The Mail on Sunday

Escape to paradise...

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WINTER blues kicking in already? Give yourself something to look forward to with a sun-filled escape to the Caribbean! Jet off to this collection of paradise-like islands and discover a welcoming world of turquoise seas, soft white sand and emerald rainforest­s.

What’s more, there are great deals for 2020 travel when availabili­ty is at its best, making the Caribbean an affordable option for next year.

It’s a blissful choice for families and couples looking for a tropical escape from the daily grind. Indulge in candlelit dining beneath the stars, days spent swaying on a hammock, try new watersport­s or take a tour of ancient ruins to really experience the history of the Caribbean.

Whatever you do, you are sure to have a fabulous time in these diverse, vibrant islands.

Which Caribbean island should you choose?

THE Caribbean offers something for everyone, with each island boasting its own individual charm, culture and personalit­y.

BARBADOS

has a welcoming Bajan culture that’s a dazzling mix of everything that helps make the Caribbean special – music, food, drink, art, dancing and hospitalit­y. The scrumptiou­s seafood is best sampled at the atmospheri­c Friday Night Fish Fry at Oistins, washed down with a rum cocktail. And music fans should make for Rihanna Drive, where the singer grew up. White sands and turquoise seas encircle this island paradise.

SAINT LUCIA

is lush – even the iconic Pit on mountains are enveloped in verdant rainforest and are home to hummingbir­ds and parrots. You’ll find gorgeous beaches, a wealth of watersport­s, a drive-in volcano – and fabulous wellbeing experience­s, including mud treatments at Sulphur Springs and exclusive spas at resorts such as Body Holiday. Plus, for choclovers, a visit to one of the cocoa plantation­s is a must.

ANTIGUA

has 365 beautiful beaches – one for each day of the year. There’s music everywhere from the market stalls in St John’s to the famous

Shirley Heights sunset party on Sundays, featuring steel drums, rum and barbecues. And for a cultural experience, Nelson’s Dockyard and historic plantation­s are among the many must-see attraction­s.

THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

is famously good fun for thrilling family adventures. Swim next to waterfalls, explore biking trails and go whale watching, windsurfin­g or zip-lining. Afterwards, relax by a gorgeous pool or pamper yourself in a spa at one of the many five-star all-inclusive resorts.

MEXICO

delivers incredible food, a fascinatin­g culture, friendly locals and fantastic exploratio­ns – making it one of the top destinatio­ns in the Caribbean. You can discover ancient Mayan and Aztec sites, colonial-era towns and unique festivals, swim in a cenote (natural jungle sinkhole) and go whale- watching. It’s all waiting for you in the Caribbean – sugar-soft sands, warm, turquoise waters and calming rhythms to soothe your cares away.

Plus, you’ll be truly pampered in your resort. With everything from swim-up bars in lagoon pools to award-winning spas and fine dining restaurant­s, you may never want to leave! So why not treat yourself to the fun and relaxation you deserve with a Caribbean holiday – and fall in love with these stunning islands!

 ??  ?? BLUE HEAVEN: A stunning beach in Tulum, Mexico, overlooked by Mayan ruins
BLUE HEAVEN: A stunning beach in Tulum, Mexico, overlooked by Mayan ruins

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