Caribbean Romance Redefined: New Trends for Couples Getaways in the Islands

Romantic travel is booming, and while this audience certainly isn’t new to the Caribbean, their idea of a “romantic vacation” is evolving and driving trends that are shaping new destination experiences in this popular region.  

And the Caribbean is perfectly poised to deliver unique offerings that speak to how couples want to re-connect, and redefine the romantic getaway. So, let’s dive in to three of the top romantic travel trends and how you can embrace them in the Caribbean:

1.     Adventure Travel

Adventure travel is on the rise with 43% of travelers seeking to “get off the beaten track” on vacation this year.  And with relationship experts saying that getting away from the mundane is essential for keeping romance alive, more couples are taking time off the beach to explore destinations via bike, kayak, and zipline. This growing interest in adventure travel in the Caribbean is prompting an increase in local tour offerings and re-shaping the landscape of new resort developments.

Club Med, for example, is betting big on Miches, an undeveloped ecotourism destination in the Dominican Republic where it plans to open Club Med Playa Esmerelda in November. The $100M project will give guests easy access to previously hard-to-reach eco-adventure sites.

Club Med Playa Esmerelda, Miches

And the highly-anticipated November opening of the Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski in Dominica is surrounded by the Cabrits National Park, home to 365 rivers, waterfalls and hot springs.

It’s clear that proximity and accessibility to explore the natural wonders of the Caribbean islands are more important to travelers than ever before.  

2.     Wellness Retreats

The Global Wellness Institute forecasts wellness tourism to hit $919 billion by 2022, naming the Caribbean as a key emerging market. And there are more opportunities here than ever before for travelers to incorporate elements of this into their romantic retreats.

Yet when it comes to couples travel, wellness doesn’t always just mean a day at the spa anymore.  More couples are looking for a “wellness retreat” that speaks specifically to their idea of rejuvenation, whether it’s improving sleep habits at the world-renowned Puntacana Resort & Club in Dominica, focusing on fitness at The BodyHoliday Resort in Saint Lucia, or reconnecting with Mother Nature at Zimbali Retreats in Jamaica.

Zimbali Retreats, Jamaica

Many are also seeking to detox from the digital world in destinations where the use of technology is limited, either by choosing a remote island or booking a resort that only allows for digital connection in guest rooms. 

Overall, couples want a wellness holiday to feel transformative, helping them achieve a mental and physical balance with the perfect combination of activity and relaxation.

3.     Foodie Vacations

The experience of a shared meal has always been a way for couples to connect. And in recent years, the desire to sample local cuisine has become a fast-growing travel trend, with destination choices increasingly driven by the eagerness to learn first-hand about the flavors of a country.

Couples seeking these intimate culinary experiences tend to look for destinations with vibrant restaurant scenes and choose to stay at smaller, boutique properties with a farm-to-table philosophy, established chefs and seasonal menus.

Anguilla, for example, commonly referred to as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, gives visitors ample choices with more than 100 restaurants on the island, attracting both emerging and well-known chefs. Local foodie festivals are also bringing more attention to the Caribbean as a world-class culinary destination. Events like the St. Barth Gourmet Festival and the Barbados Food & Rum Festival make for easy weekend trips, offering plenty of flavor without a lot of planning.

Barbados Food & Rum Festival

And for this audience, it’s not just about the food, it’s about a memorable experience. They want to learn about the traditions and cultural richness of the food. Whether a chocolate tasting in a cacao field or lunch served in a tropical forest, couples are looking to enjoy it in an unexpected and unforgettable setting.