Caribbean guesthouses: The Big Six

From Nelson's Dockyard and private butlers to a former Carmelite convent

The Admiral's Inn, Antigua

In a quiet corner of Nelson's Dockyard, The Admiral's Inn balances quirky charm with bygone-era majesty. The hotel's 14 tasteful rooms – all with white linen, wooden shutters and old-fashioned ceiling fans – look out from restored 18th-century buildings that have an impressive naval background. Before its reincarnation as a boutique hotel, the structure once housed British officers stationed at the dockyard, as well as naval supplies. But history aside, this is a place to recharge. In the grounds, manicured lawns meet a sizeable infinity pool with beautiful views of the dockyard. Food is locally sourced and served on a tree-shaded terrace overlooking the water. Those aching for sand between the toes can take a complimentary boat ride to nearby Galleon Beach.

Admiral's Inn, Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua (001 268 460 1027; admiralsantigua.com). Doubles from $145 (£91), room only.

Casas del XVI, Dominican Republic

Casas del XVI is made up of two restored 16th-century houses that stand amid the Unesco-listed splendour of Santo Domingo's Colonial City, or old town. Features include a candle-lit inner courtyard, antique furniture, original heirlooms, local art and vintage New World explorer maps which adorn the walls. A private mayordomo – or butler – for each room and complimentary airport transfers add a touch of modern luxury.

Casas del XVI, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (001 809 688 4061; casasdelxvi.com). Doubles from $237 (£148), B&B.

Fond Doux, Saint Lucia

This 19th-century, French-colonial property is the jewel in the crown of Soufrière on Saint Lucia's west coast, with a 250-year-old cocoa plantation, fruit trees and expansive gardens. The 12 cottages all have wooden shutters and private verandas surrounded by gardens rich with tropical foliage. With zip-lining and snorkelling nearby and an organic spa, two restaurants and several pools, there is plenty of space to kick back.

Fond Doux, Soufrière, Saint Lucia (001 758 459 7545; fonddouxestate.com). Doubles from $230 (£144),B&B.

Jamaica Inn, Jamaica

The iconic beachfront hotel near Ocho Rios is a name-dropper's delight, counting Ian Fleming, Noël Coward, and newlyweds Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller among its former patrons. An airy reception opens on to serene sands, where watersports and rum punch satisfy active and sedentary guests alike. Dining blends Jamaican flavours with international cuisine on the candlelit terrace. Traditional, whitewashed bedrooms exchange TVs, radios and clocks for views of the sea.

Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios, Jamaica (001 876 974 2514; jamaicainn.com). Doubles from $316 (£198), room only.

El Convento, Puerto Rico

Harking back to the age of the conquistadores, this centuries-old Carmelite convent in the heart of San Juan is now a luxury hotel with a decidedly Spanish feel. There are handcrafted tiles, wrought-iron fittings and a menu of tapas in the courtyard El Picoteo restaurant. Rooms are decked out in rich mahogany with velvet settees, antique chests and feature Juliet balconies. The city's museums and landmarks, including the cathedral housing Ponce de León's remains, are close by.

El Convento, San Juan, Puerto Rico (001 787 723 9020; elconvento.com). Doubles from $165 (£103), room only.

The Atlantis Hotel, Barbados

Located on picturesque Tent Bay, The Atlantis Hotel offers simple but chic accommodation off the beaten track. It was built in 1884 after the construction of the Barbados Railway. Just eight immaculate rooms remain, guaranteeing peace, quiet and dramatic cliff-top views. Barbados' rugged east coast is less developed – ideal for scenic walks and surfing, as the world-renowned "Soup Bowl" swell is a 10-minute stroll from the hotel's door.

Atlantis, Tent Bay, Barbados (001 246 433 9445; atlantishotelbarbados.com). Doubles from $255 (£159), B&B.