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The Caribbean is known for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and laid-back island vibes — but if you’re only visiting the well-known spots, you’re missing out.
Beyond the popular destinations, the Caribbean is full of hidden gems that offer just as much beauty and culture without the crowds. These lesser-known islands are perfect for those seeking something more unique and off the beaten path.
All-inclusive travel is also on the rise, and for good reason. With everything from meals to activities included, it’s a stress-free way to experience paradise. And when it comes to all-inclusive stays, the Caribbean is one of the best regions to explore this trend, offering a range of options from luxury resorts to more affordable stays.
As a certified travel advisor and Caribbean expert with over 15 years of experience, I’ve spent my career helping travelers uncover unforgettable destinations — and today, I’m sharing my insider tips on the top 10 Caribbean islands to visit before they go mainstream.
This guide will not only introduce you to hidden island gems, but it will also cover the best all-inclusive stays, affordable options, and family-friendly resorts to help you plan your perfect trip.
Ready to discover the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets? These islands offer breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and fewer crowds — perfect for travelers looking for unique experiences. From sailing in hidden coves to relaxing on unspoiled beaches, here are 10 Caribbean islands to visit before they go mainstream, along with must-see spots and top all-inclusive accommodations.
Appeal: Unspoiled beaches, a laid-back sailing culture, and hidden coves perfect for exploring by boat.
Must-See: The Baths on Virgin Gorda — giant granite boulders forming natural tidal pools and caves. It’s one of the most iconic spots in the Caribbean and by far one of my favorite islands.
Where to Stay All-Inclusive in the BVIs: Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina on Scrub Island — a private island resort that offers luxurious rooms and a full-service marina, perfect for travelers arriving by yacht.
Read more: The Safest Caribbean Islands & Where to Stay
Appeal: With 365 beaches, there’s a stretch of sand for every day of the year. This twin-island destination offers both luxury and natural beauty.
Must-See: Pink Sand Beach on Barbuda — a stunning, blush-colored beach that feels like it’s from another planet.
Where to Stay All-Inclusive in Antigua: Hermitage Bay — an adults-only, eco-luxury resort offering private beachfront suites and hillside cottages with sweeping views.
Read more: The Only Travel Planner You’ll Ever Need
Appeal: Known for its crystal-clear waters and unique wildlife, including the famous swimming pigs.
Must-See: Pig Beach — where you can swim with the friendly pigs that have become a bucket-list experience for many travelers. You can read my full experience and need-to-know tips here: How to Swim with Pigs in the Bahamas at Pig Beach.
Where to Stay in The Bahamas: For a family-friendly option, I recommend Grand Isle Resort & Residences in Great Exuma. For a boutique stay, I really enjoyed EMBRACE Resort in Staniel Cay, which is just a short boat ride to Pig Beach!
Appeal: This hidden gem is a diver’s paradise with pristine reefs and a peaceful, uncrowded vibe.
Must-See: Mount Scenery — hike to the top of the highest point in the Netherlands for incredible views and lush vegetation.
Where to Stay in Saba: Saba has a limited number of hotels, but you’ll find incredible home rentals available to book here.
Appeal: A top destination for snorkeling and diving, with crystal-clear waters and a focus on sustainable tourism. I earned my PADI Open Water certification here, and it’s still one of the best scuba diving destinations I’ve experienced!
Must-See: Washington Slagbaai National Park — located on the Northern part of the island, this was Bonaire’s first ever nature sanctuary and is truly a nature lover’s paradise.
Where to Stay All-Inclusive in Bonaire: For divers, I highly recommend Buddy Dive Resort; It’s one of the best places to stay on the island!
Read more: The Ultimate Bonaire Travel Guide
Appeal: Known as the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, Dominica is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and hot springs.
Must-See: Boiling Lake and Trafalgar Falls — two of Dominica’s most famous natural wonders, perfect for adventurous travelers.
Where to Stay All-Inclusive in Dominica: Fort Young Hotel offers a charming waterfront retreat with stunning views, an on-site restaurant, and easy access to the island’s natural attractions, making it a perfect base for adventure and relaxation.
Appeal: Famed for its dramatic Pitons and luxurious resorts, St. Lucia is a favorite for honeymooners and adventure seekers.
Must-See: Sulphur Springs and Mud Baths — soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters and enjoy a rejuvenating mud bath.
Where to Stay All-Inclusive in St. Lucia: Ti Kaye Resort & Spa (one of my all-time favorite resorts for couples!) is a secluded, adults-only haven offering all-inclusive options, breathtaking ocean views, intimate accommodations with private plunge pools, and a focus on relaxation and wellness, making it an ideal romantic getaway.
Read more: St. Lucia Travel Guide, Packing Tips & More
Appeal: Known as the “Spice Island”, Grenada is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, with friendly locals and a relaxed vibe.
Must-See: Grand Anse Beach and the Underwater Sculpture Park — a unique snorkeling experience with art installations beneath the sea.
Where to Stay All-Inclusive in Grenada: Spice Island Beach Resort — a family-run luxury resort offering beachfront suites, gourmet dining, and all-inclusive packages.
Appeal: Ideal for island-hopping and exploring pristine beaches, this destination offers a true escape from the crowds.
Must-See: Tobago Cays Marine Park — a cluster of small islands with crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and swimming with turtles.
Where to Stay All-Inclusive in The Grenadines: Bequia Beach Hotel — a boutique, family-friendly resort offering all-inclusive plans that blends Caribbean charm with modern luxury.
Appeal: Famous for its powdery white sands and some of the most stunning turquoise waters in the Caribbean.
Must-See: Grace Bay Beach — consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the world.
Where to Stay All-Inclusive in Turks & Caicos: Beaches Turks & Caicos — an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort with endless activities, including a water park, scuba diving, and kids’ clubs.
Read more: The Best Things to Do in Turks & Caicos
Traveling to the Caribbean doesn’t have to break the bank! Several islands offer budget-friendly options, whether you’re looking for diving adventures, eco-lodges, or mid-range all-inclusive resorts. Here are three destinations that provide incredible experiences without the hefty price tag.
Bonaire is a dream destination for divers, especially those traveling on a budget. Unlike other Caribbean islands, shore diving is the norm here, meaning you can access some of the best dive sites directly from the beach — no expensive boat trips required!
The island’s laid-back vibe and affordable accommodations make it an excellent choice for adventure seekers. Budget-friendly dive resorts and vacation rentals are plentiful, and you’ll find inexpensive local eateries serving fresh seafood and Caribbean favorites.
Known as the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, Dominica is perfect for travelers seeking an eco-friendly and budget-conscious getaway. Unlike some of the more touristy islands, Dominica remains relatively untouched, offering a peaceful retreat filled with waterfalls, hot springs, and hiking trails.
Eco-lodges and guesthouses are common here, providing affordable accommodations in lush, natural settings. Many of the island’s top attractions, like Trafalgar Falls and Boiling Lake, are free or require only a small entry fee.
Grenada, known as the “Spice Island,” offers a range of affordable mid-range all-inclusive resorts, making it a great option for travelers seeking a stress-free experience without a luxury price tag.
The island’s smaller, family-run resorts offer a more intimate and personalized experience compared to large resorts in other destinations. With stunning beaches, delicious local cuisine, and plenty of outdoor activities, Grenada provides excellent value for your money.
Need help planning your trip?
As a certified travel advisor and Caribbean expert with over 15 years of experience, I can help you plan the perfect vacation to one of these under-the-radar destinations. Whether you’re seeking an all-inclusive stay, family-friendly resort, or budget-friendly escape, I’ve got you covered. Don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized recommendations!
All-inclusive travel is making a major comeback, especially in the Caribbean, and it’s easy to see why. After years of unpredictable travel disruptions and increased stress around trip planning, many travelers are now seeking a vacation that’s as seamless and worry-free as possible.
The appeal of all-inclusive stays is simple: you pay one upfront price that covers accommodations, meals, drinks, and often activities — leaving little to no room for surprise expenses.
One of the biggest draws of an all-inclusive vacation is convenience. From the moment you arrive, everything you need is at your fingertips. There’s no need to research restaurants, budget for excursions, or worry about hidden fees. You can truly relax and focus on enjoying your time, whether it’s lounging on a beach, indulging in spa treatments, or exploring local culture.
Cost savings is another major benefit. While the upfront price may seem higher, travelers often find that all-inclusive packages are more cost-effective in the long run. Meals, drinks, and activities can add up quickly on a typical vacation, but with an all-inclusive stay, everything is accounted for — making it easier to stick to a budget.
The Caribbean, with its picture-perfect beaches, turquoise waters, and warm hospitality, is the ultimate destination for all-inclusive resorts. This region offers a variety of options, from high-end luxury resorts to more affordable family-friendly properties. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, there’s an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean to suit your travel style.
With the rise of all-inclusive travel, more resorts in the Caribbean are catering to diverse traveler needs — offering everything from wellness retreats and adventure excursions to kid-friendly activities and gourmet dining. It’s a stress-free way to experience the beauty of the Caribbean without the typical planning headaches, making it an increasingly popular choice for travelers around the world.
Read more: The Safest All-Inclusive Resorts
If you’re dreaming of exploring several Caribbean islands in one trip without the hassle of coordinating flights, ferries, and accommodations, small-ship cruising with Windstar Cruises is a fantastic option. Unlike traditional large cruise ships, Windstar offers a more intimate, luxury experience with personalized service and stops at hidden gems that most tourists never see. Plus, it’s all-inclusive — from gourmet meals to onboard activities — making it a stress-free way to see the Caribbean in style.
I recently sailed with Windstar through the Caribbean, and it was one of my favorite travel experiences. If you’re considering an island-hopping adventure, I’d love to help you plan your trip with Windstar or recommend other all-inclusive options to make your Caribbean getaway unforgettable. Reach out here to get started!
Flights: Going is the first place we check when searching for cheap flights. If you sign up for their email alerts, you’ll receive flight deals at up to 90% off. I have traveled all over the world using their flight deals.
Accommodation: Booking.com offers savings on hotels, apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.
Travel Insurance: We never travel without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! We use and trust Visitors Coverage, which we’ve used for the past 10 years.
Let us book your trip! Looking for a Travel Advisor to help you plan your trip? Contact us here for more information!
The Caribbean islands with the widest range of all-inclusive resorts are Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Antigua, and St. Lucia. These destinations offer everything from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury options, including family-friendly resorts, adults-only escapes, and wellness-focused retreats, making them some of the most versatile choices for all-inclusive travelers.
The cheapest month to visit the Caribbean is typically September. This is during the off-season when prices for flights and accommodations are lower due to fewer tourists and the region’s hurricane season. Traveling in early December or late April can also offer good deals before peak season kicks in.
The best Caribbean island to visit with kids is Turks & Caicos. It’s known for family-friendly all-inclusive resorts like Beaches Turks & Caicos, which offers a waterpark, kids’ clubs, and activities for all ages. The calm, shallow waters of Grace Bay Beach make it perfect for families with young children.
The post 10 Caribbean Islands to Visit Before They Go Mainstream appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.
The app-controlled Lume Cube XL Mini COB LED packs exceptional power and high-end features into an amazingly compact package. It’s targeted toward content creators, studio professionals, and enthusiasts who want to up their game. It’s also genuinely fun to use, and opens new avenues of creativity.
The Lume Cube XL is an app-Controlled 60W RGB Mini COB LED light. (COB stands for Chip on Board, a high-density LED technology.) Lume Cube won the hearts of photo/video enthusiasts everywhere with their original, waterproof, super-small (2 x 2 x 2 inches) Lume Cube, which is now in version 2.0, and many subsequent lighting specialty products.
All Lume Cube XL features can be operated with a robust smartphone/tablet app that literally puts the lighting control in your hand. Its output of 5000 lumens (at 5600K), full-spectrum RGB, and CRI (Color Rendering Index) rating of 97+ make it a professional tool anyone can master. Add an optional battery grip and the Lume Cube XL becomes an ideal portable light source for virtually any video or photo situation.
Key Features & Specifications
• Full-spectrum RGB
• CT (Color Temperature) range of 2700K – 7500K
• Green/Magenta tint control
• Onboard controls with LCD display
• Full in-hand remote control via free Lume Control app
• Bluetooth mesh technology for group lighting pairing
• Internal cooling fan
• 7 special effects (loop, strobe, lightning, fire, candle, siren, tv)
• CRI (Color Rendering Index) rating of 97+
• TLCI (Television Lighting Consistency Index) rating of 98+
• LEDs = 1
• Wattage = 60W
• Voltage = 24V
• Optional battery grip sold separately
Watch the official Lume Cube XL video on YouTube.
Reasons to Buy Today
If you are an energetic content creator or work in a personal or professional studio environment, a consistently reliable constant-output light source must be high on your list of must-haves. The Lume Cube XL Mini COB LED light delivers premium features and comes in a compact, easy-to-handle size, all at an affordable price. There’s zero learning curve—you control it from an app (or from the onboard LCD display if you prefer)—and can create more lighting effects than you will ever need even in a hundred lifetimes. You can integrate multiple Lume Cube XL units or other Lume Cube lighting products and control everything from the app on the phone in your hand.
The specifications are all top-level. The Kelvin range from 2700K to 7500K takes you all the way from sub-tungsten lighting to noon daylight (arguably 5500K) and way above. And the full RGB range, plus Green-Magenta tint control, mean you can create exactly the colors you need.
Whether you’re an old hand at adjusting Color Temp or a newbie, the Lume Control app simplifies the hard decisions and sets you on a course toward absolute perfection.
With the Lume Cube XL Mini COB LED light, the only things you’ll be missing are excuses.
Reasons to Shy Away
Out of the box, the Lume Cube XL Mini COB LED light is AC (wall current) powered so you are tethered in a studio. However, you can add the (approximately $99) battery power grip and go fully portable.
Sum & Substance
Gone are the days when the Color Temp of constant light sources changed as the bulb aged, and the heat sometimes required oven mitts to be deployed when swapping bulbs. The Lume Cube XL light uses a single COB-design LED that stays cool and produces a consistent CT that you control via an app. Its light weight and compact size mean it positions easily and safely on all but the cheapest llight stands.
Buy two Lume Cube XL Mini COB LED lights and one optional Large Softbox ($59) and you have a complete lighting solution that any pro content creator would admire.
Price & Availability
The Lume Cube XL is available now directly from Lume Cube. MSRP is $249 but seasonal promotional prices are sometimes lower.
—Jon Sienkiewicz
