Luxury Caribbean Holidays

We can’t talk about holidays to the Caribbean without mentioning a little more about its beaches. It is, afterall, one of the ultimate beach holiday destinations in the world. The only problem is, with so many options to choose from, how do you know which one is best for your holiday?

The most popular beaches in the Caribbean

While they all boast silky soft sands, pristine waters and beautiful surroundings, each Caribbean island can offer a slightly different beach experience. Some of the most popular can be found along Barbados’ west coast, also known as the ‘Platinum Coast’. Here you will discover luxury hotels lining the sands, offering everything you need to relax and have fun.

Beyond Barbados, some of the other most popular Caribbean beaches include Sugar Beach in St.Lucia, Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman and Shoal Bay in Anguilla. Of course, if you are looking for somewhere more secluded, look out for smaller or private islands such as those in the British Virgin Islands.

Discover the calm blue waters of the Caribbean

It’s not just sand that makes a beach holiday truly brilliant. The Caribbean islands are known for having some of the bluest and calmest waters. Not only does this make them some of the prettiest islands in the world, but also makes them ideal for both families and water sports. Turks and Caicos are known for their peaceful and gentle coastlines, while Grande Anse beach in Grenada is famed for its blue waters.

Take a look at our blog to discover more of the Best Beaches in the Caribbean.

One of the most irresistible aspects of the Caribbean islands is the vibrant mix of cultures that combine to create something completely unique. And, there is no better way to experience this than by tasting the food on offer.

It’s all about flavour!

The Caribbean isn’t shy when it comes to flavour. Food here mixes traditions from many nationalities such as African, East Indian, Arab, Chinese and Creole. As a result, Caribbean food packs a unique punch of spicy, hot, bold and colourful flavours that you will never get tired of tasting, such as…

• Fresh seafood – the basis of many popular Caribbean dishes, you’ll find a fish fry across many islands. Grilled flying fish are hugely popular in Barbados, while conch meat and rock lobster are specialities in the Bahamas.
• Jerk – one of the Caribbean’s most famous food exports, get a taste of the ‘real thing’ in Jamaica! Find it rubbed into slow-cooked chicken, served with rice and peas.
• Stew – Stews are also popular in the Caribbean, particularly goat stew or a ‘pepperpot’, which is packed with colourful native vegetables.
• Fruit - With all that sunshine, tropical fruits add to the unique taste of Caribbean food, too. Papaya makes a very welcome juicy snack, while you might also find fried plantain on your dinner table.
• Spices – Grenada grows an abundance of spices, including nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and more. You’ll be able to taste them in sweet treats such as ice cream and fudge, or in a tangy Jamaican curry.

Rum lovers rejoice

For many people, one of the best Caribbean experiences is sinking your toes into the sand and enjoying an ice-cold drink under the palm trees.

And, at least one of these drinks is likely to feature some of the Caribbean’s most popular beverage – its world-famous rum! Production of rum in the Caribbean dates back centuries and it's even believed that the drink was in fact born in Barbados, as a by-product of the sugar cane plantations.

Whether it’s rum punch, a cocktail or poured straight on the rocks, you can taste Caribbean rum anywhere. If you’re interested in learning more, most distilleries also offer tours for visitors.

Restaurants in the Caribbean

When looking for a restaurant in the Caribbean, you can find everything from Michelin-starred cuisine to toes-in-the-sand beachfront shacks.

The Cliff in Barbados is legendary for its exclusive seafront location and incredible food – as is the far less formal Oistins Fish Fry! From candle-lit romantic dinners to music-filled barbecues and beachfront banquets, there is a great variety of restaurants in the Caribbean to suit everyone.

Culture in the Caribbean was born from a mixture of influences, resulting in each island possessing its own unique heritage and character. From the red ‘British’ telephone boxes in Bermuda, to the St.Tropez style marina at St. Barthes, Caribbean culture is a true cultural kaleidoscope.

Musical roots

Music runs through the heart of the Caribbean. Naturally, reggae is huge in its homeland of Jamaica, where Bob Marley fans can visit his former home and recording studio.

There are also several music festivals held throughout the year, including jazz festivals in Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Anguilla. Naturally, Jamaica holds some key reggae festivals, along with Bob Marley week, which pays homage to the much-loved musician.

However, there is no time limit on when you can simply enjoy the steel pan music as you relax on the beach!

Hidden history

Many people forget that beyond the beaches and array of activities, there's a fascinating history to discover in the Caribbean. You can visit old sugar plantations to get a better understanding of what life was like for early inhabitants, or explore former fortresses, marinas and mills that once produced the Caribbean’s biggest exports.

Then there are the many stories of pirates who used to roam the waters, offering plenty of swashbuckling tales to discover.

The Caribbean is well known for its love of cricket, but there are plenty of other activities and sports to participate in when enjoying your holiday.

Water sports and snorkelling in the Caribbean

With a vast expanse of ocean, the Caribbean is the perfect location for water sports. From snorkelling to diving to deep-sea fishing, the region offers an array of activities along its shores.

The south-eastern peninsula of St Kitts is one of the best snorkelling areas within the Caribbean. With some of the clearest waters and exhilarating sea life, the location is perfect for those looking for some underwater entertainment.

Another wonderful spot is Thunderball Cave in the Bahamas. James Bond loved it, and we think you will too. Gringo Beach in Puerto Rico is another fabulous location to try your hand at snorkelling. Not only is it perfect for exploring marine life, it’s also an amazing beach area.

Rainforest wonders

It’s not just water sports that make the Caribbean perfect for adventure lovers. Many islands have a lush interior that is ideal for hiking, exploring, and spotting wildlife.

St. Lucia is particularly popular with those who like to venture beyond a sun lounger. It’s home to the magnificent Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with incredible walks, plus chances to zipline the treetops and discover volcanic springs.

Jamaica offers a bounty of adventure opportunities, too. Dunns River Falls is a favourite, where you can watch the water cascade down the towering rocks stacked above. It also boasts the stunning Blue Mountain range, which is great for serious hikers.

Sporting legends

Cricket fans will already be aware that the Caribbean is a great place to catch a match. Of course, there is also the not-so-small matter of the fastest man in the world hailing from Jamaica – the Olympic champion, Usain Bolt!

Golfers will also be in their element on a Caribbean holiday. Barbados boasts two world-class courses, Green Monkey at Sandy Lane, and Royal Westmoreland. You’ll also find Tom Fazio courses in the Bahamas, with more excellent options also available in Bermuda, Jamaica and Dominican Republic.