7 incredible Caribbean islands you're probably overlooking

Hundreds of islands—big, small, densely populated, and completely uninhabited—make up the Caribbean, a favorite destination of travelers seeking sun, sandy beaches, and a mix of adventure and relaxation. While popular island nations like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic guarantee a good time and draw millions of international travelers each year, there are several lesser-visited islands in the region that bring all the fun without those crowds. Below, we’ve rounded up seven of the very best, but somewhat underrated, Caribbean islands, all beckoning you to bask in their blue skies and natural beauty. Read on to find the ideal spot for your next beach vacation.

Nicknamed the “Nature Island,” Dominica is one of the best-kept secrets in the region—and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. Black-sand beaches, rain forests, hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanoes dot the island, which is also home to 365 freshwater jungle streams and the Caribbean’s longest continuous hike, the 115-mile Waitukubuli Trail. If it’s luxury rather than adventure that you’re after, check into Secret Bay, a Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best winner featuring a secret beach, sweeping ocean views, and open-air treehouse villas with private plunge pools.

Beloved for its laid-back vibe, St. Vincent and the Grenadines comprises 32 islands—nine are uninhabited and several made their Hollywood debut in the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Among the varied landscapes you’ll find here are lush mountains, isolated coves, pristine beaches, and stunning coral reefs. Stay at the recently reopened Petit St. Vincent, a luxe resort on its own 115-acre private island, or the Mandarin Oriental Canouan, which has villas nestled along a powdery stretch of Godahl Beach. For the ultimate indulgence, book a room at The Cotton House, the only resort on the celeb-favorite island of Mustique.

Although St. Kitts and Nevis gained independence in 1983, these low-key Caribbean islands still feel decidedly British, with English-style churches and sites like Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park (a well-preserved British fortress from the 17th century). St. Kitts is the larger of the two and features plush resorts situated among lush volcanic hills, while Nevis is small enough to explore on foot. Splash out on the Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour or the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies, both Travelers’ Choice Award winners.

Perhaps the most romantic island in all of the Caribbean, St. Lucia is so naturally beautiful that England and France fought over it for centuries (“seven times British, seven times French” is a popular local phrase). Now independent, the island boasts a diverse landscape of sand, sea, volcanoes, and tropical rainforests. Book a room at the upscale Ladera or Jade Mountain; both resorts offer views of the 2,000-foot-high Pitons (twin volcanic spires that, together, make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site). If you can tear yourself away from the vistas, head to Sulphur Springs in Soufrière. Here, at the world’s only drive-in volcano, you can take a detoxifying dip in a mud pool, then wash off in a spring-fed thermal pool and relax under a nearby waterfall.

The world-class white- and black-sand beaches are mostly free of tourists on Grenada, a wonderland of scenic waterfalls, verdant rainforests, and grass-lined crater lakes. Nicknamed the “Spice Island” for its rich supply of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric, Grenada also boasts a distinct—and delicious—cuisine (don’t miss the nutmeg ice cream). Base your stay at the Silversands Grenada, located on the quiet end of Grand Anse Beach and home to a 300-foot infinity pool (the longest in the Caribbean) that stretches from the hotel’s entrance all the way to the turquoise sea. Then make a trip to River Antoine, one of the oldest rum distilleries in the world, where you’ll find a spirit so potent that you’re not allowed to take it off the island.

Though small in size, Anguilla has no less than 33 picture-perfect beaches, plus stylish resorts, limestone caves, and access to the second-largest barrier reef in the world for prime snorkeling and diving. Work up an appetite in the water, then sample some of the British Overseas Territory’s more than 100 restaurants and bars, which have collectively earned the island a reputation as a Caribbean food capital. There’s no shortage of over-the-top resorts here, but the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, with its fleet of private jets that transport guests to and from the property and seven restaurants and bars overseen by chef Abram Bissel (formerly of Michelin-starred restaurant The Modern in New York) is a standout.

The smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John is accessible only by boat, ferry, or helicopter from St. Thomas. Those that make it here will discover an island of immense natural beauty, two-thirds of which is protected within the Virgin Islands National Park (one of the least-visited national parks in the U.S.). Check into the all-villa Westin Resort on Cruz Bay, then head into the park to explore the famous underwater snorkeling trail off Trunk Bay Beach. Other must-dos include visiting the sea turtles on Maho Bay Beach and paddling out to Lime Out, a floating restaurant with delicious tacos, margaritas, and fresh hibiscus tea.