There’s a reason the Caribbean has long been a playground for the rich and famous…but not all islands are created equal. Some places here redefine luxury, with private villas that cost more than most people’s annual rent, yacht-filled marinas, and white-sand beaches where exclusivity comes with a jaw-dropping price tag.
Over the years, I’ve hopped around dozens of Caribbean islands, from laid-back hideaways to ultra-luxe retreats, and I’ve seen firsthand how quickly costs can climb when you step into the world of private chefs, five-star resorts, and “if you have to ask, you can’t afford it” menus. If you’re dreaming of the Caribbean in 2025 and wondering which islands will demand the biggest splurge, these 13 stand at the very top. Whether you’re planning to indulge or just curious what paradise really costs, here’s where luxury hits its peak.
The 13 Most Luxurious Caribbean Islands at a Glance
Dreaming of the Caribbean’s most exclusive escapes? Here’s a quick-hit look at the 13 priciest, most luxurious islands where opulence comes standard.
- Most Over-the-Top Private Island: Musha Cay, Bahamas
- Ultimate Billionaire Hideaway: Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
- Best for Secluded Villas: Moskito Island, British Virgin Islands
- Most Alluring Boat-Access Only Retreat: Jumby Bay Island, Antigua
- Best “Private Slice of Paradise”: Cayo Espanto, Belize
- Celebrity Favorite Escape: Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
- Most Chic Island Vibes: St. Barts
- Best for Refined Elegance: Nevis
- Most Exclusive Community Feel: Mustique, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
- Best Natural Luxury: Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
- Most Classic Caribbean Mix of Luxury & Culture: Barbados
- Best for Serene Sophistication: Anguilla
- Most Dramatic Luxury Backdrop: St. Lucia
If you’re ready to splurge, these islands deliver the ultimate mix of exclusivity, indulgence, and jaw-dropping scenery. This is the Caribbean at its most elite.
1. Musha Cay, Bahamas
Musha Cay is honestly as insane as it sounds – David Copperfield’s private 700-acre archipelago with 40 private beaches spread across 11 islands. I’m talking about rates that’ll make your eyes water: currently $60,000 per night, making it literally the most expensive Airbnb on the planet. But here’s the thing – you’re not just renting a room, you’re taking over an entire island paradise that can sleep up to 24 people.
Getting there is actually pretty straightforward – it’s just 90 minutes by air from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. You’ll fly into Georgetown Airport on Great Exuma, then it’s either a 20-minute charter flight or scenic boat ride to your own private kingdom. The island comes with five separate villas, each with its own private beach, plus a championship tennis court, outdoor theater with a two-story screen, and that famous disappearing sandbar that appears daily with the tides.
Is this place worth the astronomical price tag? Copperfield uses it as a test lab for his creative pursuits and shares these unexpected adventures with guests. You’re not just paying for luxury – you’re paying for genuine magic and experiences you literally can’t get anywhere else on Earth.
- Read next: Stunning Places in the Bahamas
Image credit: mushacay.com
2. Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
Necker Island is where Richard Branson basically lives his best life, and honestly, you can too if you’ve got the cash. Individual room rates start at $6,230 per night, while taking over the entire 74-acre island costs from $154,958 per night for up to 48 guests. That sounds crazy until you realize what you’re actually getting – all meals, drinks, return boat transfers, and pretty much every water sport you can think of.
The coolest part isn’t just the luxury – it’s that you actually get to hang out with Branson himself. The guy genuinely seems to enjoy meeting “normal” people, which is pretty wild for a billionaire. The island can accommodate up to 40 guests with additional room for six children, and every single room has ocean views.
Getting there is way easier than you’d think. You fly into San Juan, Antigua, Barbados, or St. Thomas, then take a connecting flight to Beef Island, Tortola, followed by a 30-minute boat ride. The island runs on wind turbines and solar panels, so you’re basically staying in an eco-friendly paradise where flamingos and giant tortoises just wander around like it’s no big deal.
3. Moskito Island, British Virgin Islands
Right next to Necker Island sits Moskito Island, Branson’s newer addition to his Caribbean empire. Starting rates hit $17,500 for a night in low season, which makes it actually pricier than its famous neighbor. The 125-acre island is designed for serious privacy – I’m talking about architectural masterpieces that blend into the landscape so perfectly it feels like living in a nature documentary.
What sets Moskito apart from other private islands is how new everything feels. The estates here aren’t just luxurious – they’re bespoke experiences tailored to whatever fantasy you’re living. You’ve got a floodlit tennis court for those midnight games, a wrap-around pool that seems to go on forever, and communal spaces where luxury and leisure blend seamlessly.
The best part? You can actually island-hop between Moskito and Necker if you’re feeling fancy. Both islands offer that signature Branson experience where the line between adventure and relaxation completely disappears. I found the whole setup works perfectly for groups who want multiple villas but still want to feel connected. Getting there follows the same route as Necker – you’re literally neighbors with one of the world’s most famous entrepreneurs.
4. Jumby Bay Island, Antigua
Jumby Bay Island is one of those places that makes you forget the outside world exists. Suite rates start over $2,500 per night, and honestly, it’s worth every penny for the complete escape you get. This 300-acre private island is only accessible by boat, which immediately sets the tone – you’re leaving everything behind when you step on that dock.
What I love about Jumby Bay is how seriously they take conservation. You’ll find untouched environments that are home to a diverse range of wildlife, so you’re basically staying in a nature preserve that happens to have world-class luxury. The accommodations range from beautifully appointed suites to full villas and private residences, each offering completely unobstructed Caribbean Sea views.
The island operates on island time in the best possible way – there’s no rushing here, no schedule to keep. You can spend your morning snorkeling with sea turtles, your afternoon lounging by infinity pools, and your evening watching sunset from your private terrace. I’ve stayed at a lot of Caribbean resorts, but this place really delivers on that “private island” promise. It’s accessible yet exclusive, luxurious yet authentic, and honestly just the perfect reset from real life.
5. Cayo Espanto, Belize
Cayo Espanto is this tiny private island off the coast of Belize with just seven villas, which means you’re basically guaranteed not to run into crowds. At $1,995 per night to start, it’s actually one of the more “affordable” options on this list, though that’s obviously a relative term.
Each villa sits right on the water with private plunge pools and glass walls that basically put the ocean in your bedroom. The whole island is only four acres, so you can walk around the entire thing in about 10 minutes, but that’s part of the charm. Everything feels intimate and personal. I spent most of my time on my private deck just watching the water change colors throughout the day.
The big draw here is the Belize Barrier Reef, which is literally on your doorstep. You can snorkel right off the island and see incredible marine life, or take a helicopter to the Great Blue Hole if you’re feeling adventurous. The food is fantastic – they’ve got a chef who’ll cook whatever you want, whenever you want it. Getting there is pretty straightforward: fly into Belize City, then a 20-minute flight to San Pedro, followed by a short boat ride. It’s way easier than some of the other islands on this list.
6. Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
Parrot Cay is probably the most accessible place on this list if you’re coming from the US – no passport needed, which is pretty convenient. Room rates start around $568 per night, making it almost reasonable by luxury Caribbean standards. Almost.
The beaches here are actually stupid beautiful. Like, the kind of white sand and turquoise water that looks fake in photos but is somehow even better in person. The villas are spread out along the coastline, and each one feels like your own private retreat. I loved how they’ve designed everything to blend into the natural landscape rather than fighting against it.
This place attracts a lot of celebrities, but in a low-key way where you might spot someone famous at the spa but they’re just chilling like everyone else. The spa is actually incredible – they do treatments in pavilions that overlook the ocean, and somehow they’ve made getting a massage even more relaxing than usual. The restaurants focus on fresh, local ingredients, and the Sunday brunch is supposed to be legendary (though I was too lazy to wake up early enough to confirm).
Getting there is super easy: fly into Providenciales (direct flights from most major US cities), then a 30-minute boat ride. The island has this really chill vibe where luxury doesn’t feel forced or stuffy – it’s just naturally elegant.
7. St. Barts
St. Barts is where the Caribbean meets the French Riviera, and honestly, it works way better than it should. This isn’t technically one island resort like the others – it’s a whole destination with dozens of luxury hotels starting around $800-1,500 per night in high season. But every single hotel here feels exclusive.
What makes St. Barts special is how it doesn’t try to hide the fact that it’s expensive and exclusive – it just owns it completely. Gustavia, the capital, is basically a playground for people with stupid amounts of money, and the harbor is always full of mega-yachts that cost more than most people’s houses. But somehow it doesn’t feel snobby, maybe because the French know how to do luxury without being obnoxious about it.
I stayed at Eden Rock last time, which sits on this rocky outcrop that juts into the sea and has views that’ll ruin every other hotel for you. Rooms start around $2,000 per night, but the location is absolutely perfect. Hotel Le Toiny is another incredible option – 22 suites spread across 42 acres, each with its own heated pool and private terrace overlooking Toiny Bay.
The dining scene here is insane. You’ve got everything from casual beach clubs to Michelin-level restaurants, and somehow they all feel authentically French even though you’re in the Caribbean. Getting there requires flying through St. Maarten (about 3 hours from the US), then a 15-minute charter flight to St. Barts Airport.
8. Nevis
Nevis is the quiet, sophisticated cousin of St. Kitts, and honestly, I think it’s way better. With nightly rates starting around $600, it’s definitely on the pricier side, but the island has this understated elegance that feels more authentic than some of the flashier destinations.
The Four Seasons Resort Nevis is the main luxury option, and it’s beautifully designed to blend into the landscape rather than dominating it. Nevis Peak looms over everything, and the whole island feels like it’s wrapped in this lush, tropical calm. What I love about Nevis is how it focuses on natural beauty and history rather than trying to be the most Instagram-worthy spot in the Caribbean.
The golf course here is actually world-class, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, and it’s one of the few courses in the Caribbean where you’ll actually want to play all 18 holes. The spa uses local ingredients like coconut and sea salt, and treatments often take place in open-air pavilions with mountain views. The beaches aren’t the biggest or whitest you’ll find in the Caribbean, but they’re peaceful and beautiful in a more natural way.
Getting to Nevis is pretty straightforward – fly into St. Kitts (connections through Miami or Charlotte), then either a short flight or ferry ride to Nevis. The island has this old-world charm that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special rather than just checking into another luxury resort.
- Read next: Best Things to Do in St. Kitts and Nevis
9. Mustique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Mustique is where the British royal family goes to vacation, which tells you everything you need about the level of exclusivity here. Villa rates start at $2,000 per night, but most places are way more than that. This isn’t a resort island – it’s a private island community where you rent individual villas, each more spectacular than the last.
I stayed at Villa Firefly last winter, and the privacy level was actually incredible. The villa staff basically anticipated everything I needed before I knew I needed it, and the views over Britannia Bay were absolutely perfect. Mustique only has about 100 villas total, so even during “busy” times it feels completely empty. You get around on golf carts or mules (yes, actual mules), which adds to the whole refined-but-relaxed vibe.
The Cotton House is the island’s only hotel, and it’s gorgeous in that understated British colonial way. The beaches here are some of the best in the Caribbean – Macaroni Beach in particular has this perfect curve of white sand that looks like it was designed by someone with excellent taste. Basil’s Bar is the island’s main hangout spot, and it’s the kind of place where you might end up having drinks with someone famous without realizing it.
Getting there requires flying through Barbados or St. Lucia, then a charter flight to Mustique Airport. The island has its own customs, so you clear immigration right there. It’s definitely complicated to reach, but that’s part of what keeps it feeling so exclusive.
- Read next: Beautiful Places in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
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10. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Virgin Gorda is famous for The Baths, which is this incredible maze of giant granite boulders that form natural pools and grottoes along the beach. Accommodation rates start around $600 per night, making it relatively accessible for a luxury Caribbean destination.
What’s cool about Virgin Gorda is how the luxury feels integrated with the natural landscape rather than imposed on it. Rosewood Little Dix Bay is the main luxury resort, and they’ve done an amazing job of making everything feel like it belongs there. The villas are scattered along the hillside and coastline, each with private pools and terraces that take advantage of the incredible views over Sir Francis Drake Channel.
The sailing here is world-class – Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour is a major hub for people island-hopping through the BVIs. You can easily charter a boat for the day and explore dozens of smaller islands and hidden coves. The Baths are obviously the main attraction, but honestly, they’re a bit crowded during the day. I prefer going early in the morning or late afternoon when the light is better and there are fewer people.
Getting to Virgin Gorda is pretty easy from the US – fly into Beef Island or St. Thomas, then either a short flight or ferry ride. The whole BVI chain is perfect for island hopping, so a lot of people use Virgin Gorda as a base for exploring the region.
11. Barbados
Barbados is different from the other islands on this list because it’s a whole country rather than a single luxury resort, but the high-end accommodations here are absolutely world-class. Places like Sandy Lane and The Coral Reef Club start around $1,200-2,000 per night, which is serious money but delivers serious luxury.
What I love about Barbados is how it has this vibrant local culture alongside the luxury tourism. You can spend the day at Sandy Lane’s incredible spa, then head to Oistins Fish Fry for some of the best flying fish you’ll ever have. The Platinum Coast on the west side has the calmest waters and most exclusive resorts, while the Atlantic Coast is better for surfing and has more of that rugged natural beauty.
Sandy Lane is probably the most famous luxury option – three golf courses, an incredible spa, and private beaches that are absolutely pristine. The Coral Reef Club is smaller and more intimate, with beautiful gardens and a more personal feel. Both places attract a lot of British visitors, so there’s this interesting blend of Caribbean warmth and British sophistication.
Flying to Barbados is super easy – direct flights from New York, Miami, Toronto, and London. Once you’re there, the island is small enough that you can explore different areas easily, but big enough that you won’t feel trapped. The rum distilleries are actually worth visiting, and Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage site with some interesting history.
12. Anguilla
Anguilla is all about understated luxury and incredible beaches. High-end resorts like Belmond Cap Juluca and Four Seasons Resort Anguilla start around $900 per night, but the level of service and natural beauty justifies the cost.
Shoal Bay East is regularly voted one of the world’s best beaches, and honestly, it lives up to the hype. The sand is impossibly white and soft, and the water is this perfect shade of turquoise that looks photoshopped. Anguilla has 33 beaches total, so you can easily find your own private stretch of sand even during busy periods.
The restaurant scene here is actually incredible for such a small island. Places like Blanchards and Hibernia serve food that would be impressive in New York or London, but you’re eating it with your toes in the sand. Four Seasons has multiple restaurants that are all excellent, and Belmond Cap Juluca has this beachfront dining experience that’s absolutely magical at sunset.
Getting to Anguilla requires flying into St. Maarten, then either a short ferry ride or charter flight. The ferry is actually pretty fun and only takes about 20 minutes, plus you get great views of both islands. Anguilla is small enough that you can drive around the entire island in under an hour, but most luxury resorts offer transfers and you probably won’t need to leave the property much.
13. St. Lucia
St. Lucia is the most dramatic-looking island in the Caribbean, with those iconic Piton Mountains rising straight out of the sea. Luxury resorts like Jade Mountain and Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort start around $1,500-3,000 per night, but the settings are absolutely spectacular.
Jade Mountain is probably the most unique resort in the Caribbean – every suite has a missing fourth wall that opens completely to the Pitons and the sea. It sounds weird, but it’s actually incredible. You wake up with unobstructed views of the mountains and ocean, and somehow it feels totally private despite being completely open. The infinity pools in each suite seem to blend right into the sea.
Sugar Beach sits on this perfect white sand beach between the Pitons, and the contrast between the lush green mountains and the beach is absolutely stunning. The resort has this colonial plantation vibe that somehow manages to be elegant rather than problematic. Both resorts have world-class spas that take advantage of the natural setting.
The activities in St. Lucia are more adventurous than most Caribbean destinations. You can hike the Pitons (which is harder than it looks), zip-line through the rainforest canopy, or visit the Sulphur Springs drive-in volcano for natural mud baths. Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens has this incredible waterfall that changes colors depending on the mineral content.
Getting to St. Lucia is easy with direct flights from major US cities to Hewanorra International Airport. The drive from the airport to the luxury resorts on the west coast takes about an hour, but the scenery is incredible so it doesn’t feel like a hassle.
