise that the resort has seen generations of families return decade after decade, securing its legacy.

Step into this vibrant yet serene property, and you’ll be immediately compelled to start conversations with the attentive and caring staff about the extensive grounds and landscaping, stylish décor, vivid art, and beautiful gathering spaces. The welcome bracelet infused with lemongrass (Malliouhana’s signature scent) is a nod to the chic and relaxing spa on the property.

A new culinary direction rich with island and international flavors has enhanced the toe-in-the-sand dining experience at popular beach bar Leon’s at Meads Bay. Meanwhile, the mini-explorers program (ages 5-12) delights children with cultural, seaside, and immersive indoor and outdoor activities.

Time stands still (no clocks) in the beautiful, spacious rooms and suites. Relax on your private terrace and enjoy the infinite blue sea with a glass of wine from their exclusive private label Vermentino and Rosé (partnership with Tansy wines) launched for the 40th anniversary.