Caribbean boutique hotels offer fewer crowds, intimate vibes

Mega, all-inclusive resorts are as expected in the Caribbean as the shimmering turquoise waters. But there's more to the accommodations story. The Caribbean has an array of one-of-a-kind boutique hotels offering travelers an opportunity to live like a local.

It is said that good things come in small packages; this includes hotels, too. Experiences can be more intimate with fewer people around. Chances are the staff will get to know you, bring your water without ice and a slice of lemon just how you like it, and ask about the snorkeling adventure you told them you were excited about. The extra attention makes you feel special.

If you're looking for a vacation vibe without the crowds and a little more TLC, explore some of the best boutique hotels in the Caribbean. Here are four you'll be glad you checked into.

Zemi Beach House

Shoal Bay, Anguilla

Flight duration: Kennedy to Anguilla-Clayton J. Lloyd Airport (AXA), about four hours direct, longer if connecting through Miami.

You won’t find beaches overrun with supersized resorts on this unhurried island in the Eastern Caribbean, but there are places like Zemi Beach House on the east end of Anguilla. It’s on six acres of the much-beloved Shoal Bay. Choose among 77 accommodations, including garden and ocean view rooms, 2- and 3-bedroom penthouse suites and the Celebration suite with a rooftop pool deck.

For sure the sweet spot is the Zemi Thai House Spa, located in an authentic 308-year-old Thai house brought over from Thailand in the ‘80s. It’s a beauty, with 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space that includes a sun deck, outdoor showers and vitality pool. Pampering includes treats like the Sabai Island Ritual, nearly two hours of bliss (that includes foot cleansing, massage, sound meditation and more) that fuses ancient Thai healing traditions with natural elements of Anguilla. When hunger calls, go for fancy at Stone restaurant, for sea-to-table delights, or for a chill vibe, 20 Knots with its Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. Love rum? Head for the collection of rums at the elegant Rhum Room.

If you’re traveling with children, the Kids Club offers complimentary full days of fun — arts and crafts, board and video games and coconut bowling are among the scheduled activities. Babysitting can be arranged in the evenings.

Beyond the resort, explore Anguilla’s more than 30 beaches, dive shipwrecks, snorkel, sport fish and kitesurf. There’s golf, tennis, art galleries, horseback riding and cave trekking.

• Room rates: Starting at $975 a night; hilton.com,1 264-584-0001
• Currency: East Caribbean Dollar. The exchange rate is 2.70 East Caribbean Dollar to $1 U.S. (U.S. dollars widely accepted.)
• Best months to visit: Peak season is December-April. The shoulder season, May and November, less expensive but hot and humid. June through October is the hottest and most humid, lots of rain.
• Know before you go: You must show proof of an onward or return ticket upon arrival. A hotel representative will greet you at the airport and place you in a taxi.

Aruba Ocean Villas

Savaneta, Aruba

Flight duration: Kennedy to Aruba International Airport (AUA), about 4 ½ hours

Talk about a secluded getaway. You’re in the quiet fishing village of Savaneta at Aruba’s overwater resort. The jungle and beach setting is serene. The magic number is 13 — five beach villas, six overwater villas and two penthouses. Each is unique, like the two-story villa , that has colorful mosaic tile floors, canopy bed upstairs and a piano on the first floor. The overwater villas and penthouses are over-the-top, with plunge pools, open-air showers, glass floor panels, wrap around decks, private verandas for prime ocean and sunset views, and more.

Spend time on the beach, the lazy river pool or Oliver’s Lounge, the open-air cocktail bar with its comfy, elegant velvet chairs, hand-painted piano and craft cocktails. You’ll never forget your private dinner in the overwater dining cabana at Old Man and the Sea restaurant, or the massage in the secluded mangrove spa cabana. There’s complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling. Though Savaneta is away from the action, it’s a quick drive to Arikok National Park and the Ayo Rock Formations. Rocky Beach is a 5-minute drive from the resort.

• Room rates: Starting at $600; 877-920-1381, arubaoceanvillas.com
• Currency: Aruba’s currency is the Aruban florin. U.S. dollars are widely accepted. The exchange rate for the U.S. dollar ranges from Awg 1.75 to Awg 1.80 for one U.S. dollar.
• Best months to visit: December to April is the high season with the best weather. May through November is offseason when you’ll get not only fewer people but cheaper prices.
• Know before you go: The Aruba ED Card (Embarkation/Disembarkation) is a mandatory requirement for all individuals, including infants and children, entering Aruba. It is available online at edcardaruba.aw. necessary to complete and obtain approval for this document. There is a $20 charge per passenger.

The Island Retreat

Hope Town, the Bahamas

Flight duration: Kennedy to Marsh Harbor International Airport (MHH), about five hours

When you think of the Bahamas, the mega resorts of Nassau likely come to mind, but there are tranquil spots like The Island Retreat in Hope Town on Elbow Cay in the Abaco Islands. Nestled in nature along the beach, the loudest noise is a rooster's early-morning crow.

There is no bad choice among the four rooms, one suite, one cottage and two villas. The Honeymoon Suite is oceanfront with a private deck. Nothing is left to chance in the cottage, with many windows, wood-beamed ceilings, beach-inspired décor and every kitchen appliance you could ever need, including a washer and dryer.

With few other guests you’ll be lavishly doted on. Relax at the Cantina Restaurant & Bar with its epic ocean views particularly enjoyable at sunset. Feast on Tex-Mex fare, tacos extraordinaire, like achiote-marinated grilled chicken served alongside chipotle crema with red onions and cotija cheese. Tequila reigns supreme. The handcrafted margaritas are a favorite on the island.

One of the main attractions is the 25-foot pool. Even if not to swim, some of the best views on the property are from the pool and deck area. Settle into a lounger facing the ocean or if motivated, workout in the Wellness Center, take a yoga class, get a massage, walk or run on the beach. Venture off to explore this tiny town’s restaurants, boutiques and lighthouse. Up the fun factor with a snorkeling or diving cruise.

• Room rates: Starting at $400 for a private, king-size oceanfront room with a balcony; 713-961-7662, theislandretreat.com
• Currency: The Bahamian dollar is the equivalent value of the U.S. dollar. The U.S. dollar is widely accepted.
• Best months to visit: Peak season is mid-December to mid-April with the best weather. The shoulder season late April to June and low season, July to November is when you’ll find lower prices and fewer crowds.
• Know before you go: Thereare no direct flights from Kennedy  to Marsh Harbor International. Connect in Miami. Once in Marsh Habor, it’s a short taxi ride to the Hope Town Ferry. Get off at the last stop on the ferry and call the Island Retreat for pickup.

The Hideaway at Hull Bay

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Flight duration: ennedy to Cyril E. King Airport (STT), four to five hours

You may feel like you’re an A-list celeb as you lounge around on this private estate, with a farm and restaurant. There are just two villas and eight cottages. Consider going for the 3-bedroom, 3-bathroon villa, with the beach pretty much at its door, private courtyard, outdoor showers, wrap-around balcony, kitchen, hanging chair and hammock.

Not only can you get food at The Shack — conch fritters, bacon truffle fries, tacos or black bean burger — but have fun too, be it bingo, live music or movie night.

You’re about a 15-minute drive away from downtown St. Thomas with its cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings, jewelry stores and boutiques. The culinary scene is vibrant at hot spots like Gladys’ Café for curry chicken and for romance there’s Oceana Restaurant Bistro overlooking Baye de Grigri. Get your water fix at Magens Bay Beach or the Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail.

• Room rates: Starting at $380 per night; 888-336-1586, hideawayhullbay.com
• Currency: U.S. dollar
• Best months to visit: Peak season is January to April. The shoulder season is April to June, August through November is the cheapest time to go, but hot and rainy.
• Know before you go: If you’re renting a car, know that in St. Thomas driving is on the left side of the road.