I’m a Travel Advisor, and These Are My 5 Favorite Caribbean Private Island Resorts

Vacationing on a private island might seem extravagant, but the Caribbean offers a variety of resorts that are worth a second look. As a travel advisor specializing in the region and a mom to three kids, I’ve experienced enough private island resorts to understand what they have to offer. Whether you are traveling with your partner, the whole family, or multiple families, these resorts offer something for everyone. These five islands are my favorites.

Jumby Bay Island

Looking for water sports like wakeboarding and tubing? Check. Bike rides, tennis, pickleball and fishing? Check. Villa staff who will organize karaoke nights, scavenger hunts, and pool parties for your gang? All covered.

Jumby Bay Island in Antigua is refined yet relaxed, chic yet unpretentious. Nearly everything is included on the island, from meals and drinks to activities to a kids club. Plus, a buzzy new beach club and restaurant called The Hut on Little Jumby is only a three-minute boat ride away.

Ambergris Cay

Ambergris Cay is a little-known secret—and it’s a great value, too. Just a 20-minute turboprop plane ride from Providenciales in Turks and CaicosAmbergris Cay offers one- and two-bedroom beachfront bungalows that are perfect for honeymooners, small families, or solo travelers. For larger groups, the island also has villas with three to 10 bedrooms. Guests get their own golf carts and have access to the beach club, as well as hiking paths, several beaches, tennis and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art gym and spa, and a boat charter to Hangover Tiki Bar.

Like Parrot Cay

I’d be hard-pressed to find a better beach in the Caribbean than Like Parrot Caywhich is an easy half-hour boat ride from Providenciales and a celebrity favorite for a reason. Lush with pine trees and foliage, Como Parrot Cay offers diverse dining options, activities like kayaking and farm tours, and a range of stays from double hotel rooms to privately owned beachfront residences that sleep up to eight and come fully staffed. The Como Shambhala wellness center, which offers yoga, sound healing, and nutrition resets, is one of the best I’ve experienced in the Caribbean.

Mustics Island

Located in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and a long-time favorite of the British royal family, Must has a certain mystique to it. The island offers stays at the 17-bedroom boutique hotel, The Cotton House, as well as two- to 10-bedroom villas. Don’t miss cocktails and dancing at the legendary overwater Basil’s Bar, or horseback riding at the equestrian center. Mustique is worthy of a trip of its own, but it can easily be combined with the nearby islands of St. Lucia, Barbados, or Martinique.

Moskito Island

At Moskito Island in the British Virgin Islands, expect a thrilling, activity-packed vacation. Guests can rent a handful of villas with up to nine bedrooms each. Celebrate big with a daytime waterslide and a nighttime DJ . For water sports fans, there’s kitesurfing, tubing, and wakeboarding, Other private experiences include tennis, guided hikes, personal training, and cooking classes. Whatever floats your boat, the accommodating staff will make it happen.

Maria Diego is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in U.S. and Caribbean trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Diego by contacting her at (email protected).