Luxury Hotels - Caribbean in August - best small luxury hotel?

My wife would like to go to a beach resort in the Caribbean in August. I don't want to stay in any large hotels. Any recommendations?

budget / how small ?

if you dont mind rustic, petit st vincent is an all-inclusive private island resort, pretty good reports here, IIRC 22 cottages.

There are some very good rates available at Carlisle Bay in Antigua at the moment. Some people have been critical but we had a very good stay. The suites are large and modern and the food is good. The spa and the gym are very nice and the beach is long, which means that it is never crowded. Not at all chintzy and stuffy, which is often the case in that part of the world.

Malliouhana on the island of Anguilla has the best food in the Caribbean. It is privately owned by an Englishman, has really good long-time staff, incredible views and beaches and an excellent spa.

The Horned Dorset Primavera in Rincon, PR. Have been here several times and it is indeed amazing. Just spent my honeymoon in Thailand at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai and Trisara in Phuket, which are highly regarded here. IMO the Horned Dorset is the most naturally beautful, unique and intimate of the three. The resort has 32 rooms total (all of which are free standing two-floor villas) and it seems like you are only one of a few guests at all times. Food is also superb - the chef spent time in New York city at Daniel, among other places. For an intimate getaway with your loved one I unequivocally recommend it. Feel free to PM me if you would like more info.

One & Ocean Ocean Club - Bahamas

Amanyara - Turks and Caicos

One & Ocean Ocean Club - Bahamas

Amanyara - Turks and Caicos

Supposed to be:

One & Only Ocean Club - Bahamas www.oneandonlyresorts.com

If you're looking to escape from the ordinary - go to Palm Island in the Grenadines. Private cottages rather than a hotel and very tropical.

Having lived in hurricane country for about 35 years now - I would not go to any small out of the way hard to get to place in the Caribbean in August (end of August is the peak of hurricane season). Odds are nothing will happen in any particular place - but odds of something happening somewhere are good. And in small remote places - your access to weather info and means of evacuation if necessary won't be very good. Robyn

You may want to consider the Mexican Caribbean, same crystal clear water but with more activities such as Mayan ruins and Colonial cities. You can try:

Paraiso de la Bonita – A boutique resort in a large private beach between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Mandarin Riviera Maya- Great Asian style rooms, but only a small number of these are oceanfront.

If you decide to go you should also try to stay one or two nights in one of the Haciendas that were converted to small boutique hotels (about 3 hours drive from the beach hotels), such as Hacienda Temozon, Hacienda Puerta Campeche or Hacienda Xcanatun

Yes, heading to the Caribe in August does carry risk, though we have done it many times, and have faced some hurricanes and hurricane warnings a few times too. A couple years ago we had to catch a late night "evacuation" flight out of Mexico as a hurricane approached.

Look at La Samana, on St. Martin. They have been running some very good deals. Great beach and the food on the island is better than most other Caribe islands. The suggestion of Anguilla is also good, though we prefer Cap Juluca to Malliouhana. CJ has an outstanding beach. Caneel Bay is also an option, but it will be full of honeymooners, and likely kids in August too.

The Maya Riviera is also a good alternative. If you want luxury, head to Maromma, outstanding, or the newish Mandarin Mayakoba. Also beautiful.
Both have great service.

I believe, and have found it to be true, that the later into the summer/August you travel, the higher your chance of having hurricane issues. Have fun.

I am no fan of the Caribbean, but the best I have seen are the FS on Nevis and Little Dix on Virgin Gorda. The former has a beautifully set up beach. The latter has more of a boutique feel and a beautiful beach, but the beach has no real infrastructure (a few tacky beds but no staff).

fairly easy to get to and from, ladera, jade mountain and cap maison all great properties (no beach at ladera but stunning location)

Cap Juluca in Anguilla just got redone. The beach is wonderful.

Got hurricane issue in August. Thanks.

Anyone have any opinions on Galley Bay Resort in Antigua?

Malliouhana is superb. Exceptional service and food which in my experience is difficult to find in the caribbean.