Editors' Picks: Best Beach Resorts In The Caribbean

The gloves came off as our staff and contributors vied for their choices for best beachfront resort. It came down to views and guest rooms' proximity to the sand.

Editor's picks: Best Luxury Resorts | Best of the Caribbean | Jamaica's Best All-Inclusive Family Resort

Best Beach Resorts in the Caribbean | Island Hotels and Resorts | The Buccaneer
The Buccaneer, St. Croix Family is everything at the Buccaneer, and not just because the first island family built it. This 17th-century French greathouse makes each guest feel like the newest member. For a resort that accommodates its fare share of VIPs, who wouldn't want to be kin to famous Buccaneers like Michael Jackson, Johnny Carson, Lance Armstrong and President Carter? From $260 per night. thebuccaneer.com | Credit
Best Beach Resorts in the Caribbean | Island Hotels and Resorts | El Secreto
El Secreto, Ambergris Caye, Belize The name says it all. Shhh. It's a secret. Exclusive villas with private, outdoor jacuzzis, shower patios and personalized sunsets overlook a secluded bay on Ambergris Caye ... a secluded bay that's accessible only by private boat from San Pedro. From $450 per night. | Zach Stovall
Best Beach Resorts in the Caribbean | Island Hotels and Resorts | Rosewood Mayakoba
Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico Surrounded by a tropical jungle, the Rosewood Mayakoba lies along a mile of crisp, white Caribbean sand. Private plunge pools, rooftop sundecks, garden showers and individual docks are all the norm, but for the truest sense of escape, the Rosewood Spa is hidden behind the jungle on its own private island. From $475 per night. rosewoodmayakoba.com | Credit
Best Beach Resorts in the Caribbean | Island Hotels and Resorts | Peter Island
Peter Island Resort & Spa, BVI Why stay on a secluded island when you can buy out your very own private island? Our No. 2 pick isn't just a private resort on a quiet Caribbean isle; it's the only resort on Peter Island. And just 300 of the area's 1,800 acres have been developed. For utmost alone time, a no-fly zone can be implemented, by request of course. From $245 per night. peterisland.com | Credit
Best Beach Resorts in the Caribbean | Island Hotels and Resorts | Sugar Beach
Sugar Beach, St. Lucia Unbelievable views of St. Lucia's Pitons and the Caribbean Sea are just one reason why Sugar Beach is our top Caribbean beach resort. It's located steps away from some of the world's best dive sites, a protected underwater park and a National Marine Reserve that lines the Pitons. Sugar Beach also offers hiking tours like no other up these iconic volcanos. A Piton beer — served at the top — is the ultimate reward. From $350 per night. sugarbeach.com | Zach Stovall