Best Caribbean Resorts

The two best Caribbean private island resorts
Both are ultra exclusive and expensive. They appeal to the rich and famous - including movie stars and business moguls. Both islands have pristine beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and spas - and are surrounded by coral reefs and clear turquoise waters.

1. Necker Island
Location: British Virgin Islands
Photo: Collage's left side
The weekly rate exceeds $250,000 for a party of up to its capacity (two dozen guests). Necker Island is owned and was developed by Virgin Atlantic Airways founder Sir Richard Branson. Balinese-style structures enrich the picturesque setting.

Update: Sad to report, the main complex burnt down on August 22, 2011, the result of a lightning strike. Branson expects to rebuild it. One of his house guests, Oscar-winning Kate Winslet, helped save his 90-year-old mother.

2. Musha Cay
Location: Bahamas
Photo: Collage's right side
Your party of 24 will pay about $250,000 to have this gorgeous tropical island all to themselves. Musha Cay is the brainchild of celebrity illusionist David Copperfield.

Runners-up
To be eligible for this select list, a resort must not only be superlative, it must also have exclusive use of its island.

• Cayo Espanto - Belize
• Guana Island - British Virgin Islands
• Jumby Bay Resort - Antigua
• Parrot Cay - Turks and Caicos Petit St Vincent - Grenadines

The two best Caribbean resorts on non-private islands
These rankings do not include the ultra-expensive private island resorts. See the "Learn More" section below for its link.

1. Sandy Lane
Location: Barbados
Sandy Lane is renowned for its idyllic site and and immaculate buildings and grounds. Guests praise the top-notch golf course, excellent tennis facility, and immense pool - and the variety of spa treatments from around the world.

2. Ritz Carlton Gold & Spa Resort
Location: Jamaica
This classy resort is located on the fashionable Montego Bay beachfront. It has a world-class golf course, plus a first-rate spa. Dining scores high marks. And the accommodations are spacious and luxurious.

Also special

• Caneel Bay - US Virgin Islands
• Casa de Campo - Dominican Republic
• Carlisle Bay - Antigua
• Eden Rock - St Barts
• Four Seasons - Bahamas
• Four Seasons - St Kitts and Nevis
• Marriott - Aruba
• Half Moon Bay - Jamaica
• Paradisus - Puerto Rico
• Paradisus - Dominican Republic
• Peter Island - British Virgin Islands
• Raffles - Grenadines
• Ritz-Carlton - Jamaica
• Ritz-Carlton - St Thomas
• Round Hill - Jamaica
• Royal Plantation - Jamaica

Location map