5 Dream Worthy Caribbean Hotels

If there’s one thing that can be said about us Canadians it’s that we know winter.  Whether you’re the type who embraces it or the kind who raises their mittens in surrender, the fact remains. It stands to reason then, that all these years of sleet and snow would affect us in some way, right? In my case, I think it triggered my imagination. Show me a slush-covered street and I can picture a white sand beach. Warm fire with hot cup of cocoa? Lounge chair with a cold beer. It’s a talent.

But sometimes a hotel is so good that there is no imagination required. These five Caribbean beauties deliver on dream-worthy stays that will keep you going all winter long.

Parrot Cay by Como

Where: Turks and Caicos

Star rating: 5

Dream Factor:  A luxury resort set on its own private island.

Need to know: The resort is a consistent award winner and specializes in pampering. From gourmet cuisine to holistic spa treatments.  Pick from their rooms, suites or beach villas spread out along the 1,000 acres of lush Caribbean island. A mile-long white sand beach completes the picture. The Shambhala Retreat spa offering (think Ayurveda, Japenese baths, yoga rooms…) helps make sure you settle in nicely. Seclusion, privacy and pampering.

Peter Island Resort and Spa

Where: St. Thomas

Star Rating: 5

Dream Factor: 1,800 acres of private island (only 300 are developed!) with five white sand beaches.

Need to Know:  You’ll need to take a 30 minute ride across the turquoise waters from Tortola to get here and then you may never want to leave. Peter Island Resort  and Spa allows you to travel back in time to a Caribbean that’s much harder to find now.  Families are welcome and the island is an ideal starting point for a an exploration of the area by charter.

Sandals Resorts

Where: Barbados

Star Rating: 5

Dream Factor: Huge firepits surrounded by snuggling couples, a choice of international cuisine and sunsets that wow every evening.

Need to Know: The Sandals brand is synonymous with luxury -included couples travel and the new Barbados location won’t disappoint.  Set on Dover Beach, guests have access to 11 Signature restaurants including the brand’s first India Restaurant, The Bombay Club and owner Butch Stewart’s signature steak house “Butch’s ChopHouse.” Trained butlers, balconies with soaking tubs and a romance factor you’ll miss the moment you leave round out the offerings. It’s date night every night here.

Curtain Bluff

Where: Antigua

Star Rating: 5

Dream Factor:  The Spa at Curtain Bluff is 5,000 square feet of pampering high above the Caribbean Sea.

Need to Know: There are only 72 rooms at this property but in most of them is a guest who has been there before. The hotel boasts a more than 60 percent return rate for guests and many claim it’s the high level of service and comfort that bring them back.  The other big draws: A renowned tennis program and an all-inclusive (even scuba diving and deep-sea fishing) price.

Rosewood at Baha Mar

Where: Bahamas

Star Rating: 5

Dream Factor:  British inspired luxurious service set against 3,000 square feet coastline of gorgeous Cable Beach.

Need to Know:  This dream is yet to be realized but so highly anticipated. The resort will be part of the Baha Mar – a 5-hotel resort complex with 40 restaurants, bars and lounges.  Expected to be launched this year, it will mark the biggest tourism move to happen in Nassau since Paradise Island. Go big and book the 3,100 square foot beachfront villa: 4 bedrooms, private chef, butler and assistant along with a private pool and steps from the sea. You’ll need to be pinched to believe it.