Best Relais & Châteaux Hotels in the Caribbean

As the first hotel to open on St. Barts, Eden Rock has been welcoming sun-seeking vacationers for more than 60 years. A-listers like Greta Garbo and Howard Hughes have graced this hotel's hallways; today, guests say Eden Rock remains just as elegant. Each accommodation is unique, with simple neutral tones and private terraces, and guests describe a stay here as worth every penny. Splurge on a specialty villa and you'll have access to such extras as a private art gallery (in the Villa Nina) or a recording studio (in the Rockstar Villa). Eden Rock sits on St. Jean Bay on the island's northern shore, granting visitors access to pristine sands and a nearby coral reef. When you need a break from the sun, indulge in an in-room spa treatment or grab a bite to eat at the acclaimed restaurant, On The Rocks. Because this is a Relais & Châteaux property, Club 5C members can earn and use their rewards here. Note: The hotel was impacted by the 2017 hurricanes and is expected to reopen in 2019.

Occupying 8 acres of tropical greenery, Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel boasts 30 suites arranged in a horseshoe shape, each facing the secluded L'Anse aux Epines beach on the southwestern end of Grenada. All rooms feature Elemis Skincare bathroom amenities, complimentary internet access and balconies or patios (where breakfast is served by a personal maid). Recent guests cited the breakfast delivery as one of the reasons they'll continue to frequent this Relais & Châteaux outpost. Offering even more individualized pampering, the open-air Spa at Calabash tailors each treatment to your personal needs. When you're feeling refreshed, enjoy L'Anse aux Epines' waters on a paddleboard or a Hobie Cat sailboat, or schedule a tour with the hotel's ScubaTech Dive Center. If you prefer to stay on land, perfect your backhand at the two on-site tennis courts or sign up for a private yoga lesson. For tapas or gourmet cuisine and libations with a kick, head to the Beach Club Restaurant or Rhodes Restaurant, the property's two dining venues. Both eateries' dishes impressed previous patrons.

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 Eden Roc Wellness & 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.

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.

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.

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.