5 Hidden Caribbean Islands for a Peaceful Getaway

A Caribbean escape doesn't have to involve battling crowds or checking off popular tourist spots from your social media feed. There are Caribbean nations that avoid hosting mega cruise ships, ensuring a more tranquil experience away from the hustle and bustle of spring break crowds and towering hotels.

On these lesser-known Caribbean islands, you'll find solitude, a close connection with nature, and authentic insights into local life—ranging from vibrant marketplaces filled with vendors to cozy bars serving rum punch and other local delights.

These destinations boast rich cultural traditions, dedicated locals, and a smaller number of travelers who have been returning for years, and for good reason. Continue reading to discover activities and attractions in each location.

1. St. Kitts

St. Kitts, the larger of the two islands in St. Kitts and Nevis, provides plenty of activities for both day and night. Start your morning with a hike up the dormant Mount Liamuiga located on the island's western side, or enjoy a scenic journey on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, the last railway of its kind in the Caribbean. Passengers can indulge in a three-hour historical tour while sipping complimentary cocktails.

In the afternoon, visit the vibrant Public Market for fresh produce on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and later, unwind at the Strip, a lively area of oceanfront bars and restaurants buzzing with energy. During December, the island bursts into life with its annual carnival, Sugar Mas.

Where to stay

Nestled on the pristine sands of Banana Bay, the Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour features 124 rooms and suites, some equipped with private rooftop pools and sundecks. Guests can enjoy tailored experiences such as private cooking lessons and starlit dining with stunning views of the sky and neighboring Nevis.

2. Little Corn Island, Nicaragua

Located about 50 miles off the eastern coast of Nicaragua, Little Corn Island spans roughly 1.5 square miles. This small island is rich in dense mangroves, vibrant jungles, and a crystal-clear sea perfect for snorkeling among its coral reefs.

Getting to this gem isn't straightforward. First, you'll fly to Nicaragua's capital, Managua, then take a 90-minute flight to its larger neighbor, Big Corn Island. Finally, a 30-minute boat ride will get you to Little Corn Island.

Book your stay at Yemaya Reefs, a beachfront boutique hotel featuring 16 charming casitas and gently swaying palm trees. You can spend your day lounging in a hammock by the sea or participating in various activities offered on-site, such as yoga, forest hikes, snorkeling, or enjoying a relaxing massage with the soothing sound of waves in the background.

Yemaya also honors local culture with Garifuna dancers and musicians performing during a weekly bonfire beach dinner. This car-free Little Corn Island features a few other bars and restaurants that come to life at night, including the relaxed atmosphere of Café Desideri.

Where to stay

Yemaya Reefs boasts 16 suites, with some accommodations offering private plunge pools and outdoor showers.

3. Grenada

Known as the Spice Isle of the Caribbean due to its rich supply of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, Grenada is bursting with flavor, culture, and stunning natural beauty. Located north of Trinidad & Tobago, you can spot Grenada frogs and mona monkeys in places like Grand Etang National Park & Forest Reserve, a mountainous area with scenic hiking trails. Just a 30-minute drive away, the 17th-century Belmont Estate offers tours showcasing the process of turning cocoa into chocolate.

Chocolate enthusiasts can indulge in various experiences across the island, such as a rum and chocolate pairing at True Blue Bay or a rejuvenating cocoa bath soak at the spa. The annual Chocolate Festival in May features nine days filled with tastings and tours of cocoa fields. Grenada also hosts Spicemas, an exuberant Carnival every August, showcasing vibrant costumes, the lively beats of soca music, and events like J’ouvert that celebrate the resilience and heritage of enslaved individuals.

For dining, Dexter’s serves delectable dishes like dorado accompanied by plantain cakes, crafted by chef Dexter Burrus, who has over 30 years of culinary experience. At BB’s Crabback, you must try the crabback—seasoned crab meat served in its shell—and oildown, a hearty one-pot stew filled with salted meat and fresh vegetables.

Where to stay

For larger gatherings, the four-bedroom Villa Solitaire is the perfect option, boasting a spacious two-acre setting and stunning ocean vistas. The Black-owned Spice Island Beach Resort, featuring 64 suites, is situated right on the renowned Grand Anse Beach. Don't miss the nightly offerings at Oliver’s, which specializes in Creole Caribbean cuisine, with highlights like braised rabbit legs and banana sorbet.

4. Sint Eustatius

Commonly referred to as “Statia” by locals, this island lies between St. Kitts and St. Bart’s. Perfect for adventurous spirits, St. Eustatius features over 10 square miles of protected marine reserve, where divers can encounter nurse sharks, turtles, and shipwrecks among its 36 dive sites. The dormant Quill volcano offers numerous hiking trails and breathtaking views of the island, alongside a rainforest teeming with diverse flora, fauna, and unique birds like the bridled quail dove.

Oranjestad, the capital of the island, features a historic downtown area linked by charming cobblestone streets. This vibrant hub is home to various bars and restaurants, including the outdoor Ocean View Terrace, known for its delicious baked snapper topped with shrimp sauce.

Where to stay

Opened in 2021, the island’s first luxury boutique resort, Golden Rock, boasts 70 rooms, suites, and cottages set within 40 acres of lush gardens. The resort incorporates sustainable practices, such as solar panels and reverse osmosis systems that convert salt water into potable water. Guests can partake in activities like hiking to the nearby Quill, snorkeling, or savoring fresh seafood at Breeze Restaurant.

Long Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

While Provo—the traveler’s entry point to the 40+ islands and cays of Turks and Caicos—is far from undiscovered, the stunning Grace Bay Beach has often overshadowed other idyllic shores. Long Bay has emerged as a hotspot for kiteboarding and family paddleboarding, boasting year-round breezes and shallow waters that allow you to wade out a kilometer without getting deeper than your knees. Look for Big Blue Collective at the Shore Club for kiteboarding lessons (ask for Tom). Rent a car at the airport, make Long Bay your home base, and uncover the island's hidden gems—like the rugged coastal cliffs of Cooper Jack Bay, the world’s third-largest barrier reef just offshore from the new Andaz Residences, and Da Conch Shack on the North Shore for the best sea-to-table conch fritters. Consider chartering a boat to reach Dellis Cay and Parrot Cay for serene inlets, beach picnics, and snorkeling. Pro tip: Secure SkyPass’s Fast Track before your arrival to breeze through immigration in just 15–20 minutes instead of hours.

Where to stay

The Shore Club on Long Bay Beach offers multiple pools and interconnected rooms, setting a high bar for resorts in Provo. Beach Enclave features exceptional butler-serviced villas accommodating 2 to over 10 guests, perfect for family getaways with private infinity pools, beachfront yoga, personal paddleboards and kayaks, and chef-prepared dinners. This is barefoot luxury—tracking sand inside is no big deal. They provide Sun Bum SPF, pool toys, Le Labo bath products, and deep soaking tubs for your post-sun relaxation.

This article was initially published in August 2023 and updated with new insights in August 2024. Reporting on Turks & Caicos was contributed by Laura Dannen Redman.