19 minute read
Anguilla
–––––––– Antigua ––––––––
COCOS Hotel Carlisle Bay
Situated on a bluff in between 2 exquisite white sand beaches, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, COCOS Hotel is a peaceful all-inclusive resort. Small and intimate, it is the perfect haven for a romantic getaway. A unique collection of individual wooden cottages nestled on the hillside, all of which are beautifully rustic and feature an outdoor shower and a large private balcony furnished with a hammock and Adirondack chairs.
Located on the cliff side, the open air restaurant offers mesmerising sea views, as well as delicious a la carte cuisine. The menu is filled with mouth-watering dishes created from locally sourced ingredients – the freshest fish caught by the local fishermen and fruit and vegetables grown by nearby farmers will feature.
Focussing mainly on relaxation and romance, COCOS encourage guests to enjoy the stunning stretch of powder soft white sand beach that it sits above. There are plenty of super comfy beach beds to laze on whilst gazing out across the sparkling sea. For those looking for a few things to do, snorkelling and kayaking are available directly from the beach and there are Yoga and Pilates sessions twice a week. For a touch more relaxation, head to the Ocean View Spa and enjoy a pampering treatment. Set on the south coast of the island, Carlisle Bay is in a glorious location – to the rear emerald green rainforest and to the fore, a magnificent crescent of powder soft beach. The resort comprises 87 luxurious suites offering everything from Gaggia espresso machines to DVD players and fluffy white bathrobes. Every room has a private balcony or terrace and many lead directly onto the beach. The Beach Suites are particularly lovely and perfect for families, with a separate bedroom for children.
Dining here is a delight! Indigo on the Beach, a breeze-filled open-sided restaurant is perfect for long, lazy breakfasts or lunches. If casual dining is what you are after, head to poolside Ottimo! for delicious homemade salads, pizza and gelato! East features Asian cuisine and is regarded as one of the best restaurants in Antigua, so booking a table is recommended. For those who love a little tradition don’t miss the afternoon tea, it’s served daily in a location of your choice!
With mountain bikes, rainforest hikes, tennis courts and a plethora of complimentary non-motorised water sports on offer, Carlisle Bay is heaven sent for active families! For those seeking relaxation lookout for the yoga and pilates sessions or head to the Blue Spa – an oasis of calm with a wide range of treatments available.
Antigua & the –––– British Virgin Islands ––––
Hidden Gems of the Caribbean
In this two-week, multi-centre Caribbean island hopping itinerary, you’ll discover a dreamy combination of authentic hotels, exquisite beaches and sublime sailing... With such a diverse selection of islands and hotels to explore, it is no wonder that combining 2 or more beautiful locations is a popular choice when visiting the Caribbean. Discover the different culture, charm and infamous rum cocktails that each of these vibrant holiday hideaways is famous for! Antigua and the British Virgin Islands is one of our favourite Caribbean twin centres!
Days 1-4 ● COCOS Hotel, Antigua Arrive in Antigua and head to COCOS Hotel (see page 18) for a few days of rest and relaxation. This lovely, rustic boutique resort is exclusively for couples and therefore offers a tranquil start to your trip. Set on a pristine stretch of beach on the west coast, COCOS is perfectly located for exploring the island should you wish to get out and about… Antigua boasts not only beautiful beaches but bustling markets and a fascinating history too.
Days 5-7 ● Anegada Beach Club, British Virgin Islands Depart from Antigua on the short flight across to Beef Island in the British Virgin Islands and then jump on a light aircraft for the 15 minute hop to the island of Anegada. Spend 3 nights at Anegada Beach Club (see page 28) staying in one of the fantastic beachfront palapa retreats. Enjoy walking on the powder soft sand, swimming and snorkelling in the gin-clear sea and discovering all that the coral island of Anegada has to offer, including an abundance of wildlife.
Days 8-14 ● Luxury By The Cabin Yacht Charter,
British Virgin Islands
Head back to Tortola where you will be met and transferred to Scrub Island to meet your crew and fellow guests before stepping on board a luxury catamaran, home for the next 7 nights. Get settled in your private en-suite cabin, before enjoying your first evening meal and night on board. The next day, set sail around the British Virgin Islands for a week of exploration... widely known as a sailor’s paradise, the crystal clear seas, largely uninhabited islands and laid back pace of life offer an idyllic escape from the norm. On your last morning, head back to Scrub Island where you will disembark before being transferred to the airport for your flight back to Antigua and onwards to the UK.
Barbados
Rightly glorified for its stunning stretches of powder-soft beach, Barbados has often been a byword for a Caribbean luxury holiday. It’s an island loved by celebrities the world over and everybody who is anybody has been there. They certainly have good taste, with the Barbadian beaches beautifully complemented by sleepy azure bays and island charm.
Most people flock to the hub of luxury hotels nestled on the west coast (also known as the Platinum Coast), where the property roll call reads like a who’s who of hospitality. It’s easy to stay cocooned in luxury, lazing on one of the many pristine stretches of sand, but we’d implore you to get out and explore. Among the sundrenched Caribbean cool, a fine thread of quaint British tradition runs deep, a trait instilled since the days of colonial rule. Evidence lies in the Anglican churches, red post boxes and time-honoured sugar mills that pepper its UNESCO-listed capital, Bridgetown. While they are pretty reminders of Barbados’ storied past, British heritage is still practised in the here and now, with afternoon tea a running tradition and the likes of polo and cricket still healthy fixtures within the island’s sporting culture. The wonderful Bajan vibe infused throughout the island means the friendly locals will also leave a lasting imprint in your memories.
Outside the city, sugar cane plantations and rum distilleries patchwork the rolling countryside of the emerald interior. However, you’re in Barbados, so its A-grade beaches will never be too far from the forefront of your mind. Its coast is a little more unique than its Caribbean neighbours as it’s effectively split in two, with the wild Atlantic Ocean in the east and the sleepy Caribbean Sea in the west. The Atlantic side is a haven for thrill-seeking surfers and you’ll often see them trying to negotiate big breakers just offshore. Alternatively, you could try bodyboarding off the pink-tinged Crane Beach or, if you’d rather just sit and watch the action
Cobblers Cove Saint Peter’s Bay Fairmont Royal Pavilion Colony Club The Sandpiper
Sandy Lane
unfold in front of you, stop for flying fish sandwiches at Round House in Bathsheba. If you’d prefer some tranquil time by the water, the west coast is an oasis of mill-pond calm. The serene waters are also perfect for a catamaran cruise, where you can admire the sea views or dive in to snorkel with turtles and spy shipwrecks resting on the ocean floor. Then, you can enjoy a tasty Bajan buffet on deck with a rum punch, watching the sunset. The cove at North Point is a fine spot to see where these two great bodies of water meet, a natural phenomenon which aptly mirrors Barbados’ charismatic collision of cultures.
Away from the island’s fringes, make a beeline for a rum distillery – you are in the Caribbean after all. The Mount Gay rum distillery in Bridgetown is the oldest continuously run one in the world (over 300 years and counting), while family owned and run St. Nicholas Abbey in the north boasts one of only three remaining Jacobean mansions in the western hemisphere – a splendid place to savour this spirit.
Discover Barbados
Harrison’s Cave
Head to Barbados’ heart and you’ll find one of its most beautiful natural wonders, Harrison’s Cave, which is named after prominent 18th century Brit Thomas Harrison, who owned a lot of Barbadian land. The green landscape is easy on the eye but go deep beneath it to find a 1.5-mile long cavern dripping with gigantic stalagmites and stalactites. A tram takes you through its spectacular galleries, past subterranean streams and mineral pools and within arm’s length of cascading waterfalls.
Hackleton’s Cliff
Barbados is beautiful at every turn, but Hackleton’s Cliff possibly has the best view of the bunch. A climb up this near-1,000 foot escarpment rewards with views of the wild Atlantic coastline, lush inland scenery and the Barbadian district of Scotland, affectionately named by former settlers to remind them of their homeland.
Snorkelling
Being the Caribbean, the calm ripples and gin-clear waters of Barbados naturally lend themselves to breathtaking snorkelling, however, the trump card here is the wealth of sea turtles that you can see close to the shore. Nesting hawksbill turtles favour the west and south coasts between April and November, while leatherback turtles nest between February and July on the island’s eastern and southern fringes.
Oistins Fish Fry
If you’re not spending your Friday nights in the coastal town of Oistins, then you’re not ‘doing Barbados right’. Friday night is fish fry night, where ‘catch of the day’ is cooked right in front of you whilst you are surrounded by local music, dancing and a superb Barbadian sunset.
–––––––– Barbados ––––––––
The Sandpiper Cobblers Cove
From its prime location on a beautiful white beach, The Sandpiper encapsulates intimate, relaxed elegance perfectly. The pristine white low rise buildings are set amongst the lush gardens which are filled with the vibrant flowers and intoxicating scents of stunning tropical flowers.
With just 50 rooms and suites this is boutique in the true sense of the word. Expect cool, tranquil spaces with flashes of colour. Wicker furnishings, cloud soft beds and private decks or balconies with plump day beds, perfect for those last Barbados afternoons. All of the rooms here are beautiful, however the One Bedroom Suites offer a little more space and the Tree Top Suites boast sea views and a private plunge pool, perfect for couples.
Eclectic Caribbean fare is the order of the day from the restaurant with dishes such as Caribbean Shrimp Tempura on the menu. For a warm natural vibe head to Harold’s Beach Bar – the place for breezy lunches and rum punches at sundown. This little treasure sits right on the beach with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
The Sandpiper is a long standing favourite with Turquoise guests, many returning year after year for their fix of genuine Bajan hospitality. Set on the magnificent ‘Platinum Coast’, just a short drive from Speightstown, is Cobblers Cove, a true hidden gem… think colonial charm meets Caribbean spirit. This stunning beachside property features just 40 suites, each with a bespoke design and a beautiful setting. Contemporary furnishings blend effortlessly with colonial influence, designed to give an authentic feel. All suites feature air conditioned bedrooms and traditional ceiling fans in the living area. For a ‘room with a view’ choose an Ocean Front Suite and delight in the enchanting vista that awaits you each morning.
Dining at the Camelot Restaurant is about as good as it gets anywhere in the Caribbean, and is enhanced by its position right on the beachfront. The award-winning cuisine features delicious international dishes with a Bajan twist. There is also a fantastic cocktail bar serving an abundance of exotic drinks and complimentary English afternoon tea is served in the lounge each day.
For water babies there is a superb choice of complimentary water sports including waterskiing, sailing and kayaking and for those who have an urge to be pampered, the Sea Moon Spa offers a tempting list of treatments. The uber comfy sunloungers surrounding the freshwater swimming pool are the perfect place to unwind with a good book!
–––––––– Barbados ––––––––
Colony Club Sandy Lane
Asophisticated, elegant retreat located in a stunning position on the west coast of the island, Colony Club is set within seven acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and alongside a spectacular stretch of white sand beach. All 96 rooms and suites are attractively furnished and feature a balcony or terrace overlooking the tropical grounds or the glistening Caribbean Sea. With outstanding views, the spacious Ocean View Rooms or Suites are hard to beat!
Dining at Colony Club is a delight. The Laguna Restaurant serves a variety of dishes including a plethora of fresh seafood – we love the Grilled Mahi-Mahi! For something a little different, head to The Sunset Bar & Deck where themed nights provide fun for everyone… Choose from the Seaside Grill & International Buffet on Tuesday, Bajan Fish Grill on Wednesday or the famous Lobster and Jazz Dinner on Thursday! For more of a fine dining experience, Daphne’s Restaurant, a short water taxi ride away, is the answer.
Colony Club boasts 4 lagoon style swimming pools, 2 floodlit tennis courts, a relaxing Spa and a well-equipped fitness centre, where guests can enjoy both yoga and pilates. A range of complimentary watersports are available at the Aqua School which sits directly on the powder soft sand. Occupying one of the most desirable locations on the west coast of Barbados, Sandy Lane is perfectly set on a pristine stretch of white sand beach, lapped by the warm waves of the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Central to many of the island’s sights, Sandy Lane is reputable for its golden service, outstanding cuisine and welcoming hospitality. Rich in Caribbean charm and generous with modern comforts, expect the very height of luxury from the accommodation here. Elegant rooms and suites are spacious and beautifully appointed.
With a choice of 4 restaurants and 7 bars, from the chic oceanfront Signature restaurant, l’Acajou, to swim-up cocktails at The Pool Bar, there is something for every occasion. Don’t miss daily traditional afternoon tea on the Lower Terrace, delicious!
Facilities at Sandy Lane are second to none, with two golf courses (one is exclusive to hotel guests), an exquisite spa with treatment menu to match, nine championship floodlit tennis courts, an excellent kids club and of course the pool and magnificent stretch of beach for guests to enjoy.
Sandy Lane is one of the premier luxury resorts in the world and you might just feel so at home, you’ll not want to leave!
–––––––– Barbados ––––––––
Saint Peter’s Bay Fairmont Royal Pavilion
Boasting a glorious location, Saint Peter’s Bay is set on a pristine swathe of beach on the exquisite west coast of Barbados. It is perfectly placed for exploring all that this enchanting island has to offer.
Comprised of 57 luxurious one, two and three bedroom beachfront residences, along with a handful of three and five bedroom penthouses, Saint Peter’s Bay has a real home from home feel to it. Residences are spacious, starting at 2,200 square feet, and beautifully appointed with fully equipped kitchens and generous seating areas. Bedrooms are furnished with either a kingsize or twin beds and all are ensuite. Guests can enjoy outdoor living on the expansive terraces, all of which feature a hot tub!
Guests wishing to dine at the hotel can enjoy meals at The Gazebo Bar & Grill, where cuisine is simple yet delicious and the cocktail menu is mouth-watering! Sister property, Port Ferdinand, is home to a fine dining restaurant and a pizzeria or alternatively, the resort can recommend some local eateries.
There are many watersports on offer including complimentary paddleboards, kayaks and snorkelling gear, plus, the beach is popular with Hawksbill turtles and from May to October guests maybe lucky enough to spot a hatchling or two! Perfectly located on an enviable beachfront in the charming environs of St. James Parish and just 12 miles from the airport, Fairmont Royal Pavilion is ideally situated to serve guests wanting to embrace a truly Barbadian experience.
All of the rooms and suites have been beautifully designed, with colour schemes inspired by the hotel’s stunning beachfront giving a soothing, relaxed feel to them. Elegantly implemented and retaining the property’s authenticity, all the public areas have recently been refurbished.
Guests can dine in one of the three beachfront restaurants. Palm Terrace is open for breakfast and also on select evenings for dinner, whilst Taboras is open for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, the menus bursting with dishes inspired by the Caribbean Sea. For light bites and thirst quenching cocktails during the day, head to the Beach Club.
With two tennis courts, an abundance of complimentary watersports and a fitness centre that is open 24 hours a day, there need never be a quiet moment here! If relaxation is required, why not hit the beautiful stretch of beach with a good book, or treat yourself to a superb in-room spa experience? Whatever takes your fancy!
–––– Bequia & Barbados ––––
Authentic Caribbean Hideaways
Picture-perfect beaches, sparkling turquoise sea, refreshing rum punch, vibrant markets, reggae music and a warm welcoming smile… These are all the ingredients you need for an authentic break in the Caribbean, along with idyllic hotels to complete the package!
Experience two unique locations in this itinerary: the glorious island of Bequia, in St. Vincent & the Grenadines and the Platinum Coast of beautiful Barbados. Although Barbados is one of the better-known islands, it still retains its original charm and character with a Friday night Fish Fry at Oistins market, and boogie buses instead of taxis to get you from A to B! In contrast, Bequia in the Grenadines is the new kid on the block in terms of tourism. With just a handful of hotels on the island, Bequia maintains its authenticity to give visitors a truly genuine Caribbean experience. Don’t miss a visit to Jack’s Beach Bar for a tropical cocktail and exquisite views from the terrace.
Days 1-5 ● Bequia Beach Hotel, Bequia On arrival in Barbados you will be met and escorted to your onward flight to Bequia. Just a 45-minute flight from Barbados, the small, relatively unexplored island of Bequia is closer than you think! As you touch down in Bequia, you will be met by a hotel representative who will transfer you to Bequia Beach Hotel for five nights of rest and relaxation. This glorious retreat is perfectly placed on Friendship Bay on the south coast of the island, where guests are welcomed as family and encouraged to explore the rest of this captivating corner of the world. Dining comes in the form of alfresco Bagatelle, which boasts a stunning setting just steps from the surf! After dinner, make your way along the sand to the Bequia Beach Bar – an original rum shack with a fabulous atmosphere which makes a mean rum cocktail! After five days here, make the short hop back to Barbados
Days 6-10 ● Cobblers Cove, Barbados Arrive in Barbados and head straight from the airport, along the west coast of the island, up to Cobblers Cove, enjoying the wonderful views along the way. This charming boutique hotel is set on a quiet bay on the north-west coast of the island. It is the perfect haven for an authentic, tranquil getaway, yet is close enough to places like Speightstown and Holetown for guests to venture out and explore their local rum bars and restaurants. If you’re staying at the hotel in the evening, dine at the well-known Camelot restaurant and delight in its impeccable service, mouth-watering cuisine, all while watching the magnificent sunset over the Caribbean Sea.
