Why the Caribbean continues to be a firm favourite for affluent travellers

Q. What are your expectations for the region in 2027?

We’re already seeing good forward momentum for 2027, and this isn’t a single spike, which suggests clients are planning and committing earlier than usual.

Based on this, we expect to continue on this trajectory throughout the year, particularly as agents lean into what the Caribbean is known and loved for: high-quality resorts and properties; a diverse portfolio of islands with their own identities; and dependable sunshine and service levels that luxury travellers prioritise.

Q. Are there any destinations you’d like to develop within the Pure Luxury portfolio?

We are seeing real opportunity in the smaller Caribbean islands, particularly where the appeal is a more boutique, less-discovered feel. These islands are perfect for clients who have already experienced the classics and are now looking for something more individual and story-led. Anguilla is a natural fit for this, as well as St Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly islands such as Canouan. Similarly, pockets of the British Virgin Islands offer a compelling proposition for travellers who want a more intimate version of the Caribbean.

Q. What trends are you seeing across the region?

Length of stay is up 6% year on year, showing that luxury travellers are treating the Caribbean as a reset holiday rather than a fleeting visit. Couples’ trips are dominating for Pure Luxury and 81% of our Caribbean packages booked are single-centre stays. Board basis is an emerging key driver with all-inclusive leading the charge, particularly for family stays in Antigua. Meanwhile, Barbados continues to appeal to clients who favour bed and breakfast, as it gives them the freedom to balance relaxed resort time with dining out.

Q. How are Caribbean cruises performing?

Our latest Luxury by Cruise Plus numbers demonstrate that value per booking is up significantly, revealing the market is consolidating towards higher-value itineraries and more-premium choices. Revenue is also proving more resilient than volume, reinforcing the idea that luxury cruisers are trading up and investing in the entire experience. From a destination perspective, Barbados remains the highest-volume destination for embarkation, followed by Puerto Rico, giving agents robust starting points when introducing cruising to their clients. 

Looking ahead, Q1 of 2027 is currently our strongest cruise departure period, followed by Q4 2026, with several ultra-luxury lines already reporting high demand for Caribbean itineraries as they shift their commercial focus. We expect a halo effect of interest and enquiries for cruise as attention naturally moves from Europe summer travel to the Caribbean season for 2026-27.

Q. Which new hotels and luxury openings in the Caribbean are you most excited about?

Blue Monkey Hotel & Beach Club in Barbados opened in June and is exactly the kind of boutique-luxe addition that keeps the island feeling current for repeat visitors, while still delivering the unmistakable Barbados polish. The Dominican Republic is also seeing a wave of higher-end openings, including The St Regis Cap Cana Resort.

Q. What are the main challenges you’re seeing for the Caribbean at the moment?

Demand remains heavily concentrated from November through to February, so there’s a clear opportunity to build momentum for summer travel, both for the remainder of this year and looking ahead. We’re also keen to develop more twin-centre itineraries, including Caribbean-to-Caribbean combinations and Caribbean and US twin-centres.

Read more:

Paradise beckons: Why demand for the Caribbean is soaring

Beach for the stars: Uncovering the allure of Antigua

Fan favourite: The enduring appeal of Barbados