The Best 7 Must Visit Caribbean Destinations Including Bora Bora

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Picture this: You dream of crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches but can’t choose between the Caribbean’s finest destinations and the legendary Bora Bora.. Then let me tell you the 7 Must Visit Caribbean Destinations Including Bora Bora

My extensive exploration of these paradise destinations revealed something most travel guides miss – Bora Bora isn’t part of the Caribbean at all. This French Polynesian gem shares the same vacation magic that makes the Caribbean special: overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, and world-class resorts.

These seven must-visit tropical destinations deserve your attention. The volcanic peaks of St. Lucia, the exclusive shores of St. Barts, and the iconic overwater villas of Bora Bora await you. These destinations offer experiences beyond imagination, perfect for honeymooners or anyone seeking an extraordinary escape.

St. Lucia

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St. Lucia’s dramatic landscape never fails to take my breath away, even after exploring countless Caribbean destinations. The twin volcanic spires pierce through the clouds, making this island truly unique among its Caribbean neighbors.

St. Lucia’s Iconic Landmarks

The majestic Pitons define St. Lucia’s allure – Gros Piton reaches 2,619 feet while Petit Piton stands at 2,438 feet ¹. These UNESCO World Heritage-listed volcanic plugs create the Caribbean’s most distinctive skyline. The Tet Paul Nature Trail became my favorite spot to experience these natural wonders, where a gentle 45-minute guided walk reveals spectacular views ¹.

My must-see natural attractions include:

The Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano at Sulfur Springs
Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens with its mineral-rich waters
Pigeon Island National Park, where history meets pristine beaches

St. Lucia’s Luxury Resorts

Jade Mountain Resort stands as my greatest island find, perched above a 600-acre beachfront estate. Each sanctuary showcases unobstructed Piton views, and 24 rooms feature private infinity pools that blend seamlessly with the Caribbean horizon ². The resort’s perfect balance between luxury and nature makes it exceptional.

Sugar Beach spreads across 100 acres of pristine rainforest between the Pitons ². These resorts match the luxury of Bora Bora’s finest properties with their unique experiences and stunning views.

St. Lucia Travel Costs

Smart budget planning makes a big difference here. My research shows these typical costs:

Mid-range travelers should expect:

Hotel rates: $380-872 per night ³
Weekly accommodation: $2,660-6,104 ³
Activities: Around $75 per person for excursions like snorkeling ³

Luxury seekers need to budget:

Premium resorts: $1,200-1,380 per night ³
Weekly luxury stays: $8,400-9,660 ³
Airport transfers: $75-90 each way ³

Hurricane season (June to November) brings better accommodation deals ³. All-inclusive packages at mid-range resorts offer great value, typically costing around $8,000 for a couple’s week-long stay ³.

Turks & Caicos

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After learning about many tropical paradises, I can say that the Turks & Caicos Islands have something special. These pristine islands blend high-end destination exclusivity with a relaxed Caribbean charm that makes them different from their Caribbean neighbors and Pacific spots like Bora Bora.

Turks & Caicos Beaches

Grace Bay Beach stands without doubt as the crown jewel of these islands, and I’ve seen it ranked consistently among the world’s finest beaches ⁴. Grace Bay’s perfect mix of blindingly white sand and shimmering azure waters amazes me. My visits helped me find several hidden gems beyond the main attraction:

Leeward Beach: Perfect for secluded walks and beachcombing
Long Bay Beach: Ideal for kiteboarding and horseback riding
Sapodilla Bay: Offers some of the calmest waters in the archipelago ⁵
Malcolm’s Road Beach: A remote paradise for adventure seekers

Turks & Caicos Accommodations

The accommodation options here match those of luxury destinations worldwide. Providenciales island has most of the upscale properties ⁶, ranging from boutique hotels to expansive resorts. My clients need to book well ahead during peak season (December to April) ⁶.

Typical accommodation costs I’ve seen:

Category	Nightly Rate
Boutique Hotels	$380-600
Luxury Resorts	$800-1,200
Private Villas	$1,000-2,500

Turks & Caicos Activities

These islands stand out because of their incredible array of activities. The sort of thing I love is that most larger hotels keep fleets of non-powered water sports equipment for guests, including kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear ⁶.

My stays taught me that the archipelago has one of the largest barrier reef systems globally, stretching an impressive 340 miles ⁷. Adventure seekers should check out the pristine waterways by kayak or paddleboard. You’ll likely spot juvenile sharks, turtles, and stingrays in their natural habitat ⁸.

My insider tip: Think about visiting during the end-of-summer low season when resort prices drop up to 50% from winter rates ⁶. Some people might prefer Bora Bora’s overwater bungalows, but Turks & Caicos gives equally impressive experiences with its beachfront suites and private villa options, often at better prices.

British Virgin Islands

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The British Virgin Islands stole my heart when I learned it was the sailing capital of the Caribbean. The BVI is a chance to explore more than 50 different islands ⁹. This paradise beats even the exclusive shores of Bora Bora.

British Virgin Islands Attractions

The Baths on Virgin Gorda stands as BVI’s crown jewel. Here I found massive boulders that create nature’s own playground ¹⁰. My travels led me to these must-see spots:

Cane Garden Bay: A stunning beach curve filled with beachside fun
Anegada Island: A treasure trove of 300+ shipwrecks and flocks of pink flamingos ¹¹
Sage Mountain National Park: The highest point at 1,716 feet with breathtaking archipelago views ¹¹

British Virgin Islands Resorts

Luxury here matches Bora Bora’s finest spots. Rosewood Little Dix Bay amazed me with its 500-acre beachfront paradise ¹². Necker Island takes exclusivity to new heights – Sir Richard Branson’s private haven welcomes up to 48 guests ¹².

Luxury accommodation pricing I’ve encountered:

Resort Category	Nightly Rate Range
Boutique Hotels	$650-800
Luxury Resorts	$800-1,200
Private Islands	$2,500+

British Virgin Islands Travel Tips

Experience taught me timing matters here. Hurricane season (June to November) brings the best deals ¹³. Island hopping works best by ferry, though taxi rides need fare agreements upfront ¹³.

Remember these travel essentials:

Your passport must be valid for 6 months after departure ¹³
Stays under 30 days don’t need tourist visas ¹³
U.S. dollars work everywhere and most places take credit cards ¹³

BVI stands out from other Caribbean spots and Bora Bora with its perfect mix of luxury and adventure. Sea turtles swim beneath crystal-clear waters of Sir Francis Drake Channel – I spot them right from my deck ¹⁴. This place blends world-class resorts with untouched nature beautifully, making it a fantastic alternative to French Polynesia’s overwater villas.

Cayman Islands

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The Cayman Islands blend Caribbean charm with modern luxury perfectly. These islands rival even the most exclusive Bora Bora resorts. My years of travel have shown me how these islands mix natural wonders with sophisticated amenities beautifully.

Cayman Islands Highlights

Seven Mile Beach stands out as one of the Caribbean’s ultimate beaches ¹⁵. The islands’ marine life experiences make this place special. Stingray City gives you a unique chance to swim with gentle stingrays in their natural habitat ¹⁶.

The islands’ most captivating attractions include:

The USS Kittiwake wreck site for world-class diving
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park’s vibrant gardens
Bioluminescent Bay’s magical evening displays ¹⁶

Cayman Islands Luxury Stays

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman proves why it’s a premier destination. You’ll find the Caribbean’s first and only Forbes Five-Star restaurant here. Their South American-inspired oceanfront dining creates exceptional experiences ¹⁷.

The property’s standout features amazed me:

A Greg Norman-designed nine-hole golf course
Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program
One of the most exclusive rum selections in the Caribbean ¹⁷

Cayman Islands Pricing Guide

My extended stays helped me create this complete pricing guide:

Expense Category	Budget Range (USD)
Daily Costs	$150-814 per person ¹⁸
Weekly Couple Stay	$1,049-5,695 ¹⁸
Hotel Rooms (Budget)	$200-360 ¹⁹
Luxury Rooms	$1,200-1,500 ¹⁹

Summer visits can save you money, with September offering the best flight deals ². The dining costs match major U.S. cities, but the quality and variety make every meal worth it ².

The Cayman Islands stand apart from other Caribbean spots and even Bora Bora through their perfect mix of luxury and accessibility. World-class diving spots like the Barrier Reef and Coral Gardens ²⁰ complement the sophisticated atmosphere that matches the finest South Pacific resorts. Natural wonders blend seamlessly with modern conveniences here, creating an experience that feels exotic yet comfortable.

St. Barts

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St. Barts stands in a league of its own among Caribbean luxury destinations. My extensive exploration of this French-speaking paradise reveals how European sophistication meets tropical allure in less than 10 square miles ³.

St. Barts Exclusive Experiences

The sort of thing I love about St. Barts is its vibrant maritime culture. My visits have shown that Le Barthélemy is the only hotel with direct yacht access from the beach ³. The island’s exclusive experiences include:

Gourmet Festival in November
St. Barts Music Festival in January
Saint B’Art Book & Jazz Festival in April
The Bucket Regatta in March
Les Voiles de St Barth in April ³

St. Barts Premium Resorts

Several of St. Barts’ finest accommodations have left lasting impressions on me. The rates reflect the island’s exclusivity:

Resort	Nightly Rate (USD)
Gyp Sea Saint Barth	998.75 ²¹
Hotel Manapany	1,048.69 ²¹
Hotel Christopher	1,213.83 ²¹
Rosewood Le Guanahani	1,331.67 ²¹
Le Sereno	1,498.13 ²¹

Cheval Blanc St. Barth Isle De France, the island’s only certified palace hotel, tops my list. Their La Mer spa treatments are a great way to get luxury experiences, especially with the Genaissance facial and a dip in Nordic pools that rival Bora Bora’s finest ³.

St. Barts Travel Essentials

My many visits taught me that reaching St. Barts needs careful planning. You’ll need a connecting flight unless you charter a private plane. Tradewind Aviation from San Juan, Puerto Rico provides smooth wing-to-wing transitions that bypass customs delays ³.

The best time to visit falls between December and March, though you should expect celebrity sightings during peak season ³. The island uses euros and while prices run high, the unique blend of French sophistication and Caribbean charm justifies the cost.

St. Barts distinguishes itself by maintaining exclusivity without pretension. The island offers a different experience from Bora Bora’s overwater villas. Here, you might find yourself at casual, shoes-optional beachside restaurants alongside designer-clad visitors and French-speaking locals ²².

Anguilla

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Anguilla engages me with its authentic charm and strict rules against large cruise ships, casinos, and high-rise hotels ¹. The sort of thing i love about this pristine paradise is how it matches Bora Bora’s luxury while keeping its genuine island character.

Anguilla’s Best Beaches

My trips here helped me find why Anguilla’s 33 magnificent beaches rank among the Caribbean’s finest ²³. These beaches stand out as my favorites:

Shoal Bay East: A shimmering 2-mile stretch of pinkish-white sand that ranks among the world’s best beaches ²³
Meads Bay: A majestic expanse with Four Seasons at each end and crystal-clear turquoise waters ²³
Rendezvous Bay: A pearly white crescent shows off stunning St. Martin views and perfect sunset strolls ²³
Little Bay: A sublime, secluded slice of paradise you can reach only by rope or boat ²³

Anguilla’s Luxury Properties

Anguilla’s luxury accommodations match even Bora Bora’s finest overwater villas. The Four Seasons Resort shines as a masterpiece, and 80% of its rooms offer ocean views ²⁴. The five-bedroom beachfront villas with private pools overlooking Barnes Bay Beach left me amazed during my stays ²⁴.

Luxury accommodation pricing I’ve seen:

Resort Category	Nightly Rate (USD)
Ocean View Studio	998-1,213 ²⁴
One-Bedroom Suite	1,331-1,498 ²⁴
Beachfront Villa	2,000+ ²⁴

Anguilla Travel Information

My many trips here show that Anguilla keeps high safety standards ²⁵, but smart planning matters. Most guests fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on Sint Maarten and take a quick ferry or charter flight to the island ²⁶.

Anguilla stands out from its Caribbean neighbors and Bora Bora with its amazing food scene. The island has no all-inclusive resorts, which lets its restaurant culture thrive ²⁷. Roadside barbecue spots serve up authentic Caribbean dishes like chicken, ribs, and Johnny cakes that I love ²⁷.

You’ll get the best value from May to August, with great package deals and less hurricane risk ⁵. September and October have the lowest hotel rates, though some properties close these months ⁵.

Bora Bora

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My travels through the Caribbean’s best spots led me to the magical Bora Bora, a South Pacific gem that people call the “Pearl of the Pacific” ²⁸. After visiting many places, I can tell you why this place stands out from even the fanciest Caribbean spots.

Bora Bora vs Caribbean

Bora Bora’s authentic Polynesian culture really caught my attention. The island doesn’t deal very well with mass tourism like many Caribbean ports do with their busy cruise ships and big shopping centers. My time there showed me a more personal side ²⁸. The beaches are peaceful without any vendors around – quite different from Caribbean beaches where sellers often interrupt your quiet time ²⁸.

The cultural experience here is exceptional:

Traditional Polynesian nights with island feasts and dancing
Chances to learn real handicrafts
Ancient site visits in the wild inner island
Welcome ceremonies with fragrant tiara buds and ukulele greetings ²⁸

Bora Bora Overwater Villas

Bora Bora’s overwater rooms really set the bar for luxury worldwide. The Four Seasons Resort caught my eye with its traditional teak-wood furniture and Polynesian art that naturally mixed local culture with modern comfort ⁴. Each villa has either private plunge pools or big decks where you can jump right into the lagoon ⁴.

Here’s my comparison of luxury places to stay:

Resort	Notable Features
St. Regis Bora Bora	Largest overwater villas in French Polynesia ²⁹
InterContinental	Glass-bottomed coffee tables showcasing marine life ³⁰
Conrad Bora Bora	Unique two-story overwater bungalows ³¹

Bora Bora Travel Guide

Bora Bora might seem far away, but getting there is easier than you’d think. You’ll find it northwest of Tahiti, just an hour’s flight from Papeete ⁶. The best time to visit is between November and April when the weather stays nice in the mid-70s to mid-80s ³².

The sort of thing I love about Bora Bora is its size – just 6 miles long and a bit over 2 miles wide ³². This small island packs in so many amazing experiences. A sleeping volcano sits at its heart, surrounded by an aquamarine lagoon that made author James Michener call it “the most beautiful island in the world” ³².

Yes, it is expensive, but the experience is worth every penny. Overwater bungalows usually cost between USD 1,000 to USD 3,000 each night ³³. But I’ve found that you can get better deals during shoulder season while still enjoying everything Bora Bora has to offer.

Comparison Table

Destination	Notable Beaches/Attractions	Luxury Resort Price Range (USD/night)	Best Time to Visit	Unique Features	Popular Activities
St. Lucia	Pitons (UNESCO site), Sulfur Springs, Diamond Falls	$1,200-1,380	Outside hurricane season (Dec-May)	Twin volcanic spires, accessible volcano	Tet Paul Trail hiking, botanical garden tours, beach activities
Turks & Caicos	Grace Bay Beach, Leeward Beach, Long Bay Beach	$800-1,200	December to April	340-mile barrier reef system	Kiteboarding, snorkeling, beachcombing
British Virgin Islands	The Baths, Cane Garden Bay, Anegada Island	$800-1,200	Outside hurricane season (Dec-May)	50+ scattered islands	Sailing, shipwreck discovery, hiking trails
Cayman Islands	Seven Mile Beach, Stingray City, Bioluminescent Bay	$1,200-1,500	Summer months (best deals)	World-class dive locations	Stingray encounters, diving, marine exploration
St. Barts	Not specifically mentioned	$998-1,498	December to March	Caribbean’s only certified palace hotel	Food festivals, yacht excursions, luxury shopping
Anguilla	Shoal Bay East, Meads Bay, Rendezvous Bay	$998-2,000+	May to August	No cruise ships, casinos or high-rises	Beach exploration, fine dining, water sports
Bora Bora	Not specifically mentioned	$1,000-3,000	November to April	Overwater bungalows, volcanic terrain	Local culture, lagoon activities, traditional ceremonies

Conclusion

These seven amazing destinations have shown me their unique versions of paradise. St. Lucia engages visitors with its dramatic Pitons, while Turks & Caicos shows off beaches that are among the world’s finest. The British Virgin Islands are perfect for sailing adventures, and the Cayman Islands blend luxury with amazing marine experiences.

St. Barts brings its French sophistication to the table, and Anguilla shines with its authentic island culture and excellent dining. Bora Bora, though far away, fits right in with these Caribbean jewels thanks to its iconic overwater bungalows and clear lagoons.

These places might look similar at first glance – with their beautiful beaches and luxury resorts – but I found that there was something special about each one. St. Lucia’s volcanic scenery creates stunning views you won’t see anywhere else, and Anguilla stays peaceful without cruise ships. The Cayman Islands stand out for marine adventures, while Bora Bora adds its unique Polynesian touch that’s different from the Caribbean vibe.

Here’s what I suggest: Pick your destination based on what you love to do rather than its fame. The British Virgin Islands are your best bet for sailing. Food lovers should check out St. Barts or Anguilla. If overwater bungalows are your dream, Bora Bora is calling. Note that you’ll get better deals during shoulder seasons while still having an amazing time.

Must Visit Caribbean Destinations

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