The Power of Paradise
Experience island vibes in the Caribbean
By Morgan Saltz
The possibilities for meeting professionals continue to blossom with the flora and fauna of the Caribbean islands. With modern meeting venues, luxurious all-inclusive resorts and memorable team building activities, all available in one of the most picturesque regions of the world, the industry has been paying more attention to the small but dynamic islands of the Caribbean for meetings, executive retreats and incentive travel.
5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love It
Natural Wonders
The colorful ecology of the Caribbean has created many of the world’s breathtaking natural attractions. Explore island wonders like Boiling Lake, a flooded fumarole in Dominica engulfed by greyish-blue vapor, or hike the peaks of the Pitons in St. Lucia, two dormant but majestic volcanos.
Bob Marley Museum
Celebrate one of the biggest Caribbean Island icons at his former home in Kingston, Jamaica. Six years after Marley’s death, his wife Rita Marley converted the lot into a complex consisting of a museum in the original home, an 80-seat theater and One Love Café.
Diverse Fine Dining
Even small Caribbean islands that are relatively close together can vary greatly in their regional cuisines. Providenciales is the culinary center of Turks and Caicos, yet the expansion of remote luxury resorts has promoted fine dining among the smaller islands. Visitors can even catch their own yellowfin and mahi-mahi with deep-sea sport fishing!
Cultural Experiences
The Caribbean has been an integral port for many global trade routes for centuries, manifesting a unique and vibrant cultural background for each island. To celebrate their history independently and as a collection of islands, the Caribbean has foundations such as Dow’s Musical Foundation to support the steel drum genre in St. Maarten or the Flamboyan Arts Fund in Puerto Rico.
Snorkeling and Diving
For the more adventurous travelers, the Caribbean is home to some of the most interesting marine life and mysterious shipwrecks in the world—a dream for snorkelers and divers. With attractions such as the USS Kittiwake shipwreck and the Bloody Bay Wall, Grand Cayman has it all for the underwater explorers.
5 Fantastic Places to Meet
Montego Bay, Jamaica, is one of the most desirable destinations in the Caribbean, even winning the title of “main destination in the Caribbean” from World Travel Awards 11 times. Located on a former sugar plantation, the resort provides outdoor event spaces in seaside paradise.
The Great House hosts up to 1,000 guests; 2 large lawns for outdoor events.
The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos
On the coast of Grace Bay Beach, this resort offers the professional spaces groups need as well as ultimate relaxation activities on the clear waters and soft sands. Fine dining, watersports and high-end casinos are all available in this slice of paradise.
20,000 sq. ft. indoor/outdoor event space; 4,900 square-foot ballroom.
Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham, St. Thomas
Can you get more relaxed than attending a meeting or event at a Caribbean resort named Margaritaville owned by the late, great Jimmy Buffett? The St. Thomas resort is the ultimate island experience with beach hammocks and the 5 o’clock Somewhere Bar.
Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites; accommodating up to six guests.
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, St. Maarten
Island luxury at its finest can be found at this all-inclusive resort. With authentic island inspired cuisine from Bluefin Restaurant and Bar featuring poke-inspired dishes from the islands and global al-fresco dining, groups can feel worldwide on one island.
130 suites; personalized concierge; casino and spa.
El Conquistador Resort, Puerto Rico
Offering some of the most desirable ocean views from private balconies and casitas in La Marina Village, this all-inclusive resort has something for everyone.
368 rooms and suites; 750 rooms in 2025.
This article appears in the January/February 2024 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
