3 islands for Caribbean romance

Take a Caribbean vacation for the sun, sand, warm breezes, but most of all, romance. A few things on my checklist for worthy romantic getaways are picturesque surroundings, a feeling of sanctuary from the rest of the world, and impeccable hotel amenities and service — after all, I have a lady to impress. These three Caribbean islands and respective hotels havemy stamp of approval.

St. Martin
My wife and I didn’t want to leave our room at La Samanna Resort and Spa, located on the French side of St. Martin. It was only a short walk out of our two-story whitewashed villa onto Baie Longue, home to some of the finest pearly white sands in the Caribbean. But we could sunbathe on the roof of our villa, then cool off in our private plunge pool. It was like being at a resort built for two. The finest romantic resorts in the Caribbean offer this unparalleled type of privacy, a chance to get away and really get to know your loved one with few, if any, distractions.

La Samanna Resort & Spa, St. Martin.

St. John
At Caneel Bay on the island of St. John, the upscale rooms blend harmoniously into the palm-studded landscape, nestled alongside seven private beaches. Simply sift your toes into the sand, listen to the leaves sway in the breeze and sink into a good thick novel.

Harbour Island
One of the Bahama’s best-kept secrets, Harbour Island is a three-mile-long, half-mile-wide dot off the coast of Eleuthera. Cars are all but forbidden (replaced by golf carts), and the beach is as pink as a flamingo. Stay at the Valentines Resort Harbour Island and enjoy a full kitchen, spacious patio and detailed decor that’s inspired by the island’s rich history.

Related resources

• St. Martin hotels
• St. John hotels
• Harbour Island hotels

Steve Jermanok has explored more than 75 countries and written over 1,000 articles on subjects ranging from art to adventure. He has worked as a columnist for National Geographic Adventure, contributing editor for Budget Travel, guest editor for The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine and writes regularly for Away.com, Health, Men’s Journal, Outside, and Yankee.