Best Islands for Doing Absolutely Nothing

If your ideal Caribbean getaway entails bumming on the beach, floating away in the pool, and generally being pampered into a state of nirvana, we’ve got the islands for you.

 

Antigua

Antigua Beach

Antigua is a tropical playground where the sun is always shining and the people are always welcoming.

Beyond exclusive hideaways like Galley Bay Resort & Spa and St. James Club & Villas, Antigua is famous, and rightly so, for its 365 lovely beaches – one for each day of the year. The beaches are known for ultimate seclusion on pristine white sands, warm tranquil waters perfect for a cool cocktail, clothing-optional sunbathing, and spectacular sunsets.

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Exuma Cays, The Bahamas

Exuma Cays

For the sheer feeling of getting away from it all, there’s nothing like the Bahamas, specifically the string of glittering gems known as The Exumas – a collection of tiny cays that are the most exotic of the hundreds of Out Islands. There’s nothing like The Exumas for, yes, vegging out.

For maximum pampering, look to Sandals Emerald Bay, a privileged enclave of sun-baked white sands and aquamarine seas, where you need go no further than the terrace of your posh villa to be mesmerized by the views. If you can stir yourself enough to head out on the sands and recline in your lounger, a nice cold drink will be brought directly to you. It’s the living definition of “laid-back.”

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Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman

The Caymans are synonymous with luxury, epitomized by top-flight resorts where über-attentive personal service is a hallmark, from the indulgent spas to the wine experts who select the perfect pairing for you.

At Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, sit back and let the Beach House Coastal Cuisine flatter your culinary sensibilities with awesome seafood, plus an extensive wine cellar that has earned Wine Spectator’s coveted “Award of Excellence.” And at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, lie back and let sheer serenity wash over you at Le Prairie Spa, an elegant escape into relaxation and rejuvenation.

 

Saint Lucia

St. Lucia

Exotic and soothing, Saint Lucia invites you to idle in its landscapes of picturesque fishing villages and jaw-dropping natural beauty – dramatic coastlines and isolated beaches of both white and black sand, topped only by the iconic Twin Pitons that soar 2,400 feet from the southwest shore, not to mention the famous La Soufrière volcano.

As far as beaches go, Anse Chastanet glows with ebony sands that reflect its volcanic origins, and is backed by rolling green hills and lined with lush palm trees that provide a cool alternative to sunbathing. Sit back and enjoy unbelievable views of paradise and the Pitons from the quiet luxury of Jade Mountain, where you can finally rest your eyes at the end of the day in some of the planet’s most luxurious villa sanctuaries.

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Turks & Caicos

Turks & Caicos

For a secluded, uncommon, and totally undemanding getaway on one of the Caribbean’s most sparkling islands, Turks & Caicos is the crystal-clear choice. The white beaches and warm azure waters that surround this set of eight inhabited islands and numerous deserted cays is an invitation to de-stress.

Grace Bay Beach, on the island of Providenciales, has long been hailed as one of the world’s great beaches and is home to exclusive resorts like Seven Stars Resort & Spa, a serene jewel with only 107 posh suites that are just steps from the sands. If you have ever dreamed of escaping the rat race and becoming a castaway, this is the place to lose yourself.

 

Together with GOGO Vacations, your local travel agent will get you there.