10. TURKS & CAICOS
Readers’ Choice Rating: 79.4
Scenery: 77.9
Friendliness: 81.3
Atmosphere: 77.8
Restaurants: 71.5
Lodging: 84.2
Activities: 74.5
Beaches: 88.7
Readers describe these tropical islands as “exquisitely clean and unspoiled,” highlighting the “crystal blue waters” and “white powder sand.” Comb the beaches for their signature conch shells before stopping at reader favorite Jack’s Shack for a mojito.
9. ANTIGUA
Readers’ Choice Rating: 79.9
Scenery: 83.3
Friendliness: 82.5
Atmosphere: 80.8
Restaurants: 67.3
Lodging: 82.8
Activities: 74.0
Beaches: 85.6
This “vacation paradise” boasts “friendly people” and “a friendly environment.” As one reader put it, Antigua has so many beaches that “there’s somewhere gorgeous to spend every day of the year.”
8. VIEQUES
Readers’ Choice Rating: 80.2
Scenery: 92.3
Friendliness: 84.6
Atmosphere: 87.7
Restaurants: 57.4
Lodging: 70.5
Activities: 73.4
Beaches: 92.2
“Deserted, undeveloped beaches are the draw here” during the day, and at night, the bioluminescent bay is a “sight that is truly out-of-this-world.” “A real find,” say our readers; “Vieques is a place to get away from it all and just relax on the most beautiful beaches and be entertained and greeted by the friendly locals.”
7. ANGUILLA
Readers’ Choice Rating: 82.9
Scenery: 82.5
Friendliness: 84.8
Atmosphere: 85.4
Restaurants: 76.1
Lodging: 88.1
Activities: 72.1
Beaches: 90.8
“Need to unwind” or “reconnect with yourself?” Readers recommend Anguilla, where “the island’s untouched beauty is only surpassed” by that of the “world-class resorts.” “Lively inhabitants,” warm “island weather” and “simply stunning beaches” have our readers calling Anguilla “one of the last hidden paradises.”
6. ST. BARTS
Readers’ Choice Rating: 83.1
Scenery: 89.9
Friendliness: 69.9
Atmosphere: 86.2
Restaurants: 87.4
Lodging: 89.3
Activities: 74.5
Beaches: 87.2
In addition to “postcard beaches,” “beautiful villas,” and fish so fresh “you could taste,” our readers found St. Barts offered a “great cultural experience.” The “lovely getaway” gives visitors the impression that they’re “living a dream the entire trip.”
5. ST. LUCIA
Readers’ Choice Rating: 83.4
Scenery: 91.1
Friendliness: 85.0
Atmosphere: 84.2
Restaurants: 73.4
Lodging: 85.4
Activities: 80.3
Beaches: 81.2
St. Lucia truly is “a beautiful island with diverse scenery, from rainforests to beaches,” as one reader observes. Whether it’s the “black-sand beaches,” the “gorgeous tropical flowers,” or even the sweet “smell of mangoes” in the air that gets you, St. Lucia will soon have a “fond place” in your “heart.” Remember to visit the Pitons, twin volcanic peaks rising out of the ocean, which our readers found “magical at sunset.”
4. BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Readers’ Choice Rating: 84.2
Scenery: 93.6
Friendliness: 86.4
Atmosphere: 89.9
Restaurants: 71.6
Lodging: 84.9
Activities: 83.5
Beaches: 89.0
The “warm island breezes” and “clear waters” make these islands a “heaven” for sailing enthusiasts. Charter a captained vessel or go bareboating if you’re feeling independent, and then “dip in and out of remote coves and snorkeling spots with ease.” Make sure to check out the “lovely beaches” at Jost Van Dyke, the “volcanic islands” at Tortola, and the Baths at Virgin Gorda, a “must-see.”
3. NEVIS
Readers’ Choice Rating: 85.0
Scenery: 91.7
Friendliness: 88.9
Atmosphere: 88.9
Restaurants: 82.9
Lodging: 86.7
Activities: 74.1
Beaches: 81.3
Our readers think of Nevis as a “secret hideaway,” the “hidden gem of the Caribbean.” Though it’s a small island, they say “there’s more to do than you would think, and the greatest attraction is the natural beauty.” In addition to friendly people and great food, they also loved the “fantastic hotels” and the “many fantastic, affordable rental villas.” Overall, Nevis is a “warm, friendly, safe island” and a “great family destination.”
2. ST. JOHN
Readers’ Choice Rating: 85.8
Scenery: 94.1
Friendliness: 85.5
Atmosphere: 90.4
Restaurants: 73.3
Lodging: 82.0
Activities: 83.6
Beaches: 92.3
Readers find the “natural beauty” of St. John to be unparalleled. Most of the island is a preserved national park, allowing visitors to enjoy the “emerald green beaches” and exotic “native fauna and flora.” Bounce around the numerous cays in a kayak, or snorkel at Trunk Bay, where you might end up swimming “with a hawksbill turtle.”
1. BERMUDA
Readers’ Choice Rating: 87.1
Scenery: 93.1
Friendliness: 89.4
Atmosphere: 90.4
Restaurants: 77.5
Lodging: 84.1
Activities: 81.0
Beaches: 89.5
For a “fun blend of British, American, and Caribbean Culture,” Bermuda is the place to be. It offers “endless activities: historical sites, golf, scooters, superb shopping and dining, museums, gardens, perfumeries and aquariums, too!” Go for a snorkel or explore the many private coves to truly experience the island’s “lovely scenery,” which is highlighted by the “pink sand beaches and aqua blue waters.”
Via: Condé Nast
