Words: Violet
Azure waters, bleached white sands and a laid back attitude that money simply can not buy. The Caribbean still remains the go-to destination for the ultimate in luxury escapes, yet in recent years it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a truly unspoilt spot, but fear not, as we present our top 5 unspoilt islands…
1. NEVIS, The less popular sister to St. Kitts, the Volcanic Island Nevis is firmly off the beaten track. Sparsely populated and densely forested, the island boasts acres of beaches, which are unspoilt and underdeveloped. Stay in the Montpelier Plantation and Beach, an old sugar mill owned by a mother and son duo and eat alongside the locals in a tumbledown beach hut—two of the best are Sunshines and Lime. On Wednesday night, head to The Hermitage, an old plantation house, where the owner cooks up a West India feast.
2. ILES DES SAINTS, Inhabited by blue-eyes Breton colonists, these tiny Islands lie to the South of Guadeloupe. Of the eight islands, only two are lived on, the biggest of which is Terre-de-Haut. Visit its smaller sibling, Terre-de-Bas for the day by boat. Cruise around the islands by moped, or walk up to the highest point of Terre-de-Haut for a panoramic view. Wander around the island’s unused fort, and ogle at the spectacular cacti that grow around it. Eat in restaurant and art gallery Sole Mio, which is famous for its swordfish tartar. Alternatively, head to the open-air restaurant, Auberge Les Petit* Saints, which specialises in fresh fish.
3. CAYMAN BRAC
One of the Cayman Islands, Cayman Brac is rocky, rugged and wonderfully untouched. Excellent both for diving and walking, the island is a haven for those looking for an active Caribbean getaway. Stay at The Alexander Hotel, and eat in the Tispy Turtle Bar or the Star Island restaurant.
4. DOMINICA, The first country in the world to be ‘benchmarked’ by Green Globe, the beauty of the Island is heavily protected. It has three reserves dedicated to the preservation of its wildlife, and is home to the first UNESCO world heritage sight in the Eastern Caribbean. Stay in the Romantic hotel, Secret Bay for unadulterated luxury.
5. ANDROS, Home to the third largest barrier reef in the world, Andros is abundantly beautiful. Famous for bone fishing and its fresh-water holes, Andros remains largely untouched by tourism. Stay on South Andros at Tiamo, for some home comforts, and eat in the Mudda Sic.
By Issy Thompson
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