1. TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS
Courtesy of TCI
TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS (TCI) is made up of more than 100 petite limestone islands, making it a destination for beaches and reef snorkelling, bird-rich wetlands and whale watching, and unique caves, sink holes and blue holes. Like the quiet luxury trend, the British Overseas Territory is classic and modern at the same time. Case in point, in 2024, two new properties – The Strand and South Bank resorts – welcomed visitors.
This past March saw the launch of Salterra Resort and Spa in South Caicos. On tap, the Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay; The Loren at Turtle Cove; The Point by Grace Bay Resorts and Kempinski Grace Bay, to name a few.
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.
And a few favourites are having a refresh, from adding new villas at Beach Enclave at The Reserve at Grace Bay to Ambergris Cay adding Puesta del Sol, a four-bedroom villa within view of the sea, to The Palms new dining venue, Si Si, with a menu featuring traditional-meets-Mexican cuisine, while Canadian- owned Wymara Resort + Villas opens Land + Sea restaurant at its Beach Club. —Vivian Vassos
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.
2. 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 Soufriere volcano towers at more than 1200 metres and rewards hikers with magnificent Caribbean Sea views from its summit.The Grenadines are smaller islands that are even more laid-back than St. Vincent, ringed with pristine beaches and turquoise water. Bequia is one of the most famous destinations, known for its waterfront villages and maritime culture. Mustique is a famous private-island retreat favored by the international glitterati.
Sailing is one of the most popular activities among these islands, where calm waters and steady trade winds make it a maritime dream. Travellers can charter yachts or join guided sails to explore remote islands and secluded anchorages.
Courtesy of Sandals Saint Vincent
WHERE TO STAY: This past year saw the debut of the new Sandals, the brand’s latest all-inclusive resort. Sitting on 50 acres, cushioned between the Caribbean Sea and the towering mountains, the resort features 301 rooms and suites, including two-story overwater villas. A 300-foot linear pool connects the lobby terrace to the sea, with cabanas and daybeds leading the way down. Dining options abound with 11 culinary concepts, and adventurers will find excitement from the scuba diving program 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.
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.
