Top luxury island resort destinations in North America
Top luxury island resort destinations in North America
North America's luxury island scene splits between two very different settings, the Caribbean's turquoise coastline and Hawaii's volcanic islands out in the Pacific.
The Caribbean holds some of the region's most exclusive addresses, from St Barts, long popular with celebrities and known for its French influenced restaurants, to Turks and Caicos, where Grace Bay Beach anchors a string of high end resorts. The Bahamas add their own version, with private island resorts and pink sand beaches on islands like Harbour Island. Hawaii offers a different kind of luxury entirely, with Lanai in particular built almost entirely around two upscale resorts on an island still largely undeveloped elsewhere. Reaching the more remote islands in either region usually means a smaller connecting flight after the main airport.
The destinations on our list for North America reflect that same split between Caribbean glamour and Hawaii's quieter island luxury.
Lists by region
Island in Bahamas
Paradise Island
Turquoise Waters and Endless Thrills
Quieter than downtown Nassau, this small island sits across the harbour and is linked by two bridges. It was once called Hog Island and was renamed in 1959. Atlantis has a huge water park and marine habitats. The Ocean Club offers a quiet garden setting.
Outer Territory in United States
U.S. Virgin Islands
Caribbean Paradise with U.S. Convenience
Warm all year with highs near 30 degrees Celsius, these islands have steady trade winds. Virgin Islands National Park covers about 60 percent of St John. Trunk Bay has a snorkelling trail. St Thomas has upscale resorts and shopping. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so check travel insurance.
Country
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
One destination, 32 islands, countless possibilities
As a nation of more than 30 islands and cays, this country has many private escapes. Mustique is known for its villas and a small, polished resort. Bequia and Canouan have yacht harbours and beaches. Sailing between the islands is a favourite way to travel.
Outer Territory in United Kingdom
British Virgin Islands
Pristine sailing paradise with beaches
Located east of Puerto Rico, this territory has more than 50 islands and cays with calm, clear water. Luxury yachts and crewed charters sail between Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda. Granite boulders form the sea caves at The Baths. Private island resorts host small groups.
Island in Bahamas
Great Exuma Island
Crystal clear waters and tranquility
Quiet and laid back, this Bahamas island has long white beaches and shallow turquoise water. A large beachfront resort sits at Emerald Bay. Boat trips visit the swimming pigs on nearby Big Major Cay. Georgetown has small restaurants and the sailing harbour that fills with yachts in winter.
Island in United States
Lānaʻi
Privately owned paradise of contrasts
Dry and sunny for most of the year, this island has coastal highs near 28 degrees Celsius. Most of the island is privately owned and has few roads. Two luxury resorts offer golf, spas and ocean views. Spinner dolphins are common in Hulopoe Bay. Small planes and ferries from Maui reach the island.
Island in United States
Maui
Island of Sun, Surf and Serenity
Many resorts welcome guests with a fresh flower lei. Wailea has calm beaches, spas and upscale resorts on the sunny south shore. Kaanapali has a long beach in the west. Haleakalā crater, at 3,055 metres, needs a reservation for sunrise visits. Humpback whales pass the coast from winter to spring.
Island
St. Martin
Dual-Nation Beaches, Cuisine and Culture
Lively and varied, this island is shared by France and the Netherlands. The border between them is open. The French side has Grand Case restaurants and calm Orient Bay beaches. The Dutch side has duty free shopping in Philipsburg and planes landing over Maho Beach. Upscale resorts sit on quiet bays.
Island in Turks and Caicos Islands
Providenciales
Turquoise Waters Meet White-Sand Beaches
Located in the Turks and Caicos southeast of the Bahamas, this island has Grace Bay Beach. The beach stretches about 19 kilometres with soft white sand and shallow turquoise water. Resorts, spas and restaurants line the shore. Snorkelling reefs are close. Chalk Sound has bright blue water.
Island in United States
Kauai
Lush Landscapes and Secluded Beaches
As the fourth largest of the main Hawaiian islands, this island is known as the Garden Isle. Upscale resorts sit at Princeville and Poipu. The Na Pali Coast has green cliffs best seen by boat or helicopter. Waimea Canyon is a deep red gorge with waterfalls and lookouts.
Overseas Territory in France
Saint Barthélemy
Luxury Island with Caribbean Charm
French settlers arrived in 1648. Sweden ran the island from 1784 until 1878. The main town, Gustavia, is named for a Swedish king. Today the island is known for designer shops, private villas and boutique hotels. French food and euros add a European feel to the beaches.
Island in Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman
Crystal waters, stingrays and sunsets
Columbus sighted the Cayman Islands in 1503 and named them for sea turtles. Today this island has Seven Mile Beach, lined with upscale resorts and beach clubs. Stingray City lets guests wade with rays in shallow water. Fine dining and spas are close to the shore.
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