The Caribbean's High-End Luxury Hotels and Resorts
"The great advantage of a hotel is that it's a great refuge from home life" - George Bernard Shaw.
A BOUTIQUE HOTEL is a small hotel which typically has between 10 and 100 rooms in unique settings with upscale accommodations.
A GRAND HOTEL is a large and luxurious hotel, especially one built in a traditional architectural style.
A HOTEL is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. The provision of basic accommodation, in times past, consisting only of a room with a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand has largely been replaced by rooms with modern facilities, including en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning or climate control. Additional common features found in hotel rooms are a telephone, an alarm clock, a television, a safe, a mini-bar with snack foods and drinks, and facilities for making tea and coffee. Luxury features include bathrobes and slippers, a pillow menu, twin-sink vanities, and jacuzzi bathtubs. Larger hotels may provide additional guest facilities such as a restaurant, swimming pool, fitness center, business center, childcare, conference facilities and social function services.
Hotel operations vary in size, function, and cost. Most hotels and major hospitality companies that operate hotels have set widely accepted industry standards to classify hotel types. General categories include the following:
THE HOTEL STAR CLASSIFICATION & RATING SYSTEM EXPLAINED:
******* Seven Star (Burj Al Arab, Dubai. The world's most luxurious and only 7-star hotel).
***** Five Star - (Deluxe)
These are hotels that offer only the highest level of accommodations and services. The properties offer a high degree of personal service. Although most five star hotels are large properties, sometimes the small independent (non-chain) property offers an elegant intimacy that can not be achieved in the larger setting. The hotel locations can vary from the very exclusive locations of a suburban area, to the heart of downtown. The hotel lobbies are sumptuous, the rooms complete with stylish furnishing and quality linens. The amenities often include: VCR's, CD stereos, garden tubs or Jacuzzis, in-room video library, heated pools and more. The hotels feature up to three restaurants all with exquisite menus. Room service is usually available 24 hours a day. Fitness Centers and valet and/or garage parking are typically available. A concierge is also available to assist you.
**** Four Star - (Superior)
Mostly large, formal hotels with smart reception areas, front desk service and bellhop service. The hotels are most often located near other hotels of the same caliber and are usually found near shopping, dining and other major attractions. The level of service is well above average and the rooms are well lit and well furnished. Restaurant dining is usually available and may include more than one choice. Some properties will offer continental breakfast and/or happy hour delicacies. Room service is usually available during most hours. Valet parking and/or garage service is also usually available. Concierge services, fitness centers and one or more pools are often provided.
*** Three Star - (First Class)
Typically these hotels offer more spacious accommodations that include well appointed rooms and decorated lobbies. Bellhop service is usually not available. They are often located near major expressways or business areas, convenient to shopping and moderate to high priced attractions. The hotels usually feature medium-sized restaurants that typically offer service breakfast through dinner. Room service availability may vary. Valet parking, fitness centers and pools are often provided.
** Two Star - (Moderate)
Typically smaller hotels managed by the proprietor. The hotel is often 2 - 4 stories high and usually has a more personal atmosphere. It's usually located near affordable attractions, major intersections and convenient to public transportation. Furnishings and facilities are clean but basic. Most will not have a restaurant on site but are usually within walking distance to some good low-priced dining. Public access, past certain hours, may be restricted.
* One Star - (Moderate)
Usually denotes independent and name brand hotel chains with a reputation for offering consistent quality amenities. The hotel is usually small to medium-sized and conveniently located to moderately priced attractions. The facilities typically include telephones and TV's in the bedroom. Some hotels offer limited restaurant service; however, room service and bellhop service is usually not provided.
Hotels included on Condé Nast Traveller's Gold List of the world's best hotels have been marked with CNT. It spans six continents and 49 countries.
5-star International Star Diamond Award Recipients selected by The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences have been marked with SDA.
Established in France in 1954, Relais & Châteaux's mission is "to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character." Prospective and current members are evaluated by the group's traditional "five C" motto: Character, Courtesy, Calm, Charm and Cuisine. The members of Relais & Châteaux exclusive collection of 580 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries on 5 continents have been marked with R&C.
The members the Small Luxury Hotels of the World organization (a collection of over 500 luxury boutique hotels and resorts in more than 80 countries) have been marked with SLH.
Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, The Leading Hotels of the World is one of the largest luxury hotel collections in the world. The members have been indicated with LHW.
Palace Distinction – since 2009. One step higher than five stars - by the French Agency for Tourism Development. Marked with P.
What hotel star ratings actually mean today - "There isn't a single answer to the question of what star ratings actually mean, since there are so many systems shaped by so many factors. Some tourism marketers now even give exceptional luxury properties an unofficial six-star designation. (Think stunning over-water villas in the Maldives with private butlers). And bear in mind not all of a brand's properties are created equal when making assumptions about a chain's star category - newer hotels are usually more modern and deserving of a higher rating."
10 CARIBBEAN HOTELS THAT ARE FIT FOR A PRINCE - The Telegraph.
HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS BY REGION:
Antigua & Barbuda
- ANTIGUA - Wikipedia.
- Barbuda - Wikipedia.
Barbuda
 - K-Club - (1989-2004). "Robert de Niro plans to restore luxury beach resort once favoured by Princess Diana."
Bahamas
- BAHAMAS
Abaco
- THE ABACO CLUB - on Winding Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Managed Club. The Abaco Club's spectacular greens, designed by world-renowned links architects Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie, offer a thrilling Bahamas golf vacation experience. The par 72 championship layout blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, playing to a length of 7,183 yards.
Copperfield Bay
- MUSHA CAY - the most private-island resort in the world. It is located 85 miles southeast of Nassau. It is owned by illusionist David Copperfield.
Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles
- BONAIRE
Cayman Islands
- CAYMAN ISLANDS - Wikipedia.
- The Cayman Islands’ Only Five-Star Hotel Is Back After A Massive Renovation - "While the Cayman Islands closed for international tourists during much of the pandemic, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman took the opportunity to spend those two years renovating across its sprawling 144 acres."
Grand Cayman
 - The Ritz-Carlton - "Immerse yourself in luxury inspired by The Cayman Islands’ diversity and cultural richness at this sun-filled Caribbean haven. After a thoughtful, grand beautification project in 2021, the iconic resort has transformed, inspired by the islands’ history, culture and environmental elements through warm and colorful spaces that enliven the senses. Profound experiences and cherished memories await at this longstanding luxury resort in Grand Cayman."
Cuba
 - CUBA
Old Havana
- Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana - "Originally built between 1894 and 1917 as the first European style shopping arcade in Cuba, Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana is situated in the heart of the old Havana with a direct view of the Capitol and the Great Theatre of Havana and amidst UNESCO World Heritage sites."
 - HOTEL AMBROS MUNDOS - home to the popular writer Ernest Hemingway for seven years in the 1930s.
 - HOTEL HABANA RIVIERA - built in 1957 and still maintains its original 1950s style. It has twenty-one floors containing 352 rooms all of which feature views of the water. The hotel was originally owned by mobster Meyer Lansky who had been inspired to build it after visiting his friend, Moe Dalitz's nine-storey Riviera Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
 - HOTEL NACIONAL DE CUBA - historic luxury hotel founded in 1930. Among its first illustrious guests were artists, actors, athletes and writers such as Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Mickey Mantle, Johnny Weissmuller, Buster Keaton, Jorge Negrete, Agustín Lara, Rocky Marciano, Tyrone Power, Rómulo Gallegos, Errol Flynn, John Wayne, Marlene Dietrich, Gary Cooper, Marlon Brando and Ernest Hemingway. The hotel's reputation is backed by patrons such as Winston Churchill, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, scientist Alexander Flemming.
- HOTEL INGLATERRA - founded in 1908.
 - Hotel Plaza - one of Havana's oldest hotels.
- HOTEL SARATOGA CNT
St. Barthélemy | St. Barts, French West Indies
 - ‘A Beautiful Person:’ Why Sanctioned Russian Oligarch Roman Abramovich Finds Sympathy On St. Barts - "The Russian tycoon’s years of island spending and giving endeared him to a number of locals. They’re not the only ones whose love Abramovich has apparently bought."
- Billionaire Superyacht Showdown: Who’s Who In St. Barths For New Years 2023 - "The legendary superyacht showdown, started early with several high profile billionaires already anchored outside of Gustavia and neighboring St. Maarten, and Antigua. Many will stay throughout Christmas on the island of Antigua and then party with the traditional fireworks New Years Eve celebration in St Barths. Here is a selection of some of the largest yachts that are in and around St. Barths for the holidays. It is important to note that yachts are often privately chartered during the holidays, so you may never see their wealthy owners."
- Guide to St. Barths - "St. Barths has earned a reputation as a playground for the rich and famous. If you’re on the island, it’s likely that several famous faces are there right alongside you. It’s easy to see why: the town, Gustavía, is full of upscale restaurants with a focus on local seafood, the default for hotels is five stars, and the beach clubs provide quite the party. Considering you’re spoiled for choice, here’s where to stay, eat, and play if you’re lucky enough to be headed to the glamorous isle." Vogue.
- ST. BARTHÉLEMY - Wikipedia.
- ST. BARTs island tourism - "Official website of the Saint Barthélemy (St Barts) territorial committee."
St. Barthélemy
- Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France - since 1991. "Situated on the classically Caribbean Flamands Beach, this stunning 5 star property is a Maison in the prestigious Cheval Blanc portfolio, and epitomizes the island’s signature brand of casual sophistication. It is the proud recipient of the prestigious "Distinction Palace" designation. Bestowed by the French Ministry of Tourism, this honor recognizes a standard of excellence that enhances France’s image throughout the world. Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle De France is the only hotel in the region that holds this distinction."
 - EDEN ROCK - since 1947. "Home away from Home." With its spectacular location in St Jean Bay, Eden Rock - St Barths has been the byword for one-of-a-kind hospitality ever since mercurial French Caribbean aviator adventurer and occasional treasure-seeker Rémy de Haenen first welcomed guests to his Eden Rock home on the ocean, during the 1950s. The place quickly established itself as the preferred private and discreet bolt-hole of many glamourous Hollywood characters who quickly became friends of St Barths. Howard Hughes, Greta Garbo, Robert Mitchum, Gore Vidal, Baron Rothschild David & Peggy Rockfeller, Princess Lee Radziwill ... amongst numbers of other fine beautiful and talented men and women ... A sense of safety and freedom was established ... and of style ... and of casual elegance ... and of spirit ... and of ambition ... and all of which continues to this day and is strengthened now with the regular welcoming of very many current and similarly interesting and brilliant celebrity guests and friends of modern times.
- Le Toiny - since 1992. "Le Toiny offers you the privacy, the space and the safety that you require during your St Barths voyage.
22 unique, independent, self-standing ultra-comfortable Villa Suites will be available with one or two bedrooms. Each one offering a private pool, large terrace and overlooking wonderful Toiny Bay. Our beach club and restaurants will be offering exclusive service for guests staying on property. Be ready to enjoy a new wave of exclusivity and service like never before in Saint Bart’s."
 - Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barthsince 1986. Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth is a haven of casual luxury, comfort and elegance, cherished for its authentic reflection of the islands. Within this captivating landscape, vibrantly hued guest cottages are scattered along garden paths that wind through lush bougainvillea, hibiscus, and palms beside the sweeping beaches and reef-protected lagoon. The charming boutique resort offers two pools, the restorative Sense, A Rosewood Spa, an array of watersports, a fitness center, a tennis court, and the engaging Rosewood Explorers children’s club. The resort’s elegant restaurants and bars, including a new beachfront dining venue, offer freshly prepared, refined cuisine presented with unobtrusive service in stunning settings.
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