3 Beautiful Caribbean Islands Accessible by Air or Cruise

April 23, 2025

Explore 3 beautiful Caribbean islands that are easy to reach by air — and even cruise lines can’t resist making them a stop.

1. TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

Turks and Caicos

Courtesy of TCI

TURKS & CAICOS
Made up of more than 100 petite limestone islands, Turks & Caicos (TCI) is the epitome of Caribbean escape — think endless white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, bird-rich wetlands, and even hidden caves, sinkholes, and blue holes. It’s a destination that embodies quiet luxury while still feeling fresh and modern.

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Recent years have brought a wave of exciting openings: The Strand and South Bank resorts joined the scene, while Salterra Resort & Spa put South Caicos firmly on the luxury map. Soon-to-come debuts include the highly anticipated Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay, The Loren at Turtle Cove, The Point by Grace Bay Resorts, and Kempinski Grace Bay.

Longtime favourites are also elevating their game: Beach Enclave has added new villas at The Reserve at Grace Bay, Ambergris Cay unveiled Puesta del Sol (a four-bedroom villa with stunning sea views), and The Palms debuted Si Si, a dining concept blending traditional flavours with a Mexican twist. Meanwhile, Canadian-owned Wymara Resort + Villas has expanded its Beach Club with Land + Sea, a sleek new restaurant. — Vivian Vassos

Ambergris Cay, an exclusive private island in the Turks and Caicos, sits 600 miles south of Miami, on the southeast corner of the string of Turks and Caicos Islands that surround the world-famous Caicos Banks.

SET SAIL WITH: MSC Cruises; Explora Journeys (on the Explora III, with voyages in 2027); The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection; Norwegian Cruise Line. To book with BOLD’s trusted partners: msccruises.ca; explorajourneys.com.

Recommended: Planning a trip? Here’s your definitive guide to Turks & Caicos

2. ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

Courtesy of ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

Photo: ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES is the postcard-perfect image of idyllic Caribbean islands strewn across the southern Caribbean Sea, offering travellers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and tranquil island vibes.

St. Vincent is the largest island in the archipelago and is known for its rugged terrain, rainforests and dramatic volcanic landscape. The iconic La Soufrière volcano towers more than 1,200 metres above sea level and rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea from its summit. The Grenadines are even more laid-back than St. Vincent, ringed with pristine beaches and turquoise water. Bequia is one of the best-known islands, celebrated for its waterfront villages and maritime heritage, while Mustique remains a private-island escape favoured by the international glitterati.

Sailing is one of the most popular ways to experience this chain, with calm waters and steady trade winds making it a maritime dream. Travellers can charter yachts or join guided sails to explore remote islands and secluded anchorages.

Recommended: Already dreaming of St. Vincent? Here’s your guide to adventure in The Grenadines

#SandalsSaintVincent,

Courtesy of Sandals Saint Vincent

WHERE TO STAY + ST. VINCENT TRAVEL TIPS: This past year saw the debut of the new Sandals, the brand’s latest all-inclusive resort. Set on 50 acres between the Caribbean Sea and the mountains, the resort features 301 rooms and suites, including two-storey overwater villas. A 300-foot pool stretches from the lobby terrace to the sea, lined with cabanas and daybeds. Dining options abound with 11 culinary concepts, while adventurers will find plenty to do — from scuba diving to hiking and beyond. —Meagan Drillinger

SET SAIL WITH: Emerald Cruises, Scenic Cruises, Explora Journeys, Royal Caribbean, Holland America. To book with BOLD’s trusted partners: emeraldcruises.ca; scenic.ca; or explorajourneys.com.

3. GRENADA

Courtesy of Pure Grenada

THE ISLAND OF GRENADA seems like it tumbled out of a fairytale – a riot of dramatic scenery, from mountain peaks to verdant rainforests, white sand beaches and cascading waterfalls. The air is perfumed with the scent of nutmeg and cloves – one of the reasons why Grenada is often referred to as the Spice Isle.

The coastline is as mesmerizing as its interior, with secluded bays and turquoise water. The most famous beach on this island is Grand Anse Beach, which stretches three kilometres along the southwestern coast. The island is also a potpourri of international cultures, shaped by a painful history of colonialism and African heritage. St. George’s is the capital, known for its vibrant markets and bustling harbour front. Festivals abound, like the annual Grenada Chocolate Festival, which celebrates the island’s cocoa industry with a calendar of chocolate-themed events, tastings and workshops.

Six Senses La Sagesse

Courtesy of Six Senses La Sagesse

WHERE TO STAY: The luxe wellness resort brand Six Senses, new to Grenada. Covering 38 acres in the southern part of the island, Six Senses La Sagesse features 56 two-level pool suites and 15 villas, all designed with natural, renewable and repurposed materials. The interiors feature an open-plan bedroom, while outdoor terraces lead to private pools. True to the Six Senses brand, sustainability is a central focus of the resort and guests can visit the Earth Lab here. A centre for engagement and innovation, the Earth Lab was designed to help visitors learn about lightening their footprint as they travel the world. —Meagan Drillinger

SET SAIL WITH: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania, Explora Journeys, Ponant, MSC Cruises, Seabourn. To book with BOLD’s trusted partners: RSSC.com; msccruises.ca; or explorajourneys.com.

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