7 Reasons To Find An Authentic Caribbean Escape

The Caribbean has so many beautiful attributes; the people, the beaches, the food, the rum. One of my favorite attributes is the fact that each island has it’s own personality. It doesn’t matter who you are, there’s an island that fits your vision of paradise.

If you’ve been a reader of this site for any length of time you’ll know that I like islands that are a little bit off the beaten track. If it’s a little difficult to get to, then chances are you’re going to find something really special. This story is all about finding that unique Caribbean experience, on an authentic Caribbean island, at a non-cookie cutter resort.

I was recently introduced to Elite Island Resorts, a company that has 7 resorts in the Caribbean and one in Panama. I had heard of several of the resorts before but didn’t know they were under one brand umbrella. The more I researched, the more I learned how unique Elite Island Resorts is and why their resorts attract people looking for a more authentic Caribbean experience.

The islands that Elite Island Resorts call home are Antigua, Barbados, The Grenadines, St. Lucia, and Tortola. In my mind these islands have that authentic, or off the beaten path personality. They aren’t huge cruise ports, they don’t have a ton of direct flights from many different US cities, and are generally a little harder to get to. These are the type of places that I usually migrate to when traveling to the Caribbean.

Galley Bay Resort & Spa – Antigua

Galley Bay Resort Antigua is an intimate choice that offers guests a refined, yet unpretentious atmosphere. The focal point is the three-quarter-mile Antigua white sand beach where you can recline in the shade of a palm tree and enjoy a refreshing rum drink.

The boutique property’s 98 guest rooms are set amid 40 acres of tropical gardens that give guests a sense of privacy. Most accommodations are tucked into the landscape along the beach, so your next swim is just a few steps across the sand. Galley Bay also has distinctive Gauguin cottages that offer lagoon views and have concealed individual plunge pools for private dips. This unique resort was named in the “Top 100 resorts of the World” and among the “Top 10 Best Resorts for Romance in the Caribbean” by the readers of TripAdvisor.com.

St. James’s Club – Antigua

St. James’s Club & Villas takes you back in time to the ambiance of true Caribbean. This well-known Antigua resort has a longstanding reputation for exceptional, caring service for singles, couples, and families. Tucked away on a secluded 100-acre peninsula on the southeastern coast of Antigua, attractions such as English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights are all just a quick 15 minute drive away.

The Verandah Resort & Spa – Antigua

Nestled along Antigua’s pristine northeast coast, this eco-friendly luxury resort encompasses 30 beachfront acres traversed by hiking trails and bordered by Devil’s Bridge National Park with its dramatic landmark rock arch.

Whether you choose a suite tucked away in a beautiful tropical garden, or one that is overlooking the sea, you will be surrounded by Caribbean charm. All suites feature a King sized bed, queen sleeper sofa, a sense of spaciousness and elegant touches. Plus, all suites have a signature verandah to take in all of the breathtaking scenery.

The Club Barbados – Barbados

The Club, Barbados offers an island casual all-inclusive stay for adults-only. The resort is located on the west coast of Barbados, just 20 minutes from the capital city of Bridgetown. This chic resort spoils guests with five acres of lush tropical gardens and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. The Club features a wide selection of activities including three freshwater swimming pools, jacuzzi, spa, sauna, tennis and watersports.

St. James’s Club, Morgan Bay – St. Lucia

St. James’s Club Morgan Bay is set amid 25 acres of tropical gardens tucked into a private cove on the northern coast of St. Lucia. The all-inclusive, beachfront resort features 345 guestrooms and suites, offering stunning ocean and colorful garden views. The well-appointed accommodations span a variety of categories, including one bedroom suites and family suites. Each offers all the comforts of home paired with uniquely Caribbean décor and friendly service.

For adventurous guests, a variety of off-property excursions can be arranged, including zip lines, jeep safari tours, rain forest treks with sky rides in open-air gondolas and nature encounters with dolphins, whales and more. With so many offerings, Morgan Bay ensures that guests will return home with fond memories of St. Lucia.

Palm Island Resort – The Grenadines

I would say that Palm Island Resort is the most exclusive resort in the Elite Island collection of properties. This idyllic tropical hideaway is on a private island situated near the southern tip of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This special property has five white sand beaches yet only 43 charmingly tailored guest rooms. This is the very definition of getting away from it all, yet still being taken care of.

At the World Travel Awards it was named ‘The World’s Leading Private Island’. Caribbean Travel & Life ranks it amongst the Caribbean’s ‘most romantic resorts’. Travel & Leisure says it is ‘one of the best places to stay in the world’. Palm Island Resort is a very special place.

Long Bay Beach Club, Tortola – The British Virgin Islands

It is all about the beach at Long Bay Beach Club and all accommodations offer stunning views of this popular BVI beach.

Long Bay Beach Club epitomizes the tropical informality and natural beauty of the British Virgin Islands. Hidden away on Long Bay Beach, one of the island’s finest stretches of sand. Long Bay Beach Club is perfect for families seeking an island retreat. Pampering, ocean views, adventure, relaxation, quality time with loved ones, and smiling faces come standard at Long Bay Beach Club.

The island’s colonial history is reflected throughout, such as the main building suggestive of a plantation house, the beach restaurant set in an 18th-century sugar mill. In addition to historic elements, Long Bay’s leisure activities and dining fulfill all the requirements of a contemporary tropical resort.

Seven different resorts, five different islands that haven’t been overrun by the massive tourist machine. Each one offering guests a unique stay, not just an average cookie-cutter experience that you could get anywhere. That’s why I’m drawn to this brand. All of the resorts are all-inclusive except for Long Bay which offers an add-on all-inclusive package if desired.

If you have stayed at one of these resorts I’d love to hear what you thought.

Elite Island Resorts manages 7 resorts on 5 islands to create 1 authentic Caribbean experience. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway with that special someone or planning a family vacation, Elite Island Resorts has the perfect all-inclusive beachfront resort to match your needs! Mention this blog between May 12, 2014 and June 23, 2014 when booking a 7 night or greater stay + airfare at any of our resorts, and receive a $550 airfare credit per room.

*Promotion is subject to availability. Some restrictions may apply.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Elite Island Resorts. The opinions and text are all mine.