Rum has historically been known as “kill-devil” due to its strong taste and aroma.

While iconic Caribbean dishes span from ackee and saltfish to coucou and flying fish to mofongo, each island across the region is united by one common spirit: rum, to be precise. Derived from fermented and distilled molasses, this alcoholic beverage has played a major role in Caribbean culture for centuries, with the world’s oldest surviving rum distillery deed dating back to 1703 and hailing from Barbados. In the modern era, the spirit also serves as a major draw for tourism, with the Caribbean’s most opulent hotels and resorts offering carefully-curated rum experiences for visitors to enjoy. As you plan your next booze-focused foray into the region, don’t miss out on these world-class hotels.

The U.S. Virgin Islands were administered by Denmark until 1917.

The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix has earned abundant acclaim for its scenic beaches and charming settlements—and for those hoping to explore the idyllic beauty of Christiansted, the King Christian Hotel is the perfect base. The property rests just steps away from the Christiansted National Historic Site, providing guests with ample opportunity to explore the town’s many shops and historic attractions, while visiting seafarers are welcome to set off on a snorkeling tour of nearby Buck Island. Meanwhile, those who prefer to stick close to the property can spend the day lounging in the outdoor pool or catching some rays on the sundeck.

St. Croix boasts a variety of inviting bars, with Breakers Roar standing out when it comes to delightful rum drinks. Located within the King Christian Hotel, this maritime-themed establishment excels in tiki bar culture, offering a plethora of intricate cocktails to try. Among the choices are the Banana Bana, a fusion of coconut and vanilla, and the Saturn Cocktail, a blend of gin and passionfruit. The menu also includes small plates like truffle fries and Thai chili wings. Additionally, as of early 2024, St. Croix’s Cruzan Rum Distillery has re-opened for tours, allowing visitors to taste the local rum at its origin.

The biodiversity of Puerto Rico is quite rich, home to unique species such as the elfin woods warbler and the Puerto Rican boa.

Situated on the flawless northeastern coast of Puerto Rico, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve offers awe-inspiring views of the island’s Río Grande municipality. Its expansive 29 hectares provide a vital refuge for a variety of native birds and reptiles. For adventure seekers, they can venture to the stunning El Yunque National Forest for an extensive hike. This property also excels at providing a peaceful retreat, offering amenities like an immense outdoor pool area and the Rainforest Spa on site. Its recently opened villas, Villas en la Reserva, offer soaking tubs and open-air balconies along with daily fresh pan sobao deliveries.

Puerto Rico stands as the homeland of globally-renowned rum brands like BACARDÍ and Ron del Barrilito. Staying at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve affords guests the possibility to taste the island’s finest offerings. On arrival, guests can drop by the elegant Lobby Bar for an Old Timer, a rum-infused take on the Old Fashioned, featuring cinnamon, jalapeño, and locally made Puerto Rican rum. For those preferring to unwind next to the pool, La Mina serves a great Mai Tai. Lastly, anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience should consider Nori Teppanyaki. Here, guests can enjoy a revitalizing lemongrass mojito while admiring the proficiency of the restaurant’s chefs, who prepare dishes such as pad thai, seafood fried rice, and miso salmon.

Barbados is largely formed from coral limestone, a quality that imbues the island with clean drinking water within its underground aquifers.

Home to beloved rum brands like Mount Gay and Foursquare, the sovereign island of Barbados has a deep connection to the spirits industry that dates back centuries—and few hotels exemplify this as well as Colony Club by Elegant Hotels. Just a few steps past the property’s outdoor koi pond, the Rum Vault offers a world-class drinking and dining experience that showcases the splendor of sugarcane distillate at its very finest. There are 150 rums up for grabs within the space, with options spanning from homegrown Bajan spirits to far-flung distillates from Japan and Mauritius—and the venue even comes with its own expert Rum Ambassadors to provide insight into each beverage as the Vault Chef crafts decadent cuisine to pair with each drink.

While the Rum Vault is certainly a highlight of the Colony Club, it’s far from the only amenity in place for guests to enjoy. The property’s Luxury Swim Up rooms serve as particularly relaxing accommodations, allowing guests to access the sprawling lagoon pool right from the patio, while carefully-manicured gardens and the hotel’s scenic strip of white sand beach both play host to all sorts of native Bajan wildlife. During early morning hours, guests are welcome to take advantage of a complimentary yoga or Pilates class, while afternoon brings the opportunity to set off on a guided stand up paddleboarding tour for a truly relaxing day on the water.