Kuoni Caribbean brochure 2025

The Caribbean – a mix of islands with their own identities but bound together by sunshine, music, food, and culture. In these pages, you’ll find a handpicked selection of our favourite islands, hotels, and things to do while you’re there. There’s even more online, but the best way to plan is to talk it through. Pick up the phone or pop into one of our stores, and we’ll share the kind of insider intel you won’t find on a search engine. We know the flight routes, the best beaches, the island quirks, and the places that make you say wow. Most of all, we listen first and suggest after, so your Caribbean holiday feels like it was made just for you.

Island National Park, Saint Lucia

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CARIBBEAN THE

This is a region of rainforest peaks, coral reefs, spice markets, and sheltered lagoons, with every island offering something a little different. While some put the Caribbean on their holiday shortlist for no other reason than to slow down by the sea, others see a destination ripe for adventure and culture. However you like to holiday, there’s a Caribbean island - or even a combination of two or three - for you.

There’s no one single way to do the Caribbean. Some want a splash of luxury, others want great value, and plenty are looking for a mix. These holiday hacks show you how to get even more out of your trip.

MIX MODEST AND MAGNIFICENT

Why choose between budget-friendly and blow-the-budget when you can have both? Start with a chic but modest stay, then switch to a five-star showstopper and head home feeling like royalty. Find out how on page 10.

COME TO THE CARIBBEAN FOR…

LAYERS OF HISTORY

The Caribbean’s past is complex and powerful. Out of the hardships of the arrival of Europeans grew resilience, creativity, and eventually independence. You can feel the layers of that history in forts, plantations, and lively streets where the past and present mingle.

LIFE AND COMMUNITY

Community in the Caribbean thrives in everyday moments as much as in celebrations. Markets buzz with voices bargaining over fruit and fish. Cricket matches bring whole villages together. Churches, schools, and street corners are meeting places. Visit once and you’ll be smitten.

DOUBLE-TAKE HOLIDAYS

Some islands have more than one personality, and you can try both without catching another flight. Think barefoot-casual on one coast, then glamorous cocktails on the other. Discover where to live a double life on page 12.

TOUCHDOWN TRIPS

Some flights to the Caribbean make a stop on the way. Instead of seeing it as a delay, see it as a chance to explore somewhere new. With the right planning, you can turn a touchdown into two destinations on one ticket. See how on page 14.

FOOD WITH SOUL

Meals are unpretentious, and full of flavour. Barbados pairs flying fish with macaroni pie, Antigua serves lobster from the grill, and Saint Lucia’s green fig and saltfish is a staple. In Aruba, Dutch and Latin influences shape everyday dishes. Try street food and family kitchens.

BEACHES AND COASTLINES

Caribbean coastlines differ more than you expect. Saint Lucia’s dark volcanic sand feels dramatic beneath the Pitons. Antigua has gentle coves for easy swimming, and Turks & Caicos offers long, shallow stretches of impossibly turquoise water.

ISLAND GUIDE - NORTH TO SOUTH: FIND YOUR CARIBBEAN

Lucayan islands

The Turks and Caicos islands sit north of the Dominican Republic and east of the Bahamas. From London, flight times are usually around 12 hours with a change. The reward is some of the best beaches in the world, shallow turquoise waters and a laid-back island pace that’s hard to beat.

The greater Antilles

These are the larger islands, including Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, both reachable from London in around nine hours. You’ll find lively culture, music, sport and wide beaches with plenty going on. Ideal if you like a bit of buzz alongside your downtime.

The lesser antilles: Leeward islands

This northern cluster includes islands such as Antigua, Saint Kitts, and Nevis. Flight times are about eight and a half to nine hours. They’re wellconnected, which makes them great for island-hopping. Think one holiday with two (or more) islands in the mix.

The lesser antilles: Windward islands

Further south, you get dramatic landscapes. Saint Lucia, Grenada, Saint Vincent, and Dominica are lush and volcanic, with rainforest trails and tucked-away bays. These islands suit travellers who want more than beaches. Expect hikes, rum distilleries and plenty of character.

The southern caribbean Aruba sits just off the coast of Venezuela and outside the hurricane belt. Flying time is around ten hours. It is one of the best bets for winter sun and has a reliable dry climate, unlike other islands that might experience tropical showers.

Mexican caribbean coast

From London, you can reach Cancún in about ten hours. It is a hub for allinclusive resorts, nightlife and whitesand beaches, with easy access to Mayan ruins, cenotes and ecoadventures. A great option if you like the idea of mixing Caribbean beaches with Mexican culture and history.

TURKS AND CAICOS

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC JAMAICA

SAINT KITTS & NEVIS

SAINT LUCIA

SAINT VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

‘There’s nowhere quite like the Caribbean for the variety of places to stay, welcoming people, complex history and delicious food. We want to share some of the world’s best beaches and dive spots, rainforests, volcanoes, local markets and showstopping views that make these countries truly unforgettable.’

MELISSA SCARLETT, CARIBBEAN PRODUCT TEAM

ATLANTIC OCEAN

MEXICO

ARUBA

GRENADA

DOMINICA

BARBADOS

ANTIGUA

YOUR ISLAND MATCH

So, you fancy the Caribbean but are overwhelmed by choice. We get it. With so many islands glimmering on the map, each whispering ‘pick me!’, it’s like standing in a sweet shop where everything is wrapped in sunshine. But fear not. You don’t need to know your rum from your rhum agricole to find your match. Let us pair you with the island that perfectly complements your holiday personality.

WHEN YOU WANT FLAVOUR THAT LINGERS

Grenada wears its nickname proudly as the Spice Island. The air is heavy with nutmeg and cinnamon, and wandering through its markets feels like stepping into a festive pantry, only hotter. Jamaica turns up the volume with its jerk pits, roadside grills, and music that is inseparable from the food. Here, flavour isn’t an afterthought but the heartbeat of the island and a heady combination of smoke, spice, and soul.

WHEN YOU’RE PLOTTING SOMETHING ROMANTIC

Saint Lucia has perfected the art of romance. The Piton Mountains rise magnificently from the water, the sunsets are shamelessly dramatic, and the hotels bring infinity pools and candlelit decks to the mix. For a different kind of intimacy, the Grenadines let you sail between tiny islands that feel like secrets you have stumbled upon. This is where honeymoons, proposals, or just outrageously smug anniversaries happen without a hitch because the backdrop is already doing the heavy lifting.

WHEN

THE PLAN IS NO PLAN AT ALL

Saint Kitts specialises in slow charm. It’s where you might find yourself in a beach bar with nothing on the agenda but choosing your second drink. Antigua takes the idea further with its 365 beaches, a sandy buffet of possibilities with no pressure to pick a favourite. These islands reward the art of meandering, where a lazy day is never considered a wasted one.

WHEN PEACE AND QUIET ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE

An archipelago of 40 islands and cays, Turks and Caicos is the Caribbean’s quiet masterpiece. On Providenciales, Grace Bay stretches in soft white sand beside waters so clear they seem unreal. Life here moves gently, unhurried and hushed, with little more than swimming and strolling, then sipping at sunset. If silence and space feel like luxury, you’ll find it here.

WHEN YOU WANT A BIT OF EVERYTHING

Barbados is the island that refuses to be just one thing. One day you’re watching a test match, the next you’re at a fish fry with calypso spilling into the street, and by evening you are in a fancy restaurant feasting like royalty. The Dominican Republic plays the same game at an even greater scale, with resorts, beach parties, and a menu of activities that lets you switch from salsa to scuba without barely blinking. These are the islands for anyone who wants the full Caribbean sampler, preferably with seconds.

EXPLORE BY SEA

The Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise regions, which means there’s plenty of choice. Sail calm waters, hop between islands, and pick ships from small yacht style to family-friendly and ultra luxury. See page 74 for ideas to get you started.

WAKE TO THE SPECTACLE

Some hotels make the view the highlight. At Jade Mountain in Saint Lucia, open-air rooms frame the Pitons (page 31). Fairmont Mayakoba on Mexico’s Caribbean coast (page 43) hides lagoons and mangroves, while Six Senses Grenada overlooks sparkling bays (page 37).

TURN ONE HOLIDAY INTO TWO

Begin with the buzz of New York or Miami, then fly south to the calm of Antigua, Barbados, or Saint Lucia. Combining a city break with the Caribbean often costs less than booking separately, and gives you the best of both worlds in one seamless trip.

Grenada

HOLIDAY HACK #1: MIX

MODEST AND MAGNIFICENT

Why settle for either frugal or fancy when you can stitch them together and have both? This hack is simple: start with a cleverly priced resort that leaves room for rum punches (or, better still, includes them in the price), then upgrade to a resort that spoils you silly. It is the holiday equivalent of ordering house wine on Monday and sipping champagne by Friday.

ANTIGUA

Start your holiday at Hawksbill Resort on the northwest coast, an all-inclusive hideaway, wrapped in tropical gardens, with four sandy bays. Rooms are bright and breezy, the drinks are icy, and the mood is pure sand-between-your-toes simplicity. Once you’ve mastered the art of doing nothing, it’s time to turn things up a notch. Head to The Inn at English Harbour, on Antigua’s southern tip, where the pace slows and the luxury level soars. This elegant, all-suite retreat serves sunset cocktails, long dinners on the terrace, and there’s a sense of effortless glamour and you’ll feel like someone has pressed the luxury button on your holiday.

GRENADA

Kick things off at 473 Grenada Boutique Resort on Grenada’s south coast. This is an amazing little gem that feels like your coolest friend’s beach house (if your friend had impeccable taste, nine villas, and a knack for mixing the perfect rum punch, that is). It’s intimate, calm, and just a few

sandy steps from the sea, where mornings blend into lazy swims and lazier lunches. Then switch gears at Grenada’s glamorous grande dame, Calabash, further west along the south coast. Here, breakfast can arrive on your private terrace, fancy cocktails are served with a pianist’s serenade, and dinner at Rhodes Restaurant turns any evening into an occasion. The atmosphere is elegant, the service on point, and we’ll make your shift from barefoot charm to refined decadence feel as smooth as the island’s best rum.

MEXICO

Start your adventure at The Fives Oceanfront on the Riviera Maya, where sleek rooms, inventive dining, and the sea just beyond your balcony set the tone nicely. It’s stylish without trying too hard, and the kind of place that makes a margarita at noon feel entirely sensible. Then it’s time to turn things up with a quick hop to Impressions Isla Mujeres, an adultsonly haven that redefines indulgence. Think sweeping ocean views, private plunge pools, and pampering service. The shift from smart seaside escape to full-blown luxury is deliciously dramatic.

Hawksbill Resort, Antigua

The Inn at English Harbour, Antigua

Calabash Grenada

473 Grenada Boutique Resort Grenada

The Fives Oceanfront, Mexico

Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets, Mexico

HOLIDAY HACK #2: DOUBLE-TAKE HOLIDAYS

Don’t limit your holiday to just one mood. Islands, even small ones, can surprise you with their variety. Sometimes, one side croons serenity, while the other belts out a calypso chorus. This hack is about splitting your stay, so you get two completely different experiences without leaving the island.

SCENERY SHIFTS IN SAINT LUCIA

At the island’s northern tip, Cap Maison channels laid-back glamour. Its whitewashed villas spill down to the sea, cocktails arrive as the sky turns pink, and dinner at The Cliff at Cap is a masterclass in style and setting. Days are for sailing and beach walks, and it’s all with the kind of calm that comes with a swish, well-run hotel. Check out, and head further south, where Ladera offers something altogether wilder. Perched high between the Pitons, it feels half resort, half nature retreat, where each open-air suite opens straight onto rainforest and sky. The air is cooler, the mood more elemental, and the views are vast. Same island, two vantage points, and both unforgettable in their own way.

RAINFOREST AND BEACH IN GRENADA

At Mount Edgecombe, mornings begin with birds competing for airtime and mist curling through the rainforest. You can wander among mango and nutmeg trees before breakfast,

the air rich with the scent of spice. It’s peaceful, a little eccentric, and entirely unbothered by time. Then trade Grenada’s hills for the coast and check in at the storied Spice Island Beach Resort, where Grand Anse stretches in a long, golden sweep. Here, luxury feels lavish: drinks mixed with precision, spa sessions that dissolve the day, and dinners on the sand that make you forget there’s anywhere else to be.

TEMPO SWAPS IN BARBADOS

Start on the island’s west coast at Tamarind, an all-inclusive stay that’s bright, breezy, and always ready for a good time. Days drift between paddleboarding, poolside chatter, and long lunches that have a way of edging into early evenings. Then, when you’re ready to turn the volume down, head north to Little Good Harbour. Here, clapboard cottages sit among palms, the sea laps gently at the shore, and suppers at The Fish Pot feel super special in a laidback way. It’s slower, softer, and just the right kind of remote.

Mount Edgecombe Spice Island Beach Resort

Secrets (artist impression)

Rabot Hotel by Hotel Chocolat

Tamarind

Little Good Harbour

HOLIDAY HACK #3:

TOUCHDOWN TRIPS

Touchdown flights are the ultimate insider trick. Instead of flying straight through to one island, your plane makes a brief scheduled stop on another. Most people barely notice as they sit tight waiting to carry on, but you can hop off, turn that pause into a mini break, and suddenly you have two islands stitched into one holiday.

SAINT LUCIA + GRENADA

With a British Airways touchdown, you can explore two different islands on one ticket. When most of your fellow passengers stay on board for Grenada, you step off in Saint Lucia and settle into East Winds, a tranquil garden retreat wrapped in tropical greenery and edged by a golden beach. It’s intimate and unshowy yet really rather elegant, with open-air dining and an easy, sociable rhythm. After a few days of unhurried island life, rejoin the flight and hop across to Grenada to Mount Cinnamon, a splash of colour on Grand Anse where hillside villas, friendly faces, and sunset cocktails set the tone. Two islands, one ticket, and a double dose of Caribbean character.

Flight time London to Saint Lucia: 9 hours. Saint Lucia to Grenada: 45 minutes

ANTIGUA + SAINT KITTS & NEVIS

That British Airways touchdown works for Antigua too, so you can experience two islands with entirely different moods. Start in Antigua at Galley Bay, a grown-up hideaway where thatched cottages face a golden beach and the pace runs on island time. It’s intimate and barefoot by nature, with open-air dining, rum cocktails, and the easy warmth of a place that’s all about slowing down. Then switch scenes to

Saint Kitts and the Park Hyatt, where everything is sleek, sculpted, and spectacular. Set between rainforest and sea, it’s the Caribbean turned contemporary, with glassy pools, crisp linens, and dinner settings designed for lingering. Same Caribbean sunshine, two completely different ways to enjoy it. Flight time London to Antigua: 9 hours. Antigua to Saint Kitts: 30 minutes

BARBADOS + SAINT VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

Virgin Atlantic makes it wonderfully simple to link these two islands. Begin in Barbados at Colony Club, a west coast classic where calm waters, coral-stone architecture, and perfectly measured service create a mood of sophistication. Mornings are for dips in the sea, afternoons for sailing or, frankly, doing very little at all. Then continue on the same Virgin Atlantic service to Saint Vincent and take the ferry to Bequia, an island that feels delightfully removed from everything. Bequia Beach Hotel embodies its Riviera-style charm with pastel shutters and a beach that invites lingering from sunrise to starlight.

Flight time London to Barbados: 9 hours. Barbados to Saint Vincent: 45 minutes

Saint Lucia Grenada

Barbados

Saint Vincent & The Grenadines

Antigua

Saint Kitts

ANTIGUA AWESOME

Antigua – an island with 365 beaches, a sailing scene that draws yachts from across the world, and history written into every harbour and fort. There’s an abundance of boutique hotels, which keeps everything feeling personal, many of which are adults-only for romantic escapes. Compact enough to explore in a day, yet packed with choice, Antigua makes you slow down but keeps you curious…

WHAT MAKES ANTIGUA DIFFERENT

People fall for Antigua because it feels easy without ever feeling ordinary. The island’s charm comes from its people and the glorious setting, from friendly faces in the resort hotels to sea views in every direction once you’re ready to stretch your legs and explore the island. You might explore old forts one day and find a tucked-away beach bar the next, all while keeping that sense of being somewhere special. And, of course, this being the Caribbean, there’s a must-have splash of sunshine in every plan.

A PEEK INTO THE PAST

Nelson’s Dockyard is Antigua’s historic heart, the only working Georgian dockyard in the world and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fort James still watches over St John’s Harbour, while Shirley Heights — once an 18th-century military lookout and gun battery — now hosts a famous Sunday-night party. Steel bands, reggae, and a barbecue of jerk chicken, ribs, lobster, and cold beer turn the historic site into an island tradition that blends past and present in one unforgettable evening.

COME TO ANTIGUA FOR…

ISLAND NATION

A 90-minute ferry-ride away is Barbuda, which you can do as a day trip. Popular sites to visit include the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, Pink Sand Beach and Princess Diana Beach, whose namesake visited the island frequently. It’s worth it to see a less developed side of the Caribbean.

FOOD AND FLAVOUR

Join chef Nicole Dennis at her cliffside home, where the views compete with the aromas. You prepare a two-course lunch using local produce and spices, learn the history and health value of each ingredient, and shake your own rum punch before sitting down to enjoy it all.

SAILING AND THE SEA

The island’s marinas buzz with energy, especially during Antigua Sailing Week when yachts fill Nelson’s Dockyard and the parties rival the racing. If you’d rather keep things easy, jump on a catamaran and let the crew do the work while you stretch out with a rum punch.

A DAY WELL SPENT

Hop into an SUV with a local guide and venture through the rainforest before arriving at Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history. Continue up to Shirley Heights for sweeping harbour views that reach Montserrat.

TRIP NOTES

Touchdown in paradise

Flying to Antigua from the UK takes around eight and a half hours, with direct flights available from London. You’ll land at V.C. Bird International Airport on the north coast, a small and easy hub where luggage usually appears quickly. Most hotels are only 10 to 40 minutes away, so you can check in, change, and have your toes in the sand before sunset.

Get your bearings

The northwest has calm beaches and many of the larger resorts. The south coast offers boutique stays, historic bays, and hiking trails up into the hills. While the east coast is wilder and more exposed to trade winds, it brings its own rewards (think dramatic views and windswept walks). For hidden coves and quieter hillsides, the southwest is where you’ll feel like you’ve slipped off the map.

See it your way

Antigua is made for exploring. Hiring a car with a temporary local permit (easily issued if you already hold a UK licence) gives you the freedom to beach-hop at your own pace and discover hidden coves. Jeep safaris take you inland to sugar mills, rainforest, and sweeping island views. Prefer to relax? Catamaran cruises pair turquoise water with rum punch.

PLANNING YOUR STAY

Antigua’s tropical climate makes it a year-round destination. Peak season is December to April, with dry, sunny days and average temperatures of 28˚C. May and June are quieter. Summer brings humidity and tropical showers, but also lower prices—making Antigua a great-value alternative to Europe for a summer holiday.

Carlisle Bay

The Inn at English Harbour

St. James's Club & Villas

Keyonna Beach

Coco's Hotel Antigua Resort

Hawksbill Resort

Royalton Antigua Galley Bay Resort & Spa

Blue Waters Resort and Spa

Hammock Cove Resort & Spa

The Verandah Resort & Spa

Pineapple Beach Club

Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa

DEVILS BRIDGE

HALF MOON BAY

SHIRLEY HEIGHTS

NELSON'S DOCKYARD NATIONAL PARK

CARIBBEAN SEA

ANTIGUA

ADULTS-ONLY ANTIGUA

Hammock Cove

The Inn at English Harbour

Hawksbill

Some of Antigua’s most sought-after resorts are designed purely with adults in mind, offering calm settings, plenty of privacy, and an emphasis on romance and relaxation. With fewer than 100 rooms, they feel more like intimate hideaways, each with a personality of its own.

WHISKED-AWAY ROMANCE

Where? Keyonna Beach Resort

Right on the sand, this adults-only hideaway is all about calm and seclusion. Timber-framed cottages open straight onto the beach, some with private plunge pools and a slice of sand that’s all your own, and views across the Caribbean Sea are guaranteed. It’s rustically stylish, and ideal for couples who want quiet days, beach walks, and fabulous local food – there’s not a buffet in sight.

37 rooms and cottages | Our rating: 4 stars

PLUNGE POOLS AND PRIVACY

Where? Hammock Cove

Every villa here comes with its own plunge pool and oversized terrace, so this all-inclusive, adults-only boutique hotel gives you the option to make your villa your primary hangout spot, although the three-tier infinity pool will tempt you out of your bubble, too. Each guest is looked after by a personal ambassador who makes sure everything runs smoothly, whether that’s arranging an excursion, topping up the wine fridge, or setting up a romantic dinner.

41 villas | Our rating: 5 stars

REFINED ELEGANCE WITH HISTORY

Where? The Inn at English Harbour

While it’s not strictly adults-only, this boutique hideaway lends itself nicely to romantic getaways. Pretty gardens lead down to a quiet curve of sand, and the rooms are spacious, breezy, and designed for easy relaxation. There’s an everchanging view as boats sail in and out of the harbour. The atmosphere is more sundowners and soft conversation than loud music, yet you’re only a short water taxi ride from the restaurants and nightlife of English Harbour.

31 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

THE BEACH, TURNED UP

Where? Galley Bay Resort & Spa

Here, the beach steals the show, with most rooms just steps from the sand and gentle waves for company. Gauguin cottages hide in the gardens with plunge pools for extra privacy. Kayaks, bikes, yoga, even beach volleyball — there’s always something going on if you want it. Four restaurants, live music, and an easy all-inclusive flow set the tone by night.

98 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

AN ALL-INCLUSIVE GEM

Where? Hawksbill Resort

Hawksbill is a classic Caribbean all-inclusive with a rare treat: four different beaches to enjoy. Rooms are simple and comfortable, some set in cottages steps from the sand. Days here are relaxed and sociable, with meals, drinks, and snacks included, leaving you free to focus on finding your favourite shoreline.

105 rooms | Our rating: 3 stars

Galley Bay Resort & Spa

Keyonna Beach Resort

MORE TO DO, MORE TO LOVE

CLASSIC CARIBBEAN GRANDEUR

Where? Blue Waters Resort & Spa

One of the island’s longest-standing luxury hotels, Blue Waters does the full-service resort experience with style. Expect tropical gardens, multiple pools, and restaurants that range from casual grills to fine dining. It works equally well for couples, families, or anyone who likes a resort that feels polished without being stuffy.

85 rooms, suites and villas | Our rating: 5 stars

STYLE MEETS FAMILY TIME

Where? Carlisle Bay

Carlisle Bay nails the trick of being both chic and familyfriendly. Suites look straight out over the water, the spa is genuinely worth booking ahead of time, and the restaurants give you plenty of choice. The calm bay makes swimming and paddleboarding easy, while the service is slick but relaxed. It’s a good fit if you want a bit of style without losing the holiday ease.

87 suites | Our rating: 5 stars

SPACE TO ROAM

Where? The Verandah

The Verandah gives you room to spread out, with two white-sand beaches, sweeping grounds, and plenty of quiet corners to claim as your own. Days can be active (hello kayaking, mini-golf, and nature trails), or as slow as you like (think blissful long lunches and icy poolside cocktails).

Adults-only and all-inclusive, it strikes the balance between relaxed seclusion and a sociable buzz when you want it.

180 suites | Our rating: 4 stars

EASYGOING ALL-INCLUSIVE

Where? Pineapple Beach Club

Adults-only and refreshingly straightforward, Pineapple Beach Club is for those who like the idea of an all-inclusive with a host of activities – this is classic Caribbean beachclub territory with a fun atmosphere but plenty of quiet corners to retreat to. Rooms are simple and comfortable, the beach is wide and inviting, and the atmosphere is sociable without being over the top. It’s a solid choice for couples and groups of friends looking for value and fun in equal measure.

180 rooms | Our rating: 4 stars

THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY GO-TO

Where? St James’s Club & Villas

Spread across a private peninsula, St James’s Club smugly boasts two white-sand beaches, six swimming pools, and a dazzling line-up of activities from sailing to tennis. Accommodation options swing from hotel rooms to villas with their own kitchens, making it flexible for couples, families, or groups. It’s got a village-like feel – friendly, and easy-going, with enough variety to keep everyone happy. 240 rooms, suites and villas | Our rating: 4 stars

The Verandah

Pineapple Beach Club

On Antigua, mega resorts are few and far between, but that doesn’t mean to say all of the island’s options are quiet hideaways. You’ll also find larger hotels with wide beaches, multiple pools, and restaurants that give you plenty of choice. They’re polished without being pretentious, sociable without being overwhelming, and ideal for anyone who likes a few more upbeat tracks on the holiday playlist.

St James’s Club & Villas

Blue Waters Resort & Spa

Carlisle Bay

BEAUTIFUL

BARBADOS

Barbados has a buzz. The island is pure Caribbean cool with its own swagger, where calypso beats spill from rum shops, cricket is practically a national language, and food is a full-on obsession. One day you’re browsing a market for hot sauce and fresh mangoes, the next you’re sailing beside turtles or catching a sunset with a rum punch in hand.

COASTLINES THAT TELL DIFFERENT STORIES

The west of Barbados – the famous Platinum Coast – is calm and polished, with golden beaches and luxury hotels perfectly positioned for epic sunsets. The south is playful, sociable, and a good choice if you like your beach days mixed with nightlife. To the east, the Atlantic rolls in with dramatic waves, blowholes, and cliffs that demand a photo stop. Head north and you’ll find quiet villages and coves where you can still feel like you’ve discovered something new.

FLAVOURS THAT STAY WITH YOU

Food in Barbados feels like part of the island’s heartbeat. Flying fish with macaroni pie is a national favourite, while

COME TO BARBADOS FOR…

EXPLORING THE ISLAND YOUR WAY

With a private car and driver, Barbados bends to your schedule. Go half day or full day, stop when something catches your eye, linger where it feels right. Snack on fresh coconuts, wander through villages, or chase down viewpoints.

STREET FOOD SAMPLERS

Join a street food tour to taste flying fish sandwiches, macaroni pie, fish cakes hot from the fryer, all served with a side of local gossip. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s the best way to eat your way into the culture.

fishcakes and cutters stuffed with salt bread are everyday comforts. Rum shops bring people together, and Friday nights at Oistins are unforgettable for seafood, music, and a friendly, open-air buzz.

STORIES IN EVERY STEP

History in Barbados is never tucked away. Bridgetown’s UNESCO-listed centre mixes Georgian architecture with colourful street life. St Nicholas Abbey tells the story of sugar and survival, while Mount Gay distillery connects past and present through rum. Crop Over and other festivals add rhythm, making heritage something you can experience in the moment, not just observe.

SAILING IN STYLE

There are few things more Bajan than a day on the water. Step aboard a sleek catamaran, sail along the coast, swim with turtles and anchor in hidden bays. Add ice-cold drinks, a delicious lunch and you’ve got the island’s laidback luxury wrapped up in a perfect day.

RUM THAT SHAPED THE ISLAND’S IDENTITY

It’s said that Barbados gave the world rum and On the Mount Gay Rum Experience, you’ll see how 300 years of history go into a bottle and taste blends that range from smooth to fiery. Rum isn’t just a drink here: it’s tradition, celebration and heritage.

TRIP NOTES

Getting there

Flights from London to Barbados take around nine hours, just long enough for a couple of films and a nap. The island is compact, so even the furthest hotels are only about an hour from the airport. You’ll be at the beach far sooner than you expect — especially as the time difference means you gain four or five hours when you arrive.

Getting around

Taxis are easy to find, and drivers know the best spots if you fancy getting out and about. Car hire is straightforward if you prefer to explore under your own steam. For something livelier, the iconic reggae buses cost next to nothing, come painted in every colour, and rarely run to a timetable.

Seeing more Catamaran trips skim along the west coast with stops to snorkel among turtles and reefs. Island safaris bump through sugarcane fields to sweeping viewpoints. Plantations, distilleries, and tropical gardens each offer another side of the island when you fancy a change from the beach.

Little Good Harbour

Cobblers Cove Hotel

Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa

Bay

Fairmont Royal Pavilion

Colony Club, a Luxury Collection Resort

Coral Reef Club

The Sandpiper

The Club Barbados

Tamarind by Elegant Hotels

The House by Elegant Hotels

Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels

Waves Resort & Spa

CARIBBEAN SEA

Lane Beach

Treasure Beach Art Hotel

BRIDGETOWN

CARLISLE BAY

Sugar Bay Barbados

SAINT LAWRENCE GAP

PLANNING YOUR STAY

If you like the idea of having your meals and drinks sorted from the get-go, allinclusive hotels are for you — you can kick back and relax without a care. But if you’re up for a bit more freedom, staying at a bed and breakfast or a boutique hotel means you won’t feel tied to set meals, so you can grab fish cakes from a roadside stall, hang out with locals at a rum shop, or check out some of Barbados’ amazing restaurants beyond the resort scene.

Mango

Sandy

The Atlantis Historic Inn

Savannah Beach Club

Sea Breeze Beach House

O2 Beach Club & Spa

Sandals Barbados

The Rockley Barbados By Ocean Hotels

Sandals Royal Barbados

Bougainvillea Barbados

Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels

OISTINS FISH MARKET

SMALL AND STYLISH

Little Good Harbour

Cobblers Cove Treasure Beach Art Hotel

Hotels in Barbados don’t all play by the same rules. Some are polished and modern, others are easy-going and a little sandy around the edges, and a few hide away in places you’ll be tempted to keep to yourself. What they all have in common is character: a sense of place, a genuine welcome, and a style that makes them memorable. The hardest part is choosing which to call home for a week or two. Lucky for you, we’ve already done the homework…

HIDDEN GEM ON THE WEST COAST

Where? Little Good Harbour

This family-run boutique hotel is a collection of quaint cottages and suites that have a home-from-home feel with kitchens and living areas – you can even get groceries delivered. It’s intimate, characterful, and our recommendation if you like your holidays quiet but connected to local life. The three-bedroom options sleep up to six guests, making them perfect for families who like to have a bit more space on holiday.

20 suites and cottages | Our rating: 4 stars

ENGLISH COUNTRY HOUSE BY THE SEA

Where? Cobblers Cove

Pink-washed walls, tropical gardens, and a splendid mansion create a sense of timeless elegance – it’s picked up more than its fair share of awards over the years. Cobblers Cove has just 40 suites, all with verandas and plenty of space. This is Barbados with exquisite attention to detail and Caribbean warmth on the calmer west coast –add to your shortlist for a romantic getaway.

40 suites | Our rating: 5 stars

ICONIC LUXURY

Where? Sandy Lane

The most famous hotel in Barbados, Sandy Lane, is as preened and polished as it gets. With 113 rooms, it’s larger than most boutique properties, but it earns its place here thanks to impeccable service, a private beach, and a reputation that has drawn royalty and celebrities for decades. It’s indulgence at its finest.

113 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

ADULTS-ONLY CHARM

Where? Treasure Beach Art Hotel

Small, adults-only, and art-themed, Treasure Beach Art Hotel has just 35 suites, so it feels relaxed and personal. It’s on Paynes Bay on the Platinum Coast – easily one of the best beaches in Barbados. Look out for weekly island art crawls to get the lowdown on Bajan art at island galleries and museums.

35 suites | Our rating: 4 stars

CONTEMPORARY COOL ON THE SOUTH COAST

Where? O2 Beach Club & Spa

O2 brings a modern, playful edge to Barbados’ all-inclusive scene. Suites are glossy and stylish, with swim-up bars and a rooftop tapas bar, creating a distinctly grown-up atmosphere without being overly formal. The all-inclusive offer is a generous one, with complimentary golf and spa credit.

130 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

Sandy Lane

O2 Beach Club & Spa

LIVELY AND LAIDBACK

ALL-INCLUSIVE EASE BY THE BEACH

Where? Sea Breeze Beach House

Sea Breeze is bright, contemporary, and made for relaxed days that roll into sociable evenings. With six restaurants, three pools, and a long stretch of beach, there is always a new spot to settle into. Rooms are beachy and bright, some with sea views that are hard to leave. It is a friendly, flexible, all-inclusive resort that masters the mix of appeal to couples (thanks to adults-only spaces) and families (there’s a kids’ club, teen space and two-bedroom suite option). 122 rooms and suites | Our rating: 4 stars

CLASSIC CHARM IN HOLETOWN

Where? Mango Bay

Mango Bay pairs a touch of intimacy with a lively atmosphere. The all-inclusive package makes life simple, and the central location means the shops, bars, nightlife and history of Holetown are just steps away. Head here if you like a resort with lots of watersports (many included) that blends beachside living with easy access to local life. 76 rooms and suites | Our rating: 4 stars

COLOURFUL AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY

Where? Crystal Cove

Crystal Cove stands out with its lagoon-style pools and legendary swim-up cave bar. The atmosphere is cheerful and welcoming, with a kids’ club and plenty for families to do, yet it’s still stylish enough for couples. It also takes the all-inclusive up a notch thanks to its beach and pool ambassadors (on hand for chilled drinks), and water taxis that whisk you to restaurants in its sister hotels. 88 rooms and suites | Our rating: 4 stars

LAID-BACK ALL-INCLUSIVE

Where? Sugar Bay

Sugar Bay feels relaxed and unpretentious, with pastel tones, a calm beach, and a good choice of dining. The all-inclusive set-up makes it easy to settle into holiday mode quickly and the super friendly welcome is a standout feature. Location-wise, you’re in touching distance of St Lawrence Gap, Oistins and Bridgetown if you can drag yourself away from the hammock-strewn beach. 138 rooms and suites | Our rating: 4 stars

WELLNESS WITH A SEA VIEW

Where? Waves Resort & Spa by Elegant Hotels

Waves is designed for those who like to return from holiday with a spring in their step. Daily spa treatments, yoga, and water sports are part of the experience, alongside airy rooms and oceanfront dining. It is all-inclusive, but with a focus on balance and calm, a refreshing take on resort life.

70 rooms and suites | Our rating: 4 stars

Waves Resort & Spa

Sugar Bay

Barbados also shines when it comes to resorts that feel sociable, easy-going, and full of choice. These hotels are handpicked for their thoughtful design, but they’re also made for guests who want to dial up the energy, with more restaurants, more activities, and more opportunities to mingle.

Crystal Cove

Sea Breeze Beach House Mango Bay

SAINT LUCIA SENSATIONAL

Welcome to Saint Lucia, where rainforest rises into a UNESCO World Heritage skyline. The iconic Piton Mountains overlook the southwest corner, hot springs bubble nearby, and cacao grows on working estates. This is the island where nature goes full scale with waterfalls you can stand under, volcanic mud baths double as a spa treatment, and beaches shift from black volcanic sand to shimmering gold.

SHOWSTOPPER HOTELS WITH A WOW FACTOR

Luxury hotels here know how to put on a show. Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, sits right between the Pitons, with white sand at your feet and snorkelling on your doorstep. Jade Mountain’s extraordinary open-walled suites come with private infinity pools that frame the Pitons like a stage set. On the northern tip, Cap Maison adds drama of its own, with clifftop views across to Martinique and the famous Champagne zipline that delivers bubbly to the beach in unforgettable style.

CHOOSE YOUR COAST

Where you base yourself in Saint Lucia shapes the whole trip. Rodney Bay, home to The Landings, is best if you like

COME TO ST LUCIA FOR…

HOTEL CHOCOLAT

Go on a chocolate-making adventure on the Rabot Estate, a sustainable cacao farm from Hotel Chocolat. You can graft a cacao tree, pour your own bar and taste the results right there on the estate. It’s fun, it’s flavourpacked, and the views of the Pitons are awesome.

COAST VIEWS THAT STAY WITH YOU

Sail the island’s west coast and the scenery does the talking. Glide past fishing villages, marvel at the Pitons, and step ashore at Soufrière to find hot springs and a volcano. You’ll snorkel over reefs at Anse Cochon before drifting through Marigot Bay.

dining out, nightlife, and easy access to a marina. Families love Windjammer Landing in Labrelotte Bay, with its hillside villas and busy beach life. East Winds at La Brelotte Bay suits couples looking for something smaller and quieter, while Secrets Saint Lucia on Choc Bay works well if you want modern, adults-only, all-inclusive ease close to the capital.

LANDSCAPES THAT PULL YOU OUTDOORS

Saint Lucia’s interior is packed with reasons to get moving. Climb Gros Piton for bragging rights, or wander through Diamond Botanical Gardens, where waterfalls gush beside orchids and ginger lilies. Soufrière’s, volcanic mud baths are messy, fun and spa-like once you rinse off in a hot spring.

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

The Jacquot Trail is rainforest at full volume. Giant trees tower overhead, orchids cling to branches, and the calls of parrots bounce through the canopy. With a guide leading the way, you’ll hear the stories behind the island’s green heart and spot details you’d never catch on your own.

CRYSTAL-CLEAR SEAS

Cruise down Saint Lucia’s west coast to Anse Cochon, a sheltered bay that feels like it was made for snorkelling. Slip into calm, glassy water and drift over coral reefs alive with colour, from glittering parrotfish to the occasional stingray or eel.

TRIP NOTES

Arrival

Flights from the UK land at Hewanorra International in the south. The drive north to Castries or Rodney Bay takes about ninety minutes on winding mountain roads, although you can reach luxury resorts in Soufriere like Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, and the famous Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet in less than an hour.

Getting around

Driving in Saint Lucia gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. The roads climb through steep hills, curve around rainforest, and follow dramatic coastal stretches, so you’ll need to be confident with winding mountain routes. Most are happy to hand the wheel to local taxi drivers or take boats along the west coast,

Cap Maison Resort & Spa

Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences

Secrets Saint Lucia Resort & Spa

Sandals Halcyon Beach

CASTRIES

Sandals Regency La Toc

Z ö etry Marigot Bay

Bej

which turns the journey into part of the experience.

What to pack Trainers for trails, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat for shade, and a dry bag for boat days. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the local currency, but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere.

SAINT LUCIA

MAKE IT PERSONAL

There are plenty of small ways to make a Saint Lucia holiday feel more your own. We can suggest room types that suit your style, whether that’s a plunge-pool villa or a beachfront suite, and point you towards the resorts that match the pace you’re after. If you’d like to add a boat trip, a guided hike, or a quiet corner of the island, we’ll talk through the options and help you choose what fits.

The Landings Resort and Spa

East Winds

StolenTime Saint Lucia

Anse Cochon

Anse Chastanet Beach

Jade Mountain Resort Project Chocolat

Rabot Hotel from Hotel Chocolat

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

BodyHoliday Saint Lucia

Sandals Grande Saint Lucian

Jou Hotel

Ti Kaye Resort & Spa

Ladera Resort

Serenity at Coconut Bay

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

Royalton Saint Lucia

GROS ISLET

SOUFRIÈRE

SULPHUR SPRINGS

GROS PITON

PIGEON ISLAND

CARIBBEAN SEA

REMOTE AND RUGGED

Anse Chastanet

Rabot Hotel from Hotel Chocolat

Jade Mountain

Saint Lucia

Some of Saint Lucia’s most extraordinary stays aren’t about size, buzz, or facilities, but seclusion, drama, and settings that stop you in your tracks. These are places where rainforest meets beach, where architecture is bold, and where nature takes centre stage. Perfect if you like your luxury with a sense of adventure and don’t mind swapping easy access for jaw-dropping views.

WHITE-SAND SECLUSION

Where? Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

Tucked between the Pitons on its own stretch of sand, Sugar Beach claims the kind of sensational setting most resorts can only dream about - the beach is one of the island’s finest. Villas dot the rainforest slopes, many with plunge pools and butler service for when you’re feeling fancy. Take the tree-lined path to the spa and it feels like you’re stepping into a whole new world. The whole place manages to be polished yet laid-back.

130 rooms, villas and cottages | Our rating: 5 stars

RAINFOREST CLASSIC

Where? Anse Chastanet

This is one of Saint Lucia’s originals, a resort built into the hillside above a silver-sand beach. Rooms open to the air with shutters instead of glass, so you’re part of the rainforest soundtrack from dawn to dusk. The diving and snorkelling here are legendary, and the design stays true to its roots: rustic, characterful, and deeply Caribbean. 49 rooms | Our rating: 4.5 stars

ARCHITECTURAL DRAMA

Where? Jade Mountain

Perched above Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain is pure drama. Each suite, or ‘sanctuary’, has an open fourth wall framing the Pitons like a living painting. Infinity pools glow at night, the architecture is jaw-dropping, and privacy is absolute. It’s bold, unapologetic, and made for those who want wow with a capital W.

29 suites and sanctuaries | Our rating: 5 stars

SALTED CARAMEL COCKTAILS ANYONE?

Where? Rabot Hotel from Hotel Chocolat

This is a super-swish rainforest hideaway on a 140-acre ethical and sustainable cacao farm with stunning Petit Piton views. Prepare to be dazzled with creative chocolateinfused cuisine at Rabot Restaurant and Cacao Bar. Experiences are fantastic – there’s rainforest trails, estate tours and you can craft your own chocolate bar. And the team here can whisk you away to the beach or nearby falls.

25 lodges | Our rating: 5 stars

CLIFFTOP CHIC

Where? Cap Maison

Perched on the cliffs at Cap Estate, Spanish-Caribbeanstyle Cap Maison oozes elegance without being stuffy and food and wine are taken incredibly seriously. The villas and suites have plenty of space, big terraces, and some even come with their own pool. There’s a little cove below for swims with turtles, sunset cocktails on the terrace above, and the Champagne zipline whisks bottles of fizz to an over-the-sea dining platform for special occasions. 49 rooms, suites and villas | Our rating: 5 stars

Sugar Beach a Viceroy Resort

Cap Maison - Champagne Zipline

LIFE’S A BEACH

ADULTS ONLY ESCAPE

Where? StolenTime by Rendezvous

This long-standing favourite is designed purely for adults – be that couples, groups, or an ever-increasing tranche of soloists on a me-focused escape. Think beachfront dining, sunset walks, and activities from sailing to yoga. The overall feel is relaxed but sociable. If it’s a wellness focus you’re after for your holiday, then this could well be it.

100 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

ELEGANT ALL-INCLUSIVE

Where? East Winds

Small and modestly luxurious, East Winds is all about quality over quantity. The storybook cottages are scattered through gardens filled with hummingbirds, the beach is calm and uncrowded, and the dining is a cut above with an emphasis on fresh, local produce.

26 cottages | Our rating: 4.5 stars

APARTMENT STYLE FREEDOM

Where? The Landings Resort & Spa

Right on Rodney Bay, The Landings offers spacious villa suites with full kitchens and large terraces. There are pools, a spa, and restaurants on site, but you can also self-cater or eat out in the marina nearby. It’s a flexible option for families or groups who like a mix of independence and resort comfort.

85 villa suites | Our rating: 5 stars

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENERGY

Where? Windjammer Landing

Built like a Mediterranean hillside village, Windjammer is a classic family resort with whitewashed villas tumbling down towards the beach. Pools, kids’ clubs, and water sports keep the energy high, while adults can retreat to spa treatments or a quiet cocktail. It’s big, varied, and easygoing, making it ideal for groups of all ages.

230 rooms and villas | Our rating: 5 stars

BODY AND MIND REJUEVENATION

Where? BodyHoliday

If you haven’t already come across BodyHoliday, it is, as its name suggests, all about treating your body and mind to complete relaxation and rejuvenation. Daily spa treatments are included (on every full day at the hotel), as well as an impressive choice of sports, activities and yoga. Guestrooms are designed with feng shui principles, noise-cancelling walls and a choice of six pillow types to optimise sleep. The health and wellbeing focus extends to the fabulous food served too, with fresh ingredients from local organic farmers.

155 rooms | Our rating: 5 stars

StolenTime by Rendezvous

The Landings Resort & Spa

Not every stay on Saint Lucia is about hiding away in secret locations. Some resorts have a real energy to them with bigger pools, more restaurants, and a steady flow of things to do, others have perfected quiet luxury. They’re polished without being stuffy, sociable without being overwhelming, and they make life easy by having everything in one place.

BodyHoliday East Winds

Windjammer Landing

GORGEOUS

GRENADA

Grenada does things differently. Known as the Spice Island, it’s fragrant with nutmeg, cinnamon, and cocoa, and it’s as colourful as the markets where they’re sold. This is an island that feels authentic and welcoming. You can stroll through a rainforest, swim over shipwrecks, or sip rum at sunset all in a single day. It’s unspoilt, easygoing, and full of moments that are bound to stay with you.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Grenada is just north of Venezuela, at the very bottom of the Caribbean island chain. It’s small enough to cross by car in under two hours but big enough to pack in mountains, waterfalls, and those ridiculously turquoise bays. It’s not one island but three: Grenada itself, plus tiny Carriacou and even tinier Petite Martinique. Ferries hop between them. Grenada is the lively big sibling, Carriacou is all about easy beach days, and Petite Martinique is a fishing village dream.

ISLAND TIME 101

Grenada doesn’t run by the clock so much as by the mood of the day. If someone says ‘soon’, it rarely means minutes,

COME TO GRENADA FOR…

SPICE IN THE AIR

Grenada is called the Spice Island for a reason. Nutmeg, mace, cocoa, and cinnamon grow everywhere, shaping the food, the markets, and even the breeze in the hills. Visit a plantation, see cocoa beans drying in the sun, and taste the richest, smoothest chocolate.

SHOW-OFF SUNSETS

Grenadian showstopper sunsets are impossible to ignore. On a catamaran, with a drink in hand and music drifting across the deck, you’ll watch the sky try on every shade of orange, pink, and gold before handing over to the stars. Call it theatre, Caribbean-style.

it’s when the moment feels right. Buses might linger before setting off and schedules are more of a suggestion than a rule. The trick is to go with the flow. Swap impatience for curiosity, strike up a chat, and let the pace of the island carry you along.

THE CAN’T-MISS RHYTHM

Here’s the Grenadian trifecta: water, spice, and rum. Water means beaches like Grand Anse, but also hidden waterfalls you’ll want to witness. Spice is more than souvenirs. Tour a nutmeg station and your Christmas baking will never be the same again. And rum? Let’s just say the local distilleries don’t mess around with proof. Add in street food and sunsets and you’ve cracked the code for why people fall for this island.

JUNGLE ENERGY

Head inland and the island turns up the volume. Hiking trails snake through towering bamboo, waterfalls crash into hidden pools, and birds call out from the canopy. It feels wild and untamed, yet easy enough for novices to tackle.

A SLOWER ISLAND

North of Grenada, the island of Carriacou takes life down a notch. Wooden boats are still built by hand, beaches are wide and quiet, and the sea is so clear it’s surreal. Arrive by ferry or tiny plane, either way, the welcome is warm and the pace makes you wonder why you ever rush.

TRIP NOTES

Getting there

Flights from London to Grenada take around 10 hours, usually with a brief stop in Barbados or Saint Lucia. Maurice Bishop International Airport is on the southwest coast, close to many of the island’s leading resorts.

Seeing more Grenada rewards curiosity if you can tear yourself away from the folds of your hotel. Catamaran trips show you coves and reefs you can’t reach by land, and hikes reveal waterfalls tucked into the rainforest. Ferries link you to Carriacou and Petite Martinique for a taste of island life at its most authentic.

Perfectly formed

Plenty of excellent hotels in Grenada have fewer than 50 rooms, making Grenada a good choice for those who like boutique hotels, family-run boltholes, and places where service is valued over scale.

PLANNING YOUR STAY

You can choose all inclusive in Grenada, but part of the appeal here is that it’s a bit more off the beaten track than some of its neighbouring islands, so getting out and about is all part of the reason to visit. Days can be a mix of diving, snorkelling, sailing, hiking, eating out and generally being made to feel incredibly welcome. You can easily twin with Barbados, or do a Grenada rainforest and beach combo.

Mount Edgecombe Boutique Hotel

Calabash Hotel 473 Grenada Boutique Resort

Six Senses La Sagesse Grenada

Silversands Beach House

Silversands Grenada

Coyaba Beach Resort Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort

Spice Island Beach Resort

Petite Anse

Sandals Grenada

Royalton Grenada

GRAND ÉTANG NATIONAL

SAINT GEORGE'S

GRAND ANSE BEACH

CARIBBEAN SEA

LUXURY, GRENADA STYLE

Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel

Spice Island Beach Resort

Silversands Grenada

Grenada’s top hotels don’t just offer a bed by the beach. They take full advantage of the island’s natural beauty and spice-scented character, blending Caribbean charm with world-class polish. Some are familyowned legends, others are bold new names making waves, but they all deliver a level of service and style that feels effortless.

ICONIC AND INTIMATE

Where? Spice Island Beach Resort

A true Caribbean classic, Spice Island sits right on Grand Anse, Grenada’s most famous beach. Suites spill out onto the sand, the spa is consistently rated among the best in the region, and the all-inclusive dining includes everything from afternoon tea to fine wines. Still family-run, it feels both personal and polished, which is why guests keep coming back.

64 suites | Our rating: 5 stars

REFINED RELAXATION

Where? Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel

Calabash has a reputation for elegance without formality. Breakfast is served on your private terrace, the beach club buzzes with easy energy, and the Gary Rhodes restaurant has serious culinary credentials. The grounds are calm, the service intuitive, and the atmosphere suits couples as well as families who value attention to detail.

30 suites and villas | Our rating: 5 stars

BOLD AND CONTEMPORARY

Where? Silversands Grenada

Silversands is all clean lines, striking design, and the longest infinity pool in the Caribbean. Villas come with private pools, the spa is set over water, and the vibe is unapologetically stylish. It’s a statement hotel for those who want Grenada with a side of glamour.

51 rooms and villas | Our rating: 5 stars

BEACH HOUSE CHIC

Where? Silversands Beach House

Sitting on Portici Beach, this is Silversands’ more intimate sister property. It offers just a handful of suites and villas, all with sea views and a quieter feel than the main resort. Guests still get access to Silversands’ facilities, so it’s the best of both worlds: boutique calm with a luxury big sister nearby.

28 suites and villas | Our rating: 5 stars

WELLNESS WITH A WILD BACKDROP

Where? Six Senses La Sagesse

Opened to enormous fanfare in April 2024, Six Senses La Sagesse brings its eco-luxury style to Grenada’s south coast. The resort features 56 pool suites and 15 villas, each with private plunge pools and terraces. Expect the brand’s signature focus on wellness, sustainability, and design, which flows seamlessly into the surrounding lagoon and bay. It’s about 35 minutes from the airport but feels a world away and is a bold new addition to the Spice Island’s luxury scene.

71 suites and villas | Our rating: 5 stars

Silversands Beach House

Six Senses La Sagesse Grenada

UNDER THE SKIN OF GRENADA

BOUTIQUE VIBES ON THE HILLSIDE

Where? Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort

Mount Cinnamon is bright, bold, and full of character. Villas and suites are splashed with Caribbean colour and come with kitchens and living spaces, making them great for longer stays or families. The Cinnamon Beach Club is your base on the sand, with daybeds, cocktails, and water sports ready to go. Back up on the hillside, the pool has sweeping views of the bay, while the small spa and yoga pavilion add a wellness touch. This is a boutique resort with personality, and it feels like the staff know you by name by the end of day one.

36 villas and suites | Our rating: 4 stars

BEACHFRONT SIMPLICITY

Where? Coyaba Beach Resort

Coyaba sits directly on Grand Anse, which means you can step from your room into one of the Caribbean’s most famous beaches in minutes. The design is simple but comfortable, with tropical gardens creating a sense of calm throughout the resort. There are two restaurants – one right by the sand – along with a pool, tennis court, dive centre, and spa. The atmosphere is unfussy and welcoming, with an emphasis on Grenadian hospitality and value. For anyone who wants to be right on Grand Anse without the frills of a five-star, this is the sweet spot.

80 rooms | Our rating: 4 stars

SECLUDED VILLA ESCAPE

Where? 473 Grenada Boutique Resort

Set out on its own private peninsula between two quiet white-sand beaches, 473 is all about the art of retreat. Just nine bespoke villas (each with its own character), an infinity pool overlooking the sea, and full kitchens. The design blends retro beach style with tropical touches and plenty of openness — the sea, sky, and greenery are all part of your view. There’s no central bar or big restaurant; instead, personalised in-villa dining is the norm. It’s perfect for couples or families who want to disappear, recharge, and feel Grenada’s quiet magic.

9 villas | Our rating: 4 stars

HILLSIDE SERENITY

Where? Mount Edgecombe Boutique Hotel

Tucked deep in Grenada’s rainforest on a working cacao and spice plantation, Mount Edgecombe is rustic elegance with a dash of charm. Rooms are scattered between old spice houses and a grand manor, each with a balcony that peeks out over cocoa trees and the sea beyond. The kitchen is stocked with what grows on the estate, so what lands on your plate might have been picked that very morning. Days here slip easily between wandering spice trails, lazing by the infinity pools, and listening to the rainforest’s own playlist of birds and breezes.

8 rooms | Our rating: 4 stars

Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort

Mount Edgecombe Boutique Hotel

Some of Grenada’s most appealing resorts win you over with genuine hospitality, easy comfort, and a location that keeps you close to the island’s best bits. They feel approachable but not basic, giving you space to enjoy the island as it is.

473 Grenada Boutique Resort

Coyaba Beach Resort

MAGNIFICENT

MEXICO

Mexico might not always get grouped with the Caribbean, but its Yucatán Peninsula definitely belongs. Its eastern shoreline meets the Caribbean Sea, with the same turquoise waters and soft white sand that define the region. What makes Mexico stand out is the variety beyond the beach. Jungle pyramids rise from the canopy and cenotes glitter like secret swimming holes.

STEPS WORTH SWEATING FOR

Forget the textbook Mayans. Here you can still climb at sites like Ek’ Balam, where the Acropolis rises above the trees. Chichén Itzá gets the fame, but Uxmal feels more like stepping onto a film set before the cast arrives. Not every pyramid is climbable now, so check first. Go early, carry water, and expect to sweat more than you thought possible.

NATURE’S LIDOS

London might have Hampstead Heath ponds, but the Yucatán has cenotes, natural limestone sinkholes filled with cool, clear water. Some are caves, others are open pools, all are perfect when the heat sizzles. Look up for bats in dark chambers

COME TO MEXICO FOR…

ISLAND ESCAPES

Off the coast from Cancún, Isla Mujeres offers a slower pace without losing its sparkle. Golden beaches and clear waters invite lazy swims, while beach clubs, and colourful streets keep things lively. Rent a golf cart and explore from one end of the island to the other.

ICONIC WONDERS

Chichén Itzá is legendary. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Go early to avoid the biggest crowds, listen to the echoes of history, and let the scale of the site remind you how advanced the Mayan civilisation was.

or swallows swooping overhead, and look down for tiny fish swishing. Locals swim here, divers vanish into passages, and floating feels surreal.

FOOD WORTH THE FLIGHT

The food scene is so outstanding that UNESCO recognises traditional cuisine as part of the world’s cultural heritage. The Yucatán’s kitchen goes way beyond sombrero-and-nachos clichés. Pork marinated in citrus, slow-cooked underground until it falls apart, or fresh tortillas that actually taste of corn. Street food’s the real prize: spit-roasted meat tucked into tacos at local stands, parcels of steamed corn dough handed from coolers, and mango dusted with chilli and lime.

MAYAN STORIES

Coba was once a thriving Mayan city, and today its ruins feel wonderfully hidden. Deep in the jungle, the site is spread along shaded trails that you can explore on foot or by bike. Climb the towering Nohoch Mul pyramid, the tallest in the Yucatán for views across treetops.

WILD BEAUTY

South of Tulum lies Sian Ka’an, a vast UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where nature takes the lead. Expect mangroves, lagoons, and stretches of untouched coastline. Boat trips give you the chance to spot dolphins, turtles, and manatees, herons and frigatebirds.

TRIP NOTES

Getting there

Direct flights from London to Cancún take around ten hours. From the airport, transfers to Riviera Maya resorts usually range from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on where you are staying.

Getting around

Ferries link the mainland with Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Taxis are easy to arrange, and private drivers or organised tours are worth booking for day trips to Mayan sites.

Seeing more

There is far more to experience than the beach. Day trips take you to ancient ruins, underground cenotes, and protected eco-reserves. If you have more time, consider heading inland to Mérida for its colonial charm or travelling further to Mexico City for a deeper cultural experience.

Haven Riviera

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

Fairmont Mayakoba

The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences

Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen

Iberostar Waves Paraíso Beach

Paradisus Playa del Carmen

Paradisus La Perla

Impression Moxché by Secrets The Beachfront by The Fives

Hotel Xcaret Arte

Hotel Xcaret

Dreams Tulum

Secrets Tulum

PLANNING YOUR STAY

The dryer warmer weather from December to April makes Mexico a hit for some winter sun, but it’s justifiably a year-round place to holiday. It can be all things to all people – the all inclusive resorts are amongst the best anywhere for seemingly endless choices of places to eat, cuisines to taste, drinks to drink and things to do, but step outside and explore equally unlimited culture, colour, history, nature and underwater worlds.

Moon Palace Nizuc

Hotels

Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa

Meliá Cozumel

Hyatt Ziva Riviera Maya

Moon Palace The Grand-Cancun

Moon Palace Cancun

Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya Suites

Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets

Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres

Mystique Holbox by Royalton, A Tribute Portfolio Resort

BALAM

CHICHÉN ITZÁ COBA

A GROWN-UP TAKE ON THE

ALL-INCLUSIVE

Fairmont Mayakoba

Haven Riviera Cancún

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún

On Mexico’s Caribbean coast, resorts are usually larger than those on the smaller islands, and that scale makes a difference. Bigger hotels mean more pools, more restaurants, and more ways to spend a day without repeating yourself. Mexico has finessed the all-inclusive, adding cultural experiences and adventure alongside the food and drink. And with a slew of options just for adults, you get all the variety with a calmer, more sophisticated atmosphere.

ARTISTIC IMMERSION

Where? Hotel Xcaret Arte, Mayan Riviera

Designed just for adults – the focus is Mexican art at every turn, with architecture that nods to tradition and workshops where guests can try crafts. As part of the All-Fun Inclusive concept, stays include unlimited entry to Grupo Xcaret’s adventure parks, so a day might mean zip-lining through the jungle or floating on an underground river.

900 rooms | Our rating: 5 stars

CONTEMPORARY AND ADULTS-ONLY

Where? Paradisus La Perla, Playa del Carmen La Perla is the adults-only half of the Paradisus complex, which makes it polished and sociable in equal measure. Swim-up suites, Bali beds by the pool, and a long list of restaurants and bars means you can be as laidback or lively as you want. The Reserve level adds even more exclusivity with private lounges and concierge service.

393 suites | Our rating: 5 stars

PURE BEACHFRONT BLISS

Where? Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún

Secrets Maroma Beach makes the most of its setting with soft sand, clear water, and infinity pools that seem to merge with the horizon. It’s an all-suite resort, which is high-spec and stylish with swim-out options well worth the upgrade, and dining moves you around the world from France to Italy to Japan. With no kids around, the pace stays calm while still leaving space for a little buzz in the evenings.

412 suites | Our rating: 5 stars

SLEEK AND SOPHISTICATED

Where? Haven Riviera Cancún Haven Riviera Cancún knows how to make an entrance, all sharp angles and pools that look like they were designed with drama in mind. The suites are big enough to spread out without tripping over your suitcase, and many come with swim-out terraces or whirlpools. Add in a spa that could swallow a small hotel and restaurants that swing from clever Mexican plates to easy international comforts, and you get a resort that is polished but never uptight.

435 suites | Our rating: 5 stars

NATURE AND ELEGANCE

Where? Fairmont Mayakoba, Rivera Maya Fairmont sits within a private, 500-acre development that brings together four luxury resorts, a Greg Norman–designed golf course, and a network of lagoons and mangroves protected as part of the landscape. Suites and casitas are dotted among the waterways and gardens, with bikes and golf buggies to help you explore. The beachfront club is stylish and the all-inclusive plan is generous. 401 rooms, suites and casitas | Our rating: 5 stars

Hotel Xcaret Arte

Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Mexico does family holidays with confidence. Big pools, kids’ clubs, and endless activities keep younger guests happy, while parents get quality dining, stylish rooms, and space to relax. These resorts strike a perfect balance of energy and ease, making them ideal for families who want everything in one place without losing that touch of Mexican flair.

CHOICE AND FLEXIBILITY

Where? Paradisus Playa del Carmen

Paradisus Playa del Carmen is the family-friendly half of a twin resort, designed with all ages in mind. Suites are spacious, many with whirlpools on the terrace, and The Reserve upgrade adds private pools and lounges. Kids get clubs, creative workshops, and a colourful water park. Dining brings the fun too, with sushi counters, teppanyaki shows, taco stands, and even churros by the pool. Every day feels different, which is exactly the point.

488 suites | Our rating: 5 stars

PARK ACCESS INCLUDED

Where? Hotel Xcaret México, Mayan Riviera Hotel Xcaret México is a family favourite thanks to its All-Fun Inclusive concept. Stays include unlimited entry to Grupo Xcaret’s eco-parks, so rafting, zip-lining, and swimming in underground rivers come built in. The resort’s 1800 suites range from garden- and river-view to spacious family and presidential options, with layouts that sleep up to six. Pools balance splashy fun with quiet corners, and more than ten restaurants span casual Mexican bites to fine dining. It is lively, active, and makes adventure feel effortless.

1800 suites | Our rating: 5 stars

RELAXED RIVIERA STYLE

Where? Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, Tulum

Sitting right on the beach, just ten minutes from the ruins, Dreams in Tulum has a calmer, more down-to-earth feel than options in nearby Cancún. Families get plenty of built-in fun: kids join treasure hunts and campouts at the Explorer’s Club, teens hang out in the Core Zone with games, sports, and movie nights, and parents can retreat to the spa for Mayan-inspired treatments or slip into a mezcal tasting. The grounds are lush with tropical gardens, quiet courtyards, and pools that range from lively to laid-back. It is Riviera Maya in a slower gear, with enough variety to keep everyone entertained without losing the relaxed vibe. 432 rooms and suites | Our rating: 4 stars

ALL ABOUT ENERGY

Where? Moon Palace Nizuc

Moon Palace Nizuc is the liveliest corner of Cancún’s largest resort, and it feels built for families who like a holiday that moves at full speed. The pools are vast and

buzzing, and the FlowRider surf machine quickly becomes a daily ritual for kids and parents who like to test their balance. Food is a constant highlight, with more than twenty restaurants across the complex, so it is just as easy to grab a burger by the pool as veit is to sit down for sushi or steak. Come evening, the resort shifts into show mode with live music and performances that keep the energy up long after dark.

700 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

CLASSIC BEACHFRONT FUN

Where? Iberostar Waves Paraíso Beach

Keep things lively and low-stress here. The pool scene is upbeat, with space for both cannonballs and lazy floats, while the beach is wide enough for soccer matches or just a long barefoot walk. Teens can jump into basketball, volleyball, or the games room, while younger kids dive into their own club activities. Food is casual and varied (think tacos, pizza, and grab-and-go bites between swims), so no one has to wait long when hunger hits.

450 rooms | Our rating: 4 stars

Hotel Xcaret México

Moon Palace Nizuc

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FAMILY RESORT

Mexico’s Caribbean coast has plenty of choices for families, but the best fit depends on your kid’s ages, where you stay, and when you travel.

YOUNGER KIDS

Resorts with splash pools, supervised clubs, and flexible dining times are easiest at this age. Dreams Tulum and Iberostar Waves Paraíso Beach both deliver.

TWEENS + TEENS

Older kids want freedom as much as fun. Paradisus Playa del Carmen and Moon Palace Nizuc stand out with teen lounges, sports courts, and lively pools.

MIXED AGES

Bigger resorts make it simpler to please everyone. Hotel Xcaret México has family and presidential suites (sleeping up to six) and activities that suit all ages.

WHERE TO STAY

Cancún is closest to the airport (15–30 minutes) and suits families who want lots of facilities with little transfer time. Riviera Maya is further south (45–90 minutes) and offers more space and polish. Tulum is around two hours away and combines a slower pace with easy access to ruins and cenotes.

WHEN TO TRAVEL

The dry season runs from November to April, with Christmas and Easter the busiest (and priciest). May half-term brings better value before the summer holidays, while October half-term is a smart pick. Summer is hot and humid, but enduringly popular.

STEALTH EDUCATION

Days out bring geography and history to your holiday, but it doesn’t have to feel like school. The pyramids and cenotes at Chichén Itzá are incredible to explore – go early and consider a private guide.

Paradisus Playa del Carmen

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa

Iberostar Waves Paraíso Beach

DELIGHTFUL

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

GREAT VALUE

The Dominican Republic is one of the most affordable ways to experience the Caribbean. All-inclusive resorts help keep costs predictable, with flights often priced a little lower than on smaller islands. Excursions tend to stretch the budget further here, so you can fit in more adventures without the worry of overspending.

THE LAND

The island’s geography makes exploring easy to combine with beach time. The Cordillera Central mountains are close enough for a day trip, with cool air and hiking trails leading to

Some people will tell you the Dominican Republic is only about lying on a sunlounger all week. The truth? Yes, the beaches are glorious (and no one will judge you for indulging in a good stretch of nothing), but it would be a crime to stop there. This island is bursting with variety: glittering offshore islands, merengue that drags you into the rhythm (whether you mean to dance or not), waterfalls hidden in the hills, and a capital city that thrums with energy. COME TO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOR…

COASTAL RETREATS

Saona Island is pure relaxation, with shallow turquoise water and long ribbons of sand backed by palms. Catalina Island brings more action, with colourful reefs, shoals of fish, and a shipwreck or two for good measure. Both make easy day trips from the main island.

CULTURAL HEARTBEAT

In Santo Domingo, streets are alive with music, plazas brim with people, and cafés and galleries give you plenty of excuses to linger. It’s a city that wears its history and creativity side by side, and the mix feels instantly welcoming.

waterfalls and swimming holes. The southwest is drier and more rugged, while the east opens out into sugarcane fields and palm forests.

THE CULTURE

You won’t have to look far for merengue and bachata because the music’s everywhere, from hotel bars to roadside cafés. Baseball’s the national obsession, so catching a game, even a local league one, gives you a real sense of island life. Food’s a big part of the experience too, from fried plantains and rich stews to just-caught fish grilled by the beach.

THRILLING PURSUITS

Adventure Scape Park is the island’s call to get moving. You can zip through the treetops, bounce along jungle trails in a buggy, or step into caves that look like hidden movie sets.

NATURAL TREASURES

The island’s wild side is never far away. Hike to waterfalls where you can cool off in natural pools, watch whales breach off the Samaná Peninsula, or follow trails through pine forests high in the hills.

TRIP NOTES

Getting there

British Airways flies direct from both Gatwick and Heathrow to Punta Cana in about nine hours, and the service runs year-round. Punta Cana is on the far eastern tip of the island, the perfect gateway for the Dominican Republic’s big beach resorts.

Getting around

We’ll arrange private transfers from the airport to your hotel so you can slip seamlessly into holiday mode. If you’re keen to explore, guided trips cover Saona Island, Catalina Island, Santo Domingo and Adventure Scape Park. Car hire is possible, but the roads can be hectic, so it’s best for confident drivers.

Seeing more

It’s worth mixing in at least one adventure alongside your beach time. Saona Island is a classic, Santo Domingo brims with energy, and in winter, Samaná is the place for whale watching. Inland waterfalls and hiking trails are easiest with a guide or driver, and we’ll help line everything up.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

PLANNING YOUR STAY

There’s a lot to see and do in the Dom Rep. Santo Domingo, the island’s capital is considered to be the oldest city in the Caribbean. Wander the cobbled lanes of the beautifully preserved Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and delve into its rich history in the art-filled Gothic cathedral, characterful museums and the elegant mansions that bring the past vividly to life.

Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana

Eden Roc Cap Cana

Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana

Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa

Casa de Campo Resort and Villas

Secrets La Romana Resort & Spa

Dreams Dominicus La Romana

Sunscape Dominicus La Romana

Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana

Dreams Flora Resort & Spa

Zöetry Punta Cana Secrets Tides Punta Cana

CARIBBEAN SEA

ATLANTIC OCEAN

SAONA ISLAND

SANTO DOMINGO

SAMANÁ PENINSULA

CATALINA ISLAND

THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC IN STYLE

BEST FOR DOING IT ALL

Where? Casa de Campo, La Romana

Casa de Campo is more like a private estate than a hotel. Guests zip around in golf carts across 7,000 acres that include three beaches, a marina, an equestrian centre, a shooting range, and the famous Teeth of the Dog golf course. You could easily spend a week without repeating yourself. One day could be horse riding, the next a beach barbecue, followed by fine dining at night. The scale is huge, but the service keeps it surprisingly personal.

315 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

BEST FOR CHIC ADULT TIME

Where? Secrets Tides Punta Cana

Secrets Tides is adults-only, sleek and stylish, but never stuffy. Swim-up suites and infinity pools make for lazy days, while evenings have a buzz with live music and cocktail lounges. Dining is broad enough to keep things interesting, whether you want a dressed-up dinner or something a bit more casual.

668 suites | Our rating: 5 stars

BEST FOR FAMILY ENERGY

Where? Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana

Dreams sits on one of the island’s best natural beaches, Macao, and has the family angle covered. Pools, water slides and kids’ and teens’ clubs keep younger guests busy, while adults can escape to the spa or one of the many restaurants. It is lively, sociable, and feels like a proper holiday for all ages.

500 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

BEST FOR FOOD LOVERS

Where? Hyatt Ziva & Zilara Cap Cana

Two resorts share one of Cap Cana’s most beautiful beaches. Zilara is adults-only, while Ziva is familyfriendly. The food is the standout, with more than a dozen restaurants covering everything from teppanyaki to beachfront grills. Add multiple pools, a water park and a long sweep of sand, and it is one of the most complete resorts on the island.

375 suites at Zilara, 375 at Ziva | Our rating: 5 stars

BEST FOR SWITCHING OFF

Where? Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana

Zoëtry Agua is the antidote to the mega-resorts. With just 96 suites set among thatched roofs and tropical gardens, it feels calm and intimate. The focus is on wellness, with yoga, a soothing spa, and fresh local dining. Days flow gently from beach to pool to terrace, perfect if you want to step away from the noise.

96 suites | Our rating: 5 stars

Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana

Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana

The Dominican Republic has a reputation for big all-inclusive resorts, and it delivers. But within that are very different personalities, from a boutique wellness hideaway to a sprawling estate with its own marina. Here’s how to pick the one that matches the holiday you’re after.

Casa de Campo

Secrets Tides Punta Cana

Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana

ARUBA AMAZING

Aruba is bright, breezy, and brilliantly different. Sitting just off the coast of Venezuela, this Dutch Caribbean island is fringed with white beaches, baked by desert sun, and cooled by constant trade winds that keep the palm trees swaying. It’s a place where you can sip a smoothie on a sun lounger, bounce across rugged trails in an open-air jeep, or dive beneath the waves in a submarine all in the same day.

WHITE-SAND BEACHES

Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are the poster children of the island, famous for their wide sweeps of immaculate sand and bright turquoise water. Claim your spot under a divi-divi tree (nature’s own beach umbrella), and you’ll see why these sands are regulars on the world’s best beaches lists.

COME TO ARUBA FOR…

OFF-ROAD ANTICS

See Aruba through the eyes of a local on a full-day island tour. Hop into an openair off-road vehicle and rattle from the wild north shore to calm, beautiful Baby Beach. Expect plenty of stories, some dust in your hair, and more than a few stops to fill your photos app.

DESERT DRAMA

Step away from the coast, and Aruba flips the script. Nearly a fifth of the island is taken up by Arikok National Park, a rugged, rocky landscape filled with cacti, caves, and wind-shaped boulders. The north shore crashes with waves, and the whole place feels more Wild West than Caribbean postcard.

SUBMARINE ADVENTURES

For those who prefer their adventure beneath the waves, Aruba has you covered. Board one of the island’s state-of-the-art submarines, part of the largest passenger fleet in the world, for a dive into the blue. These vessels reach impressive depths, giving you front-row seats to reefs, wrecks, and more fish than you can count.

SAIL AND SNORKEL

The clear waters here make Aruba particularly good for snorkelling and on this half-day trip you’ll visit some of the standout sites including Antilla shipwreck, Boca Catalina, and Arashi Reef. Between snorkel spots you’ll sail aboard the Palm Pleasure, a 70-foot catamaran, which is an experience in itself.

TRIP NOTES

Getting there

Aruba takes a little more effort to reach than many Caribbean islands. There are no direct flights from London, so you’ll connect through Amsterdam, the United States, or another hub. What you gain is a Caribbean island that feels distinct from its neighbours, with desert trails, cacti, and dramatic coasts in the mix.

Easy to explore

At just 20 miles long and six miles wide, Aruba is compact enough to see a lot in a short stay. You can drive from one end to the other in under an hour, which means beaches, desert landscapes, and colourful towns are all within easy reach.

A good mix

Aruba offers everything from sleek all-inclusive resorts to intimate boutique hotels. Whether you prefer rooftop bars and infinity pools or a quiet hammock tucked under a divi-divi tree, you’ll find it here.

PLANNING YOUR STAY

Aruba prides itself as being ‘One Happy Island’ and if you’re out and about, you’ll come across Happy Information Officers. They’re there to give you the inside track on all you need to know – what to see, where to eat and what’s going locally during your stay. Visiting some incredible beaches will no doubt be on your to do list, but there are lots of natural attractions too, including sand dunes, rock formations and caves.

Divi Aruba Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

Manchebo Beach

Secrets Baby Beach

ORANJESTAD

ARIKOK NATIONAL PARK

SAN NICOLAS

CARIBBEAN SEA

ARUBA

LOVE AT FIRST STAY

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive

Secrets Baby Beach (artist impression)

Aruba might only be 20 miles long, but it packs in more resort variety than you would expect from an island you can drive across before your playlist finishes. Whether you want wellness mornings with yoga on the sand, adults-only romance, or an all-inclusive that keeps everyone happily fed and endlessly entertained, Aruba has an option that fits.

WELLNESS HAVEN WITH GREAT VIEWS

Where? Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa

Manchebo takes a spot on Eagle Beach, with the gentle waves giving it a calm, restorative feel. Morning yoga, open-air Pilates, and a spa tucked into tropical gardens all help set the tone. With just 72 rooms, it stays personal, and the beachfront is wide enough to feel private even when the island is busy. If your ideal holiday is more about relaxation and recharging, this is the one.

72 rooms | Our rating: 4.5 stars

ROMANCE AND SUSTAINABLE LUXURY

Where? Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

Adults-only and elegant, Bucuti & Tara is one of the most sophisticated escapes in Aruba. Couples come for uninterrupted time together, supported by thoughtful service and the chance to stay on the iconic Eagle Beach. Evenings often mean dinner under the stars, with nothing but the sound of the sea (and each other) for company.

104 rooms and suites | Our rating: 4.5 stars

THE LATEST FIVE-STAR INDULGENCE

Where? Secrets Baby Beach

Set apart at Aruba’s southern tip, Secrets Baby Beach is the island’s newest addition, bringing a modern, adults-only take on all-inclusive. Sleek suites (some with direct pool access), sit just steps from calm water. Restaurants, pools, and a spa fill out the picture, but the setting does the real work here, offering a sense of being away from the busier resort zone.

304 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

ALL-INCLUSIVE CLASSIC WITH EXTRA CHOICE

Where? Divi Aruba All Inclusive

Divi keeps things easy: restaurants and bars spread across two sister resorts, a friendly beach, and an atmosphere that suits families, couples, and groups alike. You can be active with a game of tennis and water sports, or just stay horizontal on the sand.

265 rooms | Our rating: 4.5 stars

RELAXED FAMILY-FRIENDLY OPTION

Where? Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive

Tamarijn sits next to Divi but dials up the activity. All rooms face the ocean, so the view is guaranteed, and the line-up of sports, entertainment, and kids’ activities keeps the pace lively. Families will appreciate the variety of restaurants and bars, as well as the freedom for everyone to do their own thing. It feels upbeat without tipping into overwhelming.

236 rooms | Our rating: 4.5 stars

Divi Aruba All Inclusive

Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa

JAMAICA JUBILANT

In Jamaica, mountains edge into the clouds, rivers pour into jungle pools, and beaches stretch out like they’ve got all the time in the world. Music follows you everywhere, from a sound system rolling through Kingston to a beach bar in Negril where the bass makes the sand shake. The flavours are just as full-on: smoky jerk chicken and sips of sweet rum keeping you fuelled for whatever adventure’s up next.

ADVENTURE IN THE WILD

Sure, the beaches are dazzling, but the island’s drama really comes from Jamaica’s wild side. Think mountain roads that twist higher than you expect, skies that change in a heartbeat, and rivers that carve their own paths. It’s scenery with the same energy as Usain Bolt at full speed.

CULTURE AND RHYTHM

Ask anyone what they know about Jamaica, and reggae will be the first answer. And yes, Bob Marley still echoes everywhere, but the soundtrack has shifted. Dancehall rules the streets, sound systems shake the pavements, and reggae keeps the roots strong. Culture here isn’t just performed

COME TO JAMAICA FOR…

CLIMB WATERFALLS

Dunn’s River Falls isn’t just a place to look at. Scramble up limestone steps as water hits your shoulders and your group clings together like you’re on a TV survival show. Take it up a notch and sail there on a catamaran with snorkelling, rum punch and reggae soundtrack.

KINGSTON TO THE CLOUDS

Picture a morning in the island’s capital, Kingston, and peeking into Bob Marley’s former home. Then head into the Blue Mountains where the air cools, the hillsides are thick with coffee plants, and lunch comes with wide-open island views.

for visitors, it’s lived out loud every day, unapologetic and endlessly creative.

LAID-BACK LUXURY

And then there’s the side of Jamaica that makes you want to stay forever. The island has mastered the art of slowing down without ever feeling sleepy. Imagine sipping rum at GoldenEye, where Ian Fleming wrote James Bond, or eating jerk straight from the grill while waves crash just a few feet away. Luxury here isn’t about formality, it’s about pure, joyful ease.

BEACH LIFE DONE BIG

Negril’s Seven Mile Beach has the sand, the sea, and that easy Jamaican rhythm. Getting there by catamaran makes a day here even better. Sail along the coast stopping to snorkel over reefs before heading on to Negril. Finish at Rick’s Café, where cocktails flow at sunset.

MUSIC AND LEGACY

Bob Marley isn’t just a face on a t-shirt here. His story is everywhere, from the house he lived in to the studios where he recorded. Tick off two major Jamaica must-dos and take the Bob Marley & Dunn’s River trip: one part reggae history lesson, one part nature adventure.

TRIP NOTES

Getting there

Flights from the UK take around ten hours and land in either Montego Bay or Kingston. Montego Bay is the main hub for north coast resorts and beaches, while Kingston brings you closer to the island’s cultural heart and the Blue Mountains. Transfer times vary by resort, but most hotels are within an hour and a half’s drive of the airport.

Good to know

The pace here is laid-back, and things run on island time, so it helps to travel with a flexible mindset. Expect deliciously spicy flavours in the food, plenty of music wherever you go, and a warm welcome from people who are always ready to share their island with you.

Getting around

Forget squinting at Google Maps or second-guessing road signs. In Jamaica, it’s way easier to let a local lead the way. Pre-arranged transfers make airport arrivals smooth, and guided tours turn journeys into adventures. Whether it’s a driver who knows every shortcut or a guide who adds stories along the way, you’ll see more and stress less.

S Hotel Montego Bay

Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay

Round Hill Hotel & Villas

Beaches Negril

Couples Swept Away

Sandy Haven Resort

NEGRIL

Zoëtry Montego Bay MoBay

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall

Jewel Grande Montego Bay

Dunn's River

PLANNING YOUR STAY

Tempting as it may be to choose one resort and see the island on day trips, make it a multi-centre and you’ll experience so much more. Away from the city and beaches, Jamaica’s wildside showcases colourful coral reefs and tumbling waterfalls wrapped in rainforest where you can climb, rope swing, dive and swim amongst tropical trees and stunning natural rock formations.

BLUE MOUNTAINS

PORT ANTONIO

OCHO RIOS

DUNN’S RIVER FALLS

MONTEGO BAY

CARIBBEAN SEA

JAMAICA

Jamaica Inn

Couples Sans Souci

S Hotel Kingston

Sandals

RESORTS WITH RHYTHM

OLD-SCHOOL CHARM

Where? Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios

Jamaica Inn has been welcoming guests since the 1950s, and it wears its history with style. Think wide verandas and staff who seem to know what you want before you do. The beach is private and powdery, the sea is calm, and the whole place runs at a slower rhythm that feels like stepping back to a more elegant era.

52 suites and cottages | Our rating: 5 stars

ADULTS-ONLY ENERGY

Where? Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay Secrets Wild Orchid shares its facilities with Secrets St James Villas and mixes swim-out suites with lively restaurants, lounges, and entertainment that keep the tempo high. By day, you can dip into watersports or stretch out on the long beach, by night, there are themed parties, live music, and enough dining choices to keep you trying something different every evening.

350 suites | Our rating: 5 stars

ALL-INCLUSIVE WITH RANGE

Where? Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Montego Bay Hyatt Ziva covers all the bases. Family must-haves are ticked off in the form of kids’ clubs, water activities, and casual dining that works for every appetite. Adults have access to the spa, rooftop bars, and the option of slipping next door into the adults-only Hyatt Zilara.

277 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

LUXURY WITH A LEGENDARY NAME

Where? Sandals Dunn’s River, Ocho Rios

Sandals has given one of Jamaica’s most famous spots a serious makeover. This couples-only resort is situated right by the falls, combining a classic location with fresh, modern design. Swim-up suites, oversized pools, and a line-up of restaurants make it easy to settle in, while private cabanas and butler service take care of every detail. It is big, bold, and built for romance with a bit of glamour.

260 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

FAMILY HOLIDAYS ON FULL VOLUME

Where? Beaches Negril

Beaches is Sandals’ family-friendly spin, designed so no one misses out. Younger kids join Sesame Street parades and splash through Pirate Island Waterpark. Teens can hang out in their own Xbox lounge and teen-only nightclub, while parents slip into the Red Lane Spa or sip premium cocktails by the pool. With nine restaurants, endless water sports, and nightly entertainment, this is an all-inclusive resort that feels like everyone’s dream holiday, both together and apart.

197 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay

Sandals Dunn’s River

Jamaica doesn’t do subtle, and neither do its hotels. Some come with history and charm that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another era. Others are built for energy, with swim-up suites, buzzing restaurants, and more entertainment than you could possibly fit into one stay. Families get water slides and kids’ clubs, couples get candlelit dinners and everyone gets that unmistakable Jamaican rhythm.

Jamaica Inn

Beaches Negril

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall

Saint Vincent & The Grenadines

SCENIC

SAINT VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

This Caribbean nation spans thirty-two islands, but most trips begin on Saint Vincent, the main island, home to its capital, markets, and volcanic interior. Bequia, just an hour south by ferry, is the island that draws the most visitors, thanks, in no small part, to its beaches. Then there’s gorgeous Young Island, a few minutes offshore from Saint Vincent offering glorious seclusion.

BEQUIA’S BALANCE

Bequia combines small island charm with enough variety to keep you busy. Admiralty Bay is the hub, lined with cafés, restaurants, and working boatyards. Boatbuilding and fishing are still part of daily life, and visitors often find themselves pulled into conversations with locals who know the island inside out.

SAINT VINCENT’S BIG LANDSCAPE

Saint Vincent is larger and more dramatic. La Soufrière volcano dominates the north and can be climbed with a guide

for views across the Grenadines. The interior is laced with rivers and waterfalls, and the Botanic Gardens in Kingstown are the oldest in the Americas.

YOUNG ISLAND’S SIMPLICITY

Young Island is a resort on its own private islet, reached in a flash by boat from Saint Vincent. The cottages are nestled among the greenery, the beach is quiet, and the pace is deliberately unhurried. It works well as a place to start or finish a trip if you want a stretch of calm.

COME TO SAINT VINCENT & THE GRENADINES FOR…

TOBAGO CAYS MARINE PARK

This cluster of uninhabited cays, surrounded by a coral reef, is a national marine park and one of the most celebrated sights in the Grenadines. Clear shallows, turtle-rich seagrass beds and long sweeps of sand make it popular for day trips.

LIFE IN THE WATER

Bequia’s reefs make for easy snorkelling. Saint Vincent has dive sites that range from shallow coral gardens to deep wrecks. Kayaks, paddleboards and short boat trips are easy to arrange. Swimming in the evening light is as much a local pastime as a visitor treat.

PACK YOUR HIKING BOOTS

As well as Saint Vincent’s famous volcano, there are many more forest trails, coastal paths and mountain tracks for all levels. Dark View Falls and the Vermont Nature Trail are amongst the most popular routes through St Vincent’s rainforest.

THE DAILY CATCH

It’s no surprise that seafood features heavily on the menu. Go local and sample the daily catch from beach shacks and local cookouts. Heritage Square in Kingstown is a popular Friday night hang-out spot – the markets are lively and there’s a fun island-vibe.

TRIP NOTES

Getting there

Flights from London connect via Barbados, Saint Lucia or Grenada, then it’s a quick 45-minute hop to SaintVincent. Argyle International Airport is about half an hour from Kingstown.

Seeing more

Bequia is linked to Saint Vincent by a regular ferry service that takes about an hour. Young Island is five minutes by launch from the mainland. These links make it simple to combine more than one base in a single trip. Talk to us about some tried-and-tested combos.

Who it suits

Couples looking for low-key romance, families who don’t need kids’ clubs on tap, and anyone who prefers flip-flops to dress codes. It’s simple, charming, and exactly what you want if your version of luxury is space to breathe.

PLANNING YOUR STAY

Since you’re touching down in Saint Lucia or Barbados on the way here anyway, a multi-island Caribbean holiday is a good idea. The plane over to the Saint Vincent feels like an excursion in its own right. Given the low altitude, you get a bird’s-eye view of the Caribbean sea and mountainous terrain of Saint Vincent and and the seen-to-be-believed clear waters of the Grenadines. Top tip: if flying from Barbados, sit on the left side of the plane for the best views on take-off.

Young Island

Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Bequia Beach Hotel

TOBAGO CAYS MARINE PARK

SAINT VINCENT

BEQUIA

FORT CHARLOTTE KINGSTOWN

BOTANICAL GARDENS

CARIBBEAN SEA

SAINT VINCENT &THE GRENADINES

ISLAND DREAMS

Bequia Beach Hotel

Young Island Resort

The Grenadines keep things on a smaller scale than some of their Caribbean neighbours, but that doesn’t mean the hotels lack variety. You can stay on a private island just minutes from the mainland, check into a family-run gem on Bequia with classic character, or go all-in on a brand-new Sandals that brings bigresort pizzazz to Saint Vincent.

RETRO CHARM WITH SEA VIEWS

Where? Bequia Beach Hotel

Step into Bequia Beach Hotel, and it feels like the Caribbean from another era, polished just enough with today’s modern must-haves. Palm-shaded paths wind past bougainvillaea to rooms with rattan chairs, tiled floors, and just the right touch of mid-century cool. Friendship Beach is right outside, perfect for a morning swim before a lazy breakfast of mango pancakes. Evenings bring cocktails on the veranda and views of yachts anchored offshore, with Mustique only a short hop away on the hotel’s own boat. They say you haven’t been to Bequia if you haven’t been to Jack’s Beach Bar so you’ve struck gold by staying here. This bohemian-style bar serves a range of snacks including lobster mac’n’cheese as well as the catch of the day 58 rooms, suites and villas | Our rating: 4 stars

SIMPLICITY DONE WELL

Where? Young Island Resort

Just five minutes by launch from Saint Vincent, and suddenly you’re on your own private island. Young Island feels deliciously unplugged: thatched cottages tucked into hibiscus and sea grape, each with a breezy veranda and, in many cases, an outdoor shower where you can rinse off sandy skin under the stars. They’re either beachside or up amongst the trees on the hillside – can’t decide which? Do a room re-mix and sample both. Days revolve around the sea, swimming out to the wooden Coconut Bar for a rum punch and lazing in hammocks. Meals are long and generous (think lobster pulled fresh from the sea, bread still warm from the clay oven), although Saturday nights crank things up with a barbecue and steel band. Otherwise, it’s just waves, birdsong, and the clink of ice in a glass.

29 cottages | Our rating: 4 stars

A SHINY NEW ALL-INCLUSIVE

Where? Sandals Saint Vincent

If you like your holidays big, bold, and buzzing, this is the Grenadines’ new star. Sandals has taken over 50 acres of beachfront and packed it with choice: 12 restaurants, nine bars, five pools, and more water sports than you could tick off in a week. Suites run from beachfront hideouts to overwater villas (the kind typically reserved for the Maldives), some with swim-up patios or private plunge pools. By day, you might be snorkelling or paddleboarding. By night, it’s all about variety: sushi with flair, Caribbean grills, open-air movies and live bands. There’s a real natural beauty here –you’re amongst fabulously green rainforest and stunningly white-sandy beaches.

301 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

Sandals Saint Vincent

DOMINICA DYNAMIC

Dominica is the Caribbean at its wildest. Trails cut through rainforest, waterfalls plunge into natural pools, and hot springs steam and bubble thanks to the island’s volcanic core. At the heart of it all, Morne Trois Pitons National Park is where you can hike to the crater of La Soufrière or to Boiling Lake. Offshore, divers rate Dominica among the Caribbean’s best for reefs, walls, and bubbling underwater vents.

ADVENTURES ON LAND

Canyoning down rainforest gorges, hiking to Boiling Lake, or tackling the Waitukubuli National Trail — Dominica is built for people who prefer boots to beach loungers. Even short walks reveal waterfalls you can swim under and views that stretch forever.

UNDERWATER MARVELS

Dominica is one of the Caribbean’s great diving and snorkelling destinations, with volcanic vents bubbling beneath

WHERE TO STAY

FORT YOUNG HOTEL & DIVE RESORT

Part heritage site, part hotel, Fort Young has the rare perk of being both in town and on the sea. Once a fort, it now mixes infinity pools and cocktails with an inhouse dive centre that gets guests onto world-class reefs for sensational sights. You can sip coffee on the balcony in the morning and be diving with turtles by lunch.

73 rooms and suites | Our rating: 4 stars

the surface. Whale-watching tours run year-round, with sperm whales resident in the surrounding waters. Back on land, the rainforest is alive with birdlife and the occasional flash of a hummingbird.

SOAKING AND UNWINDING

Natural hot springs dot the island, some transformed into rustic spas, while others remain steaming in the wild. Pair them with a hammock nap or a dip in a river pool, and you start to see why the pace here feels different.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOMINICA

CABRITS RESORT & SPA

This InterContinental sits between the rainforest and the sea, so your daily dilemma is whether to wear trail boots or flip-flops. Four pools, multiple restaurants and a big spa tick the resort boxes, while Cabrits National Park next door puts nature right at your doorstep.

151 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

SECRET BAY

This is where Dominica goes full blockbuster. High-spec villas are nestled into rainforest cliffs, each with a private plunge pool, expansive terraces, and views that stretch straight out to the horizon. Privacy is absolute, yet service is dialled to perfection: chefs arrive to cook in your kitchen, concierges set up adventures or candlelit coves, and yoga decks perch above the sea.

16 villas | Our rating: 5 stars

TRIP NOTES

Getting there

You can’t fly direct to Dominica from the UK, so most journeys connect through Barbados, Antigua or Saint Lucia before a short hop onwards. The main entry point is Douglas–Charles Airport on the northeast coast. From there, it’s about an hour to the capital, Roseau, and a little longer if you’re heading further along the west coast, where most hotels are. The roads are winding and often slow, but the rainforest views make the journey part of the experience.

Getting around

Driving yourself isn’t always straightforward, with narrow, steep roads that often take longer than they look on a map. Pre-booked transfers make airport arrivals easy, and guided tours are the simplest way to see more of the island. Local drivers know the best routes and viewpoints, while guides add detail and context that make each stop more rewarding. It also means you can keep your eyes on the scenery rather than the bends in the road.

When to go

The most popular months are November to May, when the weather is drier and the hiking trails are more manageable. From June to October, the weather brings hotter, wetter days and fewer visitors, although showers are usually brief. Whale watching is possible all year thanks to Dominica’s resident sperm whales, although calmer winter seas often make sightings even more frequent.

WHO IT SUITS

Couples who want seclusion with substance, families who like holidays packed with fresh-air adventure, and solo guests who find their rhythm in nature. If your idea of luxury is choosing between a canyoning trip and a clifftop yoga deck, Dominica delivers.

InterContinental Dominica Cabritz

Secret Bay

Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort

FRESHWATER LAKE

MORNE TROIS PITONS NATIONAL PARK

BOILING LAKE

ROSEAU

DOMINICA BOTANIC GARDENS

CHAMPAGNE BEACH

CABRITS NATIONAL PARK

CARIBBEAN SEA

DOMINICA

Saint Kitts & Nevis

SPELLBINDING

SAINT KITTS & NEVIS

Saint Kitts and Nevis may be neighbours, but they’re like siblings with opposite personalities. Saint Kitts is the extrovert — bigger, busier, and always up for a night out around Frigate Bay. Nevis? The introvert. Smaller, quieter, with calm beaches and a capital that feels more like a village square than a city.

LAND AND SEA

Together, the two islands form a nifty little double act in the Caribbean Sea, separated by a short channel called the Narrows. Saint Kitts has dramatic peaks and a coastline that swings from black volcanic sand to golden beaches. Nevis is a near-perfect cone, with Nevis Peak at its centre and palmfringed shores all around.

HISTORY ALL AROUND

These islands wear their history on their sleeve. Saint Kitts was one of Britain’s first colonies in the Caribbean, and reminders remain in its old plantations, forts, and Georgian

COME TO SAINT KITTS & NEVIS FOR…

FOREST ADVENTURES

Pack hiking boots for Mount Liamuiga, the dormant volcano that dominates Saint Kitts. Expect muddy trails, slippery roots, rope sections and a full day of effort. The reward is a dramatic crater rim and expansive views. Easier rainforestrails are alive with bird calls and monkeys.

HERITAGE AND CULTURE

Saint Kitts was long a sugar powerhouse, and the past still shapes the landscape. Brimstone Hill Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cannon-lined walls and sweeping vistas. Abandoned sugar factories and plantation ruins remain scattered through the hills.

architecture. Nevis has quieter layers of history, from sugar mill ruins tucked into the countryside to a birthplace museum dedicated to Alexander Hamilton.

EASY CONNECTIONS

Getting between the two is effortless. A ferry across the Narrows takes about 45 minutes, and if you want a quicker hop, water taxis and small boats cross in minutes. This closeness means you never have to choose between the buzz of Saint Kitts and the slower rhythm of Nevis. You can dip into both whenever you like.

CATAMARAN CRUISES

The sea between Saint Kitts and Nevis was meant for sails. Catamaran cruises often depart from Basseterre with snorkel stops, barbecues, and open decks. It is one of the most fun and scenic ways to sample both islands in a single outing.

EXPLORING NEVIS

Nevis is all charm. Beaches are wide and relaxed, Charlestown is small yet pretty, and Nevis Peak tempts adventurous hikers. You can find a bench in a beachfront bar like Sunshine’s and order something icy, or simply stretch out on Pinney’s Beach.

TRIP NOTES

Getting there

British Airways flies direct from London Gatwick to Saint Kitts twice weekly in the winter, usually via Antigua with a short stop. Outside of winter, connections are available year-round via hubs such as Antigua and Miami. From Saint Kitts, Nevis is reached by a short water taxi, which takes about 10–15 minutes.

Twin it

Saint Kitts and Nevis work brilliantly together. Start with Saint Kitts for energy, history, and nightlife, then shift to Nevis for calm beaches and easygoing elegance. We can fine-tune the balance, perhaps starting with a few lively nights at the Saint Kitts Marriott before winding down at Montpelier Plantation, or a sleek stay at Park Hyatt Saint Kitts followed by barefoot simplicity at Oualie Beach Resort.

PLANNING

YOUR STAY

St Kitts & Nevis is the Caribbean path slightly less travelled, and the islands are just begging to be explored. You can’t come here without discovering the art of ‘limin’’. It’s not a skill – it’s a state of mind. All you need to do is prioritise joy in whatever you do. It’s not exclusively Kittitian in the Caribbean, but it’s a philosophy the islanders live by – and what holidays are all about.

Golden Rock Inn Mount Nevis Hotel Montpelier Nevis

Oualie Beach Resort

The Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa

Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour

St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort, Casino & Spa

Royal St. Kitts Hotel

Sunset Reef

BRIMSTONE HILL FORTRESS NATIONAL PARK

INDEPENDENCE SQUARE

TIMOTHY HILL OVERLOOK

FRIGATE BAY

COCKLESHELL BAY BEACH

PINNEYS BEACH

NEVIS PEAK

BOTANICAL GARDENS OF NEVIS

CARIBBEAN SEA

ATLANTIC OCEAN SAINT KITTS NEVIS

HANDPICKED STAYS IN SAINT KITTS

BOUTIQUE WITH A VIEW

Where? Sunset Reef

Sunset Reef is small in size but big on detail. Perched over Palmetto Point, it offers ocean-facing suites with terraces, a sleek infinity pool, and the sort of personalised service that makes you feel like a VIP. It’s intimate, contemporary, and perfectly positioned for slow mornings and spectacular sunsets that turn the sea to silver. The restaurant’s excellent too, with a menu that makes staying in for dinner an easy choice.

18 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

BIG AND BOLD

Where? St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort, Casino & Spa

Three pools, a golf course, a spa, a casino, and a sweep of beach dotted with timber cabanas mean there is no shortage of ways to fill a day. Restaurants span casual to smart, and the on-site coffee shop, Calypso Café, is a lifesaver before early excursions. It’s lively, generous, and full of choice, ideal if you like your beach holidays with plenty to do and room to roam.

389 rooms and suites | Our rating: 4 stars

DESIGNER LUXURY

Where? Park Hyatt St Kitts Christophe Harbour Rooms at the super smart Park Hyatt are generously sized (the ones with private plunge pools are well worth considering), while the superb spa is fashioned around a replica sugar mill where many of the treatment rooms also have private pools. The whole place has a calm, grown-up air, making it a top pick for couples, but the complimentary kids’ club makes it a worthy contender for family trips, too.

124 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

GOOD VALUE AND FLEXIBLE

Where? Royal St. Kitts Hotel

Royal St. Kitts is all about practicality with perks. Studios and suites include kitchens and living spaces, so you can eat in (you can pick up groceries at the hotel’s marketplace) or wander to nearby restaurants. Two pools, a handy Frigate Bay location, and easy access to beaches keep it simple. Not flashy, but flexible and friendly. It’s a great base if you want space to spread out and the freedom to plan your days your own way.

215 rooms and suites | Our rating: 4 stars

Park Hyatt St Kitts Christophe Harbour

St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort, Casino & Spa

When it comes to where you stay, Saint Kitts really does offer a full mix. There are clifftop boutique hotels where service is personal and the views are huge, large resorts with every facility from golf to casinos, and smaller hotels that are simple, flexible, and good value. We’ve chosen a range that makes it easy to match the right place to your style, whether you want plenty of restaurants and things to do or a hideaway feel.

Sunset Reef

Royal St Kitts Hotel

NOTEWORTHY NEVIS STAYS

Golden Rock Inn

The Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa

Oualie Beach Resort

Saint Kitts & Nevis

On Nevis, places to stay feel rooted in the island. You’ll find plantation inns layered with history, modern villas with kitchens for extra freedom, and beach hotels where flip-flops do just fine at dinner. The options stretch from a practical base for exploring to a barefoot escape or a boutique hideaway with style.

RUSTIC ELEGANCE

Where? Montpelier Plantation Nevis

Montpelier is one of those places that feels relaxed the second you arrive. The rooms are tucked into tropical gardens, the pool looks out over the hills, and the whole place has a gentle, time-worn charm. The restaurant gets a lot of love from both guests and locals, so it’s worth booking a dinner there. And when you want the beach, there’s a private club where you can spend the afternoon doing very little at all. All in all, it’s elegance without effort, and the kind of place that reminds you what a real holiday should feel like.

18 rooms | Our rating: 4 stars

EASY FREEDOM

Where? The Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa

If you like your own space, The Hamilton is ideal. The villas come with full kitchens and living areas, so you can cook when you want or head out to nearby Charlestown for dinner. It’s situated right on Pinney’s Beach, and with two pools and a spa on site, you’ve got plenty of options without moving far. Great if you’re staying a bit longer or travelling with family. The setup makes everything simple, from picking up groceries to planning beach days and quiet evenings on the terrace. It’s easy, flexible living with the bonus of Nevis’s calm and friendly feel all around you.

79 villas | Our rating: 4 stars

BAREFOOT SIMPLICITY

Where? Oualie Beach Resort

Oualie is relaxed to its core. Rooms are in cottages scattered steps from the sand, and diving and snorkelling are right on your doorstep too. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of place people come back to year after year. It’s perfect if you prefer charm over polish, with an easy, unpretentious spirit that makes slowing down come naturally, and the friendly team make you feel instantly welcome. It’s simple, genuine, and wonderfully easy to fall for.

32 rooms | Our rating: 3 stars

COLOUR AND CHARM

Where? Golden Rock Inn, Nevis

Golden Rock Inn is a restored sugar estate turned artfilled boutique hotel. Bright textiles and bold design give it personality, while lush gardens climb the slopes of Nevis Peak. If you want character and seclusion, this is one for your shortlist. The restaurant, The Rocks, is an in-the-know favourite, and the expertly curated 40-acre gardens are well worth exploring in their own right.

11 rooms and cottages | Our rating: 4 stars

Montpelier Plantation Nevis

TANTALISING

TURKS & CAICOS

Providenciales (or just ‘Provo’ to those in the know) is where you’ll touch down. Then it’s all about the beaches. Grace Bay Beach is ranked among the world’s best, Taylor Bay and Sapodilla Bay are shallow and calm and Long Bay Beach is where kiteboarders gather. In the end, the water steals the spotlight, whether you’re floating on it, paddling through it, or peering down from a glass-bottom kayak.

THE ISLANDS

The Turks & Caicos Islands stretch across roughly forty islands and cays, though only a few are home to people. Providenciales is the gateway, Grand Turk holds the capital, and North and Middle Caicos are greener and less developed, linked by a causeway. Smaller cays dot the Caicos Bank, many uninhabited, giving the archipelago its scattered, untamed feel.

THE LANDSCAPE

These are low-lying limestone islands with a softer profile than the volcanic peaks elsewhere in the Caribbean. Inland, you’ll find salt flats that once drove the local economy, stands

COME TO TURKS & CAICOS FOR…

FLOATING BARS AND FISH FRY

You haven’t really done Provo until you’ve tried a floating bar where the rum punch tastes even better with your feet in the water. Back on land, Thursday nights in The Bight mean the weekly Fish Fry – a street party with fresh seafood, music and dancing.

ADVENTURE ON THE WATER

Snorkelling trips take you to colourful reefs, fishing charters head out for deepsea catches, and boat cruises make it easy to explore hidden cays. Closer to shore, paddleboarding and glassbottom kayaking let you drift across crystal-clear shallows.

of mangroves, and bird-filled wetlands. On Providenciales, Chalk Sound National Park delivers a striking contrast to the beaches, with a vivid turquoise lagoon peppered with hundreds of tiny islets.

THE SEA

Beyond the shoreline, the islands are ringed by one of the healthiest reef systems in the region. The Caicos Bank makes the water startlingly clear and shallow in places, while the surrounding drop-offs attract bigger marine life. Between January and March, humpback whales pass by Grand Turk and Salt Cay, adding another layer to the islands’ natural drama.

ISLAND-HOPPING DAY TRIPS

North, Middle and South Caicos all make easy day trips. North Caicos is lush and quiet, Middle Caicos has dramatic caves and a wilder edge, and South Caicos is known for its fishing heritage. Each gives you a real taste of Turks & Caicos.

CHALK SOUND NATIONAL PARK

Chalk Sound is a huge turquoise lagoon dotted with tiny green islands on the southwest of Providenciales, It’s a national park, so no motorised boats, but kayaks and paddleboards let you glide across the water. Bring a GoPro for the best shots.

TRIP NOTES

Getting there

The easiest way from the UK is with British Airways via Nassau or Antigua – which makes a natural twin-centre. Antigua gives you a few days of easy beach time before you switch to Providenciales. Another tempting option is Miami, where you can spend a few days living it up on South Beach before switching gears entirely.

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA NATIONAL PARK

The Sands at Grace Bay

The Palms Turks and Caicos

Alexandra Resort

PIDGEON POND

Wymara Resort & Villas

PROVIDENCIALES

Getting around

We can take care of all the arrangements so your journey between airports, hotels, or islands feels effortless. If you’re splitting time between two islands, the flight’s quick enough to count as part of the experience. Hire a car to set your own pace – they drive on the left and there are no traffic lights!

When to go

The Caribbean’s best weather runs from December to April, when the days are sunny and dry. That said, May and November can be just as appealing, often with lower rates and fewer visitors. Outside the peak months, the islands stay pleasantly warm with quieter beaches.

TURKS AND CAICOS

Blue Haven

Ocean Club Resort

Ocean Club West

Beaches Turks & Caicos

PLANNING YOUR STAY

Turks & Caicos is easy to shape around the kind of holiday you want. You might stay somewhere with an all-inclusive buzz like Beaches Turks & Caicos, where everything’s taken care of, or opt for something smaller and slower, such as Salterra Resort & Spa. Each offers an entirely different feel, yet both capture what makes these islands so relaxing. We’ll help you choose the version that fits you best.

Salterra Resort & Spa

Sailrock South Caicos

NORTH CAICOS

EAST CAICOS

GRAND TURK

MIDDLE CAICOS

LEEWARD BEACH

BOTTLE CREEK LAGOON

AMBERGRIS CAY

SALT CAY

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

TOP STAYS IN TURKS & CAICOS

ALL-INCLUSIVE FOR EVERYONE

Where? Beaches Turks & Caicos

Five themed villages, 20 restaurants, a huge waterpark, kids’ clubs, teen hangouts, and enough pools to lose count. Families love it because there’s no chance of anyone getting bored. If you want variety without thinking about extras, it’s hard to beat.

757 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

LAID-BACK ON GRACE BAY

Where? Ocean Club Resort

Ocean Club keeps things relaxed and friendly. The location on Grace Bay means you’re just steps from the island’s best stretch of sand. It’s quieter than the big all-inclusives, but still has two pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and you’re within easy reach of local restaurants for variety. A good option if you want to have independence without losing resort comforts.

84 suites | Our rating: 3.5 stars

MARINA VIBES

Where? Blue Haven Resort

Close to the marina, Blue Haven mixes all-inclusive ease with a slightly different outlook from the Grace Bay resorts. There’s a pristine private beach with calm water, a choice of restaurants and bars, and activities that range from standup paddleboarding to fishing trips right out of the marina. You can also use the sister property, Alexandra Resort on Grace Bay, so you get the best of both worlds.

45 rooms and suites | Our rating: 4 stars

QUIET LUXURY

Where? Salterra Resort & Spa, Providenciales

Salterra is where you come to slow down. The suites and villas are airy and elegant, while the spa has a reputation as one of the best on the island. Days here are about long walks along a near-empty beach, personalised service that feels thoughtful rather than fussy, and sunsets best enjoyed from your own terrace. It’s the kind of resort that makes switching off feel effortless.

100 rooms and suites | Our rating: 5 stars

CELEBRATION STYLE

Where? Wymara Resort & Villas, Grace Bay

Wymara mixes contemporary design with space to really spread out. The resort’s rooms and suites are sleek and modern, but the showstoppers are the oceanfront villas. They are huge, private, and perfect for celebrations or multigenerational escapes. Some even have waterslides straight into the sea, the kind of wow that kids (and grown-ups) never forget. Add an infinity-edge pool that has become an island icon, plus restaurants serving the freshest seafood, and you have a place that balances style with serious fun.

91 rooms, suites and villas | Our rating: 5 stars

Blue Haven Resort

Wymara Resort & Villas

Providenciales is where you’ll find the island’s best-known hotels, and the choice here stretches from big-name all-inclusives with every possible activity to smaller resorts with a quieter edge. We’ve picked out five that cover the range, so whether you’re travelling with kids, escaping as a couple, or looking for somewhere sleek and stylish, you’ll find a fit.

Ocean Club Resort

Salterra Resort & Spa

Beaches Turks & Caicos

CARIBBEAN

Cruise & Stay

CRUISE & STAY SEAS THE DAY

There are many ways to cruise the Caribbean, and the right choice depends on the kind of holiday you want. Our cruise holidays start with time on land before moving to the water, so you can ease into island life and then enjoy the thrill of waking up somewhere new. From the romance of a tall ship to the polish of a small luxury liner or the buzz of a larger vessel built for families, this is a snapshot of what is possible, with plenty more to explore online.

THE CARIBBEAN UNDER SAIL

You’ll love how this holiday marries island time with the romance of sailing. It begins in Antigua, giving you space to settle into the Caribbean rhythm, and then shifts to the open sea, where wind and waves guide the pace.

THE STAY

Your trip begins with a few nights in Antigua at Galley Bay Resort & Spa, a peaceful beachfront retreat framed by tropical gardens and soft, curving sands. Days slip easily between the pool, the beach, and the shade of the gardens. Suites come with verandas and sea breezes, and while the resort is designed for quiet, it is only a short drive to St John’s if you want a taste of local life.

THE CRUISE

Then comes the main event: boarding Star Clippers, a true sailing ship (not a fl oating hotel in disguise). With a capacity of only 166 guests, it feels intimate and friendly. The sails go up, the horizon opens, and your journey switches pace. Think less showtime, more shared conversation, sea swims, snorkelling in hidden coves, even hoisting sails if you like.

Bottom Bay, Barbados

ATLANTIC OCEAN

CARIBBEAN SEA

St. John’s

Gustavia

Norman Island

Tortola Philipsburg

Basseterre

BARBADOS

White Bay Spanish Town

South Friars Bay

Martinique

CRUISE & STAY ITINERARY - 13 NIGHTS

Lucia CRUISE & STAY ITINERARY - 13 NIGHTS

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Carambola Beach

Point à Pitre

Roseau

Les Trois-Îlets

CARIBBEAN SEA

QUIETER CARIBBEAN QUAYS

Rodney Bay

BARBADOS Bridgetown

GRENADA

This trip gives you two sides of the Caribbean. First, you slow right down in Barbados with sand between your toes and plenty of time to linger. Then you step aboard Seabourn Ovation and wake up to a new island on the horizon, from yacht-dotted Bequia to tiny Mayreau.

THE STAY

Your holiday begins at Coral Reef Club in Barbados, a boutique hotel with the air of a private estate. Paths lined with hibiscus and frangipani wind through manicured lawns to rooms and cottages that open onto the beach. The spa is a highlight, with an open-sided relaxation room, a hydro-pool shaded by cabanas and a mani/pedi suite overlooking the treetops.

THE CRUISE

Then it’s time for Seabourn Ovation, designed to feel utterly spacious and stylish. Every suite has a veranda, so views are always part of the picture. You can swivel between spa time, quiet corners for reading, and cocktails on deck without ever feeling crowded. The real thrill comes each morning when you wake to somewhere new, whether it is the colourful waterfront at Port Elizabeth in Bequia, the palm-lined bay of Mayreau, or Soufrière in Saint Lucia with the Pitons towering behind.

TREASURES OF THE CARIBBEAN

CRUISE & STAY ITINERARY - 16 NIGHTS

Tortola

Basseterre

CARIBBEAN SEA

St Maarten

Antigua Castries

St George’s

Sixteen nights, two perspectives on the Caribbean, and zero chance of running out of things to do. First, you stretch out in Barbados with days of pool time, sea swims and fresh fish on the grill. Then you board Arvia and set sail for a run of islands where each stop feels diff erent from the last.

THE STAY

Your adventure begins at Sea Breeze Beach House by Ocean Hotels on the south coast of Barbados. It’s built with families in mind, with three pools, six restaurants and plenty going on throughout the day. Rooms and suites are bright and modern, and the beach is only ever a few steps away. When you want a change of scene, Oistins Fish Fry is close by for an evening of grilled snapper, calypso beats, and plenty of people-watching.

THE CRUISE

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Fort-de-France

Barbados

Bridgetown

On board Arvia, there’s always something to keep everyone happy, from kids’ clubs and shows under the SkyDome to lazy afternoons by the pool. Ports of call tick off a proper crosssection of the Caribbean: colourful markets in Saint Kitts, French cafés in Martinique, volcanic peaks in Saint Lucia and spice stalls in Grenada. The star feature is two nights docked in Antigua, which is rare on a cruise and means you get to experience the island after dark.

English Harbour, Antigua Family Sea View Suite, Arvia

Saint