These Are The Best Caribbean Resorts, Hotels & Villas Of 2025

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Oct. 9, 2025: The Caribbean once again proved its dominance as a world-class travel destination at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards (WTA), held recently at Sandals Grande Saint Lucian. From luxurious beachfront Caribbean resorts to intimate boutique hideaways and eco-conscious retreats, the 2025 winners showcase the best in regional hospitality, design, and service excellence.

Hosted on the island of Saint Lucia, the glittering red-carpet gala celebrated the finest in Caribbean tourism – recognizing the resorts, hotels, and villas that continue to redefine paradise for travelers across the globe.

Sandals Dominates the Region

FLASHBACK – Just before stepping into the spotlight for his Broadway run in Moulin Rouge, acclaimed actor and Broadway star Taye Diggs took time to unwind at Sandals Royal Curacao on June 17, 2025 in Willemstad, Curacao. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Sandals Resorts)

Jamaica emerged as one of the biggest winners of the evening, cementing its position as the region’s tourism powerhouse. Sandals Resorts International once again reigned supreme, earning the title of Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand 2025, while several of its properties took home major awards:

Sandals Montego BayCaribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025

Sandals Dunn’s RiverCaribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort 2025

Sandals South CoastCaribbean’s Most Romantic Resort 2025

Sandals Grande St. LucianCaribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2025

Sandals Royal CuraçaoCaribbean’s Leading Dive Resort 2025

Jamaica also dominated in the luxury and villa categories, with GoldenEye Villa crowned Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa, and Round Hill Hotel and Villas winning Caribbean’s Leading Villa Resort 2025.

Adding to its accolades, Princess Grand Jamaica took home the award for Caribbean’s Leading New Resort, while Princess Senses The Mangrove was named Caribbean’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2025.

Saint Lucia Shines Bright

The host island of Saint Lucia dazzled on its home turf, taking top honors in multiple categories that highlight its enduring romantic and natural appeal.

Serenity at Coconut Bay was named Caribbean’s Leading Adult-Only All-Inclusive Resort 2025, while the island itself was honored as both Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination and Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination.

Among Saint Lucia’s elite resorts, Jade Mountain Resort stood out as Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort, and The Landings Resort and Spa captured Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Suite Resort 2025.

Meanwhile, Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel received the distinction of Caribbean’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2025, and Grande Beachfront Villa Suite at The Landings Resort & Spa was celebrated as Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Suite 2025.

Turks & Caicos Tops Family and Beach Categories

The Turks & Caicos Islands maintained their reputation for pristine beaches and family-friendly luxury. Beaches Turks & Caicos was named Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025, while The Palms Turks & Caicos earned the title of Caribbean’s Leading All-Suite Hotel.

The islands themselves claimed two of the night’s most coveted honors: Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination and Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination 2025.

Luxury Leaders Across the Region

Elsewhere in the Caribbean, excellence shone brightly across islands large and small:

Amanera, Dominican RepublicCaribbean’s Leading Beach Resort 2025

Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf ClubCaribbean’s Leading Resort 2025

Curtain Bluff Resort, Antigua & BarbudaCaribbean’s Leading Green Resort 2025

Four Seasons Resort NevisCaribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Resort 2025

Malatai Villa, JamaicaCaribbean’s Leading Luxury Private Villa 2025

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. LuciaCaribbean’s Leading Luxury Resort 2025

Ambergris Cay, Turks & CaicosCaribbean’s Leading Private Island Resort 2025

Jungle Bay, DominicaCaribbean’s Leading Retreat 2025

Hotel Indigo Grand CaymanCaribbean’s Leading New Hotel 2025

A Celebration of Caribbean Excellence

From eco-luxury resorts in Antigua to family getaways in Turks & Caicos and honeymoon sanctuaries in Saint Lucia, the 2025 World Travel Awards once again underscored the Caribbean’s unmatched diversity and depth of hospitality.

As WTA Founder Graham Cooke noted, this year’s winners “represent the gold standard of global travel — destinations and brands that continue to raise the bar for quality, sustainability, and authentic Caribbean experience.”

With new developments and record arrivals across the region, the Caribbean’s tourism industry continues to thrive — reminding the world that when it comes to paradise, there’s nowhere quite like the islands of the Caribbean.

Guyana: The Only Country In The Americas Forecast For Double-Digit Growth Through 2027

By NAN Business Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Oct. 9, 2025: The South American CARICOM nation of Guyana is defying global economic gravity. According to the World Bank’s October 2025 Global Economic Prospects Report on Latin America and the Caribbean, it is the only country in the Americas forecast to record double-digit GDP growth through 2027.

The opening of the new Bharrat Jadgeo Demerara River bridge adds to the growth in Guyana. (DPI Image)

The report projects Guyana’s real GDP growth at 11.8% in 2025, jumping to 22.4% in 2026 and 24.0% in 2027, fueled by an oil and gas boom that continues to transform its economy. No other nation in the hemisphere comes close to those figures.

A Lone Outlier in a Slow-Growth Hemisphere

While Guyana soars, the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean will expand at far slower rates. The World Bank projects the region’s average growth at just 2.3% in 2025, edging up to 2.5% by 2027, restrained by weak investment, high borrowing costs, and sluggish productivity.

The top ten fastest-growing economies for 2025–2027 are as follows:

Rank Country 2025 Forecast (%) 2026 Forecast (%) 2027 Forecast (%) Key Growth Driver 1Guyana11.822.424.0Oil exports, infrastructure, FDI 2Paraguay4.23.73.7Agriculture, hydropower 3Argentina4.64.04.0Energy sector recovery 4Dominican Republic3.04.34.5Tourism, services, investment 5Costa Rica3.63.63.7Tech exports, green economy 6Panama3.94.14.1Logistics, services, canal expansion 7Suriname3.23.43.7Mining, oil projects 8Guatemala3.93.73.7Remittances, construction 9Grenada3.73.32.7Tourism, public investment 10St. Lucia3.92.52.1Tourism rebound

Guyana’s dominance is clear — growing at three to five times the pace of any other country in the region.

The Power Behind Guyana’s Boom

Since 2020, offshore oil discoveries have catapulted Guyana into the ranks of the world’s fastest-expanding economies. ExxonMobil and its consortium partners have already lifted daily output above 600,000 barrels, with projections to exceed one million barrels by decade’s end.

The government’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF) manages oil revenues to support infrastructure, health, education, and renewable energy projects. Massive road and housing programs, along with plans for a new gas-to-energy plant, are laying the groundwork for diversification including the just opened Demerara Harbour Bridge, renamed the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge.  The US$262 million engineering feat, Guyana’s longest and most advanced river crossing, now connects both sides of the Demerara River with 24/7 traffic, marking a turning point in national infrastructure. Constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation, the new structure replaces the venerable Demerara Harbour Bridge with four vehicle lanes, pedestrian and cyclist paths, and unrestricted river passage for ships. With foundations anchored by 658 piles, it is now the nation’s strongest bridge.

Economists warn, however, that sustaining momentum requires strong governance, transparent spending, and investment in human capital.

World Bank: Reforms Needed for “Transformational” Entrepreneurship

Beyond oil, the report calls for domestic reforms to attract investment and promote “transformational” entrepreneurship — high-growth firms that diffuse technology, create jobs, and raise productivity.

“The entrepreneur is the critical actor in development, identifying opportunities, innovating, and taking the risks needed to create value added and jobs,” said William Maloney, Chief Economist for Latin America and the Caribbean at the World Bank. “Creating more dynamic economies in Latin America and the Caribbean will require strengthening our pipeline of entrepreneurial talent, while undertaking the systemic reforms necessary for them to thrive.”

Despite enthusiasm for entrepreneurship, most firms in the region are micro or small enterprises with limited paths to scale — representing up to 70% of businesses in some countries. The Bank argues that a smaller group of high-growth, innovative firms could drive productivity and innovation but face familiar barriers: scarce financing, burdensome regulation, skills shortages, and weak infrastructure.

To foster private-sector-led growth, the report proposes a three-point reform agenda:

Invest in Human Capital – Improve education at all levels, expand managerial training, and align workforce programs with private-sector needs to fuel job creation.

Reform Business Regulation – Remove distortionary subsidies, modernize tax policy, and upgrade logistics, energy, and digital systems to reduce entry barriers.

Expand Access to Finance – With a quarter of firms credit-constrained, the Bank urges stronger risk-sharing, streamlined dispute resolution, and modern bankruptcy laws to support both lenders and entrepreneurs.

The Road Ahead

The World Bank warns that without reforms, much of the region risks stagnation. Yet, with the right mix of fiscal prudence, institutional reform, and inclusive entrepreneurship, Latin America and the Caribbean could reignite growth and competitiveness.

In that effort, Guyana’s success story — balancing oil wealth with long-term investment — may serve as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale for its neighbors.

A New Caribbean Hotel Is Coming To This Caribbean Island

By NAN Travel Editor

News Americas, KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Thurs. Oct. 9, 2025: A new chapter in Caribbean tourism is being written in the Caribbean islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Sandals Resorts International, (SRI) have signed a landmark agreement for the construction of a US$500 million, (EC$1.35 billion) Beaches Resort at Mount Wynne – the largest single tourism investment in the nation’s history.

Transforming the Tourism Landscape

L-R: Carlos James – Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development & Culture and Adam Stewart – Executive Chairman, Sandals Resorts

The upcoming 500-room Beaches St. Vincent and the Grenadines Resort will redefine family-friendly, all-inclusive luxury on the island’s scenic leeward coast. Designed to cater to families, groups, and multi-generational travelers, the development marks a bold step in expanding the country’s tourism infrastructure and global visibility.

Built in phases, the project is expected to create nearly 2,000 direct jobs during its operational phase, offering training and employment opportunities for Vincentians across hospitality, construction, agriculture, culture, and supporting industries. The resort is scheduled to open in 2027.

“A Game-Changer for St. Vincent and the Grenadines”

Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, hailed the investment as a milestone for national growth:

“This investment is a game-changer for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It represents confidence in our tourism sector and in the Vincentian people — their talent, resilience, and hospitality. The Beaches Resort will open doors to thousands of new jobs, stimulate local enterprise, and position our country as a hub for sustainable, family-oriented tourism.”

James added that the development reflects the government’s vision of a tourism industry that drives inclusive economic growth, empowers communities, and celebrates the nation’s natural and cultural heritage.

Building on Momentum

The project follows the successful opening of Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines in March 2023, deepening the partnership between the Government and Sandals Resorts International. The alliance continues to strengthen St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ profile as one of the region’s rising tourism powerhouses.

Tourism officials say the Beaches development is part of a broader tourism renaissance now underway, with four major hotel projects reshaping the nation’s hospitality landscape.

A Wave of Transformative Investments

In addition to the Beaches Resort at Mount Wynne, other major tourism projects currently advancing include:

A world-class Marriott Hotel at Peter’s Hope.

The revitalization of the iconic Palm Island Tourism Development Project.

The Cumberland Resort and Marina, designed to accommodate small pleasure craft and yachting visitors.

Together, these projects represent more than EC$2 billion (over US$740 million) in combined investment and are projected to create nearly 4,000 jobs across construction, tourism, and related sectors — with the Beaches Resort accounting for roughly half of that total.

Empowering Vincentians

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Vincentians benefit directly from the tourism boom through training, capacity building, and local business linkages. Officials say these initiatives will help strengthen domestic industries — from agriculture to the creative economy — ensuring tourism growth translates into real, inclusive benefits for communities across the country.

As the groundwork begins for the Beaches St. Vincent and the Grenadines Resort, optimism is high that this investment will not only elevate the nation’s hospitality standards but also solidify its place as a premier tourism and investment destination in the Caribbean.

Bahamas Grid Company Reports Strong Early Progress on Foundational Grid Upgrade Project

NASSAU, The Bahamas, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Six months after the launch of its Foundational Grid Upgrade Project and one year since providing restoration and maintenance activities, the Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) has released its first comprehensive Progress Metrics Report. The report highlights major upgrades to the transmission and distribution systems serving New Providence, paving the way for greater reliability, resilience, and power quality.

Early results show the project is already transforming electricity delivery, with outages declining sharply and thousands of customers now experiencing enhanced service quality.

Building a Stronger, More Resilient Grid

Progress on the $130 million initiative is well ahead of schedule—28% faster than planned—with major infrastructure improvements completed or underway:

144 new steel poles installed, replacing aging wooden structures and providing Category 5 hurricane-grade resilience.

153,120 feet of transmission cable reconductored with double-sized wire to accommodate future load growth and new generation sources.

42,240 feet of distribution cable reconductored to remediate system vulnerabilities and support expanding customer demand.

Three new substations under construction to enhance system protection and enable rerouting of power to prevent large-scale outages.

Leveraging Smart Technologies to Reduce Outages

The deployment of advanced grid technologies is delivering measurable results in outage reduction and faster response times:

47 IntelliRupters installed on high-risk feeders to reduce both the number of outages and the customers affected by them.

137,280 feet of OPGW fiber cable replaced to enable remote operations, protection devices, and the integration of smart technologies across the grid.

A new integrated Work Management System is being implemented to track upgrades and customer connections while providing real-time outage response — a first for The Bahamas.

Direct Public Benefits Already Visible

The positive impact of these upgrades is being felt by homes and businesses across New Providence:

49,000 homes in historically outage-prone areas are now experiencing far fewer interruptions.

16,000 homes have benefited from load-balancing efforts that improve power quality and extend the lifespan of home appliances.

Proactive patrols and maintenance on 70 circuit miles of high-risk areas are reducing potential storm damage before it occurs.

86% reduction in outages for customers downstream of IntelliRupters.

Six months into implementation, the Foundational Grid Upgrade Project is already delivering measurable reliability improvements, laying the groundwork for a more secure and sustainable energy system for New Providence.

About Us
Bahamas Grid Company (BGC), established through a public-private partnership, is a wires company that operates and manages the transmission and distribution system (T&D System) – i.e., the poles, wires and substations that distribute power – across the island of New Providence in The Bahamas.

Website: https://bahamasgrid.net/