After Europe, the Caribbean is the second-most popular getaway for the wealthiest 1 percent and 5 percent of travelers: 47 percent are considering a vacation there in the next one to two years, according a report released by Resonance Consultancy. But with luxury villas and resorts popping up like pieces on a Monopoly board, spread out amongst 7,000-some idyllic islands, which countries and destinations are the most sought-after for a little off-the-desk time?
To find out, the firm surveyed 1,664 travelers, with the top 1 percent defined as those with annual income above $400,000 or a net worth above $8 million. The 5 percent were classified as earning at least $200,000 per year or having $2 million or more. Destinations not appearing on this list (e.g. Cuba, Curaçao) received 3 percent or less of the response. They still may be desirable to the wealthy (see: Mustique), they’re just not being visited as much yet.
Below, a list of where America richest 5% people like to vacation in the Caribbean:
The Bahamas
The Bahamas may be touristy, but with 700 islands, the nation still offers some of the best chances for unadulterated escape, especially if you’re into the sport of bonefishing or the sport of private-villa buying; Johnny Depp, Nicholas Cage, Shakira, Roger Waters, and Eddie Murphy all have had a go.
Kimberly Wilson-Wetty, co-president/owner of Valerie Wilson Travel, a New York-based agency specializing in high-net-worth clientele, also credits easy accessibility for the Bahamas' popularity—commercial flights vs. private jet vs. yacht—and standout resorts like Paradise Island’s One & Only Ocean Club. All the press surrounding the Baha Mar project (before the bankruptcy), helped too. “The luxury traveler is really driven to the hotel when they’re choosing the island—especially in the Caribbean,” says Wilson-Wetty, “There aren’t just a lot of ‘luxury islands.’ Baha Mar brought the Bahamas a new limelight, an element of intrigue.”
U.S. Virgin Islands
Does this mean at least the American Territories are great again? St. Croix is where Martha Stewart jaunts to when she doesn’t want to be bothered and Joe Biden just spent New Year’s Eve here. Aside from pure natural beauty (particularly in St. John), Wilson-Wetty says that being in the U.S. might offer another enticement: it’s perceived as safer. At a certain wealth level, picnicking on a public beach isn’t really a possibility, she says, “unless it’s organized with the hotel and there’s a butler waiting. In an uncertain world, you know what to expect.”
Anguilla
Tiny, boho-chic Anguilla has the best dining in the Caribbean, with over 100 multi-starred restaurants. But what really puts it up the list: privacy. Tourism here doesn’t happen in hordes or on cruise ships with paparazzi documenting the scene. “Anguilla is not for those seeking validation,” said Hon. Cardigan Connor, a parliamentary secretary for tourism, “Our low-key, understated vibe is what attracts our celebrity clientele.” (Indeed, among just the 1 percent, the country ranks No.2.) To add to the bliss: the only Turkish hammam in the Caribbean opened recently at the new Zemi Beach House.
St. Maarten
Food is also a draw to this bifurcated slice of paradise, according to Wilson-Wetty. (Mind-bogglingly beautiful beaches and green-hilled vistas certainly help, too.) There's also the unique, curiosity-inspiring geographical setup: In a rare example of two countries behaving like adults, the borderless French and Dutch division of the island allows for two unique experiences in one sunny package.
Cayman Islands
The world’s new favorite tax haven may be in the Nevada desert, but the super-yacht scene (whoops, Paul Allen) and billionaire-led development isn’t going anywhere. Not with plenty of white-sand beaches, the only AAA Five Diamond ranked restaurant in the Caribbean (Blue by Eric Ripert), and a brand new all-suite boutique hotel by the islands beloved spa, Le Soleil d’Or, opening in February. Plus stingrays. Many, many stingrays.
Aruba
Aruba got a little hokey in the 1980s and ’90s after massive tourism developments and a certain Beach Boys song introduced this small tropical paradise to the hoi polloi, so much so that in 2007, the government moved to slow the growth. This past June, the island announced progress on its $1 billion “revitalization and beautification” investment program, including hotel and airport upgrades to recapture its exclusive feel.
Turks & Caicos
The same people who love Tulum also love Turks and Caicos (direct flights from New York City can do that), a favorite of jet-setting urban dwellers. “What makes a Caribbean island popular one year over another all goes back to human nature,” says Wilson-Wetty. “Was there good PR? Was there personal feedback and peer-to-peer endorsements?”
British Virgin Islands
The 60 islands that make up the BVI are all about yachts and sailing (and stunning wreck diving)—“a bygone era of romance and natural wonder” in the official words of its tourism official. Also: Sir Richard Branson. Millionaires whose yachts are on-order can charter his Necker Belle (for $80,000 a week with crew) for a sail to Necker Island (a $78,000-a-night private island), or his three-villa estate Moskito Island ($47,300 a night) off Virgin Gorda. “The Virgin Islands are renowned for its secluded and private setting, which is part and parcel to its appeal,” says the territory’s rep.
Puerto Rico
There’s much more to Puerto Rico than Old San Juan, a favorite stop of mass-market cruise ships. Beautiful golf resorts like the Royal Isabela and the beaches on the island of Vieques rival those of the South Pacific. In short: it needs a PR boost to climb in ranks. “What luxury properties on there? Are they well-known? What does the island offer?” Wilson-Wetty says are the questions to ask.
Bermuda
More Carolina coast than Caribbean, really, the pink-sanded British overseas territory will play host to the Americas Cup in 2017 and is in a sweet spot for second homes—John Lennon and David Bowie (R.I.P.) both owned here; Mark Twain once famously described it as better than heaven. With Marcus Samuelsson’s new restaurant at the Fairmont’s Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, the food is getting there, too.