While iconic Caribbean dishes span from ackee and saltfish to coucou and flying fish to mofongo, each island across the region is united by one common spirit: rum, to be precise. Derived from fermented and distilled molasses, this alcoholic beverage has played a major role in Caribbean culture for centuries, with the world’s oldest surviving rum distillery deed dating back to 1703 and hailing from Barbados. In the modern era, the spirit also serves as a major draw for tourism, with the Caribbean’s most opulent hotels and resorts offering carefully-curated rum experiences for visitors to enjoy. As you plan your next booze-focused foray into the region, don’t miss out on these world-class hotels.
The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix has earned abundant acclaim for its scenic beaches and charming settlements—and for those hoping to explore the idyllic beauty of Christiansted, the King Christian Hotel is the perfect base. The property rests just steps away from the Christiansted National Historic Site, providing guests with ample opportunity to explore the town’s many shops and historic attractions, while visiting seafarers are welcome to set off on a snorkeling tour of nearby Buck Island. Meanwhile, those who prefer to stick close to the property can spend the day lounging in the outdoor pool or catching some rays on the sundeck.
St. Croix is home to its fair share of charming bars, but when it comes to boozy rum concoctions, Breakers Roar is tough to beat. Housed within the King Christian Hotel, this nautical-themed drinking and dining concept has mastered the art of tiki, with no shortage of complex cocktails to sample during a stay. Options around here range from the coconut and vanilla-infused Banana Bana to the gin and passionfruit-loaded Saturn Cocktail, while truffle fries, Thai chili wings and other small plates are up for grabs as well. And as an added bonus, St. Croix’s Cruzan Rum Distillery reopened for tours in early 2024, providing island visitors with an opportunity to sample local rum straight from the source.
Perched on the pristine shores of northeastern Puerto Rico, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve showcases the spectacular beauty of the island’s Río Grande municipality. For visiting nature lovers, the property’s 29 hectares serve as a crucial haven for all sorts of native birds and reptiles, while those hoping to explore one of Puerto Rico’s most dazzling preserves can make their way to the iconic El Yunque National Forest for a lengthy hike—and to sweeten the deal, the property has mastered the art of relaxation as well. For those in need of an idyllic getaway, amenities span from a sprawling outdoor pool complex to an on-site Rainforest Spa, while the recently-opened Villas en la Reserva come complete with soaking tubs, open-air balconies and decadent pan sobao delivered daily.
Puerto Rico is home to world-class rum brands that span from BACARDÍ to Ron del Barrilito, and the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is perfect for sampling all that the island has to offer. Immediately upon arrival, guests can swing by the opulent Lobby Bar to sample an Old Timer, a rum-loaded riff on the Old Fashioned that features cinnamon, jalapeño, and local Puerto Rican rum. For those who prefer to relax poolside, La Mina makes a stellar Mai Tai, but for anyone in need of a truly dazzling dinner destination, Nori Teppanyaki is an essential spot. Upon arrival, guests can snag a refreshing lemongrass mojito as they marvel at the restaurant’s expert chefs, with dishes like pad thai, seafood fried rice and miso salmon all gracing the menu.
Home to beloved rum brands like Mount Gay and Foursquare, the sovereign island of Barbados has a deep connection to the spirits industry that dates back centuries—and few hotels exemplify this as well as Colony Club by Elegant Hotels. Just a few steps past the property’s outdoor koi pond, the Rum Vault offers a world-class drinking and dining experience that showcases the splendor of sugarcane distillate at its very finest. There are 150 rums up for grabs within the space, with options spanning from homegrown Bajan spirits to far-flung distillates from Japan and Mauritius—and the venue even comes with its own expert Rum Ambassadors to provide insight into each beverage as the Vault Chef crafts decadent cuisine to pair with each drink.
While the Rum Vault is certainly a highlight of the Colony Club, it’s far from the only amenity in place for guests to enjoy. The property’s Luxury Swim Up rooms serve as particularly relaxing accommodations, allowing guests to access the sprawling lagoon pool right from the patio, while carefully-manicured gardens and the hotel’s scenic strip of white sand beach both play host to all sorts of native Bajan wildlife. During early morning hours, guests are welcome to take advantage of a complimentary yoga or Pilates class, while afternoon brings the opportunity to set off on a guided stand up paddleboarding tour for a truly relaxing day on the water.