Caribbean Queens

Meet the six islands—and their showstopping stays that should be at the top of your winter escape vacation list

- TRACEY MINKIN AND JESSICA THUSTON

THE QUIETLY CHIC SHORE

Dominican Republic

STAY: PLAYA GRANDE BEACH CLUB

For those who think they "know" the Dominican Republic-the eastern portion of the island of Hispaniola (Haiti lies to the west)as a touristy haven of all-inclusive resorts, it's time to think again. As did Celerie Kemble. The designer saw the rare magic in a mile-long stretch of untrammeled pale sands on the DR's quiet north coast, marked only with a lively little cluster of kiosks offering beer, rum, grilled seafood, and a smattering of art and souvenirs. It was here that Kemble, with family and friends, built a Great House and nine whitewashed bungalows (with kitchens and one or three bedrooms) in the gingerbread-detailed vernacular architecture of the island. Kemble infused the interiors with her tropical-chic mood board of sun-bleached pastels, patterned textiles and Dominican floor tiles, and a masterful gathering of vintage and antique pieces. With its airy restaurant and bar; serene, lawn-surrounded pool; and fringe-parasoled beach loungers, the intimate embrace of Playa Grande (and those kiosks next door) might be just the right amount of escapism. But the area offers even more: lagoon tours in Rio San Juan, swimming at the base of El Saltadero waterfall, and post-adventure lunches at De Norte a Norte, an inspiring, progressive new restaurant in Cabrera. What a place to get to think again; playagrandebeachclub.​com.

THE ULTIMATE RETREAT

St. Barts

STAY: CHEVAL BLANC ST-BARTH