Welcome to the third instalment of our Lesser Known Islands series where we showcase Caribbean islands you may be less familiar with. We highlight why they're worth visiting and the incredible properties we have there. This week we're exploring four unmissable islands: Dominica, St. Eustatius, Aruba and St. Martin!
Dominica
There's a long list of reasons to discover Dominica, that's why the tourist board use the phrase "where everything to see is a must-see". Dominica is a mountainous Caribbean island with an abundance of natural hot springs and tropical rainforests creating lots of opportunities for adventure.
Visitors can find a volcanically heated, steam-covered Boiling Lake, the second-largest of its kind in the world, when visiting Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 200 feet wide and its depth unknown, the lake resembles a cauldron of furiously bubbling greyish-blue water superheated from the molten magma below the surface. The park also encompasses the Emerald Pool, Middleham Falls and narrow Titou Gorge where Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest “Cage of Bones” drop scene was filmed.
Where to Stay?
Secret Bay
Secret Bay is a leading boutique resort in the world and an acclaimed Relais & Châteaux property. The resort was named #1 Resort in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure. Spectacularly located on a clifftop, Secret Bay offers seclusion and a unique and extraordinary stay where the rainforest meets the sea. Guests can truly experience Dominica, “The Nature Island”, as it was intended.
This all-villa resort is comprised of elegantly appointed, residential-style villas, each with a private plunge pool and dedicated villa host, on-call concierge, chefs and guides, access to a secret beach and transformative experiences curated specifically for each guest. These award-winning villas are world-renowned for their artful fusion of high design and local craftsmanship, forming open-air luxury residences.
St Eustatius
St Eustatius, is an idyllic Dutch Caribbean island nestled between St Barths, St Kitts and St Martin. St Eustatius proves that good things come in small packages. This island is one of the smallest in the Caribbean at about 5 miles long and 2.5 miles wide but that doesn't mean it isn't packed with adventure. This island is dominated by the Quill, a dormant volcano and Quill National Park has incredible hiking trails along the ocean and around the volcano, which also features a rainforest and many species of orchid.
Unlike many Caribbean islands, St. Eustatius does not have miles of white sand but instead is surrounded by narrow volcanic beaches. Offshore, St. Eustatius has some of the most spectacular underwater marine parks in the world and the dive sites range from coral reefs to shipwrecks.
Where to Stay?
Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort
Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort is a 5-star eco-conscious property combining luxury, relaxation and adventure. St Eustatius is one of the last hidden secrets of the Caribbean, offering guests an authentic island experience. The resort spans 40 acres and is situated at the foot of the island's dormant volcano. The grounds offer an oasis of immaculate gardens beaming with over 130,000 flowers, plants and trees, creating a new ecosystem for local wildlife. The resort also has an in-house scuba diving centre, Statia Divers by Golden Rock Resort.
Golden Rock has a dedicated sustainability programme, with its own solar park, two reverse osmosis machines turn salt water into drinking water and Golden Rock's greenhouse is 20,000 ft2 and grows herbs, fruits and vegetables served in Breeze Restaurant.
Aruba
Aruba is a year-round Caribbean paradise and is most famous for its white sands, natural pools and seemingly never-ending stretches of jade and turquoise ocean, but there's more than just world-class beaches and always-perfect weather to look forward to.
For adventurers there is a sea full of life and shipwrecks and on land there's volcanic rock and sweeping desert to explore. Aruba is also the place to go if you want to see free roaming flamingos and even grab a selfie with the vibrant flock! For a slower pace, browse pastel streets lined with shows, shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
Where to Stay?
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
A tranquil and peaceful escape for exploring Aruba. Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort has been voted the Caribbean’s #1 resort for romance so is perfect for couples and honeymooners. This Adults-Only, eco-friendly, 4-diamond resort is nestled on the award winning Eagle Beach, one of the 'Dream Beaches of the World'. The cuisine is also a staple of any stay here but they don't offer all inclusive as the resort also believes exploring the local area is not to be missed.
Music is played at the beach bar and a free movie under the stars is showcased twice a week for romantic dates. These activities are ideal for couples and/or friends seeking a tranquil setting to enjoy the sound of the ocean and the breeze through the palms.
St Martin
St Martin is the smallest inhabited territory to be shared by two nations – French and Dutch. While the classic Caribbean charm radiates throughout, there’s a distinct cultural change as you cross from the North, with its French seaside feel to the South, Sint Maarten, which buzzes with the vibrancy of Amsterdam. St Martin overflows with a rich history, partnered with a backdrop of mountains, jungles and inviting waters.
Known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean because of 100 cultures and two nations fusing their ingredients and recipes together. Another benefit of being a binational island is not just having double the cuisine but also double the events! St Martin is the only island in the Caribbean with two carnivals, visit in February for the French side's carnival or join in April for its Dutch counterpart.
Where to Stay?
La Samanna, a Belmond Hotel
La Samanna, St Martin's most iconic resort, overlooks the secluded Baie Longue Beach, where turtles make their nests and hammocks sway among the palms. This resort is all about island glamour with a captivating cosmopolitan scene. The grand residence has recently been reimagined to offer the ultimate luxury Caribbean escape. If tranquillity, contentment and elegance is what guests are seeking they will be spoiled here. This Belmond resort elevates island living and everything here reflects the beauty of St Martin.
Stay tuned for more updates and developments as we continue to grow our Caribbean presence. As always, our reservations team are available should you have any questions or enquiries at
