6 Most Thrilling Destinations to Explore in the Caribbean in 2024

Think you know the Caribbean? Think again! With countless islands to discover, here are six that deserve your attention in 2024. Each of these locations offers unique experiences, from advancements in sustainability to transformative hotel openings.

Here are the top six must-see spots in the Caribbean for your 2024 travels.

1. Aruba

Aruba’s Carnival, celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2024, features most festivities in January and February. Expect vibrant costumes and exciting events such as the Grand Tumba Contest and the Children’s Grand Carnival Parade. If you're joining the celebrations in Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, be sure to visit its restaurant row. Caya House, located in a renovated Cunucu house, serves a delightful blend of modern Peruvian and Caribbean cuisine with a sophisticated cocktail menu, while Azar specializes in open-fire cooking. New to the island's culinary scene is Pepe Margo, an artisanal distillery that honors Aruba’s heritage by crafting unique spirits within a historic building.

Excitement is building around Aruba’s upscale offerings. Notably, the Spanish brand Iberostar is set to unveil its first resort in the Dutch Caribbean in 2024.

Accommodation options

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba has recently undergone a significant renovation, introducing new amenities like rum-tasting experiences hosted by skilled mixologists.

2. British Virgin Islands

In a historic milestone, American Airlines has launched the first-ever direct flights from Miami to Beef Island, making travel to the British Virgin Islands much easier. Additionally, Tradewind Aviation, a luxury private jet carrier in the Caribbean, plans to introduce nonstop service between San Juan and Virgin Gorda for added convenience.

While exploring the BVI’s roughly 60 islands, visitors can indulge in a vibrant food scene that is recovering from Hurricane Irma’s impact. Check out Tortola’s Taste the BVI, a restaurant by Riiah Durante, an eighth-generation descendant of Salt Island, featuring dishes made with ingredients sourced from local farmers. The BVI Food Fete has also expanded to a year-round celebration, including events like the Taste of Virgin Gorda and Taste of Tortola food festivals, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for adventurers.

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A focus on wellness luxury is highlighted by the recent opening of the Aerial on Buck Island, the British Virgin Islands’ first fully all-inclusive resort, offering amenities such as yoga, horseback riding, and an innovative beach gym.

Keep an eye out: In 2024, a Caribbean legend will return with the reopening of Peter Island Resort. After nearly seven years of renovations, this exclusive island getaway will feature beachfront accommodations, a revamped spa, two new dining options, and a yacht club.

3. Grenada

The Spice Island is celebrating 50 years of independence, creating a vibrant atmosphere for this exciting golden anniversary. One of Grenada’s highlights is the Molinière Underwater Sculpture Park, the first of its kind in the world, which recently introduced a significant expansion featuring 25 new sculptures titled “Coral Carnival,” inspired by the annual festival.

The launch of Six Senses La Sagesse—scheduled for May 2024—promises to be a major highlight, not only for Grenada but for the entire region. This wellness-oriented resort marks Six Senses’ first property in North America, featuring self-sufficiency and a commitment to being plastic-free, with offerings such as waterfall meditation. Additionally, the 28-room Silversands Beach House, also set to open in 2024, combines contemporary style with a touch of Polynesian flair in its cliffside and beachfront accommodations.

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While awaiting the opening of Six Senses La Sagesse and Silversands Beach House, consider staying at Silversands Resort. Located on the pristine Grand Anse Beach, it boasts one of the longest pools in the Caribbean.

4. Martinique

Martinique, an island in the Lesser Antilles, has recently reaffirmed its status as a UNESCO-designated treasure for the third time in just a few years. In 2020, its traditional sailboat, the yole, was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage. The following year, the entire island was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its stunning natural beauty. Most recently, the majestic volcanoes and lush forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique were added to UNESCO’s esteemed World Heritage List.

Martinique is also a fantastic destination for rum tasting. The island's newest distillery, Braud & Quennesson, is the revival of a historic Le Marin factory that dates back to the 19th century, joining over a dozen other artisanal rum producers on this small island.

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In 2023, the Sable Bleu hotel enhanced the charm of Le Marin on the southern Caribbean coast by becoming the first hotel in the town. Meanwhile, in the beach town of Le Carbet, MadiCreoles has undergone renovations and reopened, enriching Martinique's cultural landscape with its 22 apartments offering stunning sea views.

5. Dominica

Dominica, known as the Nature Island, aims to become the world’s first climate-resilient nation by 2030, making it a prime destination for nature lovers. The island has recently launched the Waitukubuli Sea Trail, the Caribbean's first dedicated sea kayaking route, spanning 40 miles of stunning coastline. Additionally, Dominica is set to introduce the world’s longest cable car system in 2024, a 4.1-mile journey from Roseau Valley to Boiling Lake, offering spectacular views in just 20 minutes.

The upcoming luxury resorts on the island are designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings. Tranquility Beach will feature 99 stylish rooms, including cliffside villas and luxurious treehouses. Anichi Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, a 128-room resort situated on 12 acres along Picard Beach, promises upscale amenities like swim-up suites. Meanwhile, the historic Fort Young Hotel is nearing completion of an $18 million renovation, which will include a rooftop wellness garden and a cellar specializing in ocean-aged rum and wine.

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Secret Bay is dedicated to sustainability and protecting its environment, featuring villas thoughtfully constructed within the rainforest and a tree house-style spa. It has recently introduced eight new villas, an energy-efficient funicular offering breathtaking views of the rainforest, and a chef’s table experience set amidst its organic gardens.

6. The Bahamas

This archipelago of 700 islands is a perfect destination for first-time visitors to the Caribbean, primarily due to its excellent accessibility. There are numerous flight options for those traveling to the Bahamas, including JetBlue's new nonstop routes from Los Angeles and New York City's LaGuardia to Nassau, along with American Airlines’ inaugural direct flights from Miami to Eleuthera.

Cruise lovers have plenty to celebrate as well: Nassau’s cruise port has recently undergone a $300 million renovation, allowing it to accommodate larger ships and providing travelers with a glimpse of Bahamian culture (be sure to visit the Museum of Junkanoo and the various locally-owned shops and eateries). Plan your visit in March to experience the annual Nassau Paradise Island Food & Wine Festival, hosted by Atlantis Paradise Island—it's the largest culinary event in Bahamian history.

Accommodation options

Offering a trio of hotels in one—luxurious Rosewood, trendy SLS, and family-friendly Grand Hyatt—alongside a sprawling, thrilling water park and a wide array of dining options, Baha Mar caters to every kind of traveler.