YOUR GUIDE TO THE

Caribbean
YOUR GUIDE TO THE CARIBBEAN

caribbean.co.uk

CTO_cover_3mm_Spine_V3.indd 1 1/20/20 02:33 PM

 Discover a place so serene that your laughter can be carried
all the way down a secluded beach by a warm breeze.
Home to historic sugar plantations, a majestic cloud-piercing
volcano, and even a fortress of past civilizations. A mystical
island where you’ll befriend wild monkeys, sip local rum,
Twice weekly flights and dive ancient sunken ships. Down here, we have a special
from London Gatwick
brand of kicking back and relaxing. We call it limin’... and we
are pretty sure once you try it you’ll never want to leave.

Learn more at StKittsTourism.kn

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 contents 3

WELCOME!
4 New hotels and attractions 25 Eco tourism
Something new There’s no excuse not to go green 6
6 Island hopping 28 Arts and crafts
Discover how easy it is Create memories that
to move around you can take home
8 Family holidays 29 Sail the Caribbean
Spend quality time with the Set sail and see the region
people that matter from a different perspective
11 Romance 31 Film locations
How to ensure that dream Check out these movie hot spots
wedding or honeymoon
33 Exhilarating rides
14 Jamaica - Discover the rhythm Adventure awaits with these
(Sponsored feature) thrilling experiences
16 Wellness, mind and body 34 Map
Relax and unwind with local Your handy guide to the Caribbean
spa treatments and more
36 Destinations A-Z
16
18 Ways to get fit It’s time to hear from each destination
Stay on top of your game
with these activities 49 Preferred partners
Bright ideas for your next holiday
20 Eat like a local
Flavourful menus, from beach 50 Airline chart
bars to top-end restaurants An easy guide to who flies where
22 Quirky activities 52 Member tour operators
Weird and wonderful experiences Packaged holidays from
UK tour operators
24 Curaçao - Feel it for yourself
(Sponsored feature) 54 Member listings
Everything you need from this
directory of CTO members

29

Published by Selling Travel, BMI Publishing Ltd, Suffolk House, George Street, Croydon CR9 1SR, UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 8649 7233 Fax: +44 (0)20 8649 7234 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bmipublishing.co.uk
Editorial Director: Steve Hartridge, Publisher: Sally Parker, Editor: Laura Gelder, Writers: Sarah Woods, Natasha Blair, Sasha Wood and Gary Noakes, Senior Designer: Louisa Horton, Designer: Ross Clifford, Production Manager:
Clare Hunter, Production Administrator: Steve Hunter, Managing Director: Matt Bonner, CEO: Martin Steady | The natural and human environment is important to us. We take great care to ensure that the paper products used to
produce this brochure, are manufactured from timber which is sourced from responsibly managed and harvested forests. Images sourced from: Caribbean Tourist Organisation (CTO) and members, iStockphoto.com,
bigstockphoto.com and Unsplash. Credit cover image: istockphoto.com

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 4 new hotels and attractions

exploring
new horizons
The Caribbean may be laid back, but there’s always
something new – from exciting attractions to
sparkling new hotels and resorts

1
Grenada entrance. The revitalisation project included
gets ‘smart’ opening up the causeway to allow seawater
Rooms at True Blue Bay Boutique to circulate into the dying lagoon. Also new
Resort in Grenada have just got in the Grenadines is boutique Bequia hotel,
‘smarter’. The 22 ‘climate smart’ Cocoa The Liming, with five suites and nine villas.

3
Pod rooms use rainwater harvested from
the roof, which is also used in two new Luxury trio
freshwater swimming pools. for Antigua
Solar panels are used to heat water and Three luxury hotels have opened on
generate electricity. Insulation is designed Antigua: the 294-room all-inclusive
to keep rooms cooler and energy efficient Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa in Deep Bay,
air-conditioning units have been installed. which has a microbrewery and unlimited à Turks & Caicos’ newest hotel, The Rock House

Sustainable materials, including ethical la carte dining; Hodges Bay Resort & Spa on
wood, have been used on interiors. the north coast which has luxurious suites, in 1914 will take you through plantation

2
apartments and penthouses, an adults-only fields and mahogany woods finishing with a
New eco infinity pool, and kids and teens clubs; and panoramic view from the wooden carriages
lagoon trail the boutique adult-only Hammock Cove of the east coast from Cherry Tree Hill. The
Spot birds at the new Ashton which has 40 villas with infinity plunge pool. train ride can be combined with a visit to St

4
Lagoon on Union Island St. Nicholas Abbey Great House Plantation
Vincent and the Grenadines. Rangers and new beginnings and Distillery.

6
fun signposts provide information on the in the BVIs
eco-system as you make your way through A two-year island-wide restoration Jamaica double
the mangroves. There are viewing towers has seen The British Virgin Ocean by H10 Hotels is expanding
to spot birds, a swing bridge into the Islands bounce back from Hurricane its Caribbean portfolio into
sea which will test your balance and an Irma. Hotels such as Mango Bay Resort, Jamaica and building two five-
educational eco-interpretive centre at the Wyndham Lambert Beach Resort and star all-inclusive properties just outside
Valley Trunk Estate opened in late 2019 - Falmouth, Trelawny. The 500-room, all-
the latter following a multi-million pound inclusive, beach-side Oceans Coral Spring
refurbishment. Rosewood Little Dix Bay Jamaica is due to open in November 2019.
is taking reservations from March 1, 2020 The second phase will include a 440-room
and Necker Island will host guests from adults-only property, which is scheduled to
April 2020 after two-and-a-half-years’ open in winter 2020.

7
reconstruction.

5
Get Out and
All aboard about for free
in Barbados The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Hop aboard the St Nicholas Abbey & Aviation is urging travellers to
Heritage Railway for an island visit the many parts of the islands that
steam train tour of Barbados. The 45-minute were unaffected by Hurricane Dorian.
Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica journey aboard this former sugar train built In Northwest Bahamas, unaffected

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 new hotels and attractions 5

The Bahamas is
urging travellers to
visit the many parts
of the islands that
were unaffected by
Hurricane Dorian

Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, Antigua

9
areas include the capital Nassau and Kempinski opens
neighbouring Paradise Island, as well as in Dominica
Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Andros, Bimini Dominica’s first five-star resort-
and The Berry Islands. The Islands in the style hotel, the Cabrits Resort
Southeastern and Central Bahamas are & Spa Kempinski Dominica, will open in
also unaffected, including The Exumas, Cat Douglas Bay in October 2019. The 151-
Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Long Island, room luxury resort, which is surrounded
Acklins/Crooked Island, Mayaguana by the Cabrits National Park, will offer a
and Inagua. All three Sandals properties spa featuring a Water Temple surrounded
were unaffected. by rainforest trees, international cuisine, a

8
fitness suite, two floodlit tennis courts and
Grand four hot and cold-water pools. Guests will be
Cayman triple able to choose from rooms, suites or villas. Endless beaches beckon in the Caribbean

10
Hyatt Hotels is returning to
The Cayman Islands. The 351- Turks and
room Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Caicos rocks
Residences on Seven Mile Beach is due for It’s time to rock in Turks
completion in late 2020. Also on the island, and Caicos. Its newest
NCB Group and Hilton will open a luxury hotel, The Rock House, which is due to open
boutique Curio Collection hotel in 2021 in early 2020 on the north coast, claims it
focusing on wellness and energy-efficient will set the bar for luxury hotels. Facilities in
technologies; and Mandarin Oriental Hotels this Mediterranean-styled resort will include
will manage a 100-room beachfront property two pools - a 100ft-long cliff-top infinity pool
on Grand Cayman in 2021 featuring five and an impressive limestone quarry pool
restaurants and an onsite farm for a real built into the natural stone, a first in Turks
farm-to-fork experience, plus a beach and Caicos. There’s also a fitness centre,
club, tennis courts and several pools. spa and private beach.• The Liming, Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines

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 6 island hopping

pick `n' mix your

ISLANDS
Over 7,000 islands make up the Caribbean – more than
500 in The Bahamas alone. With so much to explore,
it makes sense to hop around

B
e it big, small, deserted or lively, and Caicos, Jamaica and The Bahamas;
there’s a destination with your Dominica to Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Saint
name on it in the Caribbean – but Martin; and Saint Lucia to Dominica and
how do you choose which one to Saint Martin, while Liat Airlines shuttles
visit? The answer is, don’t… to and from Antigua, Barbados, Dominica,
Hone in on one, two or more. With regular Grenada, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts,
internal fights, a comprehensive ferry Saint Lucia, Saint Martin and St. Vincent. Fly
schedule and several cruise lines to choose Jamaica Airways, meanwhile, will transport
from, island hopping in the Caribbean is as passengers between Jamaica and Guyana. Charter your own yacht and explore the region

easy as one, two, three.

one of two catamarans run by L’Express Des
FLY AWAY WATER, WATER Iles accommodating between 360 and 405
There are more international flights than ever EVERYWHERE passengers at a time. Facilities on board
heading to the Caribbean, with Virgin Atlantic The islands and countries of the Caribbean include a restaurant and bar, a DVD room to
and British Airways flying from Gatwick into are surrounded by warm, crystal clear watch a movie and a sun deck to relax on
gateways like Jamaica, St. Kitts, Tobago waters making getting around by sail boat, while taking in the views.
and Grenada; from Manchester, Virgin catamaran, speed boat, ferry or cruise liner If you fly into St. Kitts you might even
offers flights to Barbados. For Saint Martin, easy – some smaller boats can even access be picked up and shuttled to your hotel on
Dominica, Curaçao and St. Eustatius, you can deserted, Robinson Crusoe-esq islands that nearby Nevis by boat, courtesy of your hotel
fly direct from Paris or Amsterdam. are too small for planes or cruise liners; – a great way to start your holiday. If none
Internal flights between the islands are peace and tranquillity here we come! of these float your boat, why not hire a yacht
regularly available, too – perfect for those Ideal bedfellows for a twin-centre or day of and float around the Caribbean in style –
who go green at the gills at the thought of island hopping include St. Kitts and Nevis, under your own steam or using a skipper. See
getting on a boat. InterCaribbean Islands which are just three miles apart, Grenada page 29 for more information.
flies from Antigua to Jamaica; Haiti to Turks and Tobago (the former sitting just above
the latter), and Saint Lucia and Barbados CRUISING AHEAD
(the latter positioned conveniently south Why just visit two or three islands when you
of the former). The cluster of small, could see a little bit of everything? Cruising
idyllic islands that form The British is the ideal way to get a taste of the whole
Virgin Islands are also located region, visiting islands large and small,
just east of Puerto Rico, pristine and built up, to see which ones
making for a great day trip impress (and perhaps plan a return visit later
or overnight stay away from in the year).
the resort. The Caribbean is a very popular product
For inexpensive, for cruise companies, with far too many
impromptu crossings itineraries to mention here. Some of note,
between The British Virgin however, include Princess Cruises’ 17-day
Islands, The Bahamas, Ultimate Caribbean Collection cruise (January
Martinique, Dominica and February 2020) taking in Saint Martin,
and Saint Lucia, hop on Antigua, St. Kitts, Martinique, Barbados

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 island hopping 7

Getting around by boat is easy –

some can even access deserted,
Robinson Crusoe-esq islands
that are too small for planes or
cruise liners

Grab a seaplane to access tiny isles Turks & Caicos has many islands to hop between

and Trinidad on a cruise and stay basis, Fred Olsen has lots of Caribbean options in
and Celebrity Cruises’ 15-day Contemporary 2020, including a 14-night Eastern Caribbean Mayan temple, Belize

Caribbean Island Hopping cruise (departing cruise which stops at Tobago, Curaçao,
February, March and April 2020) which visits Grenada, Saint Lucia, Antigua, St. Kitts, St.
the islands of Saint Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts Maarten and The British Virgin Islands.
and Saint Martin aboard the luxury full-board Other companies cruising around the
Celebrity Silhouette. Caribbean include Carnival Cruise Lines,
Celebrating an occasion? Silversea’s five- Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney
star ships offer Champagne on tap, butlers Cruise Line, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Royal
on demand and roomy suites on a plethora Caribbean Cruise Lines, Holland America,
of 2020 voyages calling at islands including, TUI, Igu Cruise, Virgin Holidays Cruises and
Montserrat, Martinique and St. Maarten. P&O Cruises.• Catamarans are the perfect way to travel

Cayman Villas goes the extra mile From the moment you contact us and book one of our
properties in the Cayman Islands, to your final goodbye, our
to create unique, locally inspi
inspired Travel Specialists will create a personalised and unforgettable vacation
vacation experiences for you. experience. Relax in one of our luxurious beachfront villas,
or set out on adventures to see the islands’ hidden gems.
Enjoy full concierge services and in-villa amenities.
We strive to ensure that you have a truly unforgettable vacation.
It’s why our guests come back time and time again.

www.caymanvillas.com
y • [email protected]
@ y
561.249.4307 • 800.235.5888 • Cayman Islands

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 8 family holidays

get everyone
TOGETHER
Enjoying a family holiday in the Caribbean is child’s
play thanks to thrilling activities, on land and at sea,
supervised but fun kids clubs and beautiful beaches

a
n amazing array of activities will There’s also a nanny service for tots and
keep the entire family amused in aqua centres with PADI® certification for
the Caribbean - and will ensure older kids. Sesame Street® fans can have
a fun time together and many fun with their favourite gang members.
memories. Choose from artist workshops and puppet The sandy beaches
From hurtling along on a zip-wire in making with Bert and Ernie and Explore and calm waters of the
Belize to trundling along on a sugar train in Outer Space with Elmo and Friends. Caribbean create a safe
Barbados or St. Kitts, just sit back and enjoy Children love making friends on holiday, haven for children. Many
the ride. and at the new complimentary Namaste offer sailing and surf
kids club at True Blue Bay, Grenada, they can lessons as well as
faMILy REsoRts play with visiting locals and staff members’ snorkel hire
& KIDs CLuBs youngsters too. Activities include hair
Nowhere offers family resorts and hotels braiding, jewellery making, introduction to
for all ages and pockets quite like the snorkelling or scuba diving, sailing lessons
Caribbean. And with so many family-focused and kayaking.
hotels and resorts offering a multitude of Cooking, crab hunting and pilates will keep
activities, the kids will never be bored. young ones amused at Elite Island Resorts’ Family fun with Beaches Resorts

Beaches Resorts’ three properties in Verandah Resort and Spa, and St James’s
Turks and Caicos and one in Jamaica offer Club and Villas, in Antigua, and St James’s bargain. The programme costs $1,200pp.
everything from thrilling waterparks and Club Morgan Bay in Saint Lucia. Teens and Kids wanting more fishy fun can seek out
XBOX® play lounges to supervised kids ‘tweens’ can learn how to dive or enjoy non- giant mantas, sleek sharks and tropical fish
camps and teens’ nightclubs where sodas motorised watersports that are included in on a twilight snorkel with an underwater
and non-alcoholic cocktails are on tap. the all-inclusive package. There’s an in-room guide. Some of the proceeds go to the
babysitting service too. Atlantis Blue Project Foundation.
In Saint Lucia, Cap Maison’s Family Time
programme includes up to two children unDERWatER
under 12 staying and eating free when aDVEntuREs
dining with parents, teenager meal plans Sea turtle hatching sites abound in the
and three hours free babysitting. Caribbean particularly in Saint Martin, St.
A heap of fun awaits youngsters in the kids Kitts, Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua. If
and teens clubs (complimentary for three you’re lucky, you may see one lay its eggs.
years and above) at the Mandarin Oriental Swimming with dolphins is a great day out
Canouan, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in St. Maarten and The British Virgin Islands,
where a mini kitchen, yoga, cricket and arts where sailing is also popular with families.
and crafts are guaranteed to keep all ages Or go horse-riding in Saint Martin and take a
amused. dip in the sea with your horse afterwards - it’s
Youngsters can help release sea turtles magical.
into the ocean after rehabilitation at Atlantis On the Cayman Islands, you can swim with
Paradise Island in The Bahamas - and help huge stingrays at the appropriately named
the resort’s conservation efforts into the Stingray City, or hand feed them from the

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 family holidays 9

Nowhere offers family resorts

and hotels for all ages and
pockets quite like the Caribbean -
and with a multitude of activities
on offer kids will never be bored

Take to the rails in St. Kitts Horse riding can be on land or at sea

safe sandbar shallows. with visits to Mayan sites and cave tubing.
Families who don’t want to get their The Dragon’s Breath zip-line in Haiti is the
feet wet can explore the sea bed from the world’s longest over water.
comfort of the Atlantis Submarine in Grand For hotter action, take a trip to the active
Cayman, Antigua and Barbados. In Curaçao, volcanoes in Montserrat (Soufrière Hills),
land lubbers can see more than 400 species St. Vincent (La Soufriere) and Martinique
of fish at the Sea Aquarium. (Mount Pelée) or take a drive through Saint
Lucia’s La Soufriere.
fun Days out For a more relaxing experience, jump
For thrills and excitement, fly in the air on a aboard a 1914 vintage railway at St Nicholas
zip-wire in Jamaica, Belize, Haiti, Grenada Abbey, Barbados, or the double-decker
or Saint Lucia. Belize offers nocturnal zip- scenic railway in St. Kitts for island tours
lining adventures in the rainforest along with a difference.• Kids can snorkel all over the Caribbean

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Untitled-8
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16:34
 romance 11

LOVE
islands
From love island escapes
to sunset celebrations with
idyllic views, the Caribbean
provides the perfect
setting for weddings,
vows and romance

W
ith soft white-powder
beaches fringed with
coconut palms, stunning
sunsets, boutique
boltholes and luxury couples-only resorts,
there’s an island to fulfil every couple’s
romantic dream.
Whether you want to exchange vows on a
private island in the Grenadines or a luxury
yacht in Anguilla, or sip Champagne on a
private deck in Saint Lucia – delivered by zip-
wire of course – you’ll find romance in the air
everywhere.

Wedded bliss
What can be more intimate than taking over
a private island such as Petit St Vincent in St.
Vincent and the Grenadines for your wedding
and guests? A 6,000-bottle wine cellar will
ensure the party goes with a swing, while
complimentary room service means the
couple don’t even have to leave their cottage
(there are 16 in all). Just hoist a flag outside
your door to place an order.
Neighbouring Palm Island, a 135-acre all-
inclusive resort, has an on-island wedding
planner who will organise the big day and
suggest romantic locations for the ceremony.
Both islands offer luxury spas for wedding
preparations plus romantic sailing trips with
beach bbq and private dinners on the beach or
under the Heart Tree (Palm Island).
Guyana’s nature resorts along the Essequibo
River and Demerara River offer romantic spots
for a wedding, such as the Baganara Island
Resort and Arrowpoint Nature Resort, an eco-
tourism resort on the Kamuni Creek.
Anguilla offers a myriad of choices for
exchanging vows - historic churches, stunning
A petal-strewn wedding in The Bahamas beaches, offshore cays, clifftop villas, 

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 12 romance

Galley Bay Resort & Spa, Antigua A cave for two in The Bahamas Romantic dinner, Cap Maison, Saint Lucia

 private yachts and The Arch. Small groups and honeymoons, such as fire-lit gourmet
taking over the Quintessence Grand Mansion dinners, private sunset cruises with a chef
(up to 22 people) will find a beautiful beach and surprise dates with a love letter.
for exchanging barefoot vows. At the 36-room boutique Nisbet Plantation
The all-inclusive Curtain Bluff, Antigua, Beach Club, Nevis, hammocks swaying
provides intimate ceremonies and wedding between palm trees on the beach and a hot
parties on the beach. tub are perfect for romantic days and nights.
Couples looking to make a splash may Sunset weddings are also popular.
prefer to marry in an over-the-water wedding Couples looking for an adult-only hotel will
chapel at Sandals’ South Coast Jamaica or find a myriad of properties in the Caribbean.
Grande Saint Lucian resorts. They include Jade Mountain Saint Lucia,
Hotel wedding packages often include Sandals Royal Caribbean, Secrets Wild
extras such as free overnights, a wedding Orchid and Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall Scotts Head, Dominica
cake or photographer when couples book in Jamaica, Galley Bay Resort & Spa Antigua,
a minimum number of nights. Before and Breezes Bahamas.
choosing your destination, check the legal
requirements for getting married as some HONeYMOON HAVeNs
will require more paperwork or minimum Yachts and villas are perfect honeymoon
residency periods. havens. The bride gets a 50% discount on
Barbados requires no residency period selected Dream Yacht Charter ‘by the cabin’
before the big day. In St. Vincent and the cruises in The British Virgin Islands and
Grenadines, Jamaica and Grenada UK the Grenadines, where stunning beaches,
couples must stay 24 hours before applying snorkelling and kayaking await.
for a marriage licence; in Dominica it’s two Climb aboard Cap Maison’s luxury yacht
days, and on Saint Martin it’s 30 days. St. and enjoy Saint Lucia’s tropical beauty whilst
Eustatius, where popular venues include Fort savouring canapés and cocktails.
Oranje, two weeks’ stay is required. Or hire one of the 104 luxury staffed villas
on the private island of Mustique and you’ll
ROMANTiC ReNdeZVOUs have Mick Jagger as a neighbour, or stay
Rekindle romance with a dinner a deux on at the island’s 17-bedroom Cotton House,
the beach with the sand between your toes. where colonial charm combine with excellent
Intimate beach dinners are served at many cuisine.•
hotels including the boutique East Winds in
Saint Lucia and the all-inclusive Calabash
Luxury Boutique Hotel, Grenada.
The Almond Tree Deck at East Winds is also
perfect for an intimate dining or a wedding.
The House by Elegant Hotels, Barbados, has
appointed a Romance Concierge to create
tailor-made experiences for anniversaries

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 JAMAICA SAINT LUCIA ANTIGUA BAHAMAS GRENADA BARBADOS

Since opening our first resort back in 1981, Sandals Resorts has
endeavoured to embody the very best of the Caribbean. Stunning beaches,
delectable cuisine, warm and friendly staff – these are just a few of the ways
that Sandals guests get to enjoy the quintessential Caribbean experience.
Not only this, but every single one of our Caribbean resorts boasts our
Luxury Included® offering, a commitment to the environment, and its own
unique personality, in other words, the perfect recipe for a dream holiday.

At Sandals our guests will discover the finest the Caribbean has to offer:

• Natural Beauty
• Heartfelt hospitality
• Luxurious living
• 5-Star Global Gourmet™ Dining
• And best of all it’s All-Inclusive. All the time. Anytime

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17:24
 sponsored feature

discover the rhythm of

JAMAICA

N
estled comfortably right in the scenic Martha Brae River, where you’ll HOME OF THE LEGEND
the middle of the Caribbean, experience the peaceful serenity of the A trip to Jamaica simply wouldn’t be
Jamaica truly is a sparkling Jamaican landscape. complete without a visit to the Bob Marley
gem of an island that provides Keeping with the water theme, why not Museum located inside his former home. It’s
a welcome feeling of escape. dive into the deep end with a dip in Port the ultimate place to celebrate the life and
When you think of Jamaica, you might think Antonio’s 200ft deep Blue Lagoon. Or, you music of the Father of Reggae, whose music
of beaches, bikinis, and sunshine. You’d be can head to Dunn’s River Falls, a stunning resonates within the heart of every Jamaican.
absolutely right, but there’s a whole world 600ft waterfall and one of Jamaica’s It’s this genre of music that echoes
of wonder beyond the beach. With national treasures. Scattered throughout the island, in bars, restaurants
something for everyone, it’s just A trip to with a series of miniature and out on the street. Soak it up and drink
waiting to be discovered. pools, the falls provide the it in. This is the home of Reggae, and
Jamaica wouldn’t be
The famous Blue perfect place to relax as Jamaicans aren’t shy about sharing their
complete without a visit
Mountains are a perfect you make the leisurely love of it.
to the Bob Marley Museum.
example. If you’re feeling climb to the top. www.visitjamaica.com
energetic, you can
This is the home of Reggae, All of this physical
conquer these spectacular and Jamaicans aren’t shy activity isn’t without
peaks with the added bonus about sharing their reward though. When the
of seeing Jamaica’s Blue love of it sun goes down, there’s a
Mountain coffee plantations, world of food and nightlife to
nestled into the hills 5,000ft above keep you entertained. Sample the
sea level. Those who make the 7,500ft hike world famous Jamaican Jerk Chicken, and
to the peak are rewarded with breathtaking experience authentic Jamaican Rum. In fact,
views of over a hundred miles. you can take the Appleton Estate Rum Tour
and get an inside look at the 18th century
NATURAL CHARMS style rum making process that’s still in use
Or if you feel like something a bit more today. You’re also never far from the chilled
relaxing, why not take a bamboo raft down out vibes of a reggae bar. A pool with a view at Strawberry Hill

Jamaica_Spread_V4.indd 14 1/22/20 05:51 PM

 sponsored feature

CREATIVE CUISINE
Sampling the food of the country is an
integral feature of the tourism experience.
Jamaica has a wide array of dishes to offer
the foodie loving traveller. Visitors are treated
to the most sumptuous tastes available
anywhere they go on the island. What
makes the Jamaican culinary experience so
amazing is the diversity. You can have the
most delectable meal at a five star restaurant
as well as at a roadside cook shop.
Jamaica’s yearly calendar includes a host
of culinary delights such as several jerk
festivals, food carnivals and restaurant
week. These events honour the legacy
of Jamaica through flavours as well as
demonstrate the creativity of Jamaicans
in transforming everyday produce into
world class meals. Jamaicans take pride
in preserving its culture and cuisine is one
of the best ways for visitors to sample the
island’s rich history.

ROOM AT THE INN PLENTY TO DO

Jamaica is known for inventing the all- Visitors are drawn to Jamaica not only
inclusive concept but actually boasts a for its varied scenery, golden beaches
wide range of accommodation options from and amazing accommodation options,
grand hotels, superb all-inclusive resorts but because there is so much to see
and laid-back inns. For those travelling whilst on the island. With its playful
with children, families can opt for resorts spirit, warm and friendly locals, natural
with family suites or adjoining rooms beauty and famed history, it is an
combined with great entertainment and enriching experience for any traveller.
kid’s clubs. Many of these villas come with Whether you take
a full complement of staff including a cook, the gang zip-lining
housekeeper, butler and gardener. There’s through the rain
also a wide choice of world-class adult only forest, jumping
resorts for those looking for romance. off a 20-foot
cascading waterfall,
zooming down the
mountains on a
THE SOUNDS Jamaican bob-sled
Music is a very important part of or horse riding on
Jamaican culture. It helps punctuate the beach, there
certain time periods in the island’s are numerous
history, and is an incredibly important activities to be
part of telling the nation’s story. As enjoyed to create
such, many of its genres were born out those long lasting
of times of struggle or celebration and memories.
some of its music festivals run alongside
anniversaries and celebrations. Music is
woven into the fabric of Jamaica, so take
note of when there is a music festival on
the island, the main one being Jamaica’s
biggest summer reggae festival in July.

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 16 wellness, mind and body

pamper time for

body & mind
Whether you’re looking for a digital detox, a yoga retreat
or a massage with exotic fruits, the Caribbean is the
perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and recharge

Om away from home balance to the body, mind and skin.

Daily yoga classes and a daily spa Guests at Green Roof Inn in Carriacou,
treatment are included in a jungle wellness Grenada, can enjoy yoga sessions in a
adventure package at Jungle Bay, Dominica. new sea-front pavilion. There’s a massage
Yoga retreats and private yoga classes also parlour as well. A newly-constructed dinghy
take place in its two studios overlooking dock allows guests to take water taxis to
the Caribbean Sea. The Bamboo Spa has 14 Sandy Island or Tobago Cays for a dip with
suites where massages and treatments are the turtles.
carried out. The eco-resort has been rated At Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the A serene and tropical scene

among the world’s top three yoga retreats spa’s menu features treatments drawn
by Conde Nast Traveler. from the plants of the island, sourced from There’s also a glamour bar where
Daily yoga sessions, free for guests, are local organic farmers and wild-gathered by manicures and pedicures will ensure you are
held at Sugar Ridge Resort, Antigua, where environmentally sustainable methods.  ready for the beach with barefoot chic.
a new fitness centre by Cybex has opened.
Elegant Resort’s Colony Club on the tasty Treatments A room with a view
West Coast of Barbados has revamped Chocoholic alert! Book a seven-night What can be more idyllic than a massage
and reopened its spa, incorporating UK Blissful Wellness package at True Blue in a cabana in the ocean with the waves
beauty brand Elemental Herbology’s Bay Boutique Resort, Grenada, and you’ll lapping all around? You can do just that at
products and philosophy throughout. The enjoy a chocolate massage and daily yoga the luxurious Mandarin Canouan hotel in the
treatment follows a five element theory, at the Sankalpa open-air studio. You will Grenadines, and at the floating Ocean Spa
which matches individuals to an element – also receive a wellness kit comprising on Jost Van Dyke, The British Virgin Islands,
wood, fire, earth, metal and water – to give in-room diffuser with essential oils, local where sunset and moonlight massages will
cocoa butter and coconut oil, herbal teas, a provide a great start or end to the day.
reusable water bottle and notebook to keep All four treatment rooms at Curtain Bluff,
you on track with your health goals. Antigua, have views over the water to
Coconut, raw sugar cane, coffee, ginger Montserrat, Cades Reef, St. Kitts, Nevis and
and lemongrass are used in massages, Redonda. Plus you can sip on tea brewed
body treatments and facials at Sandals from herbs picked from the spa garden
and Beaches’ Red Lane® Spas in Turks and before your session.
Caicos, Jamaica, Barbados, The Bahamas, Ayurvedic massages, body and facial
Saint Lucia, Antigua and Grenada. therapies take place in the gardens (as
Signature treatments include a papaya- well as the spa) on Peter Island, the largest
pineapple salt mousse which uses sea private island in The British Virgin Islands.
salts infused with anti-ageing organic In Turks and Caicos, Como Shambhala
papaya-pineapple extracts to remove spa at Parrot Cay has treatment, yoga and
impurities. Treatments are carried out pilates pavilions and Grace Bay Resorts
in a choice of locations from offers massages in a tent on the beach.
serene indoor sanctuaries Curaçao’s newest spa and wellness
to beautiful beach complex, Laman at Jan Thiel Beach Plaza
settings. has taken the sea as its inspiration

caribbean.co.uk

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 wellness, mind and body 17

Pitch Lake, a natural pool of

asphalt in Trinidad, is said to
provide healing benefits, as do
mud massages in Belize and at
La Soufrière, Saint Lucia

Healthy living in Grenada Beaches Resorts offers wellness for the family

natural highs There’s also an abundance of natural

You don’t need to visit a spa to enjoy the hot springs to explore thanks to the many Mayan temple, Belize

Caribbean’s health benefits. Pitch Lake volcanic islands that scatter the Caribbean.
- a natural pool of asphalt in Trinidad - is The Spring House in Nevis comprises of
said to provide healing benefits, as do five thermal baths, said to contain minerals
mud massages in Belize and mud baths of medicinal value. Visitors can immerse
at La Soufrière, Saint Lucia. And Guyana’s themselves free of charge in the hot baths
Kaieteur Falls have to be the world’s most and reap the benefits of ultra soft skin. At
powerful natural shower. the foot of Morne Jacqueline in Martinique,
At Petit St Vincent in the Grenadines, wi-fi hot springs emerge from the rocks facing
is only available in reception, allowing guests the sea. Meanwhile, Saint Lucia boasts the
the chance to enjoy a digital detox. Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano. • Sink into a relaxing massage using local oils

Romance & Wellness

bucuti.com

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 18 six ways to get fit

get ready to
TAKE ACTION
SWIM WITH OLYMPIANS RACE IN A REGATTA
Join Olympic swimmers Keri-anne Payne Sailing a yacht is not only exhilarating but
and David Carry in their annual swimming can be physically demanding too. Antigua,
retreat at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, The British Virgin Islands and the Grenadines
Nevis, March 25 to April 1, 2020. The retreat provide sheltered waters for you to hone your
will help you achieve your next swimming sheet-trimming skills and explore. Stop off at
goal, whether it’s simply putting your face in Peter Island (BVIs) for lunch or Tobago Cays
the water or mastering techniques for long in the Grenadines to swim in the clear water
open water swims, such as the annual, epic among turtles. Antigua Sailing Week at the
cross-Channel swim between sister islands end of April and the BVIs’ Spring Regatta,
Nevis and St. Kitts. Nutritional guidance is which takes place in March, provide races
also provided. for enthusiasts galore.

HIT A CARDIO WORKOUT

Give your body a workout at The
BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia, an all-inclusive
resort dedicated to well-being. As well as
power-pumping cardio classes and aerobics,
there’s an outdoor wellfit trail across the
beach with balance beams and exercise
stations to help you work up a sweat. A
complimentary daily massage will soothe
any aching muscles and a BodyScience
clinic will analyse your physiological and
biochemical makeup.

GO TREKKING IN DIVE THE REEFS

THE JUNGLE Belize, St. Eustatius, Dominica, and Anguilla
Build up your stamina on Guyana’s hiking offer marine-rich waters and colourful corals
trails. Challenge yourself to a trek through for scuba-divers to explore. At 190 miles long,
the jungle to the thundering Kaieteur Falls, Belize’s barrier reef is the second longest in
the highest single-drop waterfall. Hikes to the the world and boasts 65 coral varieties and
Awarmie and Surama mountains are shorter 300 fish. Watch the water bubbling up from
and steeper but guaranteed to get your heart the reef’s vents reaching 90C at Dominica’s
pumping. Other famous Caribbean trails Champagne Reef or head to Grenada’s
include Dominica’s 115-mile-long Waitukubuli Underwater Sculpture Park for a truly unique
National Trail and Martinique’s 4,583-foot experience. St. Eustatius and Anguilla also
Mont Pelee, an active volcano. have abundant coral reefs and wrecks.

SMASH IT AT TENNIS
There’s a volley of classes at Curtain
Bluff, Antigua, where resident pros put
you through your paces. The Tennis Week
pro-am in spring, which started in 1975,
attracts some of the game’s top players.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis has ten courts,
with five lit for cooler night play; Puerto
Rico’s Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort
and Spa has tennis packages and Couples
Swept Away Negril, Jamaica is perfect for a
romantic game of doubles.

caribbean.co.uk

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 20 eat like a local

tropical
flavours
The Caribbean really packs a punch - of the rum variety
naturally - when it comes to food and drink.
But it ain’t all hot, hot, hot

L
ocals may like their food hot and served with spicy sauces - tamarind,
and spicy - jerk chicken, curried garlic, Bandanya (herb), - mango, pineapple
conch - but there’s fresh fish, or coleslaw. Cheese and potato pies (alloo)
seafood and vegetables too. are popular too.
Think callaloo (leafy vegetable), plantain, Ask any of the bartenders at Shirley
mahi-mahi, kingfish, lobster, blacktip shark Heights, Antigua, if the barbecue takes
- plus several varieties of beer and rum too. place every Sunday and they’ll say, “yes, like
church!”. Jerk chicken and tasty ribs are
Street food accompanied by rum punch and steel band Caribbean markets are alive with colour

One of the best ways to eat like a local is to vibes. On Thursday afternoons, it’s reggae’s
join them. Several islands hold weekly fish turn when a Caribbean-style barbecue is you sample one of those too. At the Heritage
fries where grilled seafood sizzles alongside joined by local crafts. Kitchen West Bay, coconut mahi-mahi and
steel pans and soca music. Dance to the At True Blue Bay Boutique resort, Grenada, a Sunday BBQ are the order of the day. A
Bajan beat at Oistins Friday Night Fish Fry you don’t have to leave the hotel as vendors food tour from Camana Bay or George Town,
in Barbados and tuck into lip-smacking from around the island are invited to Grand Cayman, will introduce you to local
barbecued seafood, or lime (hang out) with showcase their specialities at a weekly restaurateurs and chefs.
the locals at Sunday School in Buccoo, street food night. Who doesn’t enjoy home-cooked food?
Tobago, and enjoy crab cakes and conch. Similarly, at McKenzie’s Conch Shack on As part of The Bahamas’ People-to-People
Fish fries also take place weekly at Anse Atlantis Paradise Island in The Bahamas, experience, local residents invite you into
La Raye and Gros Islet, Saint Lucia; in Turks guests can enjoy conch salad and a their homes for Bahamian specialities such
and Caicos; and on every island in The traditional Junkanoo parade. as conch salad, lobster and grouper fish
Bahamas and many more. with rice ‘n’ peas and macaroni cheese. Save
In Trinidad, locals and visitors alike head Eating out - and in room for dessert though - guava cake or
to Richard’s Bake and Shark in Maracas Bay With such a variety of cuisines on the coconut duff (steamed pudding).
for beach food. Bakes (fried flatbreads) are islands, it’s difficult knowing which dishes If sweets are your thing, Dutch-influenced
stuffed with marinaded shark or kingfish to choose. So, why not sample them all? At islands like St. Eustatius are renowned
Patrick’s in St George’s, Grenada the tapas for their cakes and patisserie and bolu
selection includes cod fish fritters, gingered pretu, or black cake, is prepared for special
pork, cou-cou (cornmeal), lambi (conch) occasions, a rich fruit cake soaked in rum.
in creole sauce, stir fried rabbit, and the
national dish, oil down, a stew cooked Rum, beer & chocolate
in coconut cream. The beer and rum varieties available in the
In the Cayman Islands, Sunday Caribbean are as diverse as the islands
brunches are legendary. And themselves and while Puerto Rico is home
at the Wreck Bar & Grill, to the famous Bacardi, there are many
Rum Point, you can dine on boutique brands to try and lots of distilleries
Caybrew fish and chips or jerk run tours where you can learn how the drink
pork in your beach hammock, if is made as well as sample.
you want to. The Mudslide cocktail Rums generally come as light, dark, spiced
was invented at Rum Point so make sure and premium and vary in strength. The

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 eat like a local 21

The Caribbean
is influenced by
flavours from
France, Spain, the
Netherlands, Africa,
India and more

Haiti’s eclectic
cuisine is based on
French and Creole cooking
styles and ranges from
simple peas and rice to
extravagant frogs legs
and french cheeses

Beachside dining at Kaibo, Grand Cayman

Sunset Very Strong Rum from St.Vincent Beer tends to be light although wheat,
Distillers is 84.5% alcohol by volume. Around stout and now chocolate are available.
a dozen countries carry the Authentic Famous brands include Banks (Barbados),
Caribbean Rum marque including Anguilla, Amstel Bright (Curaçao), Kabuli (Dominica),
Belize, Barbados, St. Vincent, St. Kitts, Prestige beer in (Haiti), Red Stripe
Puerto Rico and Haiti. (Jamaica), Medalla Light (Puerto Rico), and
At Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, Nevis, a Hairoun (St. Vincent).
weekly rum tour takes guests to local bars To see how chocolate is made, take a
to enjoy a tipple. cocoa plantation tour in Grenada or
Toppers Rhum in St. Maarten comes in Saint Lucia. Grenada even has an annual
some interesting flavours, such as banana, chocolate festival which takes place in
vanilla and cinnamon, white chocolate and May/June, showcasing a huge variety of
raspberry, coconut and mocha mama. cocoa-based products.• Fresh lobster is great value in the Caribbean

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 22 six quirky activities

weird & wonderful

experiences
Swim with pigs Plunge into
Yes really, I’m not telling porkies. Visit granite pools
Pig Beach in The Bahamas’ Exumas and Crawl through caves, plunge into tranquil
grab a selfie with these famous swimming pools, clamber over rocks and climb up and
swines - they’re great characters. The 20 down ladders at The Baths National Park,
or so pigs are not native to Big Major Cay, nature’s Stonehenge by the sea on Virgin
which is uninhabited, and no one knows how Gorda in The British Virgin Islands. Follow
they got there. Some say they were left by the fun trail through this geological wonder
sailors, others that they were shiprwrecked, filled with giant granite boulders, pushed
but judging by their celebrity status - there’s to the surface on the edge of the sand by
a book and a film about them - they’re volcanic eruptions, and admire the gorgeous
definitely here to sty. sweep of Devil’s beach.

Hike a live volcano

You’ll need to be fit for the moderate to
extreme hiking trails of Montserrat and
Martinique - and you’ll have a live volcano
for company. Don’t panic, the last eruption
on Mount Pelee in Martinique was in 1932.
Soufrière Hills in Monserrat last erupted
in 1995, covering two-thirds of the island
in ash. If you prefer your volcanoes on the
sleepy side, St Eustatius’ Quill volcano and
Mount Liamuiga in Saint Lucia are both
dormant and great for hiking.

Walk along Drum at a

the seabed Rasta village
Take a walk on the seabed 20ft under in If you’ve ever wondered what the Rastafari
St. Maarten - without getting your hair wet. movement is about, you need to head to the
You don’t even have to be able to swim. A Rastafari Indigenous Village living cultural
giant helmet will provide you with oxygen centre near Montego Bay in Jamaica.
via a low pressure hose so you can breath Here you will learn about their philosophy,
normally and admire and interact with the drink cocoa tea from a calabash (gourd)
array of colourful tropical fish and corals bowl, learn how they make drums, soap,
all around you. You’ll also pass artificial jewellery and art, and take part in a spiritual
reefs, including a sunken helicopter. The drumming session. Choose from a full or
underwater trek takes 20-30 minutes. half-day tour.

Snorkel with
stingrays and turtles
Get on down to Stingray City in Antigua,
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands or Gibbs Cay
in Turks and Caicos, where you can swim
alongside and stroke the huge stingrays -
despite their size, they’re extremely friendly,
especially when being fed. To swim with
turtles in their natural habitat, grab a snorkle
and head to Tobago Cays Marine Park in the
Grenadines and watch them swim gracefully
and feed on the seabed.

caribbean.co.uk

off the wall.indd 22 1/22/20 06:46 PM

 78 ROOMS 48 SUITES
PRIVATE PLUNGE POOLS IN PREMIUM SUITES
THREE BEDROOM PRESIDENTIAL VILLA
THREE SIGNATURE RESTAURANTS
MIRAVAL LIFE IN BALANCE SPA
EXCLUSIVE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR EVENT SPACES
ISLAND FORT KIDS CLUB BY CAMP HYATT

www.parkhyattstkitts.com

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 sponsored feature

feel it for yourself in

CURAÇAO

Curaçao. It’s where adventure lies and passion,

pride, and spirit rule the land. Nestled in the
Southern Caribbean, this gem of an island
boasts over 50 nationalities, 35 beaches, 4
spoken languages, and 1 feeling unlike any
other. Those who visit enjoy a distinct blend of
European and Caribbean culture that comes to
life through the people, food, and breathtaking
views. With an average temperature of 29 °C
and an average water temperature of 28 °C,
Curaçao is perfectly primed for all activities
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DID YOU KNOW

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 eco tourism 25

GREEN
credentials
With fertile rainforests,
abundant protected coral
reefs, incredible biodiversity
and fascinating flora and
fauna, the Caribbean is no
stranger to eco-tourism

T
here are plenty of sustainable
things to do in the Caribbean
and each destination offers
something different.
Whether you’re visiting a protected park such
as Tobago Cays Marine Park in St. Vincent
and the Grenadines; staying in an eco lodge
like Belle Mont Farm in St. Kitts; swimming in
natural pools in Haiti; or joining a horse-back
eco tour in Saint Martin, you can be sure it’s
got green credentials.

Dominica
Dubbed ‘the Nature Island’, Dominica has
managed to preserve its natural charm and
remains unspoilt.
Established in 1986, Cabrits National Park
covers 1,313 acres and protects tropical
forests, coral reefs and wetlands. The park is
nestled between two extinct volcanoes, with a
spectacular view of sea and sand below.
In 1997, Morne Trois Pitons National
Park was recognized by UNESCO as
a World Heritage Site - the first in the
Eastern Caribbean. The park boasts lush,
green primordial rainforests sloping up to
magnificent peaks, rivers, waterfalls and
the famous Boiling Lake, thought to be the
second largest fumarole in the world.

Guyana
Guyana was voted one of the Top 10 most
sustainable destinations at the Green
Destination Foundation in 2019 followed
by Best in Sustainable Tourism at the LATA
Achievement Awards a few months’ later.
The country has made strides to incorporate
sustainable tourism best practice into all
aspects of its strategy, including job creation,
low-carbon lifestyles and a livelihood for 
Free diving in The Bahamas

caribbean.co.uk

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 26 eco tourism

 indigenous communities. clean air and long, empty beaches, the

Visitors to Guyana will find extensive island is ripe for eco tourism. Protecting
forests, mountains, waterfalls and a wide the natural environment is key to tourism
array of wildlife, including the highest here, and construction is forbidden beyond
single-drop waterfall in the world, a multi- one thousand feet above sea level, keeping
purpose rainforest reserve and a beach where accommodation low and intimate.
endangered sea turtles come to nest. The interior’s rainforests and foothills are
There are numerous eco lodges and filled with trails for hikers, ramblers and
campsites in the country’s interior, including mountain bikers who will come across
Iwokrama River Lodge, where guests can fish beautiful flowers and tall trees, as well as
and swim. donkeys, goats, monkeys and tropical birds.
Each year, sea turtles frequent the pristine Head to Belize to spot Toucans

St. Eustatius shores with a group of volunteers working

‘Leave no trace’ is the motto for this island through the night to tag them and monitor
which doesn’t court mass tourism. their nesting and movements.
Since launching, The St. Minimal
Eustatius National Park diving pressures Belize
Foundation has introduced ensure the waters Belize may be small but
initiatives to protect around St. Eustatius it packs a punch when it
the marine and land remain some of the most comes to eco tourism with
environment and monitor pristine in the world. an unprecedented quantity
endangered flora and fauna. Anchoring is banned to (over 27%) of its land mass
Minimal diving pressures protect the reef dedicated to national parks,
and an anchoring ban ensure nature reserves and wildlife
the waters around the island remain sanctuaries. The country is also at Ditch the car and explore on two wheels

some of the most pristine in the world, with the forefront of sustainability with initiatives
30 buoyed dive sites in the marine park. put in place to protect the island’s marine life,
Visitors can explore national parks, reefs and rainforests.
including The Quill - a dormant volcano These include reef protection programmes
containing a tropical rainforest - or hike one delivered to dive schools, giving strict
of seven trails in search of the indigenous instructions on what not to do before getting
Statia Morning Glory plant and the colossal into the water, and not-for-profit conservation
Kapok tree. projects to protect the island’s whale sharks,
jaguars and scarlet macaws.
Nevis Seven reserves on the Belize Barrier Reef
‘Unspoilt, Unpretentious, Unforgettable’ were also declared UNESCO World Heritage
goes the strap-line for ‘naturally… Nevis’. sites in 1996, including Blue Hole and Half
Blessed with white colonial-style buildings, Moon Cave Natural Monument.• The Caribbean is bursting with unique flora

o u r n e w ly Ocean views • Spacious suites, sleeps up to 4

Exclusive infinity pools • Concierge service

refurbished
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eco hols_V4.indd
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 Wonder
is in our Nature.

Whether you’re looking for a rugged day of hiking volcanic

topography, a heart-stirring plunge into world-renowned
underwater worlds, or just a lazy afternoon relaxing on a veranda
surrounded by scenes unfound anywhere else, Dominica - and its
people - offer limitless ways to shed your cares and refuel your soul.

DiscoverDominica DiscoverDominica www.DiscoverDominica.com

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 28 arts and crafts

ART and SOUL

PARTIES IN PARADISE Art Gallery is a prime example, with bright patterns and exuberant fruity colours are just
Merrymaking has become an art-form in the canvases and sculptures made from local as popular as paintings in the Caribbean.
Caribbean. Birthplace of carnival, Trinidad can materials. Aerial photographer Tommy Clarke A hilltop oasis of arts and crafts, Edgehill
lay claim to the biggest street party on earth recently showcased his Antigua collection Heights in Barbados is a great place to get
– Trinidad Carnival – featuring flamboyant at heritage site Nelson’s Dockyard. In nearby a snapshot of Bajan creativity, with On the
Mas costumes, parades, traditional steel St. Kitts, top contemporary artist, Kate Wall art gallery, Earthworks Pottery studio
pan band contests, dancing and homegrown Spencer, displays her canvas and silk wares. and a Batik workshop sitting side by side. An
music including fast-paced soca and tropical The island also hosts annual arts event, Aladdin’s cave of ceramics are hand-made in
calypso. Culminating just before Lent, the iFlamboyant, epitomizing the region’s bold the pottery barn next door. Rhythm of Blue
carnival has spawned similar celebrations signature style. art gallery in Antigua’s English Harbour is
across the region. Barbados’ Crop Over similarly diverse, with exquisite ceramics,
calypso extravaganza traditionally marks the SURROUND SOUND prints, jewellery and crafts that can be
end of the harvest season in August, Antigua The Caribbean is a music-lover’s paradise, bought as well as viewed.•
follows suit, and St. Vincent’s Vincy Mas is producing unique sounds such as reggae,
also held in summer. Jamaica becomes one calypso and soca music, and some of
big party for Mas Camp after Easter, expect the world’s greatest artists including Bob
bright colours and lots of music and dancing. Marley and Rihanna. To be surrounded with
island sounds, visitors should time a visit
ART BEAT to coincide with amazing music festivals
The unique heritage and vibrant colours of including Jamaica’s Reggae Sumfest in
the Caribbean have sparked creative magic July, Saint Lucia’s Jazz Festival that attracts
on a number of islands, where visitors can world-famous musicians every May, the St.
discover art inspired by nature and local life. Kitts Music Festival in June and Dominica’s
Galleries, pop-up exhibitions and festivals World Creole Music Festival that closes
offer a snapshot of local artistic expression, Creole Heritage Month in October.
and workshops and stores let travellers
take home a piece of paradise. Tucked PRETTY CRAFTY
inside the rainforest of Antigua, Fig Tree Island-inspired crafts with big tropical Handmade pottery from Trinidad

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 sail the caribbean 29

CRUISE
control
Fancy dotting between the
islands whilst enjoying a
cooling ocean spray?
Andrew Bray describes just
how to get aboard for a
Caribbean sailing holiday

T
he Caribbean, from The
Bahamas in the north, south
along the Leeward and
Windward islands to Trinidad
and Tobago in the south can be a sailor’s
paradise. There are islands and countries
with many harbours and anchorages to visit,
the warm wind blows steadily and each
island has its own character with a welcome
guaranteed ashore.
The Caribbean sailing season starts in
December and runs through to June, which
marks the start of the hurricane season.
During these months the winds flow steadily
from the east. The occasional squall will
blow through, just enough to cool you before
drying off in the sun.

Where do you, a
non-sailor, start?
Clients that have never sailed before need
not miss out. Companies such as Sunsail
and The Moorings offer the option to charter
a yacht with an experienced skipper and, on
larger yachts, a crew. The main charter areas
are, from north to south, The Bahamas, The
British Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda,
St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Martinique
and the French islands, Saint Lucia, St.
Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.
Charter bases include: Marsh Harbour in The
Bahamas, Road Town in Tortola (BVI) and
bases in Antigua, Martinique, Saint Lucia
and Grenada.
An inexperienced crew can opt for a
skippered yacht although another option
offered by some companies is to book a
single berth on a skippered yacht. Obviously
the more experience the crew has the
Some of the best views are from the sea
better but don’t be put off by lack of 

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 30 sail the caribbean

 experience. Those that are a beginner

at the start of the cruise will learn a great
deal about all aspects of sailing, from sail
trim to anchoring, as you go along. Charter
companies sometimes refer to charter
boats being bareboat or flotilla. The former
does not refer to what you do (or don’t!)
wear but to differentiate it from a skippered
charter. Flotillas, where a group of boats sail
together accompanied by a lead boat with
experienced crew on board, are offered as
an option in some areas.

aBouT The islands It’s too tempting to jump in at St. Kitts Sunset views from the BVIs

The Bahamas owe more to mainland USA

for their weather. Less than 100 miles west Dyck, and Bitter End on Tortola. Sir Richard
of Miami they are made up of hundreds of Branson owns the nearby island of Necker.
low sandy islands, or cays. Because The Heading south it’s possible to charter
Bahamas waters are shallow, catamarans yachts from Antigua, where you can
are popular here and the main yacht experience the legendary ‘jump up’
charter cruising grounds are on Shirley Heights, overlooking
the Abaco Islands, teetering Nelson’s Harbour, and sail
on the edge of the deep to the smaller islands of
Atlantic. Distances The Caribbean has Barbuda, St. Kitts and
between islands are more than 7,000 islands, Nevis.
short and each cay islets, caves and reefs. Further south,
has its own distinctive Chartering a yacht is the Dominica with its
character. perfect way to explore spectacular waterfalls Anchoring up can be a sociable experience
The British Virgin those uninhabited and nature walks is
Islands are sometimes islands worth a visit before
called the blue run of reaching Martinique. Here
Caribbean sailing, with conditions there are charter fleets and this
gentler than further south but they can is a good starting point for a cruise
still offer challenging waters. Like The south. With a new island on every horizon,
Bahamas, the islands are close together this is truly the heart of the Caribbean.
and offer a variety of destinations and South from Saint Lucia the islands of St.
anchorages. Not to be missed here are Vincent, Bequia, Mustique, made famous by
legendary places such as the Soggy Dollar royalty, Canouan, Mayreau, the Tobago Cays
Bar and Foxy’s restaurant, both on Jost Van and Union Island make up the Grenadines.
What could be nearer a yachtsman’s
paradise than to be anchored in the Tobago
Cays in early evening, watching the sun
Dodging the reefs around Puerto Rico
go down and enjoying a drink in the warm
wind that blows unhindered all the way from
Africa to the east? Protected from ocean WhaT CharTer
waves by the Horseshoe reef this indeed is CoMPanies?
what sailors dream of. Time to fire up the It is no surprise that there are many
BBQ and enjoy the sound of the sea lapping yacht charter companies operating in the
up against your yacht. Caribbean. One of the largest is Sunsail,
Grenada is the next stop south with its which offers all types of charters from The
bustling capital of St Georges and charter Bahamas south to Grenada, with bases,
yachts based in its southern harbours. amongst others, in The BVIs, Antigua, Saint
With its major international airport Grenada Lucia and Grenada. (sunsail.co.uk). Other
makes a good starting point for sailing companies include The Moorings, Horizon
holidays. and Dream Yacht Charters.•

caribbean.co.uk

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 film locations 31

step into
THE MAGICAL MOVIES
PUERTO RICO JAMAICA ST. VINCENT &
Beware extra-terrestrials. Aliens looking OO7 returns to Jamaica, this time for THE GRENADINES
for other life forms in the 1997 movie filming of the 25th James Bond movie, due St. Vincent & the Grenadines are pirate Jack
Contact, starring Jodie Foster, Matthew for release in 2020. Jamaica is a regular Sparrow’s stomping grounds. St. Vincent’s
McConaughey, Tom Skerritt and John Hurt, haunt of the master spy, thanks to creator Wallilabou Bay was the setting for the
were filmed at the Arecibo Observatory, Ian Fleming building his home, Golden Eye fictional Port Royal harbour in The Curse
which until 2016 held the world’s largest (now a hotel), there. Dunn’s River Falls of the Black Pearl. In Dead Man’s Chest, the
radio telescope. The record was superseded featured in Dr No, when a bikini-clad Bond scenes supposedly set in Tortuga (an island
in 2016 by China. The films Species and girl stepped out of the water into the action. off Haiti), were actually filmed here. Petit
Species II, with their DNA-slicing aliens, In Live And Let Die (1973), Bond battled Tabac, nicknamed Jack Sparrow’s island by
were also filmed at the observatory, which voodoo priest Baron Samedi at the Sans locals in the Grenadines, is where Elizabeth
is situated in the Arecibo mountains. Even Souci Hotel, Ocho Rios (now Couples Sans Swann (Keira Knightley) and Jack Sparrow
more dramatic was the finale of the James Souci). The Half Moon hotel also featured (Johnny Depp) were famously marooned.
Bond blockbuster, Golden Eye, when OO7 as a backdrop in Live and Let Die, and the Scenes on Rum Runners Isle were also
(Pierce Brosnan) and Izabella Scorpio crocodile-jumping scene was filmed at filmed on the island in the Tobago Cays.
(Natalya Simonova) tumbled down from Falmouth Swamp Safari. Many of the swash-buckling scenes were
Arecibo’s gigantic dish. The observatory’s also filmed in the waters of Dominica and
interactive exhibits, audiovisual displays and SAINT MARTIN Puerto Rico.•
telescope, used to study asteroids close to One of the few films to be shot on this
the earth, are open to visitors. island is the action thriller Speed 2: Cruise
Control (1997), the sequel to Speed which
features a hacker who breaks into the
computer system of a cruise liner
and sets it speeding on a collision
course into a huge oil tanker.
Marigot, the capital of Saint Martin,
features in the climactic crash
scene which cost almost a quarter
of the budget to stage. At the time,
the stunt was the largest and most
expensive ever filmed. Marigot itself
is a delight to visit with its small
boutiques, restaurants, market and
Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico stalls selling traditional crafts.

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 Barbados
Welcomes You
Barbados boasts horizons resplendent with golden sunsets and rejuvenating
sunrises. The island provides a range of physical and spiritual transformative
experiences and in 2019, Barbados’ Year of Wellness and Soft Adventure, Visit Barbados
you may choose from a range of exhilarating festivals and events dedicated
to achievement and the exploration of mind, body and soul. Come see, feel @Barbados
and breathe Barbados!
@visitbarbados
And that’s not all – In 2020 join us for ‘We Gatherin’ a celebration of all things
Barbados!! Starting in St. Lucy in the north of the island in January, ‘We
Gatherin’ will move south, with each parish being designated its own month
to showcase the unique and iconic aspects of the parish, its social life, food,
history, accomplishments and people. visitbarbados.org

Untitled-8
Untitled-3
BTMI 1 full page advert_v10.indd 1
UK CTO 1/20/20 03:19
29/07/2019 PM
15:18
14:39
 six exhilarating rides 33

take a ride
on the WILd SIDE
Hurtle along in Speed on a segway
a bobsled Let the good times roll when you speed
Hold tight for the ride of your life on a along on a Segway in Antigua or St.
bobsled without snow. Inspired by the Maarten. Ride from the pier in St John’s,
Jamaican bobsled Olympic team, the Mystic Antigua, to the historic Fort James, or
Mountain bobsled near Dunn’s River Falls, speed along the boardwalk in Philipsburg,
Jamaica, is guaranteed to set your pulse St Maarten, stopping off for a cooling
soaring as you speed along stainless steel guava berry colada. Segway tours are
rails on a 1,000-metre, gravity-driven thrill also available in the Cayman Islands, The
ride through the rainforest. Don’t worry, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Saint
there’s a handbrake for slowing down if you Lucia. And in Barbados, you can even take
want a closer look at the view. an off-road Segway tour.

Gallop on a horse
Whoa, hold your horses. Beautiful sand
beaches provide gallops galore on many
islands, including Anguilla at Barnes Bay,
from where you can also ride into the
bush or take a romantic moonlit hack; on
Barbuda at Palmetto Point; Dominica at
Castel Comfort; Martinique at Trois-Ilets;
St. Maarten at Cape Bay; Puerto Rico at
Fajardo; and Tobago at Coconut Bay. Often
rides will include swimming in the sea with
the horses to cool off.

Fly high on a zip-wire Go off-roading

Soar 900ft above the ground on a zip-wire Tame the undiscovered off-road trails
in the Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park, of Guyana on a guided 4WD safari into
Puerto Rico - if you’re brave enough you the Amazon rainforest, one of the most
can go head first. In Saint Martin, tree-top biodiverse jungles in the world, where you’ll
zip-lines combine with obstacle courses, have monkeys, jaguars and the sound of
and Trinidad’s zip-wires have views of macaws for company. You can even catch
Macqueripe Bay. There are lines across the piranha for dinner in the bush and sleep in a
region, including in Antigua, Belize, Haiti, hammock at night. If you’re looking for more
Grenada, and in Castries in Saint Lucia, adventure, hop on a motorbike or ATV (quad
where you can swing through the rainforest bike) for an off-road adventure through
between 18 platforms. indigenous villages.

Whizz along in a
river tube
There’s a river for every day of the year
in Dominica and tubing is an exciting way
to explore them. Hop into your tube after a
safety briefing and marvel at the stunning
scenery and diverse vegetation as you glide
downstream over moderate rapids and
through silent pools. There’s a paddle to help
you navigate, a guide to show you the ropes
and a rum punch to reward your efforts at
the end.

caribbean.co.uk

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 The Abacos

34 map
Florida Grand Bahama
Eleuthera
GULF OF
PRIMARY LANGUAGES SPOKEN
English unless indicated
MEXICO
■ French ■ Spanish
Nassau
■ Dutch ■ English
Andros
Cat Island
SCALE
0 50 100 150 200 miles
The Bahamas
The Exumas
0 150 300 km
Long Island

Mexico
Cuba

Cayman Brac
Cayman Islands

Little Cayman
Grand Cayman

Jamaica

Belize

Honduras

Nicaragua

THE CARIBBEAN

Belize

Guyana

Costa Rica

PACIFIC OCEAN Colombia

Panama

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2019_MAP_V5.indd 34 1/22/20 04:03 PM

 map 35

Turks & Caicos

British Virgin
Islands
Saint-Martin
Haiti Puerto Rico Anguilla
St. Maarten
Antigua
& Barbuda

Dominican US Virgin St. Eustatius

Republic Islands Guadeloupe
St. Kitts

Nevis

Montserrat
Dominica
CARIBBEAN SEA Martinique

Saint Lucia

St. Vincent
& The Grenadines
Aruba
Barbados
Bonaire

Grenada
Trinidad
Curaçao
& Tobago

Venezuela

Guyana

caribbean.co.uk

2019_MAP_V5.indd 35 1/22/20 04:03 PM

 36 destinations

Caribbean
A TO Z
Struggling to decide between Barbados or Tobago? We’ve
highlighted the top selling points from each destination
so that you can start ticking them off the list

B
eyond the show-stopping that is the blue hole in Belize, while history
beaches of well-known buffs can explore the fascinating heritage of
destinations like Antigua and the region, distilled over the centuries by its
Barbuda and The Bahamas, the English, Spanish, Dutch and French-speaking
Caribbean boasts over 7000 islands, cays inhabitants.
and islets, and no two are the same. Paradise awaits too for those who crave
Got a year to spare? You could spend it adventure. Take your pick from dramatic
happily hopping to a different beach every trails to volcanic peaks, a thrilling zip-wire
single day or eating your way around local above dense rainforest, whale watching, and
food shacks on every island or country in the diving beneath the waves to explore another
Caribbean. Of course, there are plenty of other world entirely. Our A – Z guide to the islands
ways to feed your soul. Nature lovers and countries that make up the diverse and
will find their own piece of heaven at beautiful region will make you realise how
Essequibo River, which spans the entire much there is to see and do, and there’s not a
length of Guyana, or diving into the wonder moment to spare...

ANGUILLA
+44 (0) 20 7736 6030 ivisitanguilla.com AnguillaOfficial @Anguilla_Trsm [email protected]

Anguilla is renowned for

Did you know... being friendly and welcoming,

• Anguilla is a British boasting 33 beautiful white

Overseas Territory sand beaches and turquoise
waters.
• There are six offshore cays Come and experience the
within a short boat ride from
wonderful island of Anguilla.
Anguilla’s shores
From simple to spectacular,
• You can explore the ocean choose a 5-star resort, private
at night on a guided kayaking villa, condominium or small
tour with Liquid Glow Charming Escapes property,
• The Atlantic side of the you will feel right at home.
island produces surf in the Anguilla offers a wealth of sea
winter months, and there’s and land activities. The ocean
windsurfing and kitesurfing provides a pristine playground
throughout the year for water sports such as

• A TipSea Cruise visits five sailing, paddle-boarding,

iconic beach and cay bars kiteboarding and more. On
land, hike or cycle the islands
Key event terrain or enjoy a round of golf.
Summer Festival July/August
AnguiLLA tourist BoArd uk

Food is at the heart of the

is a must and you can even Anguillian experience, offering
participate in the parade of haute-cuisine restaurants or
troupes grab a bite at a roadside bbq.
Beyond Extraordinary!

caribbean.co.uk

Country Panels_Anguila_Cayman.indd 36 1/22/20 04:05 PM

 destinations 37

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

+44 (0) 20 3668 3800 visitantiguabarbuda.com AntiguaBarbuda @antiguabarbuda [email protected]

Antigua & Barbuda are

renowned for their 365 white Did you know...
and pink sand beaches, the
• Antigua has a different
majority of which are lapped beach for every day of the
by the calm Caribbean Sea, but year
these sister islands offer much
more than sun and sand. • Nelson’s Dockyard is the
world’s only working Georgian
Key cultural attractions
dockyard. It is named after
include the UNESCO World
the Admiral Horatio Nelson,
Heritage site of Nelson’s
who lived there for three years
Dockyard, the island’s first
from 1784
sugar mills, and the natural
wonder of Devil’s Bridge. • Inside Barbuda’s Indian
Antigua & Barbuda also offer Cave you can see drawings
a host of ‘bucket-list’ activities left by Arawak Indians
such as rainforest zip-lining
• Barbuda is home to the
and swimming with stingrays. largest Frigate Bird colony in
Antigua is the Caribbean’s the western hemisphere

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority

premier sailing destination,
and its varied tourism calendar Key event
includes a lively carnival each Antigua Carnival is the
summer, while for those who Caribbean’s largest summer
want to chill there are plenty festival. The island holds an
of beach bars and laid-back annual Sailing Week in April
restaurants.

The BAHAMAS
+44 (0) 20 7355 0800 bahamas.com BTO1973 @explore_bahamas [email protected]

Each of the sixteen main

Did you know... islands offer something

• Christopher Columbus special, from the swimming

dubbed the archipelago ‘baja pigs to the 80,000 pink
mar’ in the late 15th century – flamingos on Inagua and the
Spanish for ‘shallow water’ vibrant pink sand beaches of
Harbour Island.
• BA flies four times a week Visitors find a warm welcome
from London to Nassau; with
from the Bahamian people,
easily connecting flights to
some of the finest sandy
the Out Islands
beaches in the world, crystal
• Dean’s Blue Hole on the clear waters and a wide range
coast of Long Island is the of activities, including scuba
world’s second deepest diving, fishing and sailing.

• Go to a local fish fry and Ecological attractions abound

you’ll see chefs showing with a thriving marine eco-
off their knife skills while system and 29 national parks,
preparing conch salad such as the 40-acre Lucayan
National Park, beloved by
Key event bird watchers. The botanical
BAHAMAS Ministry of tourism

Junkanoo is the national gardens and pink and white

festival of The Bahamas, sand beaches are some of the
featuring art, music, dance many romantic locations for
and culture honeymooners and destination
weddings.

caribbean.co.uk

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 38 destinations

BARBADOS
+44 (0) 20 7299 7175 visitbarbados.org VisitBarbados @barbados [email protected]

Think of Barbados and

glorious soft-sand beaches Did you know...
with world-class hotels spring
• Barbados is the most
to mind, but the island is easterly Caribbean island
far more than a fly-and-flop
destination. • Singer Rihanna was born
in Barbados and grew up
Its bustling colonial capital
on Westbury New Road, St
Bridgetown, a UNESCO World
Michael, which has been
Heritage site, is well worth a
renamed Rihanna Drive
visit, while other attractions
include sugar cane plantations, • St Nicholas Abbey is
thermal baths, the limestone one of just three remaining
formations of Harrison’s cave Jacobean mansions in the
and – Barbados’s most famous western hemisphere
residents – the green monkey.
• St. Lawrence Gap is great
It also boasts five PGA- for sundowners, followed by
standard golf courses and calypso in The Cove and jazz
a host of other land and and soca at Old Jamm Inn
water-based activities, plus, of
Key event

Barbados tourism marketing INC

course, lots of lively nightlife
from fine-dining restaurants Grand Kadooment marks the
to local pubs and the famous end of the Crop Over festival,
Oistins Friday Fish Fry, where is amongst the best carnivals
visitors can experience the in the world
legendary Bajan hospitality.

BELIZE
+44 (0) 2073269880 travelbelize.org TravelBelize @belizevacation [email protected]

From mangrove swamps

Did you know... to soaring mountains,

• Belize has the only jaguar 3,000-year-old Maya temples

reserve in the world - the to dense jungles teeming
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife with wildlife, Belize is a
sanctuary magnet for travellers wanting
to experience adventure,
• The Lamanai unrivalled nature and
archaeological site has a
one of the most extreme
rare mask of a Maya ruler
environments of biodiversity
emerging from a crocodile
on the planet.
• You can fly to Belize from The country’s wildlife
London via Miami with reserves are packed with
American Airlines or via many rare species of flora
Houston with United Airlines and fauna, including the black

• Belize is a year-round orchid, toucans and tapirs. And

destination with each season the nation has plenty more
showcasing different wildlife to boast about, including the
largest cave system in central
Key event America and the largest barrier
The annual Chocolate Festival reef in the western hemisphere.
includes a free-to-attend In fact, Belize boasts some of
street fair in the Toledo the top dive sites in the world,
district including the acclaimed Great
Blue Hole.

caribbean.co.uk

Country Panels_Anguila_Cayman.indd 38 1/22/20 04:05 PM

 destinations 39

BRITISh VIRGIN ISLANDS

+44 (0) 207355 9585 bvitourism.co.uk BritishVirginIs.UK @BVIslands_UK [email protected]

The 60 islands and cays that

make up the British Virgin Did you know...
Islands (BVIs) are full of
• Since Hurricane Irma in
deserted beaches, hidden coves 2017 the islands have been
and rare flora and fauna. busy restoring vegetation.
Each is very different with Many hotels can arrange for
its own unique flavour, making tourists to help with a
this an ideal destination for an tree-planting session
island-hopping holiday. Not to be
missed are The Baths National • British Airways and Virgin
Atlantic fly from London to
Park in mountainous Virgin
Antigua with connecting
Gorda, the wildlife sanctuary
flights on interCaribbean,
at Guana Island, and Norman
LIAT or via scheduled charter
Island, said to be the inspiration
flights with VI Airlink
behind the adventure novel
‘Treasure Island’. • Anegada, reached by ferry
Cooled by trade winds, the from Tortola, has the largest
BVIs is also a mecca for sailors, coral barrier reef in the

British Virgin isLAnds tourist BoArd uk

and it’s easy to join the maritime Caribbean
thanks to the plentiful yacht
charters. Meanwhile, gourmands
Key event
The BVI Spring Regatta &
will love the Caribbean food
Sailing festival is one of
scene, with specialities like fungi
world’s largest regattas
and fish in mayonnaise sauce
with dumplings.

The CAYMAN ISLANDS

+ 44 (0) 20 7491 7771 visitcaymanislands.com EuropeVisitCaymanIslands @Cayman_Islands [email protected]

The trio that makes up the

Did you know... Cayman Islands offers three

• The original settlers to the very different experiences.

Cayman Islands in the 18th Grand Cayman, the biggest
century were from Cornwall and most developed, is
renowned for Seven Mile
• British Airways offers a Beach, a stunning gentle-
direct service four times
slopping stretch of sand
weekly from London
flanked by world-class hotels,
Heathrow to Grand Cayman
plus great dining, buzzing
• Grand Cayman is home to nightlife, culture and history.
the rare blue iguana, which Just a short hop away,
was saved from extinction Cayman Brac offers eight

• There are 365 dive sites, miles of nature trails, caves,

ranging from shipwrecks to great diving and a dramatic
coral reefs limestone plateau (bluff)
running through the centre.
Key event Little Cayman, the smallest
CAymAn isLAnds dePArtment of tourism

Pirates Week, which takes of the neighbours, has a

place on the islands every population of just 197 – and
November, is the main the little traffic must give way
Cayman Islands’ festival. It to iguanas! Here, divers will
includes parades, games, love the Bloody Bay Wall, an
music and fireworks underwater drop off, teeming
with aquatic species.

caribbean.co.uk

Country Panels_Anguila_Cayman.indd 39 1/22/20 04:05 PM

 40 destinations

CURAÇAO
+31 70 891 6600 curacao.com curacaotb @CuracaoTravel [email protected]

Its pearly white beaches and

turquoise sea are a huge Did you know...
draw for visitors, but much of
Curaçao’s beauty lies off the
• Curaςao is a cultural
melting pot – its 150,000
beaten track. inhabitants are made up of
Hire a car and take a more than 50 nationalities
road trip to experience the
colourful Dutch-style houses • Its most famous culinary
treat is a ‘pastechi’ – a type
at Handelskade or visit country
of fried pasty filled with meat,
mansions, known locally as
tuna or cheese
Landhuizen. Then there’s the
option of a morning hike up the • Curaçaoans speak English,
Christoffel Mountain, and an Dutch, Spanish and their own
evening spent dancing a salsa unique blend of Papiamentu
on the beach.
Not to be missed are the Key event
Maritime Museum, the Sea Curaçao Carnival starts days
Aquarium, and Curaçao’s after the new year begins and
Postal Museum with its runs until the evening before
collection of bright Antillean Ash Wednesday, but the main
stamps. Meanwhile, tours of parades happen during the

CURACAO TOURIST BOARD

the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery last 10 days
at Landhuis Chobolobo offer a
real insight into the history of
the island’s famous blue drink.

DOMINICA
+44 (0) 20 7326 9880 discoverdominica.com DiscoverDominica dominica@finnpartners.com

Dominica is designated
Did you know... The Nature Island, where

• Dominica is rated as one of beautifully green landscapes,

the top ten dive locations in fascinating wildlife and
the world adventure activities await
travellers of all kinds.
• The Waitukubuli National Dominica has a never-ending
Trail is divided into 14
list of outdoor activities for
sections. It snakes its way a
adventurers. The island is a
full 115 miles from the top to
paradise for travellers seeking
the bottom of the island
a unique escape off the beaten
• Dominica is the only track, exploring the Caribbean
country in the world where beyond its renowned beaches.
sperm whales live year-round Discover mile after mile of

• You can fly to Dominica via the untouched emerald haven

Antigua or Barbados from by hiking the Caribbean’s
the UK longest walking trail, trekking
up to the world’s second
Key event largest boiling lake and floating
Taking place on the last along the Indian River.
DISCOVER DOMINICA AUTHORITY

Friday of October, the annual With sprawling rainforest,

Creole Music Festival offers colourful reefs and thundering
three nights of the best creole waterfalls, the island of
music from around the world Dominica is the true adventure
capital of the Caribbean!

caribbean.co.uk

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 destinations 41

GRENADA
+44 (0) 20 8328 0644 puregrenada.com DiscoverGrenada @discovergrenada [email protected]

Grenada, which also includes

neighbouring Carriacou and Did you know...
Petite Martinique, is home to
• Grenada’s national dish is
Grand Anse, one of the best called ‘Oil Down’. It’s a stew
beaches in the Caribbean. made from breadfruit, salted
It also boasts lush rainforests meat, chicken, dumplings and
with idyllic waterfalls, callaloo, herbs, spices and
chocolate and spice estates, coconut milk
and rum factories where
visitors can see sugar cane • Every February, Carriacou
hosts Shakespeare Mas
mashed by an 18th century
where locals dressed in bright
water wheel.
costumes engage in a battle
Tourists can wander around
of words
the narrow streets of the
historic, picturesque capital, St • Rain showers are known as
George’s to source local spices ‘liquid sunshine’
and chocolate, or visit its three
• English is the official
impressive forts. language
For something different,
visitors can dive to the world’s Key event

GRENADA TOURISM AUTHORITY

first underwater sculpture The annual Grenada
park in Molinere Bay, which is Chocolate Festival, held in
packed with ghostly human May, celebrates the island’s
forms, or float along the tree-to-bar chocolate
Balthazar River by tube.

GUYANA
+592 219 0094/96 guyanatourism.com GuyanaUndiscovered @discoverguyana [email protected]

Guyana boasts pristine

Did you know... landscapes and authentic

• Guyana is the only South cultural experiences. Its virgin

rainforests and vast open
American country where
English is the official spaces are home to a density
language of biodiversity found nowhere
else in the world.
• It is known for its Situated on South America’s
nature and wildlife, active
North Atlantic coast, Guyana
exploration, culture and
is often referred to as “The
heritage, birding and
Land of the Giants,” due to its
conservation experiences
populations of jaguar, giant
• There are direct flights anteater, arapaima; and with
from Miami with American over 910 bird species, Guyana is
Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, also a bird watcher’s paradise.
and Surinam Airways The cultural mix of its
population includes individuals
Key event of Indigenous, African, East
Rupununi Rodeo on the Indian, European, Portuguese
Easter weekend includes and Chinese descent. Nine
a competition between
GUYANA TOURISM AUTHORITY

Indigenous Peoples call Guyana

‘vaqueros’ of various ranches, home, and are proud to share
with bareback bronco riding, their traditions with guests of
bull riding and barrel racing their community-led and owned
eco-lodges.

caribbean.co.uk

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 42 destinations

HAITI
509-2816-3202 tourisme.gouv.ht haititourisme @MTourismeHaiti [email protected]

Not one of your typical fly-and-

flop destinations, Haiti is full Did you know...
of great surprises.
Famous for its unique history,
• In the first inhabitant of the
island’s language (the Taino),
this enchanting island is an ‘Hait’ means ‘Land of high
open-air museum that remains mountains’
the best-kept secret.
It’s a paradise of biodiversity • Haiti has a unique ‘kreyol’
cuisine that is showcased
with scenery that varies
in the yearly Food Festival
between majestic mountains
Goût et Saveur Lakay, held in
and colourful cliffs. The country
September
has managed to conserve
species endemic to the region; • You do not need a visa
some of which can only be to go to Haiti but a valid
seen on the island. passport for the duration of
Haiti offers many attractions your stay
including scenic panoramas,
pristine beaches, unique Key event
flavours, and imaginative and There are 2 yearly carnivals
quality craftsmanship. Here in the spring: the National
tradition and modernity mould Carnival and Jacmel’s
together to the benefit and Carnival (known as Haiti’s
pleasure of travelers. creative city), both are usually

HAITI TOURISM
Once you visit this part of the held in February
island, you’ll want to return.

JAMAICA
+44 (0) 20 7225 9090 visitjamaica.com visitjamaicaUK @VisitJamaicaUK [email protected]

The third-largest island in the

Did you know... Caribbean really does offer

• Ian Fleming wrote all 14 something for everyone.

James Bond novels while Laze on the beach, go
living in Jamaica horse-riding in the sea, swim
with dolphins, play a round
• EU citizens don’t need a of golf at a top-class resort,
visa to visit Jamaica
soak up some culture at one
• British Airways flies of the charming old plantation
nonstop from London houses, trek to Dunns River
Gatwick to Kingston; Virgin Falls, or dance to reggae at
Atlantic and TUI fly direct Rick’s Café overlooking the sea
from Gatwick to Montego Bay at sunset – the choices are

• Jamaica’s Manchester Golf simply endless!

Club, established in 1865, Accommodation options
is the oldest golf club in the are similarly varied, from all-
western hemisphere inclusive resorts, popular as
wedding venues, to traditional
Key event laid-back inns.
Check out Reggae Marathon Renowned for its spicy jerk
in December, Reggae Sumfest chicken, Jamaica also wows
JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD UK

in July and Dream Weekend visitors with other flavoursome

and Independence Day, both dishes including fried filo curry
held in August goat samosa and Jamaican
rum cheesecake.

caribbean.co.uk

Country Panels_Curacao_Monserrat.indd 42 1/22/20 04:06 PM

 destinations 43

MARTINIQUE
+33 1 44 77 86 00 martinique.org Martinique.fleur.des.caraibes @cmtMartinique [email protected]

A magical island with turquoise

waters as well as a welcoming Did you know...
and generous population.
• Josephine, Napoleon’s
The mythical scents of Empress, was born here
flowers, the enchanting rhythms
of native drums and dances, the • The currency is the euro.
The main language is French
unique flavours of gastronomy
and the omnipresence of • You can fly to Martinique
inspiring heritage all combine to via Paris or Saint Lucia with
enchant and delight visitors. connections on Air Caraibes.
The South of the island is Passenger ferries run from
characterised by long, white Dominica and Saint Lucia
sandy beaches surrounded by
• The local tipple is Ti
lush vegetation, while northern Punch, made with cane
Martinique is all about luxuriant juice rum, lime and cane
natural settings, wild mountain syrup. It’s served as separate
landscapes and a diversity of ingredients, which drinkers
refreshing rivers and waterfalls. put together themselves
Experiencing the other side
Key event

COMITE MARTINIQUAIS DU TOURISME

of Martinique means meeting
the men and women of the Carnival begins in January
island and indulging in the and parades take place
simple but rich experience of every weekend until Ash
living with Martinicans, in true Wednesday
Martinique-Style.

MONTSERRAT
+1 664 491 4702/4703 visitmontserrat.com islandofmontserrat [email protected]

Known as the Emerald Isle

Did you know... of the Caribbean due both to

• You can fly via Antigua on its Irish heritage and verdant

FlyMontserrat and SVG Air. forests, this pear-shaped
There’s also a ferry service island is a paradise for nature
from Antigua to the island lovers, divers, adventure
travellers, families and
• English is the official honeymooners.
language, which is often
Its star attraction is the active
spoken with an Irish brogue, a
Soufriere Hills Volcano, which
heritage left by the early Irish
buried the former capital city,
settlers
Plymouth, in ash. The city’s
• Persons can explore the ruins are in stark contrast to
buried capital, Plymouth with Montserrat’s green mountains,
a certified guide. world-class hiking trails,
deserted dark sand beaches
Key event and untouched reefs.
Montserrat is the only country
The ideal location for that
outside of Ireland to celebrate
laid back and relaxed holiday
St Patrick’s Day (March 17)
experience, Montserrat exudes
as a public holiday. The week-
MONTSERRAT TOURIST BOARD

a quiet charm that disarms

long festival also marks a
even the worldliest traveler.
slave revolt, which took place
This mountainous island is a
that day in 1768
true example of easy living in
the Caribbean.

caribbean.co.uk

Country Panels_Curacao_Monserrat.indd 43 1/22/20 04:06 PM

 44 destinations

NEVIS
+44 (0) 1305 233107 nevisisland.com nevisnaturally @NevisNaturally [email protected]

Totally unspoilt with a lush

green interior and long empty Did you know...
beaches, Nevis is one of
• Nevis has more than 40
the most natural islands in varieties of mango, known as
the Caribbean and the ideal the “sunshine fruit”
destination for health and
relaxation. • Due to its striking cloud-
capped mountain, the name
However, it’s also building
Nevis was derived from
a reputation as the region’s
‘Nuestra Senora de las
sports capital, thanks to events
Nieves’ which means ‘Our
such as the Nevis to St Kitts
Lady of Snow’
Cross Channel Swim, the Nevis
Marathon and Running Festival • Nevis is just a six-minute
and the Nevis Triathlon. water taxi ride from St Kitts
Daily activities include horse
• Alexander Hamilton, one of
riding, cycle tours, snorkelling, the US founding fathers, was
diving, sailing, kayaking and born and raised on Nevis
deep-sea fishing.
Once named ‘Dulcina’ (‘Sweet Key event
Island) by the Arawaks, Nevis The Nevis Mango and Food
is a culinary delight. You won’t Festival in July unites Nevis’

nevis tourism authority

find any fast-food chains selling points – its culinary
here, only restaurants serving scene and famous fruits
wholesome and healthy
locally-sourced food.

PUERTO RICO
+44(0)20 7593 1275 discoverpuertorico.com DiscoverPuertoRico @discover_PR [email protected]

Powder-white beaches, the

Did you know... delightful waterfalls, wild birds

• Puerto Rico is a US territory and orchids of the El Yunque

so UK visitors need an ESTA tropical rainforest, the cobbled
streets and huge stone
• The currency is US dollars fortresses of Old San Juan
• Puerto Rico has an and, of course, the thrumming
average of 110 daily flights salsa beat playing long
via 24 airlines. There are 33 into the night, are the many
weekly non-stop flights from elements that make Puerto
international markets Rico unique.
With so many exciting
Key event discoveries, the island is a
Fiestas de la Calle San
real-life adventure playground,
Sebastián takes place on the
which combines the safety
third weekend of January
standards of the US with laid-
in Old San Juan, when the
back Latin charm. Don’t miss
plazas are filled with artists
the rich culture of Spanish
and live music
colonial streets, the exquisite
Puerto rico tourism comPany uK

dining experiences and Puerto

Rico’s epic rainforest zipline.
Fantastic for a long holiday, it
can also easily be combined
with a trip to the US or another
Caribbean island.

caribbean.co.uk

Country Panels_Nevis_Turks_Caicos_V2.indd 44 1/22/20 04:06 PM

 destinations 45

ST. EUSTATIUS
+ 599 318 2433 statia-tourism.com St-Eustatius-Tourism @statiatourism [email protected]

Once a bustling trade hub

for sugar and cotton, St. Did you know...
Eustatius still has an air of
• The island was the first
being undiscovered as a foreign land to recognise the
holiday destination – making US as an independent nation,
it the perfect choice for in 1776
visitors looking for genuine
authenticity. • National holiday Statia Day
on November 16 marks St
Oranjestad the capital is
Eustatius’ support for the US
quaint, with Dutch colonial
buildings and museums filled • The island has only around
with rare artifacts. 4,000 inhabitants. Dutch is
‘Statia’, as it’s known the official language, but
locally, is an island for hiking, locals actually speak English
snorkelling, diving and
• St. Eustatius is just a
relaxation thanks to its extinct 20-minute flight from St
volcano smothered in tropical Maarten with Winair

st eustatius tourism deveLoPment Foundation

rainforest, sheltered bays and
quiet beaches. If you’re lucky, Key event
you might see turtles or even The annual Statia Carnival
humpback whales as they is held during the last two
make their seasonal migration weeks of July and includes
from January to April. music, dance, food and
Accommodation is in small pageants
inns and guest-houses.

ST. KITTS
stkittstourism.kn StKittsTourismUK @StKittsTourism [email protected]

The unique, authentic island of

Did you know... St. Kitts is full of hidden gems.

• The island inspired the From rolling landscapes to

song Amazing Grace, written lush rainforest, fresh cuisine,
by a British slave ship and the warmth of its friendly
captain-turned preacher people, St. Kitts truly is one of
a kind.
• St. Kitts is named after St. Influenced by the sugar
Christopher, the patron saint
and tobacco plantations of
of travellers
the 17th and 18th centuries,
• Head to Frigate Bay on the heritage of this historical
Friday and Sunday nights for island can be seen on the St.
live music and a special kind Kitts Scenic Railway - dubbed
of relaxation, called limin’ the “last railway of the West

• British Airways flies from Indies”. The 2.5-hour rail tour

London Gatwick to St. Kitts is rightly famed as the most
via Antigua twice-weekly beautiful train ride in the world.
St. Kitts’ spectacular
Key event rainforest also provides
St. Kitts & Nevis Carnival, endless hiking opportunities,
st.Kitts tourism authority

known as Sugar Mas, begins including a hike up the dormant

in November with J’ouvert on volcano Mount Liamuiga, while
26th December and the main the UNESCO World Heritage
parade on January 1 Site Brimstone Hill Fortress is
a must-see attraction.

caribbean.co.uk

Country Panels_Nevis_Turks_Caicos_V2.indd 45 1/22/20 04:06 PM

 46 destinations

SAINT LUCIA
+44 (0) 20 7341 7000 stlucia.org saintluciauk @SaintLuciaUK [email protected]

Best known for her twin Piton

Mountains, which are amongst Did you know...
the Caribbean’s most iconic
• Saint Lucia’s national
sights, Saint Lucia offers dish is called green figs and
a heady mix of adventure, saltfish, but it’s made with
culture and relaxation. bananas!
Activities include zip-
lining through the rainforest, • British Airways, Virgin
Atlantic and TUI fly from
jungle biking, Segway tours,
Gatwick
snorkelling, diving and hiking.
Visitors can also opt for a • Gros Islet hosts the biggest
tour of a cocoa plantation, street party on the island
chocolate-making classes, every Friday night
creole cooking lessons or rum-
• Saint Lucia has been
tasting sessions. voted the World’s Leading
At the Caribbean’s only Honeymoon Destination ten
drive-in volcano, in Soufriere, times by the World Travel
visitors can take a relaxing Awards
mud bath. Alternatively, explore
the old military ruins at Pigeon Key event
Island National Landmark. For Saint Lucia Carnival takes

saint Lucia tourist Board

nightlife, head to the bars at place every July, culminating
Rodney Bay Village or party in a two-day street parade
at Gros Islet ‘Jump Up’ every
Friday.

ST. MAARTEN
+(1) 721 549 0200 vacationstmaarten.com vacationstmaarten @vacationsxm [email protected]

St. Maarten is one half of the

Did you know... smallest island in the world to

• Multiple currencies are be shared by two nations, the

accepted including the euro Netherlands and France.
and US dollars The south, St Maarten, is
Dutch, while the north, Saint-
• Dutch is the official Martin, is French. Combined,
language but English and
the two stylish halves offer 37
French are also spoken
square miles of beaches and at
• Maho Village is like a mini least 300 restaurants between
Vegas complete with casinos, them, so it’s no wonder this
restaurants, boutiques and a island has become known as
vibrant resort atmosphere the gastronomic capital of the

• Air France flies from Caribbean.

Heathrow via Paris, and St Maarten’s velvety beaches
KLM from Heathrow via and sheltered lagoons are
Amsterdam. There are also perfect for families who love
connecting flights from to snorkel, while there’s ample
Antigua diving and other watersports
for the more adventurous.
Key event
st maarten tourist Bureau

Meanwhile, bustling capital

St. Maarten Carnival starts in Philipsburg, which boasts 4
mid-April and continues until casinos, nightclubs and lots of
early May duty-free shopping, is great for
grown-up fun.

caribbean.co.uk

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 destinations 47

SAINT-MARTIN
+590 590 87 57 21 stmartinisland.org iledesaintmartin @ilesaintmartin [email protected]

Dubbed the “Friendly Island”,

Saint-Martin packs in a Did you know...
diverse selection of attractions • There is no border
against a backdrop of flaming between Saint-Martin and its
red, orange and yellow trees neighbour St. Maarten
and white sands.
Take a walk on the wild
• The shared island has its
own rare breed of dog, the
side and explore the hills on
coconut retriever
a zip-line or by horseback,
or discover a watersports • The euro is the local
currency, but US dollars are
paradise, where you can sail
also accepted
to hidden coves or dive into
an undersea world of vibrant • For a taste of Saint-Martin’s
tropical fish. gastronomy and music, head
As you’d expect from a to Grand Case every Tuesday
destination shaped by the evening from January to April
French, Saint-Martin has style
in abundance. Visitors look
• Saint-Martin’s favourite dish
is conch and dumpling
effortlessly cool relaxing
alongside its turquoise waters, Key event
while capital city Marigot – The Sea Festival takes place
with its harbour-side bistros, on the last weekend of May,
museums and boutiques – including water- and
showcases the Gallic love of land-based entertainment
shopping, history and fine food.

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

+44 (0) 20 7937 6570 discoversvg.com DiscoverSVG @DiscoverSVG [email protected]

This chain of 32 islands and

Did you know... cays abounds with rare and

• It is illegal to wear exotic marine life, making it

camouflage clothing on any a haven for scuba divers who
of the islands have more than 100 dive sites
to choose from.
• Wallilabou Bay doubled up The crystal-clear water is also
as the harbour of Port Royal
excellent for snorkelling. St.
for the movie Pirates of the
Vincent & The Grenadines also
Caribbean
attracts sailing enthusiasts
• The fishing village of to events such as the Bequia
Barrouallie has a monthly fish Easter Regatta – taking to the
festival water is a great opportunity for

• There are no direct flights spotting dolphins.

from the UK but you can fly A lush, varied landscape,
via Barbados, Saint Lucia, endless nature trails, majestic
st.vincent and the grenadines Tourism Authority

Martinique, Trinidad and waterfalls, and a volcano on

Grenada the main island of St. Vincent
are a major draw for nature
Key event lovers, while man-made
The Breadfruit festival, attractions include St. Vincent
celebrating the national dish Distillers, where visitors can
of breadfruit and jackfish, is sample its award-winning rums
held every August – including the 84.5% overproof
version loved by locals.

caribbean.co.uk

Country Panels_Nevis_Turks_Caicos_V2.indd 47 1/22/20 04:06 PM

 48 destinations

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

+44 (0) 844 846 0812 tobagobeyond.com visittobago @tobagobeyond [email protected]

While Trinidad is renowned for

its annual carnival, Tobago is a Did you know...
laid-back eco-destination.
Here rainforests, clear
• The islands are the most
southerly in the Caribbean –
waters and shallow reefs lend below the hurricane belt
themselves to activities such
as biking or hiking to seek • Pigeon Point was the
inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s
out waterfalls, diving and
Robinson Crusoe
snorkelling among barracudas
and manta rays, night time • Virgin Atlantic & British
bioluminescence tours by Airways fly direct from
stand-up paddleboard, and bird Gatwick to Tobago. British
watching in the UNESCO Main Airways also fly 5 times
Ridge Forest Reserve. a week from Heathrow to
Not to be missed are Trinidad. Caribbean Airlines
stunning golf courses, the fly hourly between Trinidad
annual turtle hatchling and Tobago

trinidad and toBago deveLoPment comPany

programme, The Asa Wright
Nature Centre and Caroni Key event
Santuary in Trinidad and the Trinidad & Tobago’s Carnival
Cocoa Estate, The Argyle Falls is celebrated on the Monday
and the Nylon Pool in Tobago. and Tuesday before Ash
Food has a Latin American Wednesday and known as the
vibe, with European, Indian and biggest street party on earth
African influences.

TURKS & CAICOS

+44 (0) 20 7034 7845 turksandcaicostourism.com tcitourism @TCITourism [email protected]

The 40 islands and cays of the

Did you know... Turks & Caicos are among the

• Grace Bay Beach on most protected and unspoilt

the northeast coast of in the Caribbean, where you
Providenciales is often voted can relax and unwind on some
the world’s best of the very best beaches in
the world surrounded by some
• The island’s Fish Fry takes of nature’s most beautiful
place every Thursday
creations.
• Conch, lobster and grouper From the mysterious bat
feature in native dishes caves, immense blue hole

• British Airways flies from and flamingo-filled lagoons

Gatwick to Providenciales via of Middle Caicos to the multi
Antigua. Connections are also award-winning beaches of
available via North Carolina, Providenciales (Provo), the
New York, Miami and Fort Turks & Caicos offer serenity
Lauderdale and seclusion.
Activities include fishing,
turKs and caicos isLands tourist Board

Key event diving, snorkelling, parasailing,

Maskanoo is a giant street golf, horse riding, heritage
party held on Boxing Day. The walks, birdwatching, standing
annual Regatta draws crowds paddleboard excursions to
and the Lobster & Conch see mangrove wetlands, and
Festival is a treat for foodies tropical spa treatments. in
world-class hotels.

caribbean.co.uk

Country Panels_Nevis_Turks_Caicos_V2.indd 48 1/22/20 04:06 PM

 preferred partners 49

bright
holiday IDEAS
BodyHoliday British Airways Holidays Elegant Hotels

Cariblue Beach, Cap Estate, Gros Islet. Saint Lucia Fly with British Airways to the Caribbean The House by Elegant Hotels

Nestled into its own private cove on miles of British Airways Holidays makes it easy to find Eight hotels in total, The Landings in St.Lucia
white sand, surrounded by acres of tropical your perfect Caribbean holiday. Offering and seven distinctly individual beachfront
gardens and rainforest, BodyHoliday offers carefully selected hotels, low deposits, ATOL resorts in Barbados: The House, Colony Club
what could be called a truly restorative protection, and a 24 hour helpline in case you and Treasure Beach and all-inclusive Crystal
vacation. More than an island escape, the need it. With British Airways flying to more Cove, Turtle Beach, Waves and Tamarind.
emphasis at this all-inclusive luxury resort is Caribbean Islands than any other UK airline, Exceptional variety, from family-friendly to
on a return to wellness. consider your holiday taken care of. adults-only, villa living to all-inclusive.

+1 758 457 7800 0344 493 0120 0800 917 3534

thebodyholiday.com ba.com/caribbean eleganthotels.com
[email protected] @britishairways [email protected]

LIAT Airline​ Park HYatt St. KITTS Rendezvous

LIAT Airline connects you with the Caribbean​ Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christopher Harbour Malabar Beach, Castries, Saint Lucia

LIAT Airline is the link that connects you Escape to this luxurious beachfront resort A world away from the everyday, Rendezvous
to amazing destinations across the situated in the most natural and untouched is a uniquely intimate island retreat. From
Caribbean. With daily flights to 15 region of the beautiful Caribbean island. Park the long stretches of deserted beach to
destinations, we make it easy for you to Hyatt St. Kitts features 126 well-appointed the lazy-river pool, every aspect of this all-
explore and truly experience all that is rooms and suites facing towards the inclusive luxury resort has been created to
uniquely Caribbean. Fly with us on LIAT-it’s Caribbean Sea as well as a Miraval Life in give couples the space and time they need
the way we connect! Balance Spa and three signature restaurants. to be alone.

+1 268 480 5601 +1 869 468 1234 +1 758 457 7900

liat.com parkhyattstkitts.com theromanticholiday.com
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

caribbean.co.uk

Directory_V3.indd 49 1/22/20 05:56 PM

 50 airlines

WHo Flys where

THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Use this chart to see which airlines fly direct from UK airports

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

and those that fly via another Caribbean island/country

THE BAHAMAS

BARBADOS
ANGUILLA

BELIZE
CHARTERED SERVICES
TUI 020 3451 2688 tui.co.uk D

SCHEDULED SERVICES
Air Canada 00800 669 92222 aircanada.com I I I I I
Air Europa 08714 230 717 aireuropa.com

Air Caraïbes 0033 0820 835 835 aircaraibes.com

Air France 0207 660 0337 airfrance.co.uk

American Airlines 0844 369 9899 americanairlines.co.uk I I I I I I

Blue Panorama Airlines 0039 06 9895 6666 blu-express.com I
British Airways 0844 493 0787 ba.com/caribbean D D D D
Corsair International 00 331 7039 2210 corsair.fr

Delta Air Lines 0207 660 0767 delta.com I I I I

Iberia Airlines 0203 684 3774 iberia.com

JetBlue 001 801 365 2525 jetblue.com I I I I

KLM 020 7660 0293 klm.com

United Airlines 0207 136 0582 united.com I I I I

Virgin Atlantic 0844 874 7747 virginatlantic.com D D I

West Jet 0800 279 7072 westjet.com I I I I I

XL Airways 00 33 360 04 01 03 xl.com

REGIONAL SERVICES
Air Antilles 00 590 590 211 447 airantilles.com I
Air Caraïbes 0033 0820 835 835 aircaraibes.com

Anguilla Air Services 001 264 498 5922 anguillaairservices.com I

BahamasAir 001 242 702 4140 bahamasair.com I
Cape Air 001 508 771 6944 capeair.com

Caribbean Airlines 0870 774 7336 caribbean-airlines.com I I I

Cayman Airways 001 345 949 2311 caymanairways.com I
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 I I I

LIAT 001 268 480 5601 liat.com I I I I
Montserrat Airways 001 664 491 3434 flymontserrat.com I I I i
Mustique Airways 001 347 6358332 mustique.com I I I I
Seaborne Airlines 001 866 359 8784 seaborneairlines.com I I I
SVG Air 001 784 457 5124 svgair.com I I I I
Trans Anguilla 001 264 497 8690 transanguilla.com I I I I
VI Airlink 001 284 495 2271 viairlink.com I I
Winair 001 721 545 4237 fly-winair.sx I I

caribbean.co.uk

Airline Chart_V2.indd 50 1/22/20 06:43 PM

 airlines 51

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

SAINT MARTIN/ST. MAARTEN

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

CAYMAN ISLANDS

TURKS & CAICOS

ST. EUSTATIUS
MONTSERRAT

PUERTO RICO
MARTINIQUE

SAINT LUCIA
D Direct/non-stop from UK
DOMINICA
CURAÇAO

GRENADA

JAMAICA

ST. KITTS
GUYANA

I Indirect or direct via

NEVIS
haiti

intermediate point en-route

Indirect Connections
D D From London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle

via
I I I I I I I I I I I I I Toronto, Montreal

I Madrid

I I I I I I I Paris

I I I I Paris, Amsterdam

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

I Rome

D I D I I D I I Antigua, Nassau or Saint Lucia

I I I Paris

I I I I I I I I I I I Atlanta, New York

I Madrid

I I I I I I I I l I New York, Boston, Orlando

I I I I I I l Amsterdam, Paris

I I I I I I I Chicago, New York, Newark, Washington, Houston

I I D D I Saint Lucia - Saint Lucia flight cancelled from June 2020

I I I I I I I I Toronto, Montreal

I I Paris, New York, Atlanta

from
I i I I I I Guadeloupe/Martinique

I I I I Guadeloupe/Martinique

I Anguilla

I Nassau

I Various Caribbean islands

I I I I I I I Various Caribbean islands

I I The Cayman islands

I Panama

I I Various Caribbean islands

I I I I I I I I I Various Caribbean islands

I I I I I I I I I I I Various Caribbean islands

i I I I I I I I I I Montserrat, Antigua

I I I I I I I I I I Various Caribbean Islands

I I I I I I Puerto Rico

I I I I I I I I I I I I Various Caribbean Islands

I I I I I I I I I I I I Anguilla

I I I I The British Virgin Islands

I I I I I I I I St. Maarten

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.

caribbean.co.uk

Airline Chart_V2.indd 51 1/22/20 06:43 PM

 052 tour operators

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

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

The BAHAMAS

BARBADOS
ANGUILLA
TOUR OPERATORS

Affordable Luxury Travel 020 7612 7237 affordableluxurytravel.co.uk

British Airways Holidays 0344 493 0120 ba.com/caribbean

Caribtours 020 7751 0660 caribtours.co.uk

Club Caribbee 020 8682 1115 clubcaribbee.co.uk

Exsus Travel 020 3613 7808 exsus.com

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

Southall Travel 020 8843 4444 southalltravel.co.uk

Steppes Travel 033 31 305 171 steppestravel.com

Sunsail 033 0332 1172 sunsail.co.uk

Teletext Holidays 0203 001 0555 teletextholidays.co.uk

Tropical Sky 01342 889 201 tropicalsky.co.uk

Virgin Holidays 0344 557 4008 virginholidays.co.uk

caribbean.co.uk

Tour-Ops_V5.indd 52 1/22/20 06:50 PM

 tour operators 53

st. vincent & the grenadines

saint martin / st. maArten
THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

trinidad & tobago

CAYMAN ISLANDS

turks & caicos

st. eustatius
montserrat

puerto rico
martinique

saint lucia
DOMINICA
CURAÇAO

GRENADA

st. kitts
jamaica
GUYANA
BELIZE

nevis
haiti

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.

caribbean.co.uk

Tour-Ops_V5.indd 53 1/22/20 06:50 PM

 54 members list

 Trade/Sales 
BOOK NOW
Consumer/Reservation  Editorial

AIRLINES Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Clear Marketing Marriott Hotels International Ltd
 +44 (0) 844 493 3082  +44 (0) 20 3096 1600  +44 (0) 20 7012 7312
British Airways
 royalcaribbean.co.uk  [email protected]  +44 (0) 800 221 222 
 +44 (0) 844 493 0787 
Royalcaribbeanuk  clear-marketing.com  marriott.com
 ba.com/caribbean
Royalcaribbeaninternational  Clearmarketinginternational Marriott
 batraveltrade.com
Royalcaribbeantravelagents  @ClearCaribbean @Marriott
british airways
@myroyaluk
@british_airways Elegant Hotels Group (Barbados) Montpelier Plantation & Beach

Destination  +44 (0) 800 917 3534 (Freephone)   +1 869 469 3462
LIAT
management company  +44 (0) 1904 607 435   [email protected]
 +1 268 480 5601 
 [email protected]   montpeliernevis.com
 [email protected] Seven Dragons Group
 [email protected]  montpeliernevis
 liat.com  07813937026
 eleganthotels.com @montpeliernevis
liatairline
 [email protected] ElegantHotels
@liatairline Palladium Hotel Group
 sevendragonsgroup.com @ElegantHotels
@sevendragonsgroup  0800 0211548
Virgin Atlantic Airways
Escape Marketing Services Ltd  palladiumhotelgroup.com/en
 +44 (0) 344 209 7705 
HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION  +44 (0) 20 7183 5058 PalladiumHotelGroup
 +44 (0) 344 874 7747 
 [email protected] @PalladiumHG
 [email protected]  Abidah by Accra Beach Hotel
 escapemarketing.net @ palladiumhotelgroup
 [email protected]   +1 246 4358920 ext 8401
EscapeMarketing
 virginatlantic.com  [email protected] Park Hyatt, St. Kitts
@escapemarketing
VirginAtlantic  theabidahhotel.com  + 1 869 467 4860
@virginatlantic theabidah Essential Detail  parkhyattstkitts.com
@theabidah  +44 (0) 20 8977 6099 ParkHyattStKitts
ALLIED  [email protected] @parkhyattskb
Advantage Management Group Ltd
WTM - Reed Travel Exhibitions  essentialdetail.co.uk @parkhyattstkitts
 +44 (0) 20 8487 9881
 +44 (0) 20 8910 7967 essentialdetail
 [email protected] Resort Marketing International
@edhotels
 [email protected]  +44 (0) 1245 459 900
 amgrepresentation.com @essential_detail
 wtmlondon.com @amgltd  [email protected]
WorldTravelMarket Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Barbados  resort-marketing.co.uk
@WTM_London Anse Chastanet & Jade Mountain
 +1 246 422 5555  resortmarketinginternational ltd
 +44 (0) 800 141 2859 
 +44 (0) 1344 887 003  @rmilimited
CRUISE LINES  [email protected]
 [email protected]
 [email protected] Sandals & Beaches Resorts
Celebrity Cruises  fairmont.com/barbados
 ansechastanet.com  +44 (0) 800 022 3030
 +44 (0) 844 481 7694  fairmonthotels
 jademountain.com  [email protected]
 +44 (0) 844 493 6199  @FairmontHotels
AnseChastanet  sandals.co.uk
 celebritycruises.co.uk Group Promotions sandalsresortsUK
JadeMountainStlucia
celebritycruises
@ansechastanet  +44 (0) 1582 792 260 @sandalsresorts
@CelebrityUK
@jademountain  [email protected] @Sandals_UK
Crystal Cruises @AnseChastanet  [email protected]
 +44 (0) 20 7399 7601 @JadeMountainStlucia group-promotions.com Sunrise Marketing

 [email protected]  +44 (0) 1189 145 674

Bespoke Travel Marketing Hidden Doorways Travel
 crystalcruises.co.uk  [email protected]
 +44 (0) 843 289 0246  +44 (0) 7920 163 382
CrystalCruises  sunrisemarketing.co.uk
 [email protected]  [email protected]
@crystalcruises sunrisemarketing
 bespoketravelmarketing.com  hiddendoorwaystravel.com
@sunrise_uk
Disney Cruise Line hiddendoorways
Blue Waters Resorts & Spa
 +44 (0) 800 171 2317 @Hidden_Doorways SuperClubs
 +44 (0) 870 360 1245
 disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises- @hiddendoorways  +44 (0) 1934 740 467
 [email protected]
destinations/overview/caribbean/  [email protected]
 bluewaters.net Ladera Resort
DisneyCruiseLine  breezes.com
bluewatershotel  +001 (758) 459 6600
@DisneyCruise BreezesResorts
@bluewatershotel  +44 (0) 7715 490 591
@disneycruiseline @breezes_resorts
 [email protected]
Cara Hotel Marketing Ltd
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines  [email protected] TDH Marketing
 +44 (0) 20 3959 0959
 +44 (0) 800 035 5242  ladera.com  +44 (0) 20 3239 4822
 [email protected] Ladera Resort
 [email protected]  [email protected]
 carahotelmarketing.com @ladera_resort
 fredolsencruises.com  tdhsalesandmarketing.co.uk
carahotelmarketingltd
 fredolsencruiselines @Laderaresort
@carahotelmkt
@fredolsencruise

caribbean.co.uk

Members List_Annual_2019_V2.indd 54 1/22/20 04:10 PM

 members list 55

The Liming Group TTG Media Club Caribbee Sackville Travel/Q Holidays
 +44 (0) 131 297 0289  +44 (0) 20 3714 4103  +44 (0) 20 868 21115  +44 (0) 20 7326 7699 
 [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]  +44 (0) 20 7326 3100 
 thelimingbequia.com  ttgmedia.com  clubcaribbee.co.uk  [email protected]
The-Liming-Bequia TravelTradeGazette ClubCaribbeeLimited  Sackvilletravel.com
@thelimingbequia @TTGMedia @ClubCaribbee  Qholidays.co.uk
@thelimingbequia @ClubCaribbee Sackvilletravel
Travel Bulletin
@sackvilletravel
The Top Villas  +44 (0) 20 7834 6661 Exsus Travel
 +44 (0) 800 433 4567  [email protected]  +44 (0) 20 3613 7808 Southall Travel
 [email protected]  travelbulletin.co.uk  [email protected]  +44 (0) 20 8843 4444
 thetopvillas.com TravelBulletin  exsus.com  [email protected]
topvillas @TravelBulletin ExsusTravel  southalltravel.co.uk
@Topvillas @ExsusTravel southalltravel
Travel Weekly
@top_villas @exsustravel @SouthallTravel
 +44 (0) 20 7881 4877
@southalltravel
mEDIA/oNLINE  [email protected]  Kenwood Travel
 [email protected]   +44 (0) 20 7749 9245 Steppes Travel
Mirabelle Commmunications  travelweekly.co.uk  [email protected]  +44 (0) 3331 305 171 
 +44 20 8681 5799 travelweeklyuk  kenwoodtravel.co.uk  [email protected]
 [email protected] @travelweekly kenwoodtravel  steppestravel.com
 mirabelle.co.uk @travelweeklyuk @kenwoodtravel @steppestravel
mirabelle_communications @kenwoodtravel @steppestravel
toUR opERAtoRS @steppes_travel
My Booking Rewards Kuoni Travel Ltd
 +44 (0) 7818 434 410 (mobile) Affordable Luxury Travel  +44 (0) 800 092 4444 Sunsail
 [email protected]  +44 (0) 20 7612 7237  kuoni.co.uk  +44 (0)33 0332 1172
 mybookingrewards.com  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]
My Booking Rewards  affordableluxurytravel.co.uk kuonitraveluk  sunsail.co.uk
@MyBookingReward affordableluxurytravel/ @kuonitraveluk SunsailUK
A_LuxuryTravel @sunsailuk
Selling Travel MOT MOT Travel
 +44 (0) 20 8649 7233 affordableluxurytravel
 +44 (0) 1327 359622 Teletext Holidays
 [email protected]  British Airways Holidays  [email protected]  +44 (0) 20 3001 0555
 [email protected]   +44 (0) 344 493 0120   motmottravel.com  teletextholidays.co.uk
 sellingtravel.co.uk  ba.com/caribbean motmottravel teletextholidays
sellingtravelmag britishairways @motmot_travel @teletextholidays
@Sellingtravmag @british_airways @motmot_travel @teletextholidays
@sellingtravel
Caribtours Newmont Travel Ltd Tropical Sky
The Travel Connection Group  +44 (0) 20 7751 0660  +44 (0) 20 8920 1144  +44 (0) 1342 889 201
 +44 (0) 7950 884 234  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]
 [email protected]  caribtours.co.uk  hotelsofthecaribbean.co.uk  tropicalsky.co.uk
 travelconnectiongroup.com LuxuryTailormadeHolidays newmont.co.uk tropicalsky
HOWARD_TCG @Caribtours @NewmontTravel @tropicalsky
@HOWARD_TCG @Caribtours @tropicalsky

Virgin Holidays
 +44 (0) 344 557 4008
 virginholidays.co.uk
virginholidays
@virginholidays

Daily flights to 15 destinations

across the Caribbean
+1 268 480 5601 liat.com [email protected]

Members List_Annual_2019_V2.indd 55 1/22/20 04:10 PM

 picture perfect
CAYMAN ISLANDS

EXPERIENCE
Swim with stingrays,
explore spectacular coral
reefs, relax in a beach
hammock and try tasty
conch fritters – all in
one day.

It’s not just the endless white sandy beaches, clear turquoise seas, world-class diving and luxury hotels that are the attraction on the Cayman
Islands. Colourful themed events, spectacular festivals with a real Caymanian vibe and a mouth-watering global culinary scene make it an
incredible holiday destination. For wildlife lovers, seeing the unique blue iguanas of the QEII Botanic Park and swimming with the
stingrays at Stingray City sandbar is a must. Thrill-seekers will love kite-surfing or wind-surfing and for a night-time adventure,
take a guided kayak tour and experience one of the world’s most amazing natural phenomena – bioluminescence.

www.visitcaymanislands.com

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