These 2 Unknown Paradise Destinations Named Top Caribbean Getaways For 2026

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With Jamaica in recovery mode, and The Bahamas and Dominican Republic just as popular as ever, it’s safe to say more travelers are venturing into lesser-known territory for their own slice of paradise.

Here at Travel Off Path, there’s nothing we love more than revealing the next “it” destination.

With some help from Fodor’s, who recently unveiled their annual list of places to avoid, now they’re unleashing their insightful take on must-visit getaways for 2026.

With their list being pretty hefty, we handpicked 2 unknown Caribbean hideaways we’re confident will wow you more than an Owen Wilson blooper reel!

Placencia: Belize’s Trendy Beach Hideaway

Belize is mostly known for one of the most wondrous sites in the world, the famous Blue Hole.

They’re also known for less-crowded ruins, pristine shorelines, laid-back vibes with every rum concoction imaginable — oh yeah, that one John McAfee guy too…

What slips under the radar is an up-and-coming peninsula laden with vibrant beachfront bars like Tipsy Tuna, swaying hammocks, aquatic excursions, and picture-perfect waters away from Belize’s most sought-after cays.

What was formerly a middle-of-the-road fishing village off the traditional tourist path is now slowly but surely rising to stardom for the ultimate relaxing beach time by day and rum-flowing nightlife come sundown.

Sleepy bars transform into karaoke sing-a-longs after fiery sunsets paint the sky.

Placencia is in its final chapter of being a hidden gem, hence the newfound 2026 hype. While there are ample boutique stays with less pizzazz and more local flair, that’s all set to change at the turn of the calendar when the existing Placencia Resort reveals its $10 million glow-up as Hyatt’s first Belize property.

That means more vacationers will surely flock here to cash in their points, so it’s less likely to experience no more crystal-clear, spacious waters to snorkel and open barstools and seaside hammocks at your leisure.

The only thing holding more tourists back is the nearly 3-hour journey from Belize City, the most common gateway into this fast-growing vacation spot.

Private tour operators offer the most stress-free ride option compared to public transit. Let’s just say Belize City isn’t the most appealing destination to hop on a public bus…

Saba: Adventure Awaits On This Unknown Map-Dot Island

“Where in the world is Saba?” That’s likely what you’re asking yourself, and with good reason.

You have to click the zoom button on Google Maps about 26 times to find it. This blip in the vast Caribbean is surrounded by other beach stunners, such as St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Barts, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

So, why would people come here (especially since there are no direct U.S. flights)?

If you’re seeking stunning turquoise waters, virtually spotless beaches, inland nature seemingly untouched, and inviting locals proudly welcoming you in their cozy paradisal townscapes, Saba is just the place.

Besides your passport, you’ll want to pack your best hiking shoes. This under-hyped Dutch territory is teeming with scenic hiking trails offering unmatched views unlike other popular locales.

If you were to try to snap photos of 360-degree vistas from Mount Scenery like you would other places, you’d have to file your first travel insurance claim from a selfie-stick eye poke.

Suffice to say, Saba is slowly but surely becoming more of a draw, even hosting popular festivals each year, such as Rum & Lobster Fest.

Like Belize, rum is a staple here too — with a twist. Saba Spice is the island’s signature homemade guilty pleasure, brewed with herbs, honey, and a mod podge of homegrown botanicals passed down for generations — but at least it’s not known as the “baby maker” like my experience in St. Lucia, yet another trendy Caribbean island.

If there’s one claim to fame in Saba, it’s the dive scene. This tiny nation has become a bucket-list destination in the diving world, offering renowned sites within the protected Saba Marine Park, where underwater cliffs and lava formations create some of the most striking aquatic landscapes in the Caribbean.