Back in Business

What’s new in the Caribbean, you ask? Everything.

The Caribbean is rebuilt and better than ever. Resort renovations check every box, chefs return to Puerto Rico, and Cuba’s contemporary artists make islandhopping a priority again.

You can’t talk about the Caribbean without talking about the hurricanes. Ever since last fall, when the names Irma and Maria became forever synonymous with destruction—causing more than 3,000 deaths, the vast majority of which occurred in Puerto Rico—the conversation surrounding this idyllic chain of isles has been one of concern at best and anger at worst. But more than a year later, it’s time to change the subject. Ask anyone: From the Bahamas to Barbados, the word on the sand is that the future of these islands is happening right now.

That’s not to say everything is back to how it was before. But that’s the point: More than a year of blood, sweat, and tears—not to mention a whole lot of money (see page 219 for more on that)— has given rise to a Caribbean reborn, where a fresh attitude is shaking up the old standards of luxury with rising culinary capitals, new adventures, and more than a few much-needed renovations. No doubt, there’s more work to be done, and the narrative of recovery tourism—the idea that to help these islands, the best thing one can do is visit—remains valid still. But we’re not suggesting a trip to the Caribbean as a means of charity. These islands are no consolation prize: They’re practically uncharted territory, and ready to be explored for what feels like the very first time. Here’s a blueprint for how to do it, starting with the five resorts that should be at the top of your winter wish list.

MORE THAN A YEAR OF BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TEARS HAS GIVEN RISE TO A CARIBBEAN REBORN.