Cayman Islands is amongst the Most Beautiful Islands in the Caribbean

By Caitlin Morton for Conde Naste Traveler

Parts of the Caribbean took the full brunt of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, but the area as a whole is officially back - and better than ever.

Many islands hit refresh in the form of hot new hotel and restaurant openings, but the appeal of most has been there all along: white sand beaches, historic architecture, and nature that could easily be plucked from the world of Jurassic Park (you know, in a good way). From the iconic pitons of St. Lucia to the cobbled streets of Puerto Rico, these are among the most stunning island nations and territories in the Caribbean. Be prepared to immediately start planning your next warm-weather getaway.

Jamaica

Many people use Jamaica as their entry into the Caribbean, whether its for a food crawl food crawl or an exclusive trip to GoldenEye (one of our favorite, small resorts in the world). Even though we might go for different reasons, we all stay for the island's unreal natural beauty. Head to the western town of Negril for some of the best diving and swimming spots in the country (Seven Mile Beach is a particular favorite), then head inland to hike through misty mountains, with guaranteed views of hidden lagoons and waterfalls.

Cayman Islands

If it's pristine beaches you're after, then look no further: The Cayman Islands — Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman — have some of the best stretches of sand in the entire Caribbean. Most people head to resorts on Seven Mile Beach (not to be confused with Jamaica's beach of the same name) on Grand Cayman, but head to Owen Island on Little Cayman for a more private beach day. The islands' underwater adventures are just as, if not more, exciting than those on land: Don't you dare leave without visiting Stingray City (off of Grand Cayman) and snorkeling with the surprisingly friendly stingrays.

Anguilla

This British Overseas Territory (just north of the dual-nation island of St. Maarten/St. Martin) is the place to really get away from it all. Your first stop should be Shoal Bay, Anguilla's most famous beach. The blindingly white shore offers soft sand and non-touristy restaurants, plus an offshore reef for snorkelers and divers. For the ultimate luxurious hideaway, book a suite at the newly renovated Belmond Cap Juluca — resort perks aside, the enclave offers unbridled views of Maundays Bay's vanilla sands and blue waters.

Cuba

From the bright architecture of Old Havana to the beauty of Varadero beach, it's no wonder Cuba has become of one of our favorite destinations in the past few years. The western, inland province of Pinar del Río is a treasure trove of natural wonders, with miles of mountain ranges and tobacco fields (hello, cigars). The region also happens to encompass Viñales Valley, arguably one of the most beautiful spots in the entire country. With its dome-like limestone formations and lush landscapes, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect place to watch the sun set.

Aruba

Nearly every hotel along Aruba's leeward beaches is a winner, but it's a waste not to venture off this developed stretch. The island's beaches are some of the best in the entire world, like powder-fine Eagle Beach and unspoiled, undeveloped Arashi. The Arikok National Park, comprising 18% of the island, is a hidden treasure — a cacti-filled landscape well worth exploring.

Saba

Rising from the sea like the setting of a King Kong movie, tiny Saba's unspoiled and undeveloped environment makes it memorable. Located in the Lesser Antilles chain just south of St. Maarten/St. Martin, the island's appeal extends both above and below the coastline, from the jagged silhouette of Mt. Scenery (an appropriate name, and the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands) to the diverse and colorful coral reefs. It also happens to have some of the friendliest locals you're likely to encounter.

British Virgin Islands

Virgin Gorda is the third-largest of the British Virgin Islands, with natural beauty covering virtually all of its 8.5 square miles. The island offers quiet beaches and coves and flora-filled national parks. Perhaps the prettiest (and most popular attraction) is the Baths, a seaside area where huge granite boulders form scenic saltwater pools and grottos.

Puerto Rico

More than a year after the Hurricane Maria made landfall, Puerto Rico has not only recovered: It’s been reborn. Many of the island's hotels used the need to rebuild as an opportunity to undertake indulgent renovations, and a ton of new Airbnbs have popped up across the country. Old San Juan remains one of the best-preserved examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the Caribbean, with brightly painted buildings and cobblestone streets that could launch a thousand Instagram shots. Meanwhile, hidden gems like the laid-back island of Culebra and Vieques have fantastic snorkeling and never-crowded stretches of sand.

St. Barts

As editor David Jefferys writes, "Drop any preconceptions you might have of what a vacation on St. Barts might mean. It's not all Rolexes or tubs of Iranian caviar for two — it's a naturally gorgeous island with a fascinating history." Indeed, the tony territory has enough scenic views and water sports to give all those five-star hotels a run for their money. On the south coast of the island, Anse de Grande Saline treats visitors to vegetated sand dunes and unobstructed views of turquoise waters. For a more accessible beach experience, head directly to St. Jean, a coastal town that would feel at home along the French Riviera. The calm and clear waters are ideal for surfing, with plenty of boutiques to visit if you need a break from the sun.

St. Lucia

The scenery of St. Lucia can be summed up in one jaw-dropping site: a duo of striking spires known as the Pitons. The two volcanic peaks — Gros Piton and Petit Piton — are the most iconic landmarks on the island, and visitors can enjoy them in a variety of ways. An absolute bucket-list experience has to be actually hiking the mountains, an activity which takes the better part of a day. Regardless of which Piton you choose, the climb will be a strenuous and lengthy affair (the hike can take upwards of six hours round-trip — guided tours are essential), but those views from the top easily validate the journey. If you prefer to keep your feet at sea level, plop a towel down at Sugar Beach, set dramatically (and conveniently) between the two Pitons.

Haiti

Often overlooked, Haiti continues to amaze with its fantastic hiking and dozens of near-empty beaches — not to mention its vibrant modern art scene and cultural events. The entire county is covered with mountains crisscrossed by hiking trails, offering a cool respite from the island's hot and steamy lowlands. Set aside a day to trek up to Citadelle Laferrière (usually referred to simply as "the Citadelle"), an abandoned French fortress near the northern village of Milot. Upon reaching the castle (via horseback ride or a manageable hike) travelers are rewarded with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean — on clear days, you can even spot Cuba in the distance.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

If you crave the exotic landscapes of the South Pacific but the nearness of the Caribbean, we suggest booking a trip to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The scattering of islands is a favorite among the international jet-set (William and Kate are notable fans), with shockingly beautiful beaches and resorts more private than your own home. Head to Salt Whistle Bay on Mayreau for snorkeling and scuba diving, plus a photo op at the beach's colorful, open-air bar (it’s officially unnamed, but referred to as the “Last Bar Before the Jungle”). Of course, no visit to the islands would be complete without a day (or ten) devoted to sailing. You'll never be far from sight of land here, but most excursion boats anchor at Tobago Cays — and for good reason. The marine reserve comprises five uninhabited islands that are exceptional even by Caribbean standards.

Antigua

Antigua mixes tropical beauty with British history — just look at the candy-colored colonial buildings and much-touted 365 beaches to chose from. And much like St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua is a must-visit for all you sailing fans out there. During the last two weeks of April, hundreds of yachts from around the world converge for the island's annual Classic Yacht Regatta and Sailing Week. On race days, people gather atop Shirley Heights to get the best views of the boat-filled English Harbour. Even if you visit on non-yachting holidays, Shirley Heights should be on your itinerary: looking out over the harbor's curved coastline is a truly unforgettable experience with Sunday BBQs to boot.

Curaçao

Although Curaçao has often been dwarfed by its sister island Aruba, it has started investing more heavily in tourism — it seems like every day brings about a new hotel or restaurant to the scene. Even without the trendy openings, the 17th-century, UNESCO-protected capital city of Willemstad is as pretty as it is historic. With its pastel-colored Dutch and Portuguese-inspired buildings, the architecture here will impress you from every angle. We'd say the "middle child" of the Dutch ABC Islands is officially ready for its close-up.

St. Kitts

The twin-island nation of St. Kitts & Nevis bursts at the seams with charm. But first: St. Kitts. The larger of the two islands is known for its sugarcane fields and well-preserved Brimstone Hill fortresses, best approached on the open-air train that runs along the island's southern coast. For sophisticated lodgings with a view, book a stay at Belle Mont Farm on Kittitian Hill, a 2015 Hot List winner. Situated on the northwestern slopes of Mt. Liamuiga, some of the resort's biggest draws are the private plunge pools and outdoor clawfoot tubs overlooking the sea.

Nevis

It may be smaller than St. Kitts, but Nevis is not throwing away its shot. The birthplace of Alexander Hamilton is almost perfectly round, with gentle slopes rising to the peak of its dormant volcano, and the island is known for its historic inns and top-drawer resorts. Set up camp at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis for easy access to Pinney's Beach, an absolute favorite for both families with kids and travelers seeking a calm respite. The beach lets you walk for nearly three miles along the island's sheltered west coast, where you can soak in the views of towering palms and the cloud-covered peak of Mount Nevis.

Barbados

Barbados has something for everyone: pink sand beaches, exotic wildlife (think monkeys, sea turtles, and eight species of bats), and sunsets just begging to be enjoyed with a fresh cocktail. It's no secret that the island also has a global reputation for clubby sports, with private polo clubs and world-class golf courses (including one carved into a limestone quarry) drawing well-heeled groups of repeat visitors — many of them from Britain. For a wilder brand of beauty that doesn't require a membership fee, look to Bathsheba Beach on the east coast. Here you'll find big, surf-able waves and shallow pools carved by the coral reef right off the shore.

Guadeloupe

It's easy to see why Guadeloupe has long been a favorite vacation spot among French tourists. The butterfly-shaped territory has staggering waterfalls, white sand beaches, and clear water perfect for snorkeling. The archipelago of eight charming islands has tons of gorgeous spots to choose from, but we're particular fans of the reefs rich with marine life off of Pain de Sucre ("Sugar Loaf" Beach) on the island of Terre-De-Haut. For that once-in-a-lifetime photograph, head directly to Sugar Loaf Hill, a 170-foot-high basalt slope that overlooks the beach, is covered with cacti, and plunges into the sparkling Bay of Saints.