5 OF THE BEST Caribbean dreams

Embrace the “no worries” Caribbean lifestyle on these all-inclusive holidays where you can eat your fill, drink endless piña coladas and enjoy watersports

CURTAIN BLUFF, ANTIGUA

This family-run hotel – which underwent a €10million refurb a couple of years ago – is spread across 20 acres and has two private beaches. And with unlimited watersports on offer, this is no resort for lounging. After a busy day you deserve a piña colada or afternoon tea on the stone Sugar Mill terrace overlooking the gardens – all included, of course. Just a few minutes by taxi from Curtain Bluff, Nelson’s Dockyard is one of the island’s finest historic sites. It was developed as a base for the British Navy in 1725, and its picturesque 18th and 19th century buildings house shops, restaurants and art galleries. From here, walk to nearby Galleon Beach and follow the easy half-mile trail up to Shirley Heights, a former fortress with sweeping views across the Caribbean to Montserrat and Guadeloupe beyond.

THE DEAL Tropic Breeze has seven nights from €3,126pp (two sharing), all-inclusive. Flights from Gatwick on April 30 and transfers. tropicbreeze.co.uk, 0044 01752 880880

BARBADOS BEACH CLUB, BARBADOS

If you think all-inclusive Caribbean breaks are beyond your budget, think again. This three-star hotel in the heart of St Lawrence Gap has all the amenities you could want, but at a fraction of the price you’d expect. While away your days lounging by the pool – or get active in it with water aerobics classes. There are also kayaks, paddle boats and snorkelling gear down at the beach, as well as a private tennis court. Come evening, you can re-fuel on international cuisine at the two on-site restaurants, let your hair down at the weekly rum punch party, and get your jive on with the DJ. Make sure you get out and do some exploring – the fishing village of Oistins is only two miles away and its famous Friday night fish fry is a chance to enjoy fresh

mahi-mahi and lobster at the beach stalls. Further along the coast Freights Bay is a popular spot for surfers. Or just kick back and play spot the celeb – the Rooneys and Rihanna have homes in Barbados.

THE DEAL: Mercury Holidays has seven nights’ all-inclusive from €1,370pp sharing. Flights from Gatwick on March 7 and transfers. mercuryholidays.co. uk/barbados-holidays

HARD ROCK HOTEL RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

Is it an über-cool resort for partygoers and couples? Or is it one of the most family-friendly resorts in the Caribbean? Actually, it’s both. The resort is split into two – one part is adults-only, the other for families. So grown-ups looking for peace and quiet can slip away to secluded beaches, pools with swim-up bars, and their own nighttime entertainment with live DJS. Meanwhile, families have their own beaches and pools to enjoy – as well as top-notch kids’ clubs. The resort also has its own complimentary 18-hole course in nearby Quintana Roo, surrounded by Mayan ruins. Afterwards, return to the resort to feast on fiery Mexican flavours at Frida and Asian fusion at Zen – just two of the many on-site restaurants. Travel back in time with a visit to the Tulum archaeological site, perched above a spectacular beach. See local handicrafts at the art market held every Saturday and Sunday evening at Puerto Morelos, a fishing village just north of the hotel, which has manicured beaches, friendly locals and restaurants selling tasty seafood. THE DEAL: The Holiday Place has seven nights’ all-inclusive at the five-star Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya from €1,924pp. Includes a €680pp discount for a Deluxe Gold Room, BA flights from Gatwick on March 20 and transfers. holidayplace.co.uk

EXCELLENCE OYSTER BAY, JAMAICA

Looking for an away-from-it-all escape? Opened in June 2018, this adults-only, all-suite hotel is on a private peninsula in Montego Bay with two miles of palm-fronted beaches on its doorstep. The hotel takes the concept of all-inclusive seriously. While you’re kicking back at one of the beachside or rooftop pools, friendly waiters are on hand to top up your G&T. All non-motorised water sports are included too – even introductory scuba lessons. And after you’ve worked up an appetite with all this exertion, there’s a variety of restaurants, offering everything from French gourmet dining to takeaway wood-fired pizzas. Go for a stroll along Gloucester Avenue, a trendy section of Montego Bay with cafés, bars and shops buzzing with activity day and night. But if you’d rather escape the crowds, head for the island’s lush interior to the Croydon Plantation, a working estate tucked in the foothills of the Catadupa Mountains. Take in gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside as you sample pineapple and sugar cane while learning how they are cultivated ( from €55pp, including lunch and hotel transfers, croydonplantation.com). THE DEAL: Holiday Hypermarket has seven nights’ all-inclusive from €1,987pp sharing, saving €590pp. Includes flights from Birmingham on March 19. holidayhypermarket.co.uk, 0044 0800 916 5100

CARIBBEAN CRUISE

If you’re struggling to decide which island to visit, a cruise round the Caribbean could be the solution. Hop on board the Marella Explorer, which travels in a loop from Barbados, calling at Antigua, St Maarten, the British Virgin Islands, St Kitts and the Grenadines. On St Kitts you’ll discover idyllic white sands on Turtle Beach, and you can jump aboard a train for a scenic tour of the island taking in 300-ft deep ravines and the Mount Liamuiga volcano. Meanwhile in St Maarten, you can visit the Butterfly Farm in Philipsburg and take a trip on a Seaworld Explorer boat and watch sea turtles and barracudas. A day at sea means you have plenty of time to enjoy the Champneys spa (extra), pool, cinema and 10 places to eat. THE DEAL: Cruise Deals has a seven-night trip from €1,586pp (saving up to €175pp) sharing a cabin. Flights to Barbados from Manchester on March 17. cruisedeals.co.uk