Stay, Eat, Do: The Caribbean
These two resorts have unveiled beautiful new suites and villas that provide plenty of room for privacy and social distancing.
St. Barthelemy
A 15-minute flight from St. Martin lands you on arguably the Caribbean’s most sophisticated island. The majority of St. Barth’s restaurants, boutiques and businesses are open. Masks are not required on the beach, but social distancing is encouraged.
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STAY > Le Sereno
>> This intimate hotel evokes St. Barth’s low-key French flair. Situated on a crescent of sand in Grand Cul de Sac, it has emerged from a year of post-Hurricane Irma renovations with a chic new look.
>> Layouts vary in the 39 newly renovated suites (one, two and three bedrooms) and four-bedroom villas, but all have sea views, private gardens and terraces, daybeds, and tables and chairs for lounging outdoors. Book the oceanfront Villa Du Pecheur or one of the hillside Suite Piscines for your own private pool.
>> Four-poster beds draped in gauzy linens, white walls and ceilings, and stone and wood accents give the suites and villas a breezy feel.
>> Rooms boast the latest technology—complimentary wireless high-speed internet, an iPad, and Nespresso coffee makers—and spacious bathrooms appointed with exotic woods, granite counters, and separate shower and soaking tub.
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EAT/DRINK > Le Sereno Al Mare Restaurant
>> Executive Chef Raffaele Lenzi helms this open-air restaurant overlooking the beach. His new contemporary Italian menu uses fresh, local ingredients in dishes like Spaghetti con Aragosta (lobster spaghetti) and Caciucco alla Livornese (traditional Italian fish soup served with toasted bread).
>> The bar mixes up craft cocktails like the popular “L’invincibile armata,” a concoction of Gosling rum, vanilla syrup, mango, lime and mint, based on the rum creations The Royal Navy used to give sailors. If you’d prefer a drink without alcohol, order a freshly squeezed wellness and detox elixir from the newly added juice station.
Check out St. Barth’s COVID-19 policies and restrictions at saintbarth-tourisme.com
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DO > Relax
>> Spa Le Sereno features three treatment rooms with indoor and outdoor spaces, where you can indulge in facials, body wraps and massages that use Valmont products and techniques.
>> The shallow bay has few waves and a steady breeze, so it’s a great place for kayaking, paddle boarding and kite surfing.
Turks and Caicos
COMO Parrot Cay is 30 minutes by boat from Providenciales. The resort is located on 1,000 wild acres rich with wetlands and birds. The mile of blinding white sand rimming the sea’s countless shades of turquoise will blow your mind.
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Stay > COMO Parrot Cay
>> With large living spaces, al fresco lounge areas, decks, private swimming pools, the new two-bedroom and family beach houses, it’s an ideal place for groups of friends and family to gather.
>> All have killer views of the ocean and direct access to the sugar-white beach. Rooms are the epitome of simple elegance with whitewashed interiors, soft white cotton-covered chairs, and teak furnishings.
>> Perk: the COMO butler service is on call to arrange experiences like beach picnics and a chef to prepare dinner in your villa.
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Eat/Drink > Casual to Formal
>> The poolside restaurant Lotus serves Caribbean-inspired lunches during the day and Southeast Asian fusion food for dinner.
>> Located in an octagonal room in the main building, Terrace offers Mediterranean fare and a more formal dining experience.
>> At COMO Beach Club, white-cushioned daybeds and oversized chaises dot the deck surrounding the seaside infinity pool. This laid-back watering hole serves snacks and beach-inspired cocktails during the day and kicks it up a notch at night with music.
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Do > Explore
>> The COMO Shambhala Retreat overlooking the North Caicos Channel has nine treatment rooms, a Jacuzzi garden, double massage rooms, and Japanese baths. Restore your body and mind with complimentary yoga, Pilates and meditation classes, and Asian-inspired and authentic Ayurveda treatments at the spa.
>> Explore the island by bike or kayak, or take an excursion by boat to go fishing or snorkeling on the crystal-clear water, where you can expect to swim with turtles, dolphins and nurse sharks.
>> Field trips to a banana plantation and marine discovery programs are among the activities for kids.
Check out Turks and Caicos COVID-19 policies and restrictions at turksandcaicostourism.com