Some of the Best Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean has a way of getting under your skin in the best possible way. Maybe it’s the warm breeze that hits you the moment you step off the plane, or the way time seems to slow down just enough for you to finally take that deep breath you didn’t know you needed. But beyond the postcard views, the region is full of fascinating surprises that most visitors never see.

For instance, some islands still bake bread in centuries-old village ovens, while others have tiny rum shops where locals gather to debate everything from cricket scores to who makes the best pepper sauce. You’ll find markets bursting with spices you’ve never heard of but will want in your kitchen forever, and hidden coves that don’t show up on Google Maps (locals will happily point you there if you ask). And then there’s the food—fresh-caught mahi, coconut bakes, smoky barbecues, and fruit so sweet you’ll wonder how anything ripened in grocery stores at home.

So whether you’re dreaming of island-hopping, waterfall chasing, barefoot beach days, or simply reconnecting with yourself somewhere warm, these Caribbean gems offer a little something extra beyond the brochure.