Whether French, English or Dutch in language and culture, the island paradises of the Caribbean offer sophisticated, picture-perfect escapes along with some of the most elite and private hotels and villas in the world. Turks and Caicos, with its private island Parrot Cay, and Anguilla, known for its whitewashed Moorish-looking resort Cap Juluca, have the bluest water this side of Bora Bora and beaches like sifted flour. Gourmet, chic St. Bart’s is the jet setters’ choice, particularly during the New Year’s holiday when super yachts cluster in Gustavia harbor. Sailors are drawn to the British Virgin Islands, which also has private island playgrounds like Richard Branson’s sybaritic Necker and Guana, a lush nature preserve.
