Caribbean Guide Consumer Edition 2018

your GUIDE TO THE

YOUR GUIDE TO THE CARIBBEAN

www.caribbean.co.uk

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D A I LY F L I G H T S F RO M LO N D O N G AT W I C K BO O K N OW AT BA .CO M / ST LU C I A

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other Nature wasn’t so kind to our corner of the world last year, with several of our islands and countries impacted by powerful hurricanes.

Proudly published by Selling Travel magazine, a division of BMI Publishing.

But as you’ll discover in this exciting edition of Your Guide to the

Caribbean, not only are we open for business, we’re rebuilding to make sure we come back stronger than ever.

www.bmipublishing.co.uk

We’re proud of our multi-faceted offering, including the world-beating beaches of Turks & Caicos, the natural beauty of Martinique’s jungle-cloaked volcanoes, Guyana’s

Publisher: Sally Parker Editor: Steve Hartridge Sub Editors: Laura Gelder Writers: Jo Cooke

tumbling waterfalls and the Spanish colonial streets of Puerto Rico. Elsewhere, a living

Kathryn Liston Nigel Tisdall Creative Director: Matt Bonner Designer: Ross Clifford Production Manager: Clare Hunter Production Controller: Stephen Hunter Managing Director: Martin Steady

history lesson awaits on islands like Curaçao and Jamaica, and at our UNESCO World Heritage Sites – 22 and counting.

After reading this guide’s stock of insider tips you certainly won’t be stuck for ideas on what to do in the region, whether that’s learning the latest dance moves in a carnival road march, looking after endangered turtles on Nevis or diving in any of the 350 exhilarating sites around the Cayman Islands.

© BMI Publishing Ltd 2018.

We’ve added community tourism projects to our inspiring range of things to do in 2018, such as helping to restore the Waitukubuli National Trail on

Cover images: Sun Group Hotels, bigstock.com, istock photos.com

BMI Publishing Ltd, Suffolk House, CR9 1SR, UK. T: +44 (0)20 8649 7233 F: +44 (0)20 8649 7234 E: enquiries@bmipublishing.co.uk

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, BMI Publishing Ltd & the Caribbean Tourism Organization cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

Dominica or reef-cleaning on Saint Lucia.

It’s also the Caribbean’s official year of Wellness and Rejuvenation, so take advantage of the chance to nourish body and mind, whether it’s on The Bahamas’ heavenly beaches or in the world-class spas of The Grenadines.

We’ll see you there!

Travel Trade Publication of the Year

Carol I. Hay Director of Marketing UK & Europe, Caribbean Tourism Organization

Contents 28

The Bahamas

44

Jamaica

Eco-tourism

30

Barbados

45

Martinique

50

St. Vincent St.Vin & The Grenadines54 54 & The Grenadines Trinidad & Tobago 54

Cruising/Shopping

31

Belize

45

Montserrat

50

Trinidad & Tobago Turks & Caicos

55 55

11

Farms & Ranches

33

British Virgin Islands 46

Nevis

51

Turks Airline & Caicos Chart

55 56

15

Soak it Up

36

Cayman Islands

46

Puerto Rico

51

AirlineWhere Chart to Book

56 56

Don’t Miss

4

On a Budget

Caribbean Roots

6

Moving Around

8

Romance A Family Affair

49

Rooms With a View

17

Caribbean Tastes

38

Curaçao

47

St. Eustatius

52

WhereDirectory to Book of Members58 61

Going Local

18

Map

40

Dominica

47

St. Kitts

52

Your Directory

60

Steps Ahead

20

Destinations A-Z

43

Grenada

48

Saint Lucia

53

Directory of Members

61

Get Active

24

Anguilla

43

Guyana

48

St. Maarten

53

Highs & Lows

26

Antigua & Barbuda

44

Haiti

49

Saint-Martin

54

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CONTENTS

Welcome!

the list!

DON’T MISS

top of

The range of world-class scenic thrills and cultural attractions to be enjoyed in the Caribbean is extraordinary. Here’s 10 absolute must-dos. Feel free to get excited!

1

Climb a volcano in St. Vincent and The Grenadines

Rising to 4,049ft (1,234m), La Soufrière is a colossal volcano on St. Vincent that offers a strenuous, but immensely satisfying, climb. Local operator Bamboo Adventures can provide a guide, transfers and lunch.

Guests ascend through rain and cloud forests to reach an exhilarating lavascape and the ash-strewn crater rim.

The round trip takes around five hours to complete.

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Go diving in the Cayman Islands

Slip under the waves and you’ll discover a second, gorgeous Caribbean. Vivid corals bloom in an enchanted garden raining with silver fish, and sunbeams highlight

the silent beauty like spotlights from heaven. Take your pick from 365 dive sites, including the mushroom-like pinnacle of Ghost Mountain, the wreck of USS Kittiwake, and Bloody Bay Wall where vertical drop-offs plunge to 6,000ft (1,829m).

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Could the Caribbean Sea look any more inviting?

Dance the night away in Cuba

In Cuba, the beat of the music finds you. From a bedroom window, a passing 1950s car, or buskers strumming on a beach. Salsa, bolero, jazz, rumba, chachachá – the mood here segues from soulful to vibrant, from catchy rhythms in a backstreet club to a dazzling floor show with dancers lost in a whirl of feathers. Cuba is made for dancing the night away, and if you don’t know how the charismatic Cubans will happily teach you.

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Sail away in the British Virgin Islands

With calm waters, reliable winds, sheltered bays and over 50 small islands, the British Virgin Islands are the perfect natural arena for a sailing holiday.

Operators such as Sunsail and The Moorings offer charters with

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or without crew, and there are plenty of places to learn the ropes – onboard partying included.

5

Drink rum in Barbados

There’s at least 1,500 rum shops in Barbados and having a drink in one is a classic way to tune into the Caribbean’s easy-going vibe.

Brightly painted, by day they act as a combined bar, convenience store and community centre. By night – well, how’s your karaoke? On Friday nights, don’t miss the fish fry at Oistins Bay Gardens. Tuna, swordfish, marlin, mahimahi, flying fish, lobster, chicken and more are served in an informal setting.

There’s also soca and calypso music and you can jamm with the locals or watch the others dance!

6

Travel back in time on St. Kitts

The narrow, winding road up to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park gives little clue that you will arrive at a colossal citadel with

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Explore the incredible landscapes from the air

Lofty heights: Angel Falls in Venezuela stone battlements, ghostly barracks and venerable cannon pointing out to sea. Dating from 1690, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the secret wonders of the Caribbean with a compelling story that unfolds in the visitor centre, excellent audioguide and Fort George Museum.

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Take to air and sea in Guyana

Taking a scenic day-trip by small plane to Kaieteur Falls is a bucket-list thrill. After flying over vast green jungles you land beside the longest single drop waterfall in the world, gushing from a height of 741ft (226m) like a river of silver. And there’s a bonus – the pilot then continues to Orinduik Falls, where the river has carved out terraces from red jasper rock. Fancy a swim? You bet!

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Make sweet chocolate in Saint Lucia Everyone loves chocolate, but how is it made? Find out on a

‘Tree to Bar’ experience at the Rabot Estate, which is Saint Lucia’s oldest cacao plantation and now owned by British chocolatier Hotel Chocolat.

After seeing how the bean is cultivated and fermented, you then get to grind the roasted nibs and create you own delicious organic bar. Can there be a better way to impress your friends?

an ethereal place that will leave you spellbound.

10

Venezuela is home to some of South America’s most incredible landscapes, including the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls. Located in Canaima National Park, the falls are 16 times the Venture deep inside a Mayan height of Niagara Falls. Getting to the cave in Belize falls is an adventure in itself: visitors In the foothills of the Maya journey there by small propeller plane Mountains, Actun Tunichil and motorised canoe.

Muknal is a three-mile (4.8km) long cave Along the way are a series of smaller where deep inside lies a 1,200-yearwaterfalls to photograph. At one of old Mayan burial site complete with these, you can go behind and then skulls and bones. Getting swim under. All of the smaller there is a real adventure. falls have curious-looking After a 45-minute hike, reddish water due to the s bean ha three river crossings and high mineral content. b ri a C The orld SCO W a swim through dark At Angel Falls itself, 22 UNE Sites. The e Heritag e English tunnels, you clamber visitors can stay in latest, th Antigua, in past massive stalactites. simple hammock camps r u o Harb ded was ad The destination? A lofty for a night or two to see in 2016 chamber where priests the falls at different times conducted their rituals; of the day and night. •

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Fall for Venezuela

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the

CARIBBEAN ROOTS

history makers Multiple human forces have been at play in the Caribbean over the last 7,000 years and discovering their legacy today is one of the great rewards of travelling to the region

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ew parts of the world offer so many diverse cultures living side by side amid such gorgeous tropical scenery. And every Caribbean country has compelling sights where you can connect with the past, from military forts and the ruins of sugar mills to national museums and monuments that commemorate the struggles, achievements and personalities that have helped shape the Caribbean we see today.

In the beginning The first inhabitants of the Caribbean were Amerindians and you can still see reminders of their presence.

In Anguilla, the Fountain Cavern National Park has rock art dating from 400 AD that was created by the Arawaks in what is considered the oldest cave used for ritual ceremonies in the region. In southern Guyana, Makatau mountain has over 600 of their petroglyphs, dating from 30005000 BC. The descendants of the Arawaks’ successors, the Caribs, survive in the Kalinago Territory on Dominica, where you can visit a recreated traditional village, Kalinago Barana Autê, to learn about their culture.

The Caguana Ceremonial Ball

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Courts Site in Puerto Rico dates back to the indigenous Taíno people in the 13th-15th centuries, while The Bahamas’ Clifton Heritage National Park has a replica hut recalling the days of the islands’ first settlers, the Lucayans.

The jungles of Belize contain a wealth of Mayan archaeological sites, including Caracol with its magnificent stepped pyramid rising to 140ft (42m).

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There’s plenty to keep history buffs happy in the Caribbean

A new world The arrival of Europeans in the late On Jamaica, Greenwood Great House 15th century, starting with the Spanish is a grand authentically furnished and soon followed by the British, French plantation owner’s residence, built in the and Dutch, transformed the region and 1800’s. Other nations that have left their has left a treasury of historic sites to mark include the Irish in Montserrat, explore. where St Patrick’s Day is an annual Cuba’s capital, Havana, is richly public holiday. stocked with Spanish colonial Never to be forgotten, the stain of architecture, including the slavery is remembered in massive Fortaleza de San the Pompey Museum of Visitors to Montserrat receive a shamrockCarlos de la Cabaña, which Slavery and Emancipation shaped stamp in their was completed in 1774. in Nassau, in The Bahamas, passport – a reminder of the island’s Irish heritage, On St. Eustatius Eustatius, while the Amazing Grace dating back to the 1630s Oranjestad is home to the Experience Visitor Centre ruins of a Dutch Reformed on St. Kitts reveals the Church originally built in 1755, while island’s connection to this famous and Willemstad in Curaçao has examples inspirational hymn. of well-preserved Dutch buildings from The colossal Citadelle Laferrière in both the 17th and 18th centuries.

Haiti bears physical testament to The remnants of military forts survive the slave revolution of 1804 that on the French islands of Martinique and lead to the formation of the world’s Saint-Martin, while Fort Amsterdam, Saint-Martin first independent black republic. which dates from 1631, is a reminder of On the west coast of Trinidad, the Dutch rule in St. Maarten.

Indian Caribbean Museum documents Links with British colonial rule live the history of East Indians in the on in Barbados at Garrison Savannah Caribbean, while daily life on a small in Bridgetown, where military buildings island is poignantly captured in The and a horse-racing course from 1845 Heritage Collection Museum in Anguilla. are still in use today.

Elsewhere, many destinations also

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The arrival of Europeans in the late 15th century, starting with the Spanish and soon followed by the British, French and Dutch, transformed the region

have trails and national museums that reveal their complex history, such as the Georgetown Heritage Trail in the capital of Guyana and the National Museum and Art Gallery of Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain with its haul of artifacts.

Heroes and leaders Many remarkable individuals have left their stamp on the Caribbean – starting with the local currency in your

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pocket. In Jamaica, Queen Nanny – leader of the Maroon community of runaway slaves – features on its 500-dollar bill, while Nevis-native Alexander Hamilton, who rose to become the United States’ first Secretary of the Treasury, is portrayed on its 10-dollar bill.

In Barbados, George Washington House is named after the first US President, who stayed here in 1751, while the British Naval commander Horatio Nelson is remembered in Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua. On St. Eustatius, the St Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum occupies the restored 18thcentury house of Simon Doncker, a wealthy Dutch merchant.

More latter-day heroes (and heroines) are celebrated in Havana’s Fidel Castro Museum in Cuba and Kingston’s Bob Marley Museum in Jamaica, while sports and music stars are often acknowledged out on the streets.

In Grenada, Kirani James Boulevard celebrates the island’s Olympic medalwinning sprinter while last year, Rihanna Drive – a tribute to the superstar pop singer and proud island native – was unveiled in Barbados. •

The pirates of the Caribbean were for real: in the 17th century, Port Royal in Jamaica was a major base for their raids on Spanish ships

A local proudly flies the flag for Cuba

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get caught on

the hop MOVING AROUND

Moving between the Caribbean’s diverse islands and countries, sprinkled across the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, is simpler than you think

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lights from the UK to the Caribbean usually depart in the morning, which means you may well arrive in time for a swim and a sundowner at your hotel before enjoying dinner under the stars.

Leave the UK after breakfast and be in the Caribbean for sundowners If you’re travelling via popular hubs such as Barbados and Antigua, many sameday connections are available scenic ferry routes are those linking to smaller airports in destinations Bequia with St. Vincent, in St. Vincent such as the British Virgin Islands, and The Grenadines, and Antigua with Dominica, Anguilla and St. Vincent.

Montserrat. Such services are also Regional airlines like InterCaribbean ideal for travelling within and between Airways and Liat provide extensive the British Virgin Islands, around The links between many Bahamas, and between islands – the latter, along Saint-Martin and Anguilla.

Get in the holiday spirit: with Fly Jamaica Airways, Saint Lucia, Martinique Cayman Airways offers also serves Guyana. and Dominica are linked by passengers a free rum punch on its international Puerto Rico and Belize the Express Des Iles ferry flights to and from the Cayman Islands can be reached via Miami. service. Two catamarans St. Maarten is another each seat 300 passengers. excellent gateway, easily Some hotels use their accessed on direct flights from Paris own boats for airport transfers, such as or Amsterdam – from here, Winair’s the Four Seasons Resort Nevis which destinations include St. Eustatius, connects guests travelling to Nevis Haiti and Curaçao. with long-haul flights into St. Kitts. If Other islands with ‘direct’ flights from you prefer to travel at your own pace, the UK are The Bahamas, the Cayman sailing from island to island by yacht is a Islands, Cuba, Grenada, Jamaica, favourite way to hop around the limpid St. Kitts, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and waters of Antigua and Barbuda, the Tobago and Turks and Caicos.

British Virgin Islands and St. Vincent and The Grenadines. Expert companies On the ocean wave such as Sunsail and The Moorings offer Taking to the water is a smart idea in yachts for charter with or without crew, the Caribbean, whether you travel by and their options range from a bareboat ferry, high-speed catamaran, private voyage around the tranquil cayes of speedboat or yacht. Some highly Belize to a week sailing north from

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Saint Lucia to Martinique that wraps up with a tipsy tour of the French island’s rum distilleries.

Cruise control Cruising is an immensely popular way to explore the Caribbean and invariably good value. It’s the best way to see a little of everything in comfort – for example the 929-passenger ship Braemar, operated by Fred. Olsen Cruises, offers voyages that drop

Drop anchor at up to 10 islands during a two-week cruise

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Quelle bonne idée! The low-cost carrier LEVEL will launch direct flights from Paris Orly to the French island of Martinique in July 2018

e ght. Th Travel li is a warm n a Caribbe ual place, and cas wardrobe a so pack ose, easy that’s lo lish! and sty

programme. Other cruise lines sailing the Caribbean include Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Celebrity.

Shore excursions are an important part of such holidays – ‘destination immersion’ is a key theme for the ships of Azmara Club Cruises which tend to linger longer in port and offer experiences ranging from stargazing in Antigua to tackling the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line – the world’s longest flight line over open water – in Haiti.

Love the romance of sail? Then join one of Star Clippers’s hi-tech tall ships from St. Maarten and Barbados. Weeklong cruises can include Anguilla, St. Kitts and the British Virgin Islands.

much quieter Carriacou to the north-east.

There’s a similar sense of escape if you pair the Puerto Rico mainland with low-key, beach-fringed Culebra, or take a speedboat from the coast of Belize to a tiny, pancakeflat, one-hotel islet such as St George’s Caye or South Water Caye.

For a longer island-hopping journey, head to St. Vincent and The Grenadines, where you can work your way south down the idyllic chain of 32 islands including Bequia, Mayreau, Canouan and Union Island, using the local ferry and cargo boats. •

Fly The Whale operates charter flights by seaplane between Florida and The Bahamas and also has bases in Puerto Rico

Double the fun anchor at ten islands over a fortnight.

Sailing a circular route from Barbados, passengers get a taste of Dutch, French and Spanish cultures as well as stops at scenic favourites such as Jamaica, Grenada and Saint Lucia.

Viking Cruises has a similar ‘West Indies Explorer’ round tour from Puerto Rico while Martinique, Tobago and St. Vincent and The Grenadines are included in Seabourn’s cruise

The geography of the Caribbean makes it particularly easy to visit two or more islands in one trip and the sister isles of St. Kitts and Nevis are a classic example and just two miles (3.2km) apart. The first is a long, mountainous island with a unique scenic train ride, while the second has characterful plantation-style hotels and the stunning Nevis Peak.

On Grenada, it’s fun to slip away – as many locals do – to the smaller and

Fall hook, line, and sinker for life on the ocean wave

Romance & Wellness

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Follow your heart to St. Kitts, a place where laughter carries

LGW

down the beach on a warm breeze and welcoming smiles linger on every friendly face. Home to historic sugar plantations, a scenic railway, sunken ships, and playful wild monkeys, our intriguing island has its own special brand of kicking back and relaxing. We call it limin’... and we’re pretty sure that once

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you’ve tried it, you’ll want to return again and again.

Discover more at StKittsTourism.kn

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love

islands

Whether its vows with ‘wows’, a romantic rendezvous for two or a love island à deux, you’ll find romance in the air

ROMANCE

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Fall under the romantic spell of the Caribbean

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oft powdery sands, stunning sunsets, luxury over-the-water suites and lush tropical hideaways; the Caribbean provides the perfect stage for an idyllic wedding ceremony or romantic honeymoon.

Exchange your vows on a luxury yacht in Saint Lucia, or beside a thundering waterfall in St. Kitts, or perhaps a Mayan temple in Belize could be the setting?

Afterwards, laze in a hammock for two, while sipping chilled champagne delivered by zip-wire, of course.

Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach extends as far as the eye can see and there are pristine unspoilt beaches in Jamaica, Anguilla, Grenada, Barbados, Curaçao and Tobago. Haiti also boasts some lesser-known gems.

What can be more romantic than a private love island? Palm Island and Petit St Vincent, both in the beautiful Grenadines, offer a unique romantic escape. Palm Island is mobile phonefree (Wi-Fi only in the lobby), so there will be absolutely no distractions.

Barefoot chic

Big-day backdrops

Stroll hand-in-hand along some of the world’s most iconic white-sand beaches – or perhaps one that’s pretty in pink?

You’ll find them at Harbour Island and Eleuthera in The Bahamas, Crane Beach, Barbados, and Low Bay, Barbuda – and you won’t need rose-tinted glasses.

Everyone wants their big day to go smoothly. Thankfully in the Caribbean, there are a plethora of wedding planners on hand to ensure that your big day goes without a hitch.

Hotels and resorts of all categories offer an abundance of wedding

packages and many include extras such as a free overnight stay, a wedding cake or a photographer.

Before choosing your island or country, check the legal requirements for getting wed, as some require more paperwork than others. Minimum residency periods also vary.

Antigua is one of the many islands that does not require a pre-residency period before the big day. And special wedding and honeymoon packages are available during its ‘June is Romance Month’ promotion.

In Dominica, Grenada, and sister islands Petite Martinique and Carriacou, UK couples must stay 24 hours before they can apply for a licence to marry.

On St. Eustatius, it’s at least three weeks’ notice before the big day.

Once the island has been chosen, and the date set, there’s the venue to 

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Say ‘I do’ to an unforgettable wedding experience decide upon, and there’s a stunning And for the truly adventurous couple, variety of backdrops to choose from. how about an underwater wedding in How about a luxury yacht? Or an overthe Cayman Islands? the-water wedding chapel with the sea lapping all around you (available Honeymoon hideaways at Sandals’ South Coast Jamaica and Boutique boltholes, all-inclusive resorts Grande St Lucian, Saint Lucia). Sandals’ and luxury hotels provide plenty of Aisle to Isle wedding packages offers choice for all budgets. a myriad of other options too.

Chauffeured Rolls-Royce airport Historic wedding venues to choose transfers are included for couples from on St. Eustatius include historic staying in the top suites at Sandals’ Fort Oranje (built in 1636), the Dutch Royal Barbados, which opened in late Reformed Church and The Miriam C. 2017. The all-suite resort also features Smith Botanical Gardens. millionaire suites, sky-pool suites Couples staying at Cap Maison, and swim-up suites, some with their Saint Lucia, can marry on a clifftop, a own private pool and hot tubs. secluded sandy beach, luxury yacht The boutique Silversands Grenada, or on a roof-top terrace. They can a member of Leading Hotels of the also have exclusive use of the World, became the Spice Isle’s resort. Wedding packages latest luxe hotspot when it include celebrant and opened on Grand Anse ceremony paraphernalia, Beach in early 2018. e e fr such as Extras otographs and champagne can be Its 43 suites and nine h cake, p ded rooms, delivered via zip-line for villas offer minimalist ra g p m and u inimu uire a m , so q the reception afterwards. design and ‘understated re y a y m of sta length what’s The Atlantis Resort in luxury’, plus there’s a spa check d The Bahamas offers 15 offering locally-inspired include ceremony venues and a host treatments, artworks from of wedding-package options the owner’s private collection, and AMResorts have all-inclusive and the Caribbean’s longest pool at resorts in Jamaica, Curaçao and Puerto 100-metres.

Rico, offering wedding and honeymoon Nevis has countless plantation house packages, as do SuperClubs, with hotels that are perfect for couples resorts in Jamaica and The Bahamas. wanting to chill. Or twin a stay on the A traditional Jewish wedding is island with time on nearby St. Kitts, available at the synagogue in Curaçao; where the 126-room Park Hyatt opened the only synagogue operating in the on Banana Bay in late 2017.

Caribbean – however, you’ll have to Elegant Hotels’ first Antigua hotel, the apply to the city council a year in all-suite and villa Hodges Bay, opens advance and prove that you are Jewish. in 2018 in a secluded setting. •

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Sea shells make pretty table decorations

PICTURE TO COME

Heels aren’t really an option!

A little corner of paradise

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JAMAICA

SAINT

LUCIA

ANTIGUA

BAHAMAS

GRENADA

BARBADOS

From SWIM-UP POOL BARS and PRIVATE OFFSHORE ISLANDS to ONE-OF-A-KIND SUITES and OVER-THE-WATER INNOVATIONS – we've been leading the way from the very beginning!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE WORLD’S LEADING ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS Call Agency Sales 020 7590 0210 | Email agencysales@sandals.co.uk | Visit sellingsandals.co.uk OR TO BOOK Call 0808 164 3459 | Visit sandals.co.uk/agents

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experience

Park Hyatt St. Kitts

Rare and magical moments begin here…

Excellence without exception: our Nevis Peak Suite

Truly uncommon Nestled within Christophe Harbour development on a nearlyuntouched area of the island of St. Kitts called The Peninsula, Park Hyatt St. Kitts offers the unparalleled Park Hyatt experience for discerning leisure travellers to this idyllic destination. The resort offers golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters overlooking The Narrows – a majestic straight separating St. Kitts and its volcanic sister-island of Nevis.

Perfecting elegance with uncommon art

Our motto – food thoughtfully sourced and carefully served

Classic style

Our ad mimics ult-only pool the arches o centuries-old Hill – a U f Brimstone NES Heritage CO World Site St. Kitts on

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together all

now

From close encounters with stingrays to supervised children’s clubs and beach horse riding, the Caribbean provides endless family fun

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adventure at Cap Maison, Saint Lucia.

Dressed as a pirate, young ones will quickly get swept along, firing the black powder cannons and even walking the ‘plank’! Meanwhile, parents can sit back and enjoy the voyage to the Diamond Botanical Gardens and Sulphur Springs, Saint Lucia’s drive-in volcano.

Other Pirates of the Caribbean-themed activities offered by the hotel include a treasure hunt on Pigeon Island, and a trip to Black Bay in Vieux Fort, where Blackbeard allegedly stored his treasure.

Up and under The skies really are the limit on Jamaica, Belize, Haiti, Grenada and Saint Lucia.

Young ones will love the aerial tram that glides silently through the Saint Lucian

Shiver me timbers! Pirate adventures await… rainforest with its hummingbirds and and its Ostrich Farm in Santa Catharina gigantic gommier trees. Older ones provides fun for all the family. will find thrills aplenty on the other islands’ exciting zip-lines.

Days out The Caribbean’s warm, clear seas Iguanas, turtles, volcanoes and trains provide hours of fishy fun, too. Swim make a great day out. Mingle with among huge stingrays at Stingray City, blue iguanas at the Queen Elizabeth II just a boat ride from Grand Cayman or Botanic Park on Grand Cayman or Antigua – even little ones can take a safari and learn about join in the feeding from the the breeding programme shallows of the sandbar. that saved these ing tt o Swimming with dragon-like creatures p s Turtle March – is n dolphins makes for a from extinction. o e s n a o e s opt ber. Ad memorable day out in Watching turtles Septem rity and help a via a ch ation efforts St. Martin/St. Maarten, hatch is a once-in-aconserv a, St. Kitts u g ti the British Virgin Islands lifetime experience on n A in ago and Tob and St. Kitts, and families Saint-Martin, St. Kitts, that don’t want to get their Trinidad and Tobago and feet wet can enjoy the ocean’s Antigua – why not join stunning marine life from an Atlantis a conservation project? submarine in Grand Cayman and Jump aboard the St. Kitts doubleBarbados. Curaçao’s Sea Aquarium deck scenic railway for a relaxed tour offers more than 400 species of fish, through the island’s sugar plantations. 

A FAMILY AFFAIR

olidays provide a wonderful opportunity for the family to spend quality time together – and the Caribbean’s multifarious islands and countries provide oceans of experiences and happy memories that will last a lifetime.

Capture your children’s smiles on camera as they jump aboard the galleon pirate ship, Black Magic, for a seafaring

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All-inclusive resorts and family hotels come in all shapes and sizes in the Caribbean - and offer a variety of supervised children’s clubs, activities and entertainment for all ages

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All things bright and beautiful… under the sea In Montserrat, get up close to Soufrière Hills, the Caribbean’s most active volcano.

Spot colourful tropical fish and turtles on dive or snorkel trips with Aquanauts, Grenada, and learn local arts and crafts skills at Coconut Bay Beach Resort, Saint Lucia.

A gallop along the sands of Barkers Beach, Grand Cayman, and a swim with your horse is fun for all the family.

Afterwards, enjoy a film at the island’s Camana Bay open-air cinema and watch the stars beneath the stars.

There’s plenty to keep teens active: Martinique offers Aqualand water park, featuring adrenalin-pumping waterslides and a wave pool while adventurers will love climbing to the top of Pic Paradise, the highest peak of Saint-Martin, or exploring the Hato Caves of Curaçao.



Family hotels and resorts All-inclusive resorts and family hotels come in all shapes and sizes in the Caribbean – and offer a variety of supervised children’s clubs, activities and entertainment for all ages.

Families will never go hungry at Beaches Turks & Caicos. New food trucks offering macaroni and cheese and icy treats join the resort’s 21 restaurants and Wednesday Night Fish Fry. Young ones from the age of four can also enjoy a taste of scuba diving with SNUBA Doo® and SNUBA® (also at Beaches Jamaica).

A 141-acre water park provides plenty of thrills at Atlantis Paradise Island in The Bahamas. A 200-foot body slide, down a 60-foot almost-vertical drop from a Mayan temple, a nightclub and an Internet lounge with gaming

consoles will keep older ones amused.

Young ones can feed baby stingrays, sharks and fish in the fish nursery, become a junior dolphin trainer for the day and learn how to care for the resort’s 50,000 sea creatures.

Sunscape Splash Montego Bay, Jamaica, offers a pirate-themed waterpark with a lazy river and two waterslides, supervised Explorer’s Club for three to 12-year-olds, babysitting service and a Bubblemaker introductory scuba programme for eight to 10-year-olds.

Grafton Beach Resort, Tobago, relies on old-fashioned classic board games to entertain all of the family.

Luxury Carlisle Bay, Antigua, offers treasure hunts, tennis coaching and supervised activities during school holidays. Elite Island Resorts has three family friendly hotels with free kids’ clubs and non-motorised water-sports – St James’s Club Morgan Bay, Saint Lucia, and St James’s Club and Villas and The Veranda, both on Antigua.

…and luxury villas

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For multi-generational families and groups of friends travelling together, villas are a great choice because they offer space, privacy and the freedom to do as they please. •

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Quintessence Hotel, Anguilla

Boutique boltholes, beachfront hotels and over-the-water villas, the Caribbean offers it all. Here are seven of the best…

Ladera Resort, Saint Lucia You get a view with a room at this boutique hotel. All 37 rooms feature an open wall, so you can admire 360-degree views of the sea and Pitons.

Set on a volcano ridgeline high above the sea, the hotel is built on Rabot Estate, one of Soufrière’s oldest cocoa plantations. Every room comes with binoculars and a star chart, so you can gaze up at the skies when darkness falls.

Castara Retreats, Tobago These 16 treehousestyle hillside lodges provide a bird’s-eye view of two stunning backdrops – crescent-shaped Castara Bay and lush rainforest. Set in two acres of tropical gardens, the self-catering lodges are handcrafted in cedar hardwood, sustainably sourced from the island’s rainforest. The vibe is laid-back, with only the sounds of surf and birdsong disturbing the peace.

The ‘Q Hotel’ is Anguilla’s latest ultra-luxe hotspot and is lavishly furnished with highquality furnishings, Swedish Hastens mattresses, antiques and a fine collection of Haitian Art. The nine luxury suites and villas are set in tropical gardens overlooking the white sands of Long Bay. Executive Chef, Dominique Thevenet, serves Caribbean cuisine with a French twist in the fine-dining Julians restaurant, plus there’s an infinity pool, yoga pavilion, spa, and 24-hour butler service.

Sandals Royal Caribbean, Jamaica You can enjoy sea views beneath you, as well as all around you, thanks to glass floors in the bedrooms of the resort’s over-the-water Tahitistyle bungalows. The villas come with pampering butler service, lights for night sealife viewing and outdoor tubs.

There’s also a private beach and a dragon boat to take you to the mainland if the serenity somehow palls.

Lumina Point, Stocking Island, The Bahamas The only way to reach this hidden gem, off Great Exuma, is by the hotel’s private boat. With views over Elizabeth Harbour and Turtle Lagoon, the 12 water-front rooms, with large verandahs and outdoor showers, are within toe-dipping distance of the sea.

There’s a private beach, farm-to-table restaurant, spa, yoga and sailing for those who stir from their loungers.

Montpelier Plantation & Beach, Nevis Built around an 18th-century sugar plantation in the foothills of Nevis Peak, this boutique hideaway offers Relais & Chateaux hospitality with AAA Four Diamond food, fine wine and aged rums.

Surrounded by 60 acres of tropical gardens, there’s a choice of premier or plantation rooms, a ‘green’ garden suite with bamboo flooring and wide jalousie windows for cooling air flow.

Mahogany Bay Resort, Belize Inspired by the rustic charm of Belize and the elegance of British colonial architecture, Mahogany Bay Resort offers 205 apartments with private beachfront access and saltwater pool overlooking the bay. Swim with the friendliest of sharks in Shark Ray Alley or relax in the wellness centre with spa and yoga services. The resort is a popular choice for divers, who come here to explore the Belize Barrier Reef.

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SEVEN OF THE BEST

view rooms with a

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party join the

From jammin’ at a fish fry to dancing to soca music at a carnival, socialising with the locals will make your Caribbean holiday rock!

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he Caribbean’s fabulous sun and sea will make your holiday memorable, but the friendly warmth of its people is what makes for a truly unforgettable experience.

And you don’t have to party hard to join in the fun – conservation and cookery classes are enjoyable, too.

Fish and sips

GOING LOCAL

The Caribbean’s weekly fish-fry street parties are as lively as they are legendary. Dance to the Bajan beat at Oistins Friday Night Fish Fry in Barbados and tuck into lip-smacking barbecued seafood.

‘Lime’ (Creole for ‘hang out’) with the locals at Sunday School in Buccoo, Tobago, and tuck into crab cakes and conch at the Anse La Raye (fish fry) and Gros Islet (street party) in Saint Lucia.

Then there’s the weekly fish fry in Turks & Caicos, every Thursday evening.

On Nevis, Nisbet Plantation Beach Club takes guests on a pub crawl away from the usual tourist trail.

Antigua & Barbuda’s Beach Bar Trail takes you to foodie gems and hidden hangouts that only locals know about. Islander Nicole Arthurton offers Caribbean cookery classes and rum tastings with food pairings – delicious!

Don’t miss the buzzing Sunday evening party at Shirley Heights, where you can also drink in superb bird’s eye views of the English and Falmouth Harbours below.

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Festival fever Put your dancing shoes on – it’s carnival time! Join the colourful parades, masqueraders and soca, reggae and calypso musicians who take to the streets in most of the Caribbean destinations, including Trinidad, Come see the heady sights of the carnival Tobago, The Cayman Islands, The Bahamas, St. Kitts, Martinique, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent Bay Resort & Marina, Saint Lucia, and The Grenadines, Grenada will show how it’s done, highlighting and Anguilla. the traditional flavours and cooking Now in its 12th year, the St. Kitts’ techniques of Caribbean cuisine. Its Music Festival is held between 27 June chef-led ‘Farm to Table’ tour shows and 1 July. Headliners confirmed so far guests how to cook produce from the include Lauryn Hill and Patti Labelle. hotel kitchen garden. For guests with Saint Lucia’s festival season an artistic ‘palette’, there’s an sizzles with Food & Rum art tour around a painter’s (January), Jazz (May), studio, too.

Roots & Soul (31 August– Guests at The Colony : e shy Don’t b l or a 2 September) and Club, Barbados, can a c ask a lo loyee to p Arts & Heritage (all of learn how to catch their m e l hote ere to end wh eat. m October). Barbados’ own supper on its ‘Bait m o c re what to go and l know the Food & Rum festival to Plate’ tour and il They w places takes place in November. chefs will cook their best The Chocolate Fest catch afterwards.

(May) is Grenada’s sweetest On Antigua, foodies can treat. A packed programme of learn to cook with rum at Nicole’s cocoa-inspired attractions, events and Table. The class is just one of several plantation tours includes facials, popoffered by ex-chef Nicole Arthurton up restaurants, yoga and meditation.

Dennis at her lovely home in St Johns.

You’ll tuck into the delicious food you Spice it up prepare while drinking in superlative It ain’t half hot in the Caribbean – and views of the glittering Caribbean Sea. we’re not just talking about the balmy weather! Locals like their food hot Good sports and spicy, and the Capella Marigot Watch boats racing for glory in the

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W F C H S Y F

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Music is a huge part of Caribbean culture

Be spontaneous: fun comes from unexpected places. Try a fish fry, join in a conservation project, or dance along with carnival masqueraders

first week of August at Grenada’s Carriacou Regatta. There are volleyball competitions, donkey races, and lots of music, of course!

Join in the fun at Bequia’s Easter regatta, where races and beach parties entertain the crowds.

It’s full sail ahead for the British Virgin Islands’ (BVI) charter companies who have brought new yachts to the islands,

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following damage caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria last year. The popular BVI Regatta is held yearly, over the months of March and April.

Home from home What better way to go local than to stay with a family or join a conservation project? Homestays (like B&Bs) are available on many islands, including

Cuba, Dominica, Puerto Rico, Curaçao, Montserrat, Guyana, Martinique, Jamaica and St. Eustatius.

Those with an adventurous spirit may prefer to stay with an indigenous tribe in the remote heart of Dominica or Guyana, where dawn treks, canoe trips and craft-making are an opportunity to learn about their way of life.

Jamaica’s ‘Meet the People’ programme matches visitors to locals with similar interests or professions and brilliantly, it is completely free.

Dominica is inviting visitors to help restore the Indian River and the Waitukubuli National Trail, the Caribbean’s first long-distance walking path, back to their former glory, following the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Maria last year.

Guests staying at Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia, have the opportunity to get hands-on with reef cleaning and tree planting. •

That’s why we offer a great selection of carefully selected accommodation across the Caribbean islands, a direct 24hr holiday helpline, low deposits and guaranteed ATOL protection For more information or to book, visit ba.com/caribbean or call 0344 493 0120

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feeling green

The lush landscapes and radiant flora of the Caribbean can be enjoyed everywhere, so get your walking boots on – it’s beautiful out there!

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hether it’s a romantic sunset stroll along surf-licked sands in Turks and Caicos or a sweaty climb up a jungle-cloaked volcano in Martinique, the Caribbean is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors.

The variety of experiences is huge, from trampling through thick and dripping rainforest to breezy clifftop walks and gentle ambles around botanical gardens that have been lovingly tended for over a century.

All destinations have well-established parks and walking trails that allow visitors of all ages and abilities to appreciate their natural beauty, from the many different types of cacti in Curaçao to over 300 species of orchid in Haiti.

St. Vincent Botanic Gardens, St. Vincent and The Grenadines Established in 1765, this 20-acre (eight-hectare) sanctuary just north of Kingstown is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the estern hemisphere.

A star attraction is the offspring of a breadfruit tree brought to St. Vincent and the Grenadines from the South Pacific by Captain Bligh in 1793. Now a common sight on many islands, the tree’s fruit is a staple Caribbean dish cooked in many ways, including roasting and frying as chips.

A walk beside the mature trees and grassy lawns here offers an escape from the bustle of the capital – look out for the aviary, with its rare St Vincent parrots, the national bird, and there’s a Doric Temple in the grounds, too.

Mt Liamuiga, St. Kitts The 3,972ft (1,120m) peak of Mt Liamuiga that crowns St. Kitts is a magnificent rainforest-clad volcano that presents hikers with a decent but achievable challenge, best done with a local guide and on a cloud-free morning. The two-hour climb begins near Newton Ground and ascends steeply, passing mighty ficus and mango trees before eventually reaching the rim of a vast volcanic crater. Around 700ft (213m) below lies a silent green world, one of the Caribbean’s many secret places.

Iwokrama Forest, Guyana

STEPS AHEAD

Covering 1,430 square miles (3,710 sq km) in central Guyana, Iwokrama is one of the last pristine tropical forests in the world. It’s renowned for the richness of its bird life, fish and bat species, and as one of the

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Admire the views from the many hiking trails best places to see jaguar in the wild.

Resident mammals include anteaters, armadillos and sloths. You can base yourself at Iwokrama River Lodge, which has cabins set beside the Essequibo River. Activities include a 505ft (154m) canopy walkway to look for macaws, toucans and howler monkeys, a boat trip and then hike up Turtle Mountain for a stunning view over the jungle.

Gros Piton, Saint Lucia The steep-sided twin peaks of the Pitons, shooting up from the west coast of Saint Lucia, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising to 2,614ft (796m), Gros Piton is a little higher than its sister, Petit Piton, and the one to climb: registered guides are provided.

The four-hour round trek isn’t easy, but there is immense satisfaction and superb views to be had at the summit.

Afterwards, take a refreshing dip and celebrate – with a cool Piton beer!

Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands Clear your head with a bracing clifftop walk along the 153ft (46m) high Bluff at the east end of Cayman Brac in the Cayman Islands. It’s one of 35 well-marked trails on the island, which

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Mt Liamuiga on St. Kitts presents hikers with a decent but achievable challenge

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A waterfall presents the perfect opportunity to cool off you can follow yourself, or alternatively join a free guided tour with Nature Cayman. Interpretive signs and ecology panels provide information on local trees and plants. Try the moderate-level Lighthouse Footpath from Spot Bay that is a three-hour round trip – rare brown boobies breed in the caves below.

Private gardens tour, Grenada Grenada is attractive to horticulturalists – lin 2017 the island won its 13th Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

in London. The prize floral displays are picked from plants raised in nurseries, estates and private gardens around the island, which can be visited on tours with local operator Caribbean Horizons.

Stops may include Hyde Park Garden, with its fine views over the capital, and the St Rose Nursery, which often provides the foliage for Chelsea.

The Quill, St. Eustatius A visit to St. Eustatius is not complete without at least one hike along the

Getting outdoors and exploring is part of the appeal island’s many trails. The paths are surrounded by a wide diversity of vegetation. Cacti and shrubs dominate the lower parts, but the higher hikers go, the greener and more colourful the plants and flowers become.

A highlight is climbing ‘The Quill’ for phenomenal views of the neighbouring islands. Then comes the memorable descent into the crater, where giant trees and pretty flowers grow in a world all their own, and critters scurry across the forest floor. •

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The Caribbean Airline

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visitcaymanislands.com

a jewel in the

Caribbean’s crown W

ith sweeping, soft-white attractions continue to draw sunbeaches and tranquil turquoise seekers, with the warm, friendly seas, the Cayman Islands are a little nature of local Caymanians creating pocket of heaven and promise an a seriously relaxed atmosphere. idyllic island escape.

Grand Cayman is the largest of The three islands of the three islands and the main Did you Grand Cayman, Cayman entry point for visitors. know that Bri tish Airw Brac and Little Cayman Combining the best of both a ys offers fo ur direc are also steeped in a worlds, its cosmopolitan t flights a week fro deep cultural history, capital, George Town, m London Heathro w to celebrating their unique offers a lively range of bars, Grand C ayman? seafaring heritage. restaurants, museums and

Visitors can sample local culinary delicacies, dive the Kittiwake shipwreck, and discover the rare indigenous Blue Iguanas at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.

Few other sun-kissed islands in the Caribbean can offer this diversity of experiences all in one place.

A warm welcome The Cayman Islands caters for family holidays, romantic escapes, culinary journeys, diving adventures and for those simply looking to switch off.

The magical underwater scenery, impressive culinary scene and cultural

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the famous Bloody Bay Wall. With its unspoilt natural beauty, Cayman Brac makes for a perfect adventurous Caribbean holiday. Visitors can take in the breathtaking view from the top of the Bluff, explore the caves, or discover the many wrecks and reefs underwater.

Whatever it is that calls you to the Cayman Islands, you can’t fail to be entranced by the treasure trove of delights that await…

duty-free shopping, while in contrast, there’s a more laid-back vibe on the East End of the island. Here you’ll find traditional hammock-strewn beaches and wooden fish-fry shacks.

It’s a family affair For those looking to expand their holiday beyond Grand Cayman, the sister islands offer a whole host of different activities. Little Cayman, the smallest of the three islands, has the feel of a private island with just a handful of intimate resorts. Many come to relax on secluded beaches or explore the dramatic underwater vistas of

Take in the dramatic view from the Bluff, Cayman Brac

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highlights of the Cayman Islands

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Unwind in paradise

With white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and gently swaying hammocks, the Cayman Islands are a natural backdrop for some R&R. As well as the peace and serenity of the islands, there are several spa and fitness options. Whether it’s SUP yoga on the serene sea, a reviving massage to help with jetlag or a body scrub using natural ingredients, it’s the perfect place to detoxify mind, body and soul.

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Paddleboarding into the sunset

The uninhabited Owen Island off Little Cayman is perfect for two

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Meeting the friendly residents of Stingray City

Nature-based activities to enjoy include bird watching at the islands’ sanctuaries and kayaking through mangroves to learn about different flora and fauna.

Naturalists will love the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park where the rare, native Blue Iguana roams, and marvel at the spectacular Crystal Caves. And of course, there’s another world ripe for exploration under the sea…

Made for two

With sun-drenched beaches, pristine blue oceans and hammocks wide enough for two to enjoy an evening under the stars, the Cayman Islands provides an island experience just made for sharing.

Couples looking to tie the knot in paradise or those recently married and looking to get away from it all will fall in love with the Cayman Islands’ secluded beauty.

Dive the deep

A mecca for divers and snorkellers, there are 365 dive sites in the Cayman Islands and countless snorkelling spots suitable for all skill levels. Some of the betterknown sites include the Bloody Bay Wall (Little Cayman), frequently listed as one of the best wall dives in the world, and Stingray City (Grand Cayman), a unique site where wild stingrays congregate in clear shallow waters.

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Swashbuckling shenanigans during Pirates Week

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Get lost in the nature of the Cayman Islands

Food and drink

Dubbed the culinary capital of the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands is a haven for foodies. Fresh seafood and a farm/sea-totable ethos make the food offering diverse and delicious; ranging from fish shacks serving the day’s catch, to high-end dining experiences by world-famous chefs. Two major food festivals, Cayman Cookout and Taste of Cayman, both take place in January.

Pirates Week fun

The Cayman Islands’ annual Pirates Week is one of many festivals in Cayman and a riot of singing, swashbuckling and sea shanties. Taking place each November, visitors can expect a fun-filled week of music, street dances, games, wonderful local food and drink, and even a mock pirate invasion! Great for families and those seeking a helping of local culture.

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Natural wonders

Enjoy the catch of the day in the East End fish fries

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GET ACTIVE

wired! feeling

From zip-wire thrills and spills in the tropical rainforest to wreck diving, swimming with turtles and abseiling down a waterfall, you will find adventures galore all over the Caribbean

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ump in, the water’s lovely! The Caribbean’s warm seas are an open invitation to take the plunge, whether that be a gentle snorkel over a beautiful reef teeming with fish, or swimming alongside graceful turtles.

Glide serenely on a stand-up paddleboard in Saint-Martin and Tobago, paddle a kayak in Belize and St Maarten, or ramp it up and go kitesurfing in St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

You will find instructors close by on all islands to set you on the right course.

…on the water Learn to sail like a professional at the BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia, sailing high-speed performance yachts. Then put your new skills to the test during an exhilarating weekly regatta. Held in partnership with neighbouring Martinique, you’ll be racing in yachts from an impressive fleet, featuring vessels made by world leaders G-Force.

Sailors flock from all over the world to take part in the regattas and activities during the Sailing Weeks of Barbados

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(January), the British Virgin Islands and Antigua (both spring time). Or why not charter a yacht – with or without skipper – and cruise around these islands’ calm seas yourself?

The less active may prefer a glassbottom boat ride, which is available on most islands, including Anguilla.

Take the plunge in the Caribbean

…under the water With some of the world’s top reefs, corals and dive sites surrounding the islands, the Caribbean is a magnet for divers and snorkellers. Choose from The Bahamas, Belize, St. Eustatius, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, St. Vincent & The Grenadines and the Cayman Islands, which has a staggering 365 dive sites alone.

The water surrounding the entire island of St. Eustatius is a protected marine park, established in 1998 to ensure the pristine nature of the fragile reefs and ecosystem. The reefs and sealife are abundant and the reefs are well preserved, making diving a memorable experience for all levels of divers. Natural reefs, walls, mini-walls, wrecks, ledges, drop-offs, volcanic fissures, pinnacles all await offshore.

Come face-to-face with sharks, rays and manatees on Belize’s Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the longest reef in the western

hemisphere. The Great Blue Hole is one of the most spectacular (you can take a helicopter ride over it too). Montserrat’s most spectacular sites include Little Redonda, the Pinnacles and a 19thcentury schooner wreck at Yellow Hole.

Grenada’s 50 dive sites, 20 reefs and 15 wrecks are brimming with sea fans, sea horses, angelfish, barracuda and sharks. New wreck Persia II joins the Caribbean’s largest wreck, Bianca C. A second Dive Festival takes place in October, with beginners’ lessons and free beach dives.

Curaçao’s Dive Festival in the spring attracts serious divers to its workshops, including underwater digital photography. Over in Saint Lucia, divers will spot moray eels and scorpion fish on Petit Trou and pillar coral and turtles on Turtle Reef.

Admire Dominica’s geothermal hot springs and bubbling mud pools in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which includes Boiling Lake, the second largest lake of its kind in the world.

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Grenada’s 50 dive sites, 20 reefs and 15 wrecks are brimming with sea fans, sea horses, angelfish, barracuda and sharks

Striking birdlife is one of Guyana’s highlights

…on dry land

an exhilarating tubing adventure in Enjoy horse-riding in Nevis and Belize’s Cayo District.

Jamaica. A Surf & Turf experience at Guests staying at BodyHoliday and Half Moon, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Rendezvous, Saint Lucia, will be tested includes a guided trek and a swim to their limits with the resort’s new alongside your horse (over-10s only). adventure activities, which include rock The Bahamas, Barbados and climbing up Signal Peak, abseiling 66ft Jamaica offer some of the region’s down the Errand Waterfall, extreme top golf courses, but you’ll also find mountain biking, high-performance challenging fairways and greens sailing, and hiking up the Pitons. on Tobago, Martinique (Golf de la Martinique), Puerto Walk on the wild side Rico (Dorado Beach), With its glorious s rt o sive res All-inclu at way to Anguilla, Haiti (nine-hole abundance of exotic re are a g ithout w Petionville Club), and flora and fauna, the e v ti be ac ank, g the b Mullet Bay Golf Club on Caribbean is the breakin out which ck but che ities are St. Maarten. perfect place to go wild. activ d in the Swim with pigs in the include e c ri p Adventures of a tourist Exuma islands and feed Get a bird’s-eye view of the iguanas at Allan’s Cay, both rainforest on lofty zip-lines in in The Bahamas, or swim with Belize, Haiti, Jamaica, Grenada, dolphins in the British Virgin Islands, Saint Lucia, Trinidad, Antigua and Cuba, St. Kitts, Jamaica and Haiti.

St. Kitts, enjoy breathtaking views of Go turtle-watching in Tobago with Grand Cayman’s coral reefs from a guides from SOS (Save our Sea Turtles) helicopter flown by a former stunt pilot – and then adopt one through the or ramp up the action further by taking charity afterwards. A turtle-monitoring

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activity is also offered by the Four Seasons hotel in Nevis.

Bird-watching is a popular activity in Belize and Guyana, with 900 species of our feathered friends waiting to be spotted in Guyana alone. They include the toco toucan, scarlet macaw, harpy eagle and blood-coloured woodpecker.

Belize is also home to the world’s first jaguar reserve, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, and a sanctuary for howler monkeys.

Look out for scarlet ibis on Trinidad and Tobago. Known locally as ‘flamingo,’ they can be found in the Caroni Bird Sanctuary in the Caroni Swamp, an area set aside by the government for the protection of these colourful birds.

And don’t miss a visit to the Asa Right Nature Reserve, located among mountains deep in Trinidad’s rainforest.

It is known for its wonderful diversity of animal and plant species. For butterfly lovers, many rare and exotic types can be found, flitting and flutttering all around, at the Butterfly Farm on Saint-Martin. •

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rainforest &

HIGHS & LOWS

tropics With its dense rainforests and warm tropical weather, the Caribbean is the ultimate adventure playground – and all you need is a T-shirt, shorts and trainers!

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hat do you fancy today? A to 1,971ft (601m) – after a 45-minute morning hike up a mountain, climb through the forest, you’ll reach followed by a refreshing dip in the the crater rim where you can peer sea? A lazy glide down a river? Or an down at the enchanted green world adventure exploring a cave? below. Fans of canyoning should make St Kitts is one of the few places in the for Martinique, where local operator world where the rainforest is increasing Tropicanyon offers ‘dives’ for beginners in size due to the end of sugar aged 10 and over, as well as more production – a quarter of extreme challenges on the this highly scenic island southern side of its mighty is protected. Greg’s volcano, Mount Pelée. the Go into arly, Safaris runs hikes and Or if you like to combine e st rainfore eat builds. tours by 4x4 vehicle a sweaty hike through h e th before ideal time to into its green and the rainforest with a e th s d It’s pical bir spot tro n to their mountainous interior. cooling massage in a and liste songs You’ll be accompanied thundering waterfall, unique by a knowledgeable local follow the trail to the Seven guide and enjoy an ‘exotic Sisters Falls in Grenada,, which island picnic’. is part of the Grand Etang National Another top destination for lovers of Park and Forest Reserve. mighty trees and muddy jungle is the UNESCO-World-Heritage-Site listed Drifting along Main Ridge Forest Reserve on Tobago, Prefer to kick back? Then try gliding which has been a conservation zone down the Rio Grande near Port Antonio since 1776 and is the oldest protected in Jamaica on a 25ft (7.6m) long rainforest in the western hemisphere. bamboo raft poled by a skilled Covering almost 10,000 acres (4,046 captain – romantics should book a hectares) across the island’s central trip by moonlight. spine, its 3.1 mile (5km) Gilpin Trail In Barbados,, the Carlisle Bay Marine is the most popular hike.

Park, with six wrecks to explore, is a good choice for novice divers, while the Hidden depths more experienced should head to the If you like to discover a secret spot, blue holes of Andros in The Bahamas then head for The Quill, a dormant for a mystical underwater moment. volcano on St. Eustatius that rises Excellent free snorkelling is available

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from the beaches of Curaçao, and Gibbs Cay in Turks & Caicos is home to friendly southern rays. Tobago Cays in The Grenadines is a divine spot to swim with turtles and you can also do this on a boat trip to Monkey Point on Guana Island in the British Virgin Islands.

Or why not discover the ethereal bioluminescent nightlife of Tobago by paddleboard or kayak? Although it faces tough competition from the magical bioluminescent nightlife in Puerto Mosquito (Mosquito Bay), on the southern shore of the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico, which was declared the brightest recorded in the world by the book of Guinness World Records 2008.

Radical Sports Tobago arranges trips to the Bon Accord Lagoon, where you can gaze at these glittering organisms that look like underwater stars. •

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bargain bag a

ON A BUDGET

You don’t have to be a high roller to afford a Caribbean holiday. Read our tips for bagging a bargain and you’ll soon be on your way

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ofty aspirations don’t always require a ridiculously huge budget. With a little planning, you could be feeling the Caribbean’s powdery sand between your toes sooner than you think.

The Caribbean people love to party.

So put on your dancing shoes and join them in their street parades and carnivals. Dance to reggae, soca and steel pan and soak up the Caribbean vibe – all for free. There’s a carnival or festival taking place somewhere in the Caribbean virtually every month.

Trinidad’s carnival (February) is one of the most famous, but there’s also Junkanoo (December – January and June – July) in The Bahamas, Batabano (May) and Pirates Week (November) in the Cayman Islands, plus plenty on other islands and countries, including St. Kitts, St. Vincent and The Grenadines and Martinique. Check the various tourist office websites for dates.

Barbados’ Sugar and Rum Season, which runs until 15 April, features rum distillery tours, cookery classes, and other events, some of which are free.

Street food You don’t have to eat in a fine-dining restaurant for it to taste good, though there are plenty of gourmet options on islands such as Barbados, Anguilla, Martinique, Curaçao, the British Virgin Islands and Saint-Martin.

You’ll find cheap street food, beach

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shacks and fish fries everywhere. Tuck into mouth-watering jerk chicken with rice and peas in Jamaica, lechón aside (spit-roasted suckling pig) in Puerto Rico, callaloo stew in Trinidad and Tobago, cabrito (goat stew) in Montserrat, and pepper pot (meat, pepper and cinnamon stew) in Guyana, its national dish. And do head to one of the weekly fish fries that take place in Barbados (Oistins), Saint Lucia (Anse La Raye), Turks and Caicos (The Bight Park) and Tobago (Sunday School) to tuck into delicious seafood fresh from the sea.

Stay local What better way to get to know an island than through its people? When in Jamaica, consider the island’s ‘Meet the People’ programme which matches visitors to locals with similar interests or professions – it is completely free.

A stay with a family in a homestay – a Caribbean-style B&B – is also a costeffective way to meet local people and experience their lifestyle. You’ll also get the lowdown on the best places to visit, away from the tourist trail. Homestays are also available in Jamaica, Grenada, Guyana, Curaçao, Puerto Rico and St. Eustatius.

Cuba’s casa particulares provide value-for-money accommodation in a diverse range of properties, such as a tobacco farm or a colonial house by the sea.

There are gorgeous villas aplenty

All-inclusive All-for-one-price packages that include food, drinks and activities can work out cheaper for families and sports enthusiasts. Budgeting upfront means there are no nasty surprises on checkout. However, check what the package includes: premium spirits and motorised water-sports can sometimes cost extra.

You will find all-inclusive packages to suit every budget in islands across the Caribbean, but the concept is

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particularly well established in Jamaica, Antigua, The Bahamas, Cuba, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and The Grenadines and Turks and Caicos.

Some luxury resorts now include 24hour dining, gourmet meals, and dinearound options (for example, Sandals in Saint Lucia and AMResorts in Jamaica).

Also, keep your eye out for special deals such as free nights, kids eat free, and board upgrades.

Piggyback your holiday Those on a budget can opt for the cheapest accommodation at a large resort. For example, guests staying at The Beach at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas can enjoy all the facilities and entertainment of the mega resort.

Work for your keep One of the cheapest ways to island hop around the Caribbean is to work your passage on a yacht. Vacancies are advertised on the quayside in sailing hotspots like Antigua, Martinique and the Antigua

British Virgin Islands. Or hop on local passenger ferries, a cheap way to get around and great for people watching.

Spreading the cost Booking a villa with friends and family helps spread the cost and it’s even better if the rental comes with a chef and housekeeper, as many properties do in the Caribbean. As the party size goes up, the cost goes down, with some villas sleeping up to 20 people.

Islands with a good stock of villas include Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, Belize, The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Grenada, Puerto Rico, Martinique, St. Maarten/ Saint-Martin and St. Vincent and The Grenadines.

Joining a yacht crew is one budget-friendly option

Good timing It is cheaper to holiday outside high season (November to March/Mid-April).

Prices are lowest in summer – the so-called rainy season – making the Caribbean a viable alternative to the Mediterranean during these months. •

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All-for-one packages that include food, drinks and activities can work out cheaper for families and sports enthusiasts. Budgeting upfront means there are no nasty surprises at check-out

Soak up the vibe for free

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eco-tourism

experiences SIX OF THE BEST

Eco-tourism is not only good for the planet; it’s also educational and a lot of fun too.

So what are you waiting for?

Turtle watch, Barbados and Tobago For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, join a conservation project in Tobago or Barbados and help ensure the survival of this endangered species. The Barbados Sea Turtle Project, founded over 25 years ago (barbadosseaturtles.org), recruits local and international volunteers between November and May to collect scientific data, and assist with sea turtle rescues.

They have a 24-hour ‘sea turtle hotline’, and the training includes interacting with nesting females – there are around 500 in Barbados – without disturbing them, and safely relocating a nest.

Amerindian Eco-lodge, Guyana Stay in a simple eco-lodge with village residents and experience, at first-hand, a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. Several Amerindian communities run their own eco-lodges, where you can enjoy food and tours prepared by villagers. The Surama Ecolodge (suramaecolodge.com), located in the heart of Guyana, takes guests on a dawn hike through the savannah and rainforest to the Burro-Burro river. Jumping into a canoe, your guide will paddle you along the river in search of giant river otters, tapir and spider monkeys.

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Rhythm & Spice, Belize Learn Garifuna drumming, dancing and drum-making at the thatched Warasa Garifuna Drum school in Punta Gorda (warasadrumschool.com), in the company of parakeets and howler monkeys. The full-day and half-day courses are suitable for all ages, even those with no rhythm or two left feet.

Traditional ‘hudut’ cooking lessons and lunch are also available, so you can sample the traditional delights of FuFu (mashed plantain) and coconut fish stew at first hand. There’s more drumming and cooking at the Belize Spice Farm (belizespicefarm.com).

Farm to table Several islands offer a farm-to-table experience with an emphasis firmly on local and sustainably obtained produce.

In St Kitts, the Kitchen at Belle Mont Farm (bellemontfarm.com) uses only the freshest and seasonal ingredients grown on its extensive farms – guests are encouraged to forage for their own dinner. On the same island, Ital Creations at Fari Organic Farm combines ‘clean eating’ vegetarianism and yoga. On Grenada, Mount Cinnamon’s cuisine features a mix of Indian and Caribbean traditions with freshly-grown vegetables from its own gardens and from nearby plantations.

Wynne Farm, Haiti It’s all about environmental preservation and education at this nature reserve and agro-forest in the mountains of Kenscoff (wynnefarm.org).

As well as talks on deforestation and soil erosion in Haiti, visitors are introduced to ecological farming, composting, flower production, water irrigation and bee keeping. They can also learn how to recycle plastics and make brackets from waste paper. The kids will love it too, as there is an animal sanctuary of rabbits, goats, horses, dogs and a donkey, which they can touch and interact with – plus horseback rides too.

Keeping it natural in Dominica Dominica’s abundantly rich natural habitats and wildlife make the island an ideal destination for eco-conscious travellers and voluntourism projects are an option here, too, to help rebuilding efforts in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

Vacationers can schedule guided tours, hiking excursions, and mountain-biking adventures in the National Parks. One of the island’s most accessible natural sites is Trafalgar Falls. You can view the twin falls from a platform or hike 200 feet under the cascading waters.

Inactive volcanic mountain ranges are also located on the island and can provide many exciting excursions.

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shore leave

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he sheer diversity of the Caribbean There are plenty of aerial thrills, too. islands and countries, with their Fly like a bird through the rainforest different historic and cultural canopy on a zip-lining adventure in influences, makes it the perfect region Jamaica, Antigua and Saint Lucia. to explore on a cruise.

While in Jamaica, enjoy a rafting trip One day you’ll be dipping a toe in on the Martha Brae River and climb the the soft pink sands of an island in spectacular 600-foot Dunn’s River Falls; The Bahamas, the next you will be the water cascading through your toes swimming with stingrays in the Cayman as you make the ascent.

Islands or Antigua, or among turtles Shore excursions also provide a in St. Vincent & The Grenadines. delicious taster of each Caribbean Those who are interested in exploring island’s food, history and culture. On Martinique can sign up for canyoning, Saint Lucia, guests can even make hiking, ATVing (going off-road their own chocolate using beans in an All Terrain Vehicle), or grown on the estate of horseback riding; while a Boucan by Hotel Chocolat. stop in Curaçao will be The 20-minute process arket Most m lcome remembered for the includes de-shelling the e w traders ering, but rt island’s Dutch colonial a b friendly first. On more ck architecture, busy capital do che ive islands, it exclus and fascinating history t be the may no ing! th museums. e n o d And surely nothing can be as magical as a bioluminescent sunset kayak trip in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, where tiny dinoflagellates make the waters glow magically.

Or for a little culture, cruisers stopping in Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince can visit The Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien, which honours the nation’s history and founding fathers.

Local rum and coastal views are available in equal measure on a Rhum Runner boat trip for Fred. Olsen passengers looking to explore Grenada.

There’s also hiking through the Grand Etang Park to the island’s magnificent Seven Sisters Waterfalls.

Of course, you don’t have to make a splash to enjoy the huge selection of Leave the ocean behind for a little while… shore excursions on offer in the region.

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cocoa bean, conch grinding, mixing, and then finally pouring their own chocolate bar.

In St. Kitts, hop aboard the doubledecker Scenic Railway just outside Basseterre, and listen to the calypso tunes of acappella singers as it trundles past lush fields, picturesque plantation houses and disused mills. The tourist train was once used to transport sugar cane from plantations around the island to the factory.

Santiago de Cuba is Cuba’s second largest city, and the place to see key landmarks of the Cuban Revolution such as the Moncada Barracks and Plaza de la Revolución. Céspedes Park offers a slice of Cuban colonial culture. 

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CRUISING/SHOPPING

A pick ’n’ mix of shore excursions, high-end duty-free outlets and local markets await Caribbean cruisers and savvy shoppers after a bargain

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Shops ahoy! Cruise ports offer a spot of retail therapy In St. Maarten, take a fascinating tour around the homes of native Kunstenaars (indigenous artists) and learn about their personal stories and history from their living relatives.

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Retail therapy Savvy shoppers can shop ’til they drop – or until their ship leaves – in the Caribbean’s cruise ports. Whether it’s high-end duty-free watches and jewellery you’re after, local crafts and souvenir trinkets to take home, or a couple of bottles of your favourite Caribbean rum, there’s usually an eclectic selection of shops just steps away from the ship’s gangway.

In Martinique’s Fort-de-France, visitors can work their way through the best of French fashion and perfumes, as well as Creole crafts and jewellery.

In Curaçao, downtown Willemstad (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is a port favourite for cruise-goers. The town’s winding streets are filled with inviting

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bars and dining spots and the colourful floating market, where fruit vendors from Venezuela dock to sell their range of wares. There are duty-free boutiques and department stores aplenty on Broad Street in Bridgetown, Barbados, a short walk from the cruise terminal.

For high-end luxe, visit Limegrove shopping mall in Holetown, nearby.

In Philipsburg, St. Maarten, the Dutchside terminal boasts all of the big duty-free brands; on the French side, Saint-Martin’s open-air water-front market in Marigot is the place to spend time browsing for cute trinkets and souvenirs.

The Bahamas offers retail therapy opportunities galore. The Bay Street shopping hub in Nassau is close to Prince George Wharf, and Paradise Island’s retail outlets are just a 10-minute water taxi ride away.

Puerto Rico’s cruise terminal is right in the centre of San Juan’s cobblestoned old town. Here, stores sell everything from duty-free jewellery to artisan crafts. A short cab ride away in Avenida Ashford, Condado, the products are all Gucci and gold.

The Port Zante cruise terminal in St. Kitts, a few blocks from downtown Basseterre, the capital, offers more than 60 duty-free shops, including plenty selling ‘well-priced’ jewellery – but be prepared to negotiate! If you need a refreshment stop, there are

Bridgetown, Barbados is a stone’s throw from the terminal some lively bars in the terminal, too.

Shopping areas close to Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay in downtown St John’s, Antigua, offer local arts, crafts, jewellery and perfumes.

Ocho Rios is Jamaica’s main cruise port, and the Island Village shopping centre is handily just steps away from the main pier.

Passengers disembarking in George Town, Grand Cayman, will find shopping malls, boutiques, and duty-free shops along the waterfront Harbour Street – and the Cayman craft market is perfect for art and handmade souvenirs.

In Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, the large covered bazaar of the Iron Market has been welcoming visitors for well over 100 years. With stalls piled high with local produce and handicraft stalls, serious shoppers will be in seventh heaven. •

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farms, ranches &

plantations The Caribbean’s scenery is not just phenomenally pretty to look at; the land also yields a rich bounty of produce.

Here are six ways to discover more…

Set on a rainforestclad ridge within a 12,000-acre (4,856 hectare) private reserve near Punta Gorda, this family friendly working estate and luxury ecolodge offers numerous activities, from chocolate-making and fly fishing to visiting a spice farm. Birdlife is rich here, with hummingbirds, toucans and the rare ornate hawk-eagle flying overhead, and sporty types can keep in shape by mountain biking, kayaking, horseriding and following six miles (9.6km) of scenic hiking trails.

Be a cowboy (or cowgirl) in Martinique Martinique has a couple of ranches sure to bring out the cowboy (or cowgirl) in its guests. The familyowned Black Horse Ranch is set in 33 acres of protected natural reserve in Les Trois-Îlets, five miles from the capital, Fort-de-France. Horse riding through a landscape of forests, cane fields, rivers and mountains is one of the activities offered. Other activities on the ranch include hiking and golf and trail rides are also available at Ranch Jack, with trails that head out into the countryside and forest and offer great views of l’Anse à l’âne.

Clifton Mount Coffee Estate, Jamaica The oldest working coffee estate in Jamaica, Clifton Mount sits 5,000ft (1,524m) high in the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Blue Mountains, near St Catherine’s Peak. Tours of this private farm can be arranged through the nearby Strawberry Hill Hotel – guests can get there on a three-hour walk or join a weekend ‘Jamaica on a Platter’ package that also visits local gardens, a coffee roasting plant and Kingston’s Coronation Market.

Dadawana Ranch, Guyana Located in the remote southern savannah bordering the Rupununi River, this working cattle ranch is the largest in Guyana, covering some 1,700 square miles (4,402 sq km). Guests can join the vacqueros (cowboys) that ride the land, camping out overnight and watching as they muster steers and tame wild horses. Meals are hearty – barbecued meats washed down with Guyanese rum – and accommodation is offered in heritage wooden buildings set on stilts that date from the 1920s.

Morne Coubaril Estate, Saint Lucia Want to enjoy nature with a few thrills thrown in? This one-stop ‘historical adventure park’ near Soufrière mixes activities such as zip-lining and horseback riding with tours exploring a 280-acre (113 hectare) estate that produces cocoa, coffee, copra and tropical fruits. It’s also home to replica historic dwellings and you can watch sugar cane being put through a mulepowered mill. A tasty creole buffet lunch is available and a well-stocked gift shop sells sweets, spices and goodenough-to-eat beauty treatments made with estate produce.

Belmont Estate, Grenada Dating back to the early 17th century, the fertile fields of the Belmont Estate in St Patrick have been variously used to grow coffee, sugar, cotton, cocoa, nutmegs and bananas.

Now home to an engaging agri-tourism project, visitors can take a tour to find out about native plants and their uses, and visit a fascinating heritage museum. You can also meet some resident animals and enjoy a delicious Caribbean lunch prepared with ingredients such as goats’ cheese, coconut, papaya, root vegetables and of course, Grenada’s famous spices.

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SIX OF THE BEST

Belcampo Belize, Belize

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Jamaica

the ultimate escape

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estled in the middle of the serenity of the Jamaican landscape. Or Caribbean, Jamaica truly is a why not dive into the deep end with a sparkling island gem dip in Port Antonio’s 200ft deep providing a welcome Blue Lagoon? Or why not head Did you feeling of escape. to one of Jamaica’s national know th at Jama ica Jamaica is much more treasures, Dunn’s River Falls, has more than 175 than beaches, bikinis and climb the stunning attractio ns?

See our and sunshine, offering a 600ft waterfall? It’s highligh ts on the o whole world of wonder scattered with a series of pposite page beyond the beach with miniature pools, providing the something for everyone perfect place to relax as you waiting to be discovered. climb to the top.

The famous Blue Mountains are a All of this activity isn’t without reward. perfect example. If you’re feeling When the sun goes down, there’s a energetic, you can conquer these world of food and nightlife to keep you spectacular peaks with the added entertained. Sample the world famous bonus of seeing Jamaica’s Blue Jamaican Jerk Chicken and experience Mountain coffee plantations, nestled authentic Jamaican Rum. into the hills 5,000ft above sea level.

In fact, you can take the Appleton Those who make the 7,500ft peak are Estate Rum Tour and get an inside look rewarded with breathtaking views of at the 18th century-style rum making over a hundred miles. process that’s still in use today.

Or, if you feel like something more A trip to Jamaica simply wouldn’t be relaxing, why not take a bamboo raft complete without a visit to the Bob down the scenic Martha Brae River?

Marley Museum located inside his Here you’ll experience the peaceful former home. It’s the ultimate place to

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celebrate the life and music of the Father of Reggae, whose music resonates throughout the island in bars, restaurants and out on the street. This is the home of Reggae, and Jamaicans aren’t shy about sharing their love of it.

This is just a taste of the diverse experiences that Jamaica has to offer.

Combined with the warmth and friendliness of the locals, it promises to be an escape from everyday life that you’ll never forget.

Above: Half Moon Beach; Top: a view from the Blue Mountains

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highlights of

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Jamaica River rafting

Rafting on the Martha Brae boasts a complement of 85 licensed and experienced raft captains. The 30-foot long hand-made bamboo raft ride is operated over a three mile stretch of the beautiful Martha Brae River and lasts around an hour. Once on the raft, guests sit back and relax whilst being punted slowly down the river.

Learn about ‘The Legend of Martha Brae’ or enjoy an exhilarating swim.

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Martha Brae Rafting

It has to be said that Jamaica has the tastiest street food, and the most common street food is jerk chicken and pork. Jerk is a way of cooking native to Jamaica, where meat is dry-rubbed or marinated with a hot spice mixture, making it tender and tasty. The sauce is added to chicken, pork, shellfish or beef, which is barbecued on whatever the locals can construct as a grill.

Rose Hall Great House

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Rose Hall Great House

The White Witch awaits you in the great house at Rose Hall. Dead for more than a century, Annie Palmer still stirs memories of her reign as the mistress of the Rose Hall Great House. Cursed by slaves, the White Witch Annie Palmer, turned a magnificent plantation into a hell house of atrocities. Countless slaves fell prey to her torture, and all three of her husbands met their death at her hands.

Dunn’s River Falls

Dunn’s River Falls is unique.

Described as a living and growing phenomenon, it continuously regenerates itself from deposits of travertine rock, the result of precipitation of calcium carbonate from the river, as it flows over the falls. This, combined with its location close to the sea, gives Dunn’s River the distinction of being the only one of its kind in the Caribbean, if not the world.

Dunn’s River Falls

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6 Jerk streetfood

Bob Marley Museum

Dedicated to the memory of the late Reggae superstar, Robert ‘Bob’ Marley, this museum is located in Marley’s original home, where he recorded many of his songs. The house, featuring 19thcentury architecture, was Marley’s home until his death in 1981. It was converted into a museum six years later by his wife, Mrs Rita Marley. The main museum displays Marley’s personal treasures.

Mystic Mountain Bob Sled

Bob sled ride

This environmentally friendly attraction offers a unique array of adventure tours for all ages. Explore the forest’s rich ecosystem and sparkling river streams or simply enjoy the spectacular views.

Ascend by chairlift, soaring above the tropical rainforest, to the top of Mystic Mountain. Then enjoy a thrilling gravity drive through tropical landscapes and coastal features on a Jamaican bob sled.

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Jerk

Bob Marley Museum

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immerse

yourself A Caribbean trip isn’t just about relaxing by the pool – it’s also a chance to learn new things and improve your mind, body and soul!

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hether it’s learning to salsa, picking up fresh cookery skills or helping protect nesting turtles, the Caribbean is the ideal place to take your life a step further while still finding time to soak up that allimportant sunshine.

Here’s a selection of some of the best new things to learn and discover, along with some smart ideas for making yourself look and feel good.

Challenge yourself

SOAK IT UP

Amaze your friends by learning to sing in a week at the Caribbean Choir Workshop, which is led by a leading UK voice coach and held at Elite Resorts properties in Barbados, Antigua and Saint Lucia. Or pick up some dance skills in Cuba as La Casa del Son in Havana offers private and group classes in salsa, rumba and many more styles.

Always wanted to learn how to dive?

All Sandals Resorts, including those on Barbados and Antigua, offer lessons for a nominal fee (starting at $100).

Sailing is another classic skill to master here and a good way to meet people – give it a try in the blissful waters

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cial the offi This is Wellness f ‘Year o nation’ in juve and Re bean; it’s the b the Cari xcuse to kick e t c e rf e arge p nd rech s a k c a b e ri e tt your ba

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of the British Virgin Islands with the Rob Swain Sailing School in Virgin Gorda. Elsewhere, the Graycliff Culinary Academy on Nassau in The Bahamas offers high-class cooking demonstrations as well as lessons on how to enjoy cigars and rum.

Get close to nature Conservation is an important issue in the Caribbean and visitors can get to do their bit by experiencing and supporting local projects. On Nevis, guests staying at Four Seasons Resort Nevis can assist the Nevis Turtle Group from July to October, as they identify and mark sea turtle nests on the island’s beaches.

Joining the battle against the nonnative lionfish that have proliferated in Caribbean waters is another valuable contribution – help out by eating it in restaurants, buying lionfish jewellery or, on Curaçao, join a spearfishing dive to try and catch the pesky invader.

In Saint Lucia, Anse Chastanet Resort offers weeklong courses in underwater photography, including camera rental and 12 dives in a marine reserve close to the famous Piton mountains.

Fit for purpose Several resorts offer

Time for some serious R&R complimentary non-motorised watersports such as kayaking, windsurfing and snorkelling: all a great way to keep in shape while trying something new.

At La Pagerie Resort in Martinique, guests can ‘work out’ by learning to sail a catamaran, taking a kayak excursion to meet sea turtles, enjoying pods of dolphins in the middle of the Flamingo Bay or learning to dive.

Another popular way to tone up is to check into a one-stop wellness resort such as La Luna in Grenada, which comes with an Asian spa, beachfront yoga pavilion, sustainable organic garden and state-of-the-art gym.

In Jamaica, the seaside Go Natural Sanctuary runs retreats devoted to ‘getting back into balance’ through yoga and meditation, while the Kariwak Holistic Haven in Tobago also offers complimentary yoga or tai chi classes every single morning.

On Montserrat, biking is a great way to discover the island while enjoying spectacular views of the ocean and the sweep of lush green hills, which have more than a passing resemblance to the Irish countryside.

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tobago_

Sailing enthusiasts are spoilt for choice

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oga at Scuba y lue Bay B e ru the T ada in Gren Resort nfidence o builds c r through ate underw tion and medita ise exerc

With its English-, French-, Dutch- and Spanishspeaking islands, the Caribbean is an ideal place to learn a new language

Beautiful Titou Gorge, Dominica

Soak it up In Saint Lucia, the treatments at Jade Mountain’s Eco Spa sound good enough to eat! They feature an organic chocolate facial, mango body scrub and a de-stress massage using black pepper, rosemary and ginger.

At COMO Parrot Cay in Turks & Caicos, which now has a new COMO Shambhala gym, therapies include a massage using hot, oiled river stones as well as Ayurvedic treatments.

At the Fern Tree Spa at Half Moon in Jamaica, guests can treat themselves to a traditional Jamaican Bush Bath, using waters steeped in healing herbs, roots and fruits.

Or float away with an ‘Island Drift’ ritual – which starts with a rum and coconut foot soak – on offer at Malliouhana hotel, on Anguilla, when it re-opens in spring 2018.

At the Pink Sands Club on Canouan, in The Grenadines, clients can be

pampered in both hillside or over-thewater treatment suites, while the oneroom Sunset Spa at Turtle Inn in Belize is set inside an elegant Balinese rice house.

Guests who book an all-inclusive spa package at Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort in Tobago can claim a 30-minute taster treatment for each day of their stay.

Elegant Hotels’ Waves Hotel & Spa in Barbados provides a complimentary steam room and sauna plus free health treatments and fitness classes. •

Trinidad & Tobago Sightseeing Tours Experience the other side of the Caribbean

165A Western Main Road, St. James, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, W.I. Tel: 1-868-628-1051 Fax: 1-868-622-9205 Email: info@trintours.com

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cooking up a

storm

Fancy tucking into some ‘léchon asado’ or drinking ‘ti-punch’? The Caribbean bursts with flavours to be enjoyed everywhere, from castaway beach bars to top-end restaurants

T

he Caribbean’s exhilarating cookgrown commercially. In Jamaica, they up of cultures is reflected in its are rubbed onto meat and chicken then diverse food and drink specialities. barbecued as jerk, while roti – flatbread Fertile soil, a plentiful ocean, wrapped around curried meat and abundant sunshine and varied terrains vegetables – is popular in St. Vincent mean island chefs have ready access and The Grenadines, Trinidad and to a wide choice of fresh fruits, Tobago and Guyana. Rice and beans vegetables, fish and seafood. are frequently eaten in Haiti Organic farms are common and Belize, and stews are throughout the Caribbean, widely popular – meat is with a la and a heritage of using the core ingredient in il v a Rent out learn ab e to spices and locally the spicy ‘goatwater’ f e h in c an cuis Caribbe n discuss sourced produce – not of Montserrat, while a – you c chniques to mention a love of hot saltfi sh is used to create te , s e recip uce al prod sauces – means menus the national dish of St. and loc invariably reflect the native Kitts and Nevis, Saint culture. Historic culinary Lucia and Jamaica. influences from Africa, Europe, In low-lying, beach-fringed Latin America, India and the UK are destinations such as Anguilla, The obvious, along with modern concerns Bahamas and Turks & Caicos, the such as healthy eating, sustainability bounty of the sea is to the fore, with and providence. fresh tuna, mahi mahi, conch and spiny lobster common on restaurant menus.

tip

Island flavours

Spices are a staple of Caribbean cuisine, particularly in Grenada, where nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves are

From posh to party

CARIBBEAN TASTES

Whether you want to dine with sand in your toes while listening to a live band, or strap on your best heels and sip an elegant cocktail, the Caribbean can deliver.

Love mangoes? Every Nothing is more free July, there are annual festivals celebrating this and welcoming than luscious tropical fruit in the roadside barbecue Antigua, Saint Lucia and Nevis held every Friday night by the ‘Water Department’ on Nevis.

On Saint-Martin, Grand Case is a packed strip of beachside lolos (barbecue stalls) and gourmet restaurants

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What’s your flavour? Rum for sale at a local market serving French Caribbean dishes; while in Cuba, Havana’s paladares (private restaurants) offer inventive dishes in a homely setting.

The smartest dining out experiences are often found in hotels: in Grenada, Gary Rhodes oversees the restaurant at the upscale Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel, which recently joined the haute cuisine-focused Relais & Chateaux collection, while at The Cliff at Cap, in the Cap Maison resort on Saint Lucia, the French West Indian-inspired dishes include roast bouillabaisse and pineapple and coconut soufflé.

Rum doings Rum is the signature tipple of the Caribbean – it’s at the heart of the ubiquitous rum punch. Premiumaged rums for sipping are becoming increasingly popular, too, so do take

@_LoveCaribbean

5/15/18 03:56 PM

Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum and was once known as ‘rumbillion’. Its Mount Gay Distillery dates back to 1703. Much of the molasses used today comes from Guyana

offering tastings, and the Four Seasons Resort Nevis on Nevis which has the 101 Rum Bar, boasting over a hundred different bottles.

Guavaberry is the National Rum Liqueur of St. Maarten, made right on Front Street in historical Philipsburg.

The factory offers free tasting samples.

In Curaçao, try the eponymous local flavoured liqueur. Made with the dried peel of the Laraha citrus, its bright blue hue makes it hard to miss.

There’s a festival for that!

Barely a month goes by when there isn’t some kind of celebration of Caribbean cuisine taking place. In January 2018, Saint Lucia launched an inaugural Rum and Food Festival; while Anthony Bourdain was one of the headline chefs at the annual Cayman Cook Out held at the Ritzthe opportunity to try one… or two!

Carlton Grand Cayman resort in Barbados is considered the birthplace the Cayman Islands. of what was once known as ‘rumbullion’, Puerto Rico holds its Maricao Coffee and its Mount Gay Distillery dates back Festival every February and in Anguilla, to 1703. Much of the molasses used the Festival del Mar (March) includes today comes from Guyana, but awards for the best prepared there are still small-scale seafood dishes. Chocoholics producers that use locally won’t want to miss the grown sugar cane, such Grenada Chocolate d o o ke is a g as Macoucherie on Festival (May), while Rum ca ke home gift to ta – there are Dominica and River barbecue-lovers should s d for frien ersions, but v Antoine in Grenada (in head for the Portland y n a s m e agree everyon rincipal action since 1785).

Jerk Festival (July) in p on the ient!

In Martinique, where Jamaica.

Tobago stages d re g in rhum agricole is produced a Blue Food Festival directly from crushed sugar (October) that celebrates cane, you can follow a self-guided dasheen, a root crop that turns Route des Rhums covering 12 distilleries, blue on cooking, while on Turks & while in Haiti, tours can be arranged of Caicos, there’s a popular Conch Festival the Barbancourt Rum Distillery. Some (November). The same month also sees hotels take a special interest in rum, the Anegada Lobster Festival in the such as Itz’ana Resort and Residences British Virgin Islands and a Food and in Belize which has a ‘rummelier’ Rum Festival in Barbados. •

tip

@_LoveCaribbean

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Quench your thirst for sea, sun… and Caribbean refreshments

Guyana’s national dish is pepper pot. The hearty stew is made with meat, hot peppers, cinnamon and cassareep, an extract of the cassava plant

Feeling hot, hot, hot!

There’s an abundance of local-eating experiences

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Florida Primary Languages spoken

Grand Bahama

English unless indicated

■ French

■ Spanish

The Abacos

Eleuthera

GULF OF MEXICO

■ Dutch

SCALE 0

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0

Nassau 100

150

150

200 miles

Andros

300 km

Cat Island

The Bahamas The Exumas Long Island

Mexico Cuba

Cayman Islands

Cayman Brac

Little Cayman Grand Cayman

Jamaica

Belize

Honduras

Nicaragua

THE CARIBBEAN Belize Guyana

Costa Rica

MAP

PACIFIC OCEAN 40

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Colombia Panama

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N W

E S

Turks & Caicos

Haiti

British Virgin Islands Puerto Rico

Saint-Martin / St. Maarten

Anguilla

Antigua & Barbuda US Virgin Islands

Dominican Republic

St. Eustatius Guadeloupe

St. Kitts Nevis

Dominica

Montserrat

CARIBBEAN SEA

Martinique Saint Lucia St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Aruba

Barbados

Bonaire Grenada Trinidad & Tobago

Curaรงao

Venezuela

Guyana @_LoveCaribbean

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DESTINATIONS

A to Z

OF CARIBBEAN DESTINATIONS “I’ve got beach sand stuck in my soul and it is calling me home”… does this quote strike a chord with your inner traveller? Yes? Then the Caribbean is calling your name.

B

eyond the show-stopping beaches of well-known destinations like Antigua and Barbuda and The Bahamas, the Caribbean boasts over 3000 islands, cays and islets; many fringed with the soft powdery white stuff. Got a year to spare? You could spend it happily hopping to a different beach every single day on some of the islands.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to feed your soul. Nature lovers will find their own piece of heaven at the thundering heights of Angel Falls, Venezuela, or gazing at Saint Lucia’s magical Piton mountains, while history buffs can explore the fascinating heritage of the region, distilled over the centuries

by its English, Spanish, Dutch and French-speaking inhabitants.

Paradise awaits too for those who crave adventure. Take your pick from dramatic trails to volcanic peaks, a thrilling zip-wire above dense rainforest, whale watching, and diving beneath the waves to explore another world entirely.

If you still need an excuse to come and visit us, this is the Caribbean’s official Year of Wellness and Rejuvenation, so the pursuit of relaxation is practically the law! Our A – Z guide to the islands and countries that make up the diverse and beautiful region will make choosing your own personal destinations as easy as A,B,C…

ANGUILLA +(44) 20 7736 6030

A

ivisitanguilla.com

nguilla is one of the Caribbean’s finest treasures, small in size, contemporary in style and with a big reputation!

This wonderful island measures just 35 square miles and is lined with 33 pristine white-sand beaches and clear, turquoise-coloured waters.

With some of the Caribbean’s finest international hotels and luxury spa resorts, and an enviable choice of villas, intimate hotels and guest houses, Anguilla’s accommodation is hard to surpass.

AnguillaOfficial

@Anguilla_Trsm

info@anguilla-tourism.com

When it comes to cuisine you will be equally spoilt for choice on Anguilla, with the island boasting over 120 restaurants offering international and local cuisine.

For the energetic there is a wealth of activities on both land and sea, while heritage, culture and music feature in the island’s many lively festivals and events.

Stop, breathe, admire the scenery and relax!

Anguilla Beyond Extraordinary.

FAST FACTS Travelling to Anguilla from the UK is easiest via Antigua, St Maarten, Puerto Rico or the United States. This small British Caribbean island is home to 14,500 Anguillians. The island has over 120 restaurants. Sailing and boat racing is the island’s national sport. Kite Surfing, paddle boarding and scuba diving are all on offer to explore Anguilla’s waters and reefs

KEY EVENT Summer Festival sees the island come together to enjoy music, pageantry and boat racing.

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ANTIGUA & BARBUDA +44 (0) 020 3668 3800

visitantiguabarbuda.com

AntiguaBarbuda

@antiguabarbuda

T

he largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua & Barbuda comprises 108-square miles.

The 365 white and pink sand beaches are just the beginning of the island’s treasures. Popular with families and couples alike, the island offers luxury resorts and boutique guesthouses surrounded by idyllic beaches and rainforests. History buffs can enjoy cultural sights such as the UNESCO heritage site of Nelson’s Dockyard, the island’s first sugar mills and the natural wonder of Devil’s Bridge,

FAST FACTS Antigua has 365 beaches – one for every day of the year Nelson’s Dockyard is the world’s only working Georgian dockyard There are over 24 different destination excursions, including swimming and snorkelling with stingrays

tourisminfo@aandbtourism.com

while adrenalin seekers can experience rainforest ziplining, off-road buggies, and swimming with stingrays. Antigua is the Caribbean’s premier sailing destination and hosts the Classic Yacht Regatta and the annual Antigua Sailing Week now in its 51st year. The island boasts a varied tourism calendar including the vibrant Antigua carnival and the mango festival. Foodies can enjoy classic Caribbean cuisine, and a host of beach bars offering rum cocktails and local delicacies.

The islands are known as the sailing and romance capital of the Caribbean.

Antigua Carnival – the Caribbean’s greatest summer festival is held annually and the Antigua Sailing Week

Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority

KEY EVENT

BAHAMAS +44 (0) 20 7355 0800

E

Held August, Nassau every 4 times a the Vincent Summer week from UK + airline Festival sees the island routes through US to and visitors many of the come islands. together to enjoy Guana Grabber and –a music, pageantry rum boatbased racingfruit Heldpunch. every August, Conchthe salad, pronounced ‘konk’, Vincent Summer is finely chopped Festival sees the island seafood withcome and visitors tomatoes,toonion, together enjoy peppers and a music, pageantry and squeeze of fresh boat racing Vincent orange and lime. Summer Festival sees island and KEYthe EVENT visitors come together Holiday high point Summer Festival sees - Junkanoo Festival on Boxing Day + KEY EVENT New Year, regular Summer Festival celebrations and sees the island and Junkanoo Summer in visitors come together July/August.

Summer Festival sees the island and visitors come together to

@Explore_Bahamas

ach of the sixteen main islands has its own different charm while having in common the warmth of the Bahamian people.

Stunning coral pink, soft white or golden sand beaches, internationally recognised as some of the most beautiful, and waters the clearest in the world guarantee time spent at the shore, on or in the water is a delightful ‘must-do’.

The famous resorts of Nassau/Paradise Island, the sheer fun of the island rhythms and the draw of

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BTO1973

info@bahamas.co.uk

seeing the swimming pigs usually inspire a first visit to the islands.

The lure of pink sand beaches on Harbour Island or pretty in pink flamingos on Inagua puts the exploration of other islands on the bucket-list..

Blissful relaxation, exhilarating challenges and real once-in-a-lifetime adventures beckon in The Islands Of The Bahamas and the waters that surround them. Do everything or nothing at all – It’s Better In The Bahamas.

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

FAST FACTS FAST FACTS BA flies direct to

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BARBADOS +44 (0) 20 7299 7175

visitbarbados.org

F

or those who aspire to more than just a day spent upon palm fringed beaches and crystal clear waters, Barbados offers many gastronomic delights to excite your appetite. Building on its global reputation as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, the island has designated 2018, as the ‘Year of Culinary Experiences. In a culinary and cultural fusion of spices and flavours, this year is all about celebrating Barbados’ cuisine, complimented by

VisitBarbados

@barbados

BTMIUK@visitbarbados.org

the indigenous spirit of heart-warming rum. With a quintessential assortment of food-focused events, mixology and cooking classes, Barbados is sure to tantalise the taste buds. Dine under the stars or on the water’s edge at one of its exquisite restaurants or indulge in local delicacies at a rum shop or beach shack. Awarded ‘Best Destination in the World’ by the Destination Satisfaction Index, visitors can indulge in local delicacies cou cou and flying fish in a year round tropical climate.

FAST FACTS Barbados is the easternmost Caribbean island and measures 21 miles long by 14 miles wide. The capital is Bridgetown. . The population is around 285,000. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Thomas Cook fly there. Bajan born singer Rihanna grew up on Westbury New Road, St. Michael, renamed Rihanna Drive.

KEY EVENT Crop Over runs from June 24 to August 6 and The Barbados Food and Rum Festival runs from 18-21 October.

BELIZE +44 (0) 20 7326 9880

B

travelbelize.org

elize is located in Central America and it is bordered to the north by Mexico, to the south and west by Guatemala and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. Belize is a diverse country with various cultures and languages.

Belize is also known for its extreme biodiversity and distinct ecosystems. On the coast, there is a swampy coastal plain with mangrove swamps.

In the south and interior there are hills and low mountains. Most of the land is undeveloped and

travelbelize

@Belizevacation

belize@brightergroup.com

is forested with hardwoods. It is a part of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot and it has many jungles, wildlife reserves, a large variety of different species of flora and fauna and the largest cave system in Central America. Some species of Belize’s flora and fauna include the black orchid, the mahogany tree, the toucan and tapirs. It is world renowned for having the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

FAST FACTS Belize is a country with around 36% reserve terrain and 608,740 acres of marine reserves, it is a significant conservation body within the Mesoamerican ecosystem.  This biodiversity is one of the main focuses of sustainability and attraction for Belize.

KEY EVENT Belize Tourist Board recently changed the Belize slogan in 2017 from “Discover How to Be” to “ A Curious Place”

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS +44 (0) 20 7355 9585

bvitourism.co.uk

BritishVirginIs.UK

T

FAST FACTS Situated between the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, just east of Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands is a family of 60 islands and cays Connecting airports surround the BVIs, making arrivals and departures from Tortola (EIS) an easy part of your journey.

he natural allure and mystique of the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) beckons many to discover the enriching personality and charm of the 60 islands and cays that comprise this archipelago.

For many, the exciting journey of Nature’s Little Secrets begins by exploring our tranquil shores or navigating through the deep to discover exotic marine life. In the British Virgin Islands every day is a tropical dream where you can relax in

@BVIslands_UK

info@bvi.org.uk

a hammock suspended between swaying palm trees or retreat to your own private cove to leave your footprints in the sand.

For the uninhibited, island hopping around the British Virgin Islands is the best way to appreciate the contrasts between these unique islands where one can experience the ruins, national parks, cultural exhibits and dine on signature culinary dishes, as well as simply enjoying some peace and tranquillity.

You can fly into Antigua (ANU), St. Maarten (SXM) or San Juan (SJU). The average temperature is between 26-30°C

KEY EVENT The British Virgin Islands’ Spring Regatta & Sailing festival is one of the largest regattas in the Caribbean.

CAYMAN ISLANDS +44 (0) 20 7491 7771

visitcaymanislands.com

EuropeVisitCaymanIslands

T

FAST FACTS The Cayman Islands lie south of Cuba and west of Jamaica. British Airways flies to Grand Cayman from London Heathrow four times a week. There are 365 dive sites to explore, ranging from shipwrecks to colourful coral reefs.

he Cayman Islands are three idyllic islands nestled in the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Each island offers a unique experience and, with average temperatures of 28°C, are perfect for a spot of sunshine yearround. The largest of the three islands, Grand Cayman, has something for everyone – whether its total relaxation on the award-winning Seven Mile Beach, excellent dining, bustling nightlife, culture and history, or diving. A short hop from Grand

@cayman_islands

info-uk@caymanislands.ky

Cayman, the contrasting landscape of Cayman Brac has eight miles of nature trails, caves to explore, great diving and a dramatic Bluff running through the centre of the island. Little Cayman, the smallest of the islands, has a population of 197 and is the perfect place to lose yourself.

Relaxing in hammocks under shady palm trees is encouraged, traffic is minimal and iguanas have right of way. Divers will love the Bloody Bay Wall; an underwater drop off teeming with life.

Grand Cayman is home to the rare blue iguana, which was saved from extinction thanks to a recovery programme.

KEY EVENT The Pirates Week Festival takes place every November with swashbuckling, sea shanties and a live pirate invasion!

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CURAÇAO +31 70 891 66 00

curacao.com

W

ith its colourful population and its authentic architecture, Curaçao is one of the most beautiful and interesting islands of the Caribbean.

The island is about 40 miles from Venezuela and if you are looking for sunshine, pearly white beaches and a turquoise sea you have found the right place.

But it doesn’t stop there: rent a car and go on a road trip to discover the island; take an early

curacaotb

@ CuracaoTravel

info@ctbe.nl

morning hike up the Christoffel Mountain and admire the view of the Curaçao countryside; stroll around Willemstad to see the unique colourful houses at the Handelskade; visit the country mansions, or ‘landhuizen’ as the locals call them; dance a passionate salsa while drinking a cocktail on a trendy beach; or eat a pastechi at a Snèk.

Curaçao is picturesque, honest, unrestrained, colourful and diverse, with a beauty that never ends. Discover it yourself!

FAST FACTS Curaçao is a melting pot of more than 50 nationalities and 150,000 inhabitants. Afro-Caribbean traditions shape Curaçao to the present day. Examples include the language, Tambú music, cookery, religion and spirituality. Curaçao has a wide choice of accommodation, from luxury to local colour.

Choose anything from beach resorts to charming B&Bs with home-cooked meals.

KEY EVENT Curaçao North Sea Jazz takes place at the end of August with three days of music.

DOMINICA +44 (0) 20 7326 9880

C

discoverdominica.com

elebrating its 40th Anniversary of Independence on November 3rd 2018, Dominica (Dom-in-EEK-a) is a haven for adventurous travellers, offering hiking, cultural festivals and experiences, diving and watersports, whale or dolphin watching along with exciting canyoning adventures backdropped by nature’s finest landscapes. Known as ‘The Nature Island’, Dominica’s tropical rainforests cover twothirds of the island and home to over 1,200 plant

DiscoverDominica

@nature_island

dominica@brightergroup.com

species and a plethora or wildlife. The volcanic topography means there is extensive geothermal activity, even underwater, which makes Domincia a haven for adventure divers and hikers alike.

Dominica is also home to the Eastern Caribbean’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, and the Caribbean’s longest walking and hiking trail, the ‘Waitukubuli National Trail’, which extends across the length of the island.

FAST FACTS Dominica is home to Morne Trois Pitons National Park, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern Caribbean. Dominica is rated as one of the top ten dive locations in the world. Tthe Waitukubuli National Trail stretches the length of the island. Dominica is the only country in the world where sperm whales reside year-round

KEY EVENT October - World Creole Music Festival - 3 nights of the best creole music from around the world.

Dominicafestivals.com

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GRENADA +44 (0) 20 8328 0644

puregrenada.com

DiscoverGrenada

@DiscoverGrenada

D

FAST FACTS Carriacou hosts Shakespeare Mas every February Hear locals dressed in bright costumes engage in a battle of words hoping not to fumble on their lines otherwise surrendering to a stroke of their opponent’s stick!

iscover Pure Grenada - Welcome to the Spice of the Caribbean; a place where untouched beauty meets our warm and friendly people. The islands offers a lifestyle so pure and authentic that you feel instantly renewed, boasting silky stretches of white sand beaches, including the award winning Grand Anse Beach; sunken treasures adorned by corals and the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park, and marine protected area. The island’s

GTA@Eyes2market.co.uk

unspoilt landscapes are undiscovered by crowds and include mountains, rainforests and idyllic waterfalls. The island of Grenada is a treasure trove of culture, where visitors can visit a rum factory that continues to mash its sugar cane with an 18th Century water wheel. Or visitors can enjoy the islands renowned chocolate or spice plantations, and take home award winning vegan chocolate and organic spices including nutmeg.

Join us and take a journey like never before.

Rain showers are known as ‘liquid sunshine’ English is the official language

KEY EVENT Grenada Chocolate Festival - Every May

GUYANA +592 219 0094

guyana-tourism.com

GuyanaUndiscovered

N

FAST FACTS Only South American country where English is the official language. Nature and adventure destination with over 910 species of birds, 6000 species of plants, 700 species of fish and 200 species of mammals.

estled on the North Eastern corner of the South American continent, Guyana stretches 270 miles along the Atlantic coastline into dense tropical forest and the broad savannahs of the Rupununi.

The landscape is dominated by mighty rivers, including the Demerara, the Berbice and Essequibo, which provide essential access to the rainforest and jungles of the interior. Guyana is an exciting new destination waiting to be explored.

@TourismGuyana

info@guyana-tourism.com

For the adventurers, Guyana is a place of wonder- trek through the jungle, tramp the forest trails and ride with the vaqueros. For the nature lovers, Guyana is a country where nature has placed its greatest riches.

Feel the beauty of nature as it whispers across your heart. Encounter an experience never to be forgotten. Discover the extraordinary wilderness to be found in Guyana, South America Undiscovered.

Rich community tourism experiences with warm and hospitable people.

KEY EVENT Guyana Carnival: May 18 - 27 Rockstone Fish Festival: October 27 - 28 Rupununi Rodeo: April 20-21, 2019

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HAITI Haititourisme.gouv.ht

I

t is not by coincidence that Haiti has resumed its place on the international tourism map.

The country has positioned itself to provide vacationers a unique experience.

From white sandy beaches, exceptional historic sites of various heritage (French, Spanish, Taïno, African), flourishing art, painting, sculpture, music, lively traditions, and an innate sense of festivity and hospitality, vacationers are sure to have an experience of a lifetime!

Haititourisme

@tourismhaiti

ambhaitiparis@orange.fr

Beneath its low sky, warm coastal zones, and cool moutain tops emerge the creativity and the truth about Haiti.

Organised tours can also be arranged for visitors, whether it’s for leisure or business and the combination of beautiful settings and international-standard accomodation means it’s perfect for weddings. Come and experience this magical island, immerse yourselves in our culture and it will leave you enchanted.

FAST FACTS Haiti recieved about 600,000 overnight visitors in 2017. Haiti is sold as a beach destination and as a touring destination for its historic, cultural and natural patrimony. Haiti is in the top five safest countries in the latin american and caribbean region since 2017, occupying the fourth place according to the report of the Global Peace Index (GPI) of the Institute for the Economy and Peace in 2017.

KEY EVENT National Carnival yearly in februrary Le Getaway Isalnd party in May/ December SumFest haitian music Festival in July

Source: ATH (Tourism Association of Haiti)

+33 147 63 47 78

JAMAICA +44 (0) 20 7225 9090

J

visitjamaica.com

amaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean and lies just south of Cuba.

This is an island that boasts something for everyone with hundreds of miles of unspoilt, quiet beaches and a colourful cultural and cosmopolitan heritage. Jamaica is widely considered to have the most stunning landscapes to explore. Visitors are drawn to Jamaica for its beaches, grand hotels, superb all-inclusive resorts and laid-back inns.

Most are impressed with the sounds of reggae,

visitjamaicauk

@visitjamaicauk

mail@visitjamaica.com

the taste of jerk cooking and the warm, friendly smiles of the locals. Add to this, several worldclass golf courses, charming old plantation houses and tiny villages dotted through the majestic Blue Mountains, (where they grow the best coffee in the world), all in a relaxed atmosphere and you’re jammin! This is just a taste of the diverse experiences Jamaica has to offer. Combined with the warmth and friendliness of the locals, it’s an escape from everyday life you’ll never forget.

FAST FACTS The main airports in Jamaica: Sangster International (Montego Bay), Norman Manley International (Kingston) and Ian Fleming (Ocho Rios). EU citizens do not require a visa to visit. The official language is English. The time zone is GMT -5hrs or BST -6hrs. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Thomson and Thomas Cook run direct flights.

KEY EVENT Reggae Marathon (December), Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival (January), Reggae Sumfest (July), Independence Day (6th August)

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MARTINIQUE +33 1 44 77 86 00

martinique.org

martinique.fleur.des.caraibes

M

FAST FACTS Martinique is a French Caribbean island. The official language is French The island measures 1,100 squares miles. Temperature balance between 25°C and 30°C all year long.

@cmtmartinique

artinique is a very dense and rich mixture of landscapes, cultures, activities. Spend your day surfing on the different spots, or at the water’s edge on the beautiful beaches of white, grey, golden sand and turquoise water. Explore the amazing underwater wildlife during dive excursions. Enter the tropical forest and climb the Mount Pelée. Witness major cultural event of fete such as the Carnival in February or the unique “Tour des Yoles” in July. Some of the various

infos.cmt@martiniquetourisme.com

activities you can experience on this little piece of paradise. The extent of Martinique’s food culture is impressive, and one of the best assets of the island. Taking inspiration from many cultures, you will be able to sample not only local cuisine but also dishes inspired by countries from all over the world (South America, Asia, Africa, France) and revisited like you’ve never seen before. And then there’s Martinique’s famous rum. It will not take long for you to fall in love with this amazing island.

The currency is the euro. The population of Martinique is 403 000. The main city is Fort de France. The local tipple? Try a sorbet coco.

KEY EVENT Martinique comes alive with the rhythm of parades during Carnival – March,2019.

MONTSERRAT +1 664 491 4703/4700

FAST FACTS Montserrat, a lush green and mountainous island of around 39 square miles, lies 27 miles southwest of Antigua . It is one of 14 UK Overseas Territories, governed by an elected premier and parliament.

visitmontserrat.com

F

islandofmontserrat

ondly known as the ‘Emerald Isle’ of the Caribbean, this pear-shaped island is a traveller’s paradise for nature lovers, divers, adventurers, families, villa vacationers and honeymooners.

The former capital city (the star attraction) Plymouth, is buried in volcanic ash, a transformation that likens this British Overseas Territory to a modern-day Pompeii.

In contrast, the rest of the island flourishes with

@islandofmni

info@montserrattourism.ms

green mountains, world-class nature, hiking trails, deserted dark sand beaches, untouched reefs and a friendly charm reminiscent of the way the Caribbean used to be.

Montserrat offers a unique niche of ‘residential tourism’, boasting some exclusive accommodation, all of which provides a serene and comfortable lifestyle with all the amenities for a laid-back, Caribbean island getaway in this wellkept secret.

Daily flights to and from Antigua on FlyMontserrat and SVG Air connect with the rest of the Caribbean, North America and Europe. A Ferry service from Antigua is also available.

KEY EVENT Montserrat celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a week-long festival from March 10-17.

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NEVIS +44 (0) 13 0523 3107

nevisisland.com

N

evis is a truly unique destination and one of the most natural and relaxing islands in the Caribbean. Welcoming and genuine, the island is a real hidden gem. From the vivid green inland, to the peaceful sandy beaches, and with a wealth of activities, there truly is something for everyone.

With very little traffic, wild donkeys and horses are freely roaming around the island and will set the pace for you.

Nevis is gaining a reputation as the Caribbean

@nevisnaturally

@nevisnaturally

info@nevisisland.com

island of sport, as it hosts a series of incredible events. Take part in the Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim, the Nevis Marathon and Running Festival, or the Nevis Triathlon, billed as the most beautiful triathlon in the world.

Food wise, every July sees the people of Nevis celebrate their favourite fruit – the Mango! With over 40 varieties of mango there is a lot to celebrate and international chefs join local chefs to create dishes using the sunshine fruit.

FAST FACTS Nevis is the perfect destination for a health and wellness retreat, thanks to its slow pace and friendly population. With no fast food chain and many traditional restaurants, Nevis is the ideal place to enjoy healthy, wholesome and locally sourced food. All beaches on Nevis are public.

KEY EVENT Nevis Mango and Food Festival - July, 5-8 2018 - The annual festival is the highlight of the island’s culinary scene.

PUERTO RICO +34 91 431 2128

“T

SeePuertoRico.com

his is how we do it down in Puerto Rico!” ... Just like Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, Puerto Rican Latin Grammy awarded artists did when filming the video for “Despacito”, come, sing and dance in La Perla, the small colourful community huddled between the massive forts of Old San Juan and the vast Atlantic Ocean, where the video was filmed. The entire island is filled with exciting discoveries, history, fun and adventure! Start your unforgettable journey

SeePuertoRico

@SeePuertoRico

marimar.lidin@tourism.pr.gov

through majestic centuries-old Spanish colonial streets, epic ziplining in spectacular rain forests, a wide range of exquisite dining places for all budgets and pristine turquoise beaches. Puerto Rico is a real-life island of adventure with the health and safety standards of the US and the Latin charm of its friendly Spanish and English speaking people. Puerto Rico is fantastic for a week long holiday, but it is also great combined with the U.S. or Caribbean.

FAST FACTS Puerto Rico is a U.S. commonwealth so UK visitors only need an ESTA to travel there, plus the currency is US Dollars . Puerto Rico boasts some of the best beaches in the world, including Flamenco Beach on Culebra island. Puerto Rico is home to El Yunque, the only subtropical rain forest in the US National Forest Service. Three glowing bio bays.

KEY EVENT Saturdays at 7.30pm - Salsa nights on the Terrace on Sol Street to learn the legendary Salsa vibes.

@_LoveCaribbean

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ST. EUSTATIUS +599 318 2433

statia-tourism.com

St-Eustatius-Tourism

@StatiaTourism

T

he town of Oranjestad is a winding, cobblestone-covered collection of mostly 18th century Dutch colonial buildings and scattered small homes.

On a sunny Saturday its stony streets have a certain opaque gleam.

These streets are mostly empty. If you squint you can see something else – outdoor cafes; a street trumpeter; some tourists taking snapshots of the old walls; the hum of an art gallery.

FAST FACTS Statia Day, a national holiday on November 16, sees activities take place on the streets of Oranjestad nightly. It’s a day to reflect on Statia’s role in America’s history, but for most it is a day to celebrate the culture and heritage of Statia.

teenalopes@statia-tourism.com

Many don’t see these things because St. Eustatius is yet to be ‘discovered’. Whilst it’s just a 20-minute flight from St Maarten, with five regular Winair flights each day, this island of around 4,000 people is not yet a major tourism destination. But it has the elements of one: crystal-clear waters perfect for diving; a group of green small mountains ready to be hiked; a beautiful stretch called Oranje Bay at Lower Town; and the town of Oranjestad.

Artists such as Destra, Alison Hinds, Demarco, Onion and Morgan Heritage have all performed on Statia Day.

Cees Timmers Photography

The Statia Carnival is held every year in the last two weeks of July.

The week is filled with music, dance, food and pageantry.

Cees Timmers Photography

KEY EVENT

ST. KITTS +44 (0) 20 7376 0881

stkittstourism.kn

S

FAST FACTS St. Kitts is served twice-weekly from London Gatwick by British Airways flights. The legal tender of the Island is the Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar, although US dollars are readily accepted almost everywhere.

StKittsTourismUK

t. Kitts is the authentic, quintessential, year-round Caribbean destination for the discerning, experienced traveller. Intoxicating unspoilt natural beauty, sunny skies, warm waters, and white sandy beaches combine to make St. Kitts one of the most seductive spots in the Caribbean. Located in the Northern Caribbean, where the Caribbean and Atlantic oceans meet, visitors are spoilt for choice. St. Kitts is steeped in history, shaped by the sugar and tobacco

@StKittsTourism

uk@stkittstourism.kn

plantations of the 17th and 18th Centuries that formed much of the island’s economy until 2005 when the plantations closed and tourism became the mainstay of the economy. Today, the island’s heritage and cultural assets, preserved by the St. Christopher National Trust, are key elements in the visitor experience. Spectacular landscapes and rainforest provide endless hiking opportunities, while the UNESCO Brimstone Hill Fortress and Scenic Railway are must-do activities.

St. Kitts is separated by a 2-mile wide channel from its sister island, Nevis The population of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is 56,780.

KEY EVENT The 22nd Annual St. Kitts Music Festival takes place 27 June - 1 July, showcasing a range of international headliners.

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@_LoveCaribbean

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SAINT LUCIA +44 (0) 20 7341 7000

saintluciauk.org

S

aint Lucia is the only country in the world named after a woman. The island is truly beautiful with her iconic Piton Mountains, lush rainforests and idyllic bays. More than just a sun, sea and sand destination, Saint Lucia offers a mix of adventure, culture and relaxation. Choose from a number of exciting activities including zip-lining through the rainforest, jungle biking, Segway tours, snorkelling, diving and hiking. Alternatively, why not opt for a cocoa plantation tour, chocolate

SaintLuciaUK

@SaintLuciaUK

sltainfo@stluciauk.org

making classes, creole cooking lessons or rum tasting sessions. Visit the Caribbean’s only drivein volcano in Soufriere and take a rejuvenating mud bath, explore the old military ruins at Pigeon Island National Landmark, wander through beautiful botanical gardens or take a dip under a refreshing waterfall. For nightlife, head to Rodney Bay Village with its restaurants and bars or party at Gros Islet ‘Jump Up’ every Friday. Your visit to Saint Lucia will be inspiring in so many ways.

FAST FACTS The island is just 14 miles wide and 27 miles long British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Thomas Cook and TUI fly to Saint Lucia The Piton Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the Caribbean Saint Lucia has been voted the World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination eight times by the World Travel Awards

KEY EVENT Saint Lucia Soleil Summer Festival has great events during the year. Visit stlucia. org/summerfestival

ST. MAARTEN +1 721 549 0200

S

vacationstmaarten.com

t. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two nations: the Netherlands and France. So expect a Europeaninfluenced vibe twinned with Caribbean flair.

Known as the gastronomical capital of the Caribbean islands, St. Maarten offers eclectic dining with over 300 restaurants on this 37-square-mile island.

The island is located at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, with 37 square miles of beaches

vacationstmaarten

@vacationsxm

info@vacationstmaarten.com

for holidaymakers to relax and play on. St. Maarten is home to many historical, unique familyoriented attractions. Watersport enthusiasts can enjoy exploring the island through scuba diving and snorkelling.

St. Maarten’s capital, Philipsburg, offers a range of duty-free shopping with a bustling city atmosphere, while no fewer than 14 casinos and numerous nightclubs provide endless entertainment for visitors to the island.

FAST FACTS St. Maarten is the smallest landmass (37 square miles) in the world shared by two nations (Holland & France) It is little wonder St. Maarten is known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean: it offers over 300 restaurants Multiple currencies are accepted, including euro/US dollar/guilder Official languages are English, French and Dutch

St Maarten Tourist Bureau

St Maarten Tourist Bureau

KEY EVENT

@_LoveCaribbean

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St. Maarten Carnival is a colourful and cultural occasion which takes place yearly starting middle of April and ends in early May.

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w

SAINT-MARTIN +33 1 5329 99 99

stmartinisland.org

ot.sxm

@ilesaintmartin

D

FAST FACTS

ubbed the ‘Friendly Island’ Saint-Martin is just 37 square miles but packs in a diverse selection of attractions against a backdrop of flaming bright red, orange and yellow flamboyant trees and white sands.

Take a walk on the wild side and explore the hills on a zip-line or by horseback. Or discover a watersports paradise, where you can sail to hidden coves or dive into an undersea world of vibrant tropical fish.

The local currency is the euro but visitors can also use the US dollar and the guilder/ florin. Saint-Martin’s most famous dish is conch and dumpling For a taste of SaintMartin’s gastronomy, music, arts and crafts, head to Grand Case every Tuesday night from January to April, where the island’s culture is showcased for all to see.

paris@iledesaintmartin.org

If that sounds like too much, then just relax in the balmy sunshine of one of Saint-Martin’s beaches, where turquoise waters lap at powder-white sands.

Saint-Martin is a destination to nourish the mind and the body. It’s a land of poets and artists and offers a gastronomy scene to rival the best of Europe. Savour the culture of fine dining or the adventure of exquisite local cuisine in Marigot – where succulent lobster meets local spices.

Laurent Benoit

The Sea Festival takes place on the last weekend of May, including entertainment on land and activities on sea, such as sailing.

Cees Timmers Photography

KEY EVENT

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES +44 (0) 20 7937 6570

FAST FACTS Electricity voltage is 220 volts-50 cycles UK passport holders do not require visas It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing on the islands Water is safe to drink, but bottled water is available

discoversvg.com

S

DiscoverSVG

t. Vincent (SVG) and the Grenadines is undoubtedly one of the most diverse destinations for extended and twin - centered holidays. This chain of 32 islands and cays is abound with rare and exotic marine life for underwater lovers. Scuba divers will be spoil for choices with over 100 dive sites and the clear, uncrowded waters are excellent for snorkeling.

SVG continues to attract the sailing enthusiast for leisure and events such as the Bequia Easter

@DiscoverSVG

svgta.uk@discoversvg.com

Regatta, who knows while on board your yacht you may be in for a treat by dolphins .

While immersed in the warm hospitality of Vincentians, visitors are also invited to explore the lush varied landscape, nature trails, majestic waterfalls, river picnics, hike the Soufriere volcano and visit the award winning St. Vincent Distillers Ltd where they can sample the local rum.

Come ashore “The Caribbean you’re looking for “and be part of the multi island diversity!

The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the local currency.

Credit Cards accepted. Bequia Easter Regatta is a major event in the Grenadines.

KEY EVENT Breadfruit festival is celebrated in the month of August.

(National dish Breadfruit and Saltfish).

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@_LoveCaribbean

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TRINIDAD & TOBAGO + 44 (0) 844 846 0812

tobagostyle.travel

T

rinidad & Tobago’s many personalities range from laidback and tranquil to vibrant and energetic. Tobago is the peaceful partner.

An eco-destination, it’s perfect for nature lovers with lush rainforests, clear waters and coral reefs.

Activities include biking or hiking into the canopied mountains to seek out waterfalls; the annual turtle hatchling programme; diving and snorkelling among the shallow reefs; visiting the islands’ bird sanctuaries; and night time

visittobago

@visittobago

Tobago@amgltd.biz

bioluminescence tours by stand-up paddleboards to experience nature’s lightshow.

Golfers are blessed too, with some stunning courses to play on.

Trinidad is the ‘cultural capital of the Caribbean’, famed for its carnival.

Some other island must do’s include exploring the hidden coves and deserted beaches, visiting the Asa Wright Nature Centre and The Caroni Sanctuary.

FAST FACTS Currency- TT Dollar, Population 1.365mil Trinidad &Tobago is located below the hurricane belt and is the most southernly of the Caribbean islands Port of Spain is the capital, The local beer is Carib, Pigeon point was the inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe Crab and Dumplings is the national dish of Tobago & Callaloo the dish of Trinidad.

KEY EVENT Carnival, Bucco Goat & Crab Race Festival, Tobago Jazz Experience, The Blue Food Festival, Tobago Heritage Festival.

TURKS & CAICOS +44 (0) 20 7034 7845

H

turksandcaicostourism.com

ome to the World’s Best Beach, Grace Bay Beach, the “Beautiful by Nature” Turks and Caicos Islands are perhaps one of the World’s best kept secrets. The Islands cater to everyone, from families, newlyweds and solo travelers to empty nesters and seniors. There is also accommodation to suit every budget and taste, from those seeking the ultimate in luxury and seclusion to those who wish to enjoy a relaxing, no frills vacation. The Islands offer an exciting array

tcitourism

@tcitourism

info@turksandcaicostourism.com

of water as well as land based activities. Activities available include: fishing, diving, snorkelling, parasailing, golfing, horseback riding, bird watching, eco tours, heritage walks as well as tropical spa treatments. Discover these Islands now while they remain among the most protected and untouched in the Caribbean! Come and enjoy the unique serenity, superior hospitality and exquisite beauty of our Islands! ‘Beautiful by Nature’ Turks and Caicos - one country, eight destination islands.

FAST FACTS Grace Bay Beach is the World’s most famous beach. Home to the third largest barrier reef in the World. Dive destination.

Conch, Lobster and Grouper are our mainstay, and feature heavily in native dishes. Ripsaw is the music of the islands. Island Fish Fry takes place every Thursday!

Language - English.

Currency - US Dollar.

Population - 50,000.

KEY EVENT Maskanoo on Boxing Day, The Regatta in South Caicos; Lobster & Conch Fest; In The Pink where fashion meets philanthropy.

@_LoveCaribbean

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CAYMAN ISLANDS

BRItISh VIRGIN ISLANDS

BELIZE

BARBADOS

BAhAMAS

Use this chart to see which airlines fly direct from UK airports and those that fly via another Caribbean island/country.

ANGUILLA

AIRLINE CHART

Who flies where

ANtIGUA & BARBUDA

AIRLINES

CHARTERED SERVICES Thomas Cook Airlines

08444 125 959

thomascookairlines.com

TUI

020 3451 2688

tui.co.uk

Air Canada

00800 669 92222

aircanada.com

Air Europa

0044 87142 30717

aireuropa.com

Air Caraïbes

0033 0820 835 835

aircaraibes.com

Air France

0207 660 0337

airfrance.co.uk

American Airlines

0844 369 9899

Blue Panorama Airlines

0039 06 9895 6666

British Airways Corsair International

D

D D

SCHEDULED SERVICES I

I

I

I

I

americanairlines.co.uk

I

I

I

I

blu-express.com

I

0844 493 0787

ba.com/caribbean

D

D

D

00 331 7039 2210

corsair.fr

Delta Air Lines

0207 660 0767

delta.com

I

I

Iberia Airlines

0203 684 3774

iberia.com

JetBlue

001 801 365 2525

jetblue.com

I

I

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KLM

020 7660 0293

klm.com

United Airlines

0207 136 0582

united.com

I

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Virgin Atlantic

0844 874 7747

virginatlantic.com

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West Jet

0800 279 7072

westjet.com

I

XL Airways

00 33 360 04 01 03

xl.com

Air Antilles

00 590 590 211 447

airantilles.com

Air Caraïbes

0033 0820 835 835

aircaraibes.com

Anguilla Air Services

001 264 498 5922

anguillaairservices.com

BahamasAir

001 242 702 4140

bahamasair.com

Cape Air

02601 508 771 6944

capeair.com

Caribbean Airlines

0870 774 7336

caribbean-airlines.com

Cayman Airways

001 345 949 2311

caymanairways.com

Copa Airlines

001 800 359 2672

copaair.com

Insel Air

001 599 973 7044

fly-inselair.com

InterCaribbean Airways

001 649 946 4999

intercaribbean.com

LIAT

001 268 480 5601

liat.com

I

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Montserrat Airways

001 664 491 3434

flymontserrat.com

I

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Mustique Airways

001 347 6358332

mustique.com

I

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Seaborne Airlines

001 866 359 8784

seaborneairlines.com

I

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SVG Air

001 784 457 5124

svgair.com

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Trans Anguilla

001 264 497 8690

transanguilla.com

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001 284 495 2271

viairlink.com

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Winair

001 721 545 4237

fly-winair.sx

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REGIONAL SERVICES

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@_LoveCaribbean

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TURKS & CAICOS

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

SAINT-MARTIN/ST. MAARTEN

SAINT LUCIA

ST. KITTS

ST. EUSTATIUS

PUERTO RICO

NEVIS

MONTSERRAT

MARTINIQUE

JAMAICA

haiti

GUYANA

GRENADA

DOMINICA

CURAÇAO

CAYMAN ISLANDS

D Direct/non-stop from UK I Indirect or direct via intermediate point en-route The information below has been compiled as a reference, based on the available information at time of print. However, these schedules are subject to change; for further details, please contact the airline directly.

Indirect Connections I

D

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From London Gatwick and Manchester

D

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From London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle

via I

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Madrid

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New York, Boston Amsterdam, Paris

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Atlanta, New York Madrid

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Antigua, Nassau or Saint Lucia Paris

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Miami, New York, North Carolina and various Caribbean islands Rome

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Toronto, Montreal

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Chicago, New York, Newark, Washington, Houston Saint Lucia

I

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Toronto, Montreal Paris, New York, Atlanta

from I

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Guadeloupe/Martinique

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Guadeloupe/Martinique

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Anguilla

I I I

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Various Caribbean islands

I

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Various Caribbean islands

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The Cayman islands

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Panama

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Montserrat, Antigua

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Puerto Rico

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Various Caribbean islands Various Caribbean islands

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Various Caribbean islands

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Nassau

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Anguilla

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British Virgin Islands St. Maarten

@_LoveCaribbean

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WHERE TO BOOK

tour operators BARBADOS

BAHAMAS

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

ANGUILLA

WHERE TO BOOK

Use the chart to see which UK tour operators offer packaged holidays to the Caribbean islands and countries

TOUR OPERATORS

58

Audley Travel

01993 838 275

audleytravel.com

British Airways Holidays

0344 493 0120

ba.com/caribbean

Caribtours

020 7751 0660

caribtours.co.uk

Club Caribbee

020 8682 1115

clubcaribbee.co.uk

Kenwood Travel

020 7749 9245

kenwoodtravel.co.uk

Kuoni Travel

0800 092 4444

kuoni.co.uk

MOT MOT Travel

01327 359622

motmottravel.com

Newmont Travel

020 8920 1144

hotelsofthecaribbean.co.uk

Sackville Travel/Q Holidays

020 7326 7699

Qholidays.co.uk

Steppes Travel

03331 305 171

steppestravel.com

Sunsail

033 0332 1172

sunsail.co.uk

The Holiday Place

020 7644 1749

holidayplace.co.uk

Travel Club Elite

0800 707 6229

traveclubelite.com

Tropic Breeze

01752 880 880

tropicbreeze.co.uk

Tropical Sky

01342 889 201

tropicalsky.co.uk

Virgin Holidays

0344 557 4008

virginholidays.co.uk

caribbean.co.uk

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@_LoveCaribbean

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Lovethecaribbean

turks & caicos

trinidad & tobago

st. vincent & the grenadines

saint-martin/st. maArten

saint lucia

st. kitts

st. eustatius

puerto rico

nevis

montserrat

martinique

jamaica

haiti

GUYANA

GRENADA

DOMINICA

CURAÇAO

CAYMAN ISLANDS

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

BELIZE

This information has been compiled as a reference based on the available information at time of print from the CTO UK Member Tour Operators; however there are other tour operators not listed here that sell the Caribbean.

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your

Directory Bluewaters

BodyHoliday Saint Lucia

Crystal Cruises

Antigua

Saint Lucia

The West Indies

Blue Waters Resort & Spa Blue Waters Resort & Spa is a luxury resort on the North coast of Antigua. It has recently won ‘Antigua’s leading hotel in 2017’ in the World Travel Awards and offers first class service. In 2017, it completed a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, which includes a new-look lobby & bar, as well as enhancements to the kids club & restaurants across the resort.

 reservations@bluewaters.net  0870 360 1245 (US 1 800 557 6536)

60

“Give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind” Set on a secluded cove of white-sand beach and surrounded by tropical gardens and rainforest, BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia is the ultimate escape.

A wellness resort with daily inclusive spa treatments with a comprehensive activity schedule included in the price, the BodyHoliday strikes the right balance for those in search of a truly rejuvenating getaway.

 u.k.reservations@sunsweptresorts.com  0203 096 1633

Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises Crystal Esprit, our elegant 62-guest yacht, sails 7-night round-trips from Marigot Bay during the winter months, visiting secluded harbours, coves and islands not accessible to larger ships. Swim & kayak directly from the onboard marina and explore below the waves in its very own submersible; snorkel among colourful fish or relax on deck with a cocktail in hand - the choice is yours!

 sales@cruiseportfolio.co.uk  020 7399 7601

bluewaters.net

thebodyholiday.com

crystalcruises.co.uk

bluewatershotel

TheBodyHoliday

crystalcruises

Jungle Bay EcoVillas

Park Hyatt

Rendezvous Saint Lucia

Dominica

St. Kitts

Saint Lucia

Jungle Spa Adventure on the Nature Isle

Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour

Jungle Bay EcoVillas will be opening February 2019. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Jungle Bay’s luxury resort offers an island retreat perfect for adventurers seeking waterfall hikes, kayaking, hot springs, snorkeling, yoga, spa, delicious organic cuisine & more.

The most popular plan is the Jungle Wellness Adventure Package.

Set within the Christophe Harbour development on Banana Bay in the most natural and untouched region of this beautiful island, Park Hyatt St. Kitts, a luxury five star beachfront resort, introduces the unparalleled Park Hyatt experience for discerning leisure guests, to this idyllic dream destination in the West Indies.

Rendezvous is an all-inclusive luxury resort for couples on the island of Saint Lucia, secluded, tranquil and tailor-made for stolen moments. From the long stretches of deserted beach to the lazy-river pool that winds its way through quiet nooks and secret hideaways, every aspect of this all-inclusive luxury resort has been created to give couples the space and time they need to be alone.

 info@junglebaydominica.com  767-446-1789

 Julie.york@hyatt.com  07917 478433

 u.k.reservations@sunsweptresorts.com  0203 096 1633

“Stolen Time”

junglebaydominica.com

parkhyattstkitts.com

theromanticholiday.com

jungleBaySamRaphael

ParkHyattStKitts

RendezvousHotel

caribbean.co.uk

60_Directory.indd 60

Lovethecaribbean

@_LoveCaribbean

14/05/2018 14:51

 Trade/Sales  Consumer/Reservation  Editorial

Directory of members

The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s members are standing by to book your flights, accommodation, cruises and much more.

Celebrity Cruises

Advantage Management Group Ltd

Essential Detail

 0844 481 7694 

 020 8487 9881

 020 8977 6099

Air Europa

 0844 493 6199 

 info@amgltd.biz

 office@essentialdetail.co.uk

 0871 423 0717 

 celebritycruises.co.uk

 amgrepresentation.com

 essentialdetail.co.uk

 0871 644 8011 

celebritycruises

 uksales@air-europa.com

@CelebrityUK

@amgltd

@edhotels Bespoke Travel Marketing

 aireuropa.com 

essential detail essential_detail

Crystal Cruises

 0843 289 0246

aireuropa

 020 7399 7601

 info@bespoketravelmarketing.com

Fairmont Royal Pavilion,

@aireuropa

 reservation@cruiseportfolio.co.uk

 bespoketravelmarketing.com

Barbados

 aireuropaexperts.com 

 crystalcruises.co.uk

British Airways

Crystal Cruises

 0844 493 0787 

@crystalcruises

 0870 360 1245  res@bluewaters.net

 ba.com/caribbean  batraveltrade.com

Blue Waters Resorts & Spa

Cruise Lines International

 bluewaters.net

british airways

Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland

bluewatershotel

@british_airways

 020 3903 5450

@bluewatershotel

 ukinfo@cruising.org

LIAT

 cruiseexperts.org

 +1 268 480 5601 

cliaukireland

 reservations@liatairline.com

@CLIAUK

 liat.com

liatairline @liatairline

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines  0800 035 5242  res.services@fredolsen.co.uk

Virgin Atlantic Airways

 fredolsencruises.com

 0344 209 7705 

fredolsencruiselines

 0344 874 7747 

@fredolsencruise

 virginatlantic.com

Virgin Atlantic @virginatlantic

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line  0844 493 3082  royalcaribbean.co.uk

royalcaribbeanuk royal caribbean international 

ALLIED

Cara Hotel Marketing Ltd  020 3959 0959  info@carahotelmarketing.com  carahotelmarketing.com

cara hotel marketing ltd

 sales.support@fly.virgin.com   customer.relations.uk@fly.virgin.com 

Boucan by Hotel Chocolat  01763 257 734  gemma.hussey@hotelchocolat.com  hotelchocolat.com/uk/boucan boucan by hotel chocolat @hotelchocolat

royal caribbean travel agents  @myroyaluk

@carahotelmkt Clear Marketing  020 3096 1600  admin@clear-marketing.com  clear-marketing.com

Clear marketing International @ClearCaribbean

WTM - Reed Travel Exhibitions  020 8910 7967  danielle.bennett@reedexpo.co.uk  wtmlondon.com

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION

Elegant Hotels Group (Barbados)  0800 917 3534 (Freephone) 

Anse Chastanet & Jade Mountain

 01904 607 435 

World Travel Market

 0800 141 2859 

 gjeffery@eleganthotels.com 

@WTM_London

 ansechastanet@ansechastanet.com  jademountain@ansechastanet.com

 reservations@eleganthotels.com 

CRUISE LINES Carnival Cruise Lines  0808 234 0680  InternationalSales@Carnival.com  carnival.co.uk

carnivalcruiseuk @carnivalcruiseline  carnivalcruiselineuk

 ansechastanet.com / jademountain.com

AnseChastanet

 eleganthotels.com

ElegantHotels @ElegantHotels

JadeMountainStlucia @ansechastanet

Escape Marketing Services Ltd

@jademountain

 020 7183 5058

AnseChastanet

 info@escapemarketing.net

JadeMountainStlucia

 escapemarketing.net

EscapeMarketing

 01344 887 003   annabelle.marshall@fairmont.com  fairmont.com/barbados

fairmonthotels @FairmontHotels Group Promotions  01582 792 260  sales@group-promotions.com  info@group-promotions.com  group-promotions.com

Half Moon, A RockResort  +1 876 953 2211   slogan@halfmoon.com   halfmoon.com

half moon jamaica @halfmoonjamaica JWP Collection/Cotton House  + 33 6 52 93 07 85  john@jwpcollection.com  cottonhouse.net

Ladera Resort  001 (758) 459 6600  07715 490 591  reservations@ladera.com  Sian@ladera.com  ladera.com

Ladera Resort @ladera_resort Laderaresort MRI Ltd/Rex Resorts  020 8741 5333  res.mriuk@rexresorts.com  rexresorts.com

rex resorts @rexresorts

@escapemarketing

@_LoveCaribbean

Members List.indd 61

 +1 246 422 5555 

LISTINGS

AIRLINES

Lovethecaribbean

caribbean.co.uk 61

5/15/18 12:55 PM

 Trade/Sales  Consumer/Reservation  Editorial

Marriott Hotels International Ltd

Selling Travel

Club Caribbee

Steppes Travel

 020 7012 7312

 020 8649 7233

 020 868 21115

 03331 305 171 

 0800 221-222 

 sales@bmipublishing.co.uk   editorial@bmipublishing.co.uk 

 sales@clubcaribbee.co.uk  clubcaribbee.co.uk

 enquiry@steppestravel.com  steppestravel.com

 marriott.com

 sellingtravel.co.uk sellingtravelmag

Marriott @Marriott

@Sellingtravmag

ClubCaribbeeLimited

@steppestravel

@ClubCaribbee

@steppestravel

ClubCaribbee

steppes_travel

Resort Marketing International  01245 459 900

TTG Media

Havanatour UK Ltd

Sunsail

 info@resort-marketing.co.uk  resort-marketing.co.uk

 020 3714 4103

 01707 646 463

 033 0332 1172

 asohawon@ttgmedia.com  ttgmedia.com

 sales@havanatour.co.uk  havanatour.co.uk

 sales@sunsail.com  sunsail.co.uk

resort marketing international ltd

TravelTradeGazette

@rmilimited

@TTGMedia

havanatour uk ltd

SunsailUK

@havanatouruk

sunsailuk

Sandals & Beaches Resorts  08000 223 030

Travel Bulletin

Kenwood Travel

The Holiday Place

 sales@sandals.co.uk  sandals.co.uk

 020 7834 6661

 020 7749 9245

 020 7644 1749

 jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk  travelbulletin.co.uk

 Caribbean@kenwoodtravel.co.uk  kenwoodtravel.co.uk

 reservations@theholidayplace.co.uk  holidayplace.co.uk

sandalsresortsUK

TravelBulletin

@sandalsresorts

@TravelBulletin

@Sandals_UK

kenwoodtravel @kenwoodtravel

holidayplace @theholidayplace

kenwoodtravel Sunrise Marketing

Travel Weekly

 01189 145 674

 020 7881 4877

Kuoni Travel Ltd

 0800 707 6229

 Info@sunrisemarketing.co.uk  sunrisemarketing.co.uk

 mary.rega@travelweekly.co.uk   katie.mcgonagle@travelweekly.co.uk 

 0800 092 4444

 info@travelclubelite.com  traveclubelite.com

 travelweekly.co.uk travelweeklyuk

sunrise marketing @sunrise_uk

@travelweekly SuperClubs

BreezesResorts

travelclubelite

 reservations@thelimingbequia.com.com  thelimingbequia.com The-Liming-Bequia

 01752 880 880 

 mail@motmottravel.com  motmottravel.com

 info@tropicbreeze.co.uk  tropicbreeze.co.uk

TOUR OPERATORS Audley Travel  01993 838 275

@thelimingbequia

 audleytravel.com Audley Travel

thelimingbequia

@audleytravel MEDIA/ONLINE

audleytravel

motmottravel @motmot_travel

British Airways Holidays

 01245 207 888

 0344 493 0120 

 ajay@experienceengine.com

 ba.com/caribbean british airways @british_airways

experiencengine Caribtours My Booking Rewards

 020 7751 0660

 07818 434 410 (mobile)

 escapes@caribtours.co.uk  caribtours.co.uk

 enquiries@mybookingrewards.com  mybookingrewards.com

tropicb @tropicb tropicbreezeholidays

Newmont Travel Ltd

Tropical Sky

 020 8920 1144

 01342 889 201

 sales@hotelsofthecaribbean.co.uk  hotelsofthecaribbean.co.uk

 info@tropicalsky.co.uk  tropicalsky.co.uk

 newmont.co.uk NewmontTravel Sackville Travel/Q Holidays

Experience Engine

 experienceengine.com Experience Engine

Tropic Breeze

 020 3865 9360

motmot_travel

 +44 (0) 131 297 0289

Members List.indd 62

@travelclubelite

 01327 359622

waterfront_publishing

The Liming Group

caribbean.co.uk

@kuonitraveluk

travelclubelite

Waterfront Publishing  info@waterfront-publishing.com  waterfront-publishing.com

@breezes_resorts

62

kuonitraveluk

MOT MOT Travel

 martin.grass@superclubs.com  breezes.com

@MyBookingReward

 kuoni.co.uk  holidays@kuoni.co.uk

travelweeklyuk

 01934 740 467

My Booking Rewards

Travel Club Elite

tropicalsky @tropicalsky tropicalsky

 020 7326 7699 

Virgin Holidays

 020 7326 3100 

 0344 557 4008

 sales@sackvilletravel.com  Sackvilletravel.com

 virginholidays.co.uk virginholidays

 Qholidays.co.uk Sackvilletravel

@virginholidays

@sackvilletravel

Luxury Tailormade Holidays @Caribtours Caribtours

Lovethecaribbean

@_LoveCaribbean

5/15/18 12:55 PM

Untitled-1 1

4/20/18 03:28 PM 12/03/2018 08:01

Twice Weekly flights from London Gatwick.

Book now at ba.com/tobago

Untitled-1 1

4/20/18 03:29 PM