Best Relais & Châteaux Hotels in the Caribbean

Twenty-two luxurious suites make up Hotel Le Toiny, an extravagant hotel on the eastern side of St. Barts. The property's smallest suite boasts an impressive 820 square feet of interior space, plus a terrace and a private pool that bring the total space to stretch across 1,450 square feet. In fact, all of the suites include heated pools and views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the cerulean water panoramas match the pastel blues that complement the otherwise crisp white accommodations. Additional in-room amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, Nespresso coffee machines and Sonos audio systems. Past guests say that one of the most difficult aspects of staying at this pricey Relais & Châteaux is leaving the posh suites. However, outside the accommodations travelers can enjoy the beautiful shoreline and the hotel's Beach Club on Toiny Bay. In addition to lounge chairs and a serene stretch of sand, The Beach Club offers a restaurant for lunch, a large pool and the Boutique, a curated store with trendy clothes and goods. Back on-site, Jarad at Le Toiny serves up a small menu of ultra-fine dishes for dinner, and a fitness center provides professional equipment to keep guests active. The reception team can also organize private workouts, as well as various excursions across the island.

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 Although some past guests enjoyed both eateries' dishes and the property's quiet location, many lamented the outdated suites (some with malfunctioning plumbing and air-conditioning units), the uncomfortable furniture on the pool deck, the inattentive staff and the high room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.

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 high ceilings, complimentary Wi-Fi access, a Nespresso machine and either a private balcony or terrace. Some even come equipped with a private pool. 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. However, some guests agreed the restaurants were overpriced for what they offered. 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 BLUE Grill + Bar, while Mediterraneo restaurant offers seasonal flavors for dinner and a third eatery, La Palapa, is 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 Salon. Cobblers Cove is the only Relais & Châteaux property in Barbados.