ALL THE COLOURS OF THE CARIBBEAN
As the last of the sunshine sets on a glorious summer, why not look ahead and book a sun-drenched holiday on one of the colourful Caribbean islands this winter?
IF DAMP, dewy mornings and darker autumn evenings are leaving you craving the long, languid days of summer, then picture yourself basking on the beaches and swimming in the warm waters of the Caribbean. Now, imagine being transported from the depths of a British winter to sunnier climes, where island life means waking up to swaying palm trees, soft white sands and a day doing exactly what you please. Spend the festive season with the sun on your back, partying with the locals on an island packed with personality, or simply spend a blissful, balmy week or two in January escaping from the central heating and woolly jumpers back in Blighty.
There are idyllic beaches, watersports hotspots, pristine fairways, lush rainforests, historic landmarks, world-class restaurants, romantic retreats, colourful nightlife and a wealth of other enticing ways to spend your time. If you’re tempted, but don’t know Aruba from Antigua, Barbados from St Barts, or Cayman from Cuba then read on to discover the distinctly different personalities of a handful of the Caribbean’s 7,000 or so beguiling islands.
ST LUCIA
>> Best for: couples WITH its verdant landscape, punctuated by the pair of jagged volcanic peaks known as the Pitons, this enchanting island is a favourite with couples seeking a romantic escape. Whether you’re in the throes of first love, a newlywed or celebrating an anniversary, you’ll find an array of tranquil hideaways to share a blissful break together, from intimate boutique hotels to the lavish luxury of five-star resorts, mostly replete with pampering spas and infinity pools. Scenic, soft sand beaches line St Lucia’s coast, set against a backdrop of dense forests, where nature trails offer cascading waterfalls, rare bird species and spectacular plant life.
BARBADOS
>> Best for: foodies, families, film stars and sports lovers EVERY winter, a cacophony of A-listers fly into Bridgetown to spend Christmas and New Year in Barbados, taking advantage of winter sun and the hospitality and unrivalled luxury offered by the hotels on the beautiful west coast. You could find yourself relaxing alongside Hollywood stars, sporting heroes and platinum-selling pop stars, who all flock to the island and think nothing of dining in Michelin-quality restaurants every night.
But Barbados isn’t all about big-budget holidays, and there’s plenty on offer for families who want to take advantage of the fabulous sports facilities on the island. Take in a Test match – the West Indies will be playing the first Test against England in January and two ODIs in February 2019 – or join the locals in their love of their national sport with a cricket match on the beach. Play a round of golf, take a cycle tour, enjoy a day at the horse races at historic Garrison Savannah and, of course, take advantage of the wealth of watersports on offer, from surfing to stand-up paddleboarding, kitesurfing to kayaking, and so much more.
ST BARTS (SAINT BARTHELEMY)
>> Best for: barefoot luxury IF BARBADOS is all about glitzy glamour, then St Barts offers a less showy, more laid-back style of luxury. Popular with the fashion crowd and Silicon Valley tycoons, who slip into flip-flops and kaftans and hang out in private villas or superyachts, St Barts provides a beguiling combination of French chic and jetset style.
Saline Beach and Colombier Beach offer pristine white ribbons of powdery sand, rarely busy even during peak season, while St Jean is a popular party destination thanks to a high-end Beach Club. Tuck into delicious Creole fare and enjoy mingling with the in-crowd.
ANTIGUA
>> Best for: beach life WITH 365 stunning stretches of glistening sand, locals boast that Antigua offers a beach for every day of the year, and something for everyone. Whether you have a young family who like paddling in shallow waters gently lapping the shoreline, want to head into the depths with your scuba gear, or fancy looking out to the horizon, cocktail in hand, shaded by a swaying palm, you’ll find a cove or crescent that’s perfect for you.
JAMAICA
>> Best for: laid-back lifestyles IT’S FAMED as the home of reggae music, and Jamaicans love to welcome visitors to their homeland and invite them along to join the party. There are a few tourist hotspots, such as Dunns River Falls and Ocho Rios, where visiting cruise ships bus their passengers, but there are plenty of
With 365 stretches of stunning sand, Antigua offers a beach for every day of the year
other places to immerse yourself in that Jamaican vibe, tucking into delicious Creole streetfood – try ‘ackee and saltfish’, the national dish - or perhaps dancing to a soundtrack of Bob Marley, come nightfall. Head to Noël Coward’s former home, Firefly, hike in the Blue Mountains or go river rafting through unspoilt countryside. Kingston, the capital, offers elegant colonial architecture, galleries and museums, while Negril is a magnet for the party crowd.
CUBA
>> Best for: culture vultures A COSMOPOLITAN mix of European, African and American influences, Cuba is a fascinating destination for holidaymakers seeking to immerse themselves in history and culture. Arriving in Havana, Cuba’s historic capital, is like being transported back in time, as you find yourself surrounded by pastel-hued 16th-century Colonial architecture and vintage American cars. Follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus, who landed here in 1492, Ernest Hemingway, who lived here, and more recent luminaries such as President Obama, Beyoncé and Jay Z and designer Karl Lagerfeld, all of whom have visited since Communist travel rules relaxed. Learn how to roll your own cigar, visit the Museo de la Revolución and explore the contemporary art scene with a visit to Fábrica de Arte Cubano.
CANOUAN
>> Best for: billionaires IF YOU have to ask, you probably can’t afford to stay on this tiny paradise island, favoured by Bill Gates and Tom Cruise.