New Caribbean Resorts to Keep on Your Radar for Winter Getaways

Summer is winding down, which means we have only a couple months of temperate fall weather before winter makes its chilling return (at least for most of us here in the Northeast).

Looking ahead to the upcoming winter season, what’s better than to escape from the bitter cold by heading down to the Caribbean where the sun is always shining? Travel agents can help their clients plan an escape to one of these luxurious island hideaways, and get a dose of vitamin D to quell the winter blues.

Whether recently opening, or coming online just in time for the winter season, these buzzed-about hotels and resorts in destinations throughout the Caribbean are worthy of keeping on your radar.

TRS Coral Hotel, Mexico
Palladium Hotel Group’s The Royal Suites Coral Hotel, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, is located on the northeast coast of the Mexican Caribbean in the idyllic Costa Mujeres, just a short ride from vibrant Cancun. Surrounded by a virgin beach and mangroves, the property — set to open in November — has 469 guestrooms, each with a balcony or terrace, whirlpool bath, direct access to exclusive swim-up pools and views over the landscape. The sprawling resort is also home to six restaurants; a Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, which will offer training programs adapted to all ages and levels; and the Zentropia by Palladium Spa & Wellness, which spans more than 43,000 square feet.

Guestroom at TRS Coral Hotel. Photo: Palladium Hotel Group

Silversands, Grenada
The Silversands Grenada will be the first new resort on the famed Grande Anse beach in 25 years, when it opens in November. Clean lines are a constant throughout the all-suite resort, from the property’s sleek modern architecture to the minimalist design in its 43 suites. An artfully designed, Olympic-sized, 100-meter outdoor infinity pool boasts the designation of the longest such pool in the Caribbean. For those seeking some R&R, the spa has four treatment rooms, a hammam (a Turkish bath), and its own private swimming pool.

The 100-metre pool is the largest in the Caribbean. Photo: Leading Hotels of the World

The Liming Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
An oasis unto its own, The Liming Bequia will make its debut in November on the tiny island of Bequia in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the property has 13 spacious villas with an infinity pool, each a retreat with the privacy afforded by an exclusive Caribbean island. Guests can also splash out at the five-bedroom mansion — named Gingerlily and set upon a ridge overlooking Mustique to the south and St. Vincent to the north — with its five en suite bedrooms, a private plunge pool and a fresh water swimming pool. The hotel’s restaurant serves ocean-to-table seafood and island-picked fruit and seasonal vegetables.

The Great Room in the five bedroom villa. Photo: SLH

Rosewood Baha Mar, Bahamas
The long-awaited Rosewood Baha Mar is a luxurious respite along Nassau’s Cable Beach in the Bahamas. Part of the larger Baha Mar complex, the resort features 233 rooms and suites, each boasting their own private patios or terraces, and a collection of three-bedroom and six-bedroom beachfront villas with their own private plunge pools. Guests can dine at Commonwealth, a farm-to-table eatery; the Mexican-inspired Costa; or the Library, a cafe and tea room. Other amenities include the brand’s signature Sense by Rosewood Spa, two pools and a fitness center.

Guestrooms and suites boast their own private patios or terraces. Photo: Rosewood

Iberostar Grand Packard, Cuba
Iberostar’s latest five-star property will be housed in a historic hotel located in the heart of Old Havana on Paseo del Prado. The building, dating back to 1911 under the name the Hotel Biscuit, underwent a “sensitive restoration” and expansion, preserving its original architecture. The Iberostar Grand Packard will offer 321 rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, three bars and six restaurants including Mediterranean and tapas options, when it opens in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Views from the outdoor pool. Photo: Iberostar

Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, Antigua
Hodges Bay Resort & Spa marks Elegant Hotels’ first foray into Antigua. On the island’s north coast, the contemporary property spans nine acres of lush gardens. It has 79 rooms, apartments and villas. Of the resort’s two pools, an adults-only infinity edge pool boasts views out onto the beach. Guests can also choose to spend an indulgent afternoon at one of the spa’s treatment rooms or outdoor pavilions for a holistic treatment. Dining options range from a tapas bar to an upscale international restaurant.

The contemporary resort is on the island's north coast. Photo: Hodges Bay Resort & Spa