5. Dominican Republic – Casas Del XVI.
While most of the recent hotel openings here involve brand-new builds, this heritage property in Santa Domingo’s Ciudad Colonial gives guests a more historical experience. The seven rooms in a collection of restored 16th-century homes mix contemporary art with old architectural design, like original vaulted brick archways. Each house has its own personality and uniquely designed guest rooms: Casa del Arbol retains the feel of an aristocratic residence with rooms opening directly on to a lush courtyard, while colonial-tropical Casa de los Mapas, filled with historic maps, will tickle the fancy of modern-day explorers. Personalised service starts from the moment you arrive at the airport, and butlers are always on hand in the tranquil homes away from home.
6. Vieques – El Blok.
In contrast to some of the Caribbean’s cookie-cutter sprawling resorts, this funky boutique hotel channels more of a cool inn vibe. The 22 industrial-chic rooms are spartan yet visually striking, done up in native woods, exposed concrete walls and coloured hidráulico tiles. A sculptural creation in itself, the perforated façade allows light to trickle into the guest rooms without impeding views of the turquoise sea and green foliage. The brainchild of restaurateur Jose Enrique, it’s hardly surprising that the hotel’s restaurant and bar are destinations in their own right: Dishes like pompano fish steamed in giant plantain leaves are created in an open kitchen, introducing twists on recipes from the chef’s popular eponymous San Juan restaurant, while the bar shakes up signature drinks with ingredients such as fresh star fruit juice and ginger.
Resort Report. The Caribbean isn’t done showing off its new properties just yet, with an impressive schedule of launches in the coming months. This spring, the Bahamas’ much-anticipated Baha Mar development will open with a Rosewood property kitted out with colonial-chic touches on Cable Beach, while luxe playground Aman Villas at Playa Grande is scheduled to open this summer in the Dominican Republic with 30 private villas and a beach club. Look out for Park Hyatt St Kitts, which begins welcoming guests toward the end of this year with 135 contemporary rooms and a spa with outdoor treatment rooms. Pink Sands Club – for the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity – is set to open on intimate Canouan in the Grenadines during the course of the year. In 2016, wellness destination Six Senses Freedom Bay in St Lucia’s Pitons will be the place to go for a spa getaway.
