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Writer's pictureSarah Bergman

Hidden Gems of the Caribbean: Your Ultimate Guide to Off-the-Grid Paradise


No man is an island… but with a bit of research and planning, you can find an island that feels like it. Picture yourself in the Caribbean, where hidden gems await your discovery. Here’s our handpicked selection of off-the-beaten-path hideaways, perfect for day trips or extended escapes.


Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Floating just 13 miles off Cancun’s coast, Isla Mujeres is a treasure trove of history, adventure, and beachy bliss. Once a Mayan sanctuary and a pirate hideout, today it’s your paradise. Playa Norte’s white sands and crystal-clear waters are postcard-perfect. Art lovers, dive into the underwater sculpture garden. Stroll mural-lined streets filled with authentic eats and boutiques. And if your eyes wander to the sea, it’s calling you for deep-sea fishing, swimming with whale sharks, or snorkeling vibrant coral reefs.


Canouan, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines

In the heart of the Caribbean lies Canouan, a 3.5-mile-long island where tortoises outnumber the 1,200 residents. Known as the hideout for the ultra-rich, it’s also a snorkeling haven. The calm waters, protected by a mile-long barrier reef, are teeming with parrotfish, snappers, and eagle rays. Both Grand Bay Beach and South Glossy Beach offer serene spots to float among the marine life and curious brain coral.


Saba, The Netherlands

Saba is a volcanic gem just 12 minutes by plane from Saint Maarten. It may lack beaches (except for the seasonally appearing “Disappearing Beach”), but it’s a hiker’s dream. Lush rainforest trails lead to cloud-capped summits and scenic lookouts. Every twist and turn offers a new adventure, with mangos, bananas, and 60 species of birds adding to the island’s charm. A day trip here feels like stepping into another world.


Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua’s lesser-known sibling, Barbuda, offers pink-sand beaches, scenic sails, and fascinating ruins without the crowds. Don’t miss the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Codrington Lagoon National Park. Home to one of the world’s largest colonies of frigate birds, you’ll marvel at their quirky crimson throat pouches and striking black plumage. Accessible only by boat, this sanctuary turns everyone into an accidental birder.


Caye Caulker, Belize

A short ferry ride from Belize City, Caye Caulker embodies “island vibes.” The island’s motto, “Go slow,” reflects its laid-back charm. With sandy streets, reggae rhythms, and golf carts as primary transport, it’s the epitome of chill. The nearby Belize barrier reef beckons divers, while fishers can either charter a boat or enjoy world-class fly fishing from shore. Catch of the day? Any bar or restaurant will cook it up for you. The Split, a 20-foot channel dividing the island, is the social hub for sun-soaking, sipping drinks, and cooling off in turquoise waters.


Making the Most of Your Island Getaway

These hidden gems are best experienced with a well-planned base on a major island. Our agents can help you find the perfect resort (maybe an all-inclusive?), arrange day trips, and craft unforgettable adventures. Ready to discover your paradise? Let’s make it happen!

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