Luxury Holidays in the Caribbean
When you think about a Caribbean holiday no doubt your first thought is one of spectacular white sand beaches and warm blue seas, especially if you are experiencing a cold British winter.
Caribbean
Antigua
Barbados
Grenada
Saint Lucia
Although the West Indies’ sunny beaches and crystal-clear waters are undoubtedly alluring, there’s more to this region than meets the eye.
The Caribbean archipelago consists of more than 7,000 islands, covering an expanse of a million square miles. And that’s not to mention the ten continental Central and South American countries that have a Caribbean coastline. Given its size and diversity it is hardly surprising that both the islands and the continental coastline have a rich history and culture waiting for the adventurous holidaymaker to explore away from the beach. With the most wonderful music and delectable cuisine, the Caribbean makes for an exciting and rewarding break, whether you choose an all-inclusive package, hire a Caribbean villa and live like 007, or drift through the clear blue waters on a sailing boat.
Our favourite Caribbean Stays
Here is a selection of our most popular places to stay in the Caribbean.
These hotels may whet your appetite, but if you already have a place in mind, we would love to help tailor-make your dream holiday.
When to Visit The Caribbean
Year-round, temperatures in the Caribbean remain fairly consistent, typically ranging from the late 20s to the early 30s. The most popular time to visit the Caribbean is between December and April, as these are the driest months of the year, however May, June and November can also be excellent times for a holiday.
July to October is the green season. During these months there can be daily downpours of rain, although they tend to be brief and followed by hot sun.
Places to visit in The Caribbean
Antigua
Beguiling as the emerald blue waters and deserted coves may be, if you can somehow manage to drag yourself away from the beach you will discover a typical Caribbean island with a distinctly British flavour. Bustling capital St John’s has an English Harbour and historical forts. While further afield lie candy-coloured villages just waiting for you to explore and share some rum with the locals. Follow Fig Tree Drive through rainforest or take a hike around the island. Just make sure you get back in time for a cocktail on the beach for sunset.
Barbados
From Rockley Beach to Paynes Bay, Barbados rightly is renowned for its powdery white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. However, beyond these you will discover the Unesco-listed capital Bridgetown which is great for trying the local cuisine, and a non-stop nightlife. If you want to rub shoulders with the rich and famous then head west to the Platinum Coast named after either the colour of the sand or the credit cards used at the numerous bars and restaurants.
Grenada
Known as the Spice Island, the whiff of nutmeg in the air informs travellers that they have arrived at Grenada. There again this Caribbean paradise could also have been dubbed the fruit island or beach island equally appropriately. Grenada consists of three islands. If you want to escape it all then head to Carriacou where cruise liners fear to tread, and discover the Caribbean how it used to be. Grenada’s capital St George’s is one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean and easy to explore by foot.
St Lucia
If you had to choose one Caribbean island that was blessed by nature, St Lucia would be it. Just stand in Soufrière and look up at the otherworldly Pitons rising form the earth like colossal green pyramids before descending into the inviting clear waters. The more athletic can climb Gros Piton with a guide, alternatively just relax close to the waters and soak up the atmosphere of this charming and lush green island. Head to the fishing village of Gros Islet and explore the rum shops and fishing shacks.
Caribbean Experiences
Sail Around The Caribbean
Few experiences can compare with hiring a sailing boat to drift your way through the myriad of islands and islets that constitute the Caribbean. While this might sound like a once in a lifetime experience you can also go for shorter cruises or boat rides around or between the islands. Whichever you choose ensure you have sufficient time to enjoy to the full.
Discover the sounds of the caribbean
From Reggae to Cuban Jazz, the islands of the Caribbean as well as the adjoining mainland are full of spectacular music. Often the music reflects the distinct cultures of the islands – and the suffering that so many have experienced. Just go with the flow, listen to the local music, grab yourself a beer or rum, and enjoy the Caribbean as it is meant to be – in rhythm.
Catch a game of cricket
As the song goes, “I don’t like cricket, I love it.” If you think cricket is a boring game played on village greens in front of dozing spectators in deckchairs, you have never seen a match in the Caribbean. Listen to the rhythm of the steel drums, relax in a pool, and watch the sound of the ball being blasted into the horizon. Richards, Lara and Sobers might have retired but their spirit lives on.
Chill with the caribbean vibe
After all, you are on holiday. Relax on those incomparable white, sand beaches, dive into the blue waters, explore the amazing coral and colourful fishes. And at the end of the day, enjoy a cocktail laced with local rum as the sun slips beyond the horizon. You have deserved it!
When to Visit The Caribbean
January - MARCH
January to March are considered the best times to visit the Caribbean, with consistent warm temperatures between 24-29°C. Slight variations occur between the islands, so speak to a consultant to find out about your preferred destination. It is considered the best time to escape the winter blues by exploring these unspoilt beaches and islands.
APRIL - JUNE
April enjoys warm temperatures with highs of 28°C with some islands topping that figure. May to June see a slight increased chance of rain fall, but at average temperatures around 27°C it is a great time to get an early summer.
JULY - SEPTEMBER
Consistently warm, some thunderstorms that are typically short lived with around 150mm of rain expected, but 8 hours of sunshine. With the water at 28°C you will be aching to dive into the crystal clear waters.
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
October sees the most rainfall at 260mm with November dropping down sharply to 215mm and 160mm in December.
Although it can rain throughout this period, the showers tend to be short lived, and the high temperatures more than compensate, making the Caribbean a very popular Christmas and New Year holiday destination.
