Best Relais & Châteaux Hotels in the Caribbean

Eden Roc at Cap Cana prides itself on offering secluded luxury. Tucked inside Cap Cana, one of Punta Cana's most exclusive communities, this Relais & Châteaux outpost offers a long list of sumptuous amenities. Each of the resort's 62 suites features a private pool or ocean views from a private balcony or terrace, high ceilings, complimentary Wi-Fi access and a Nespresso machine. Although past vacationers appreciated the accommodations' spacious layouts, some encountered malfunctioning suite amenities or broken fixtures. Outside the suites, travelers can unwind with a treatment at Solaya Spa or enjoy the Eden Roc Beach Club, a private facility that touts a palm-shaded pool, a barbecue area and a beach bar. For more action, families can visit the children's pool or drop their little ones off at the Koko Kid's Club for games, crafts and more. When it's time to eat, vacationers can head to one of three restaurants. Suite rates cover daily breakfast at Mediterraneo restaurant or BLUE Grill + Bar, and a third eatery, La Palapa, is also available for fresh seafood by the Caribbean Sea.

Positioned on the northwestern edge of Barbados by Godings Bay, Cobblers Cove is an intimate retreat that touts just 40 suites. Each accommodation includes a private balcony or terrace with garden or ocean views, a sitting room and a bathroom with a walk-in shower. Plus, all suites offer twin or king-sized beds, bathrobes and slippers, minibars and free Wi-Fi access. Previous visitors raved about the gorgeous, roomy lodgings, though some warned that the nightly rates are expensive. But Cobblers Cove redeems itself with complimentary inclusions, such as swimming with turtles outings, tennis lessons and nonmotorized water sports equipment rentals. After working up an appetite, head to the Camelot Restaurant for fresh seafood. Past diners praised the eatery's impeccable service and delectable cuisine. Cap off your day with a relaxing treatment at the Sea Moon Spa. Cobblers Cove is the only Relais & Châteaux property in Barbados; if you're a Club 5C member, you can take advantage of exclusive perks during your stay.

Nestled along Martinique's southeastern coast, Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa boasts 52 suites divided between 18 villas. Standard suites sit on the ground or first floor and come equipped with flat-screen TVs with DVD players, safes, free Wi-Fi access and stocked minibars, while upgraded suites offer private plunge pools. When you're not relaxing in your accommodation, explore the adjacent lagoon via sea kayak or boat or take advantage of the available diving excursions and helicopter sightseeing adventures. After indulging in some island recreation, get pampered with a luxurious spa treatment. And when it's time to quench your island thirst, choose from a selection of more than 100 different types of rum at Le Cohi Bar. Light dishes are served at Le Campêche restaurant, while a more formal experience can be had at the seaside Belém restaurant. Although some past guests enjoyed both eateries' dishes and the property's quiet location, many lamented the outdated suites (some with malfunctioning plumbing and air-conditioning units), the uncomfortable furniture on the pool deck, the inattentive staff and the high room rates.