ADVENTURE NIGHTLIFE & HISTORY
Dazzling scenery, fascinating history, buzzing nightlife, adventure and even tranquillity... the Caribbean has it all
WITHIN each of the distinctly different islands of the Caribbean lie hundreds of neighbourhoods waiting to be discovered, each with its own unique flavour and atmosphere. From areas of unparalleled natural beauty to those steeped in colonial history, and areas that pulsate with the life and rhythm of steel bands, there are endless trails to follow and adventures to discover.
Here are just some of the most enchanting regions that should be on every visitor’s wishlist.
BLOODY BAY, LITTLE CAYMAN, THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
If you want to expand your holiday beyond Grand Cayman, the sister islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman offer a whole host of activities.
Little Cayman, the smallest of the three, boasts secluded beaches and the dramatic diving spot of Bloody Bay, with its famous coral wall. Rich in untouched natural beauty, Cayman Brac lets you take in the breathtaking view from the Bluff, go rock climbing, hike the nature trails or unwind under a palm tree on a quiet beach.
The Cayman Islands cater for family holidays, romantic escapes, culinary journeys, diving adventures and for those simply looking to switch off.
The stunning underwater scenery, impressive culinary offerings and cultural attractions continue to draw those who love a holiday in the sun, among the friendly and welcoming local Caymanians.
Travelbag offers a great range of three- to five-star escapes to the Cayman Islands. Visit travelbag.co.uk to plan your visit.
ENGLISH HARBOUR AND NELSON’S DOCKYARD, ANTIGUA
Bursting with culture and history, English Harbour is the heritage capital of the Caribbean island of Antigua. This stylish colonial town sits on two sheltered bays, where local fishing boats float next to glamorous yachts. A must-see in this idyllic corner of the island is Nelson’s Dockyard, a beautifully restored British Navy base from the 18th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest of Antigua’s national parks, and is still used today as a working dockyard for numerous yachts and ships.
For foodies, the best time to visit English Harbour is for end-of-the-week celebrations. Seafood Friday offers fresh fish and a bounty of local dishes, while Thursdays and Sundays play host to parties at Shirley Heights. Here, visitors can indulge in expertly mixed rum punch, heart-warming steelpan music and the best of the island’s epic sunset views.
Trailfinders offers a wide range of holidays to Antigua, including villa holidays, cruises and adults-only resorts. For more information, visit trailfinders.com, and start planning your dream trip.
NASSAU, BAHAMAS
Nassau, capital of the Islands of the Bahamas, is a bustling city, with plenty of historic buildings and sights that tell the story of its fascinating colonial past. It is filled with cafés, restaurants, shops and craft markets.
A culinary walking tour is one of the best ways to experience the local cuisine of the islands. A guide will take you to markets and local restaurants, where you can taste dishes from Bahamian chefs and explore the epicurean delights of this wonderful country.
Culture lovers will also enjoy exploring the National Art Gallery, which features works from some of the Caribbean’s most renowned and promising artists.
Elsewhere, the Educulture Junkanoo Museum is a private home that has been converted by its owner to house her huge collection of costumes and archives from the annual Junkanoo festival, one of the world’s most colourful carnivals.
Hays Travel offers a number of great deals for the Bahamas. Visit haysfaraway.co.uk to find your perfect itinerary.
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Located halfway along the country’s south coast, the city of Santo Domingo is a cultural hub of cobbled streets and landmarks, including its Zona Colonial neighbourhood – a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An impressive 80 historical buildings can be found in one square kilometre, comprising pretty squares and majestic coral-stone mansions, once home to the Spanish conquistadors.
After a day’s sightseeing, visitors can join the capitaleños – locals – and head to the expansive, palm-lined seafront promenade for an evening stroll.
Santo Domingo has a vibrant street-food scene, which include tasty meat-filled empanadas and chicharrónes (crunchy fried pork).
All this will fuel the party-goers for a night of pulse-quickening merengue, the national music and dance. This pulsates from the throbbing dance clubs along the Malecón to live music venues dotted over the Zona Colonial.
Southall Travel provides a wide range of holidays to the Dominican Republic at great costs. Visit southalltravel.co.uk for more information.