The 2019/2020 Resort Report: Carib Chic
Chances are you’re somewhere sipping a warm drink, wishing outside wasn’t colder than your freezer. Or maybe because global warming is real it’s unseasonably warm and you’re just confused. Either way, it’s time to plan your winter 2019/2020 escape and the Caribbean is calling. Check out our top 4 islands to escape to this resort season, plus where to stay and most importantly—what to wear, featuring local designers.
JAMAICA
One of the first islands to build a major hospitality industry, Jamaica doesn’t often get the love it deserves as it’s home to a slew of more “vacation in a box” brands. Look past the glossy brochures and you will discover an island embracing all things local as a way to assert its identity from foreign influence—from artists to fashion and most recently, hospitality.
Stay. Fly into Montego bay and take the scenic drive to Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach and check-in to The Skylark Negril, sister to the island’s legendary Rockhouse Resort. Inspired by Northern Jamaica’s 1960 and 70’ heyday when northern Jamaica was a music industry hideaway, rooms are bright and spacious, with the beach literally at your fingertips. And if you love the vibe of New York City’s famed Miss Lily’s restaurants, you’ll feel right at home with their outpost, complete with views of the water. I had a chance to dine their on my birthday in 2018 and can tell you to come hungry! Rates start at $175/night.
Jae Jolly
Style. When it comes to the beach, anything can happen in Jamaica. One minute you’re lazing the day away in the sun and the next? You’re in a bar that just turned into the evening’s local turn-up. Be sure to hit up local designer Jae Jolly for the best in resort styles that can take you from the beach to the dance-floor in true Jamaican fashion with an array of colorful jumpsuits/coverups, caftans, breezy dresses and more.
ST. VINCENT / BEQUIA
When it comes time to explore St. Vincent, the key decision is “where” as St. Vincent and The Grenadines (the official name) is made up of 32 islands total. While the main island, St. Vincent is the main hub, smaller islands like Mustique, Canouan and Bequia are definitely climbing on the international travel radar thanks to some major hotel openings in the last few years. Come for the sun, but stay for the music, food and quiet charm of St. Vincent and its people. See it all for yourself before one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets gets out!
Stay. Cotton House, The Liming, Firefly…there are plenty of properties that are on a first name basis with travelers, but when it comes down to something cheap and chic all roads lead to the Bequia Beach Hotel. Situated right on the beach, this family-run hotel is a 10-acre paradise on Friendship Bay, with a view of Mustique. Have your pick of a classic room, a bevy of suites and villas that cater to all sizes of groups and ages, and be sure to use their private aircraft and yacht should you need a life from Barbados (just a hop away!), St. Vincent or St. Lucia. Rates start at $262/night but rise in prime winter season (Jan/Feb.)
Style. Before jetting off to Bequia fly into St. Vincent and stop by Poshelle to pick up everything you need to slay on the beach, from fly jumpsuits to breezy dresses. And because St. Vincent and the Grenadines is known for having some of the best fetes in the Caribbean, be sure to get something custom that will turn heads!
GRENADA
Grenada aka “The Spice Island” rightfully so lives up to it’s name not only for it’s bounty of nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, allspice, cocoa and more, but when you step out from the culinary side you’ll see that this island’s entire energy is brimming with flavor. Perfect for beach and nature lovers alike, start on Grenada’s famous Grand Anse Beach for the views, but be sure to journey high up into mountains to get a taste of why I’ve been dying to return to “Greenz” for year now.
Stay. While it’s true that “you get what you pay for” doesn’t always apply to hotels, Laluna Boutique Hotel is worth every penny with it’s modern-rustic appeal, variety of luxe amenities and semi-private location that spares you the crowded “hotel on hotel” feel that can happen on overdeveloped beachfronts. This seclusion also means that there are no rooms a Laluna, only an array of chic cottages and villas because we are trying to escape the world right? Rockhouse lovers, meet your Grenadian counterpart. Rates start at $435/night in the winter season.
Style. When it comes to the Spice Island, there’s one brand that comes to mind as it can be found in the closet of every “it girl” at the moment—Fe Noel. The namesake line of Grenadian designer Felisha Noel, her collection of breezy pants and robes, swimmies, tropical prints and collaborations with artists like Harmonia Rosales are perfect for the woman who’s passport is always ready. Perfect for a warm night under the stars in St. George!
BARBADOS
Admittedly I’m a little biased but I saved the best for last. Being a “Bajan by marriage” for the last few yearshas given me a truly inside look at what was already one of my favorite islands since Parlour helped to launch the Food & Rum festival back in 2011 aka how I met hubs. Since then I’ve learned to love an island that changes with each parish and rum shop, a culture that goes way beyond it’s idyllic beaches, and people with a spirit that you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else.
Stay. In BIM, when it comes to choosing a hotel it’s all about location. Staying on the east coast will cost you taxi-wise if you fancy the people watching and calm waters of the west coast. The north side may have all the views—but you’re pretty far from everything else. This is why I like to recommend that unless on a surf-trip or a mission to truly disconnect, aim for a lower west or south coast property that gives a little bit of everything. And there you will find Bougainvillea Barbados with it’s modern, ocean-inspired rooms, Maxwell beachfront access, yummy Thai restaurant (who knew!) and proximity to Barbados must-sees like Oistin’s, The Gap and more.
Style. Since all beaches in Barbados are public by law and Nikki Beach Barbados is a total vibe, you’re gonna need swimsuits that are ultra cute and functional. So right after you leave Grantley Adams, be sure to direct your taxi to Suga Apple Swim on the south coast and see what Kim has in stock. Known for her curve-loving designs, inclusive range and fun prints, Suga Apple is a favorite of travel mavens worldwide. She also does custom work, plus mommy, daddy and me collections to get the whole family ready in style.