Caribbean Holidays

The Caribbean is made up of over 27 countries each with its own distinct feel and personality. That’s why the islands are the ideal setting for a picture-perfect 2011 holiday. Whether you are after a  luxury holiday, honeymoon, cruise, family or romantic holiday, the Caribbean will guarantee to please all.

With its crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches and gentle swaying palm tree, the islands are great for anyone looking to relax. Indulge in the delicious cuisines as you soak up the sunshine. Party with the locals and become part of their amazing individual cultures. Explore the mountains, rainforests and witness magnificent wildlife on each island.

There’s so much to do on every island that you will never get bored. Choose from a wide range of water sports including sailing, diving, snorkelling, parasailing and many more. Or how about land based sports such as golf, tennis, hiking or simply lounging on the beach as you escape the rest of the world.

To help you plan your unforgettable Caribbean holiday let us offer you a helping hand. With impartial expert advice we can provide you with information on which Caribbean island to choose, when to go, where to stay and what to do when you get there. Simply place an enquiry below and we will be in touch shortly.

With so many luxury hotels and resorts to choose across the whole Caribbean you really will be spoilt for choice. From Antigua to Aruba, Barbados to the Bahamas, and St Lucia to St Barth’s the standard of accommodation varies with the personality of each tropical island.

Each hotel will offer you a range of activities from land based and water based. You could be soaking up the Caribbean rays one day, exploring the rainforests another day and diving with the dolphins the next. Whichever hotel you choose everyday will guarantee to be different.

Stay at the 5 star Royal Plantation resort in Jamaica, one of the most luxurious on the island. Here your every need will be catered for with a first-class service to make your stay enjoyable. For a more secluded resort then try the 5 star Peter Island on British virgin Isles where you can relax in tranquillity and indulge in a rejuvenating massage. If you’re looking to party the night away, Barbados is the place for you. Stay at the 5 star Sandpiper hotel and enjoy live music, barbecues and cocktails all night long.

Whether you choose the home of reggae and rum Jamaica, the British feel of Barbados, the home of 365 beaches Antigua or the tropical mountain scenery of St Lucia your holiday will be one you will remember for a lifetime. The Caribbean guarantees great weather and mouth-watering cuisine too with some of the finest dining experiences in the world. Enjoy fresh seafood caught daily from the Caribbean Ocean and tropical fruits grown right here on the islands which will tingle your taste buds.

To start planning your great Caribbean holiday and find the best hotel or resort to suit you let us help you from start to finish. Simply place an enquiry below and we will be in touch shortly.

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Picture paradise and no doubt it will look a lot like this. The Caribbean sea is warm and calm, and a beautiful tropical blue. It laps gently against pure white sandy beaches on any of the thousands of islands that lie within this tranquil sea. Each island is fringed with palm trees, banana plants and beautiful tropical flowers. The lifestyle is lazy, easy going and friendly, and the food divine.

With so much on hand for visitors its no wonder the Caribbean is such a  popular destination for Caribbean holidays, makers and honeymooners alike, and with over 27 countries lying within its waters, each with a distinct history and culture of its own there is no shortage of choice.

Whether you're looking for a lively holiday packed with music and dancing, an active Caribbean holiday of water sports and golf or a romantic escape to a deserted beach there is a place for you within the Caribbean. Read our guides to get an idea of which islands might suit you best, then get in touch with our experts to help plan the perfect getaway to your own tropical island – with over 15 years of experience in booking Caribbean holidays each, they can offer you the insight and advice you need to make your holiday one you will remember forever.

Antigua has a flight time over just over 8 hours from the UK which is one of the shortest flight times of the major caribbean islands. Also the time difference is just 4 hours behind the UK and so jet lag is not a huge problem.

Where to stay in Antigua

Most of the hotels in Antigua are based in the North (where the capital St John’s is) or on the West coast. In these areas you are close to activities such as helicopter tours of Montserrat and trips to Barbuda. There is also the unique Segway Tour which is fantastic fun!

Although the South has fewer hotels there are still lots of things to do, including sting ray feeding, rainforest zlipling and sea kayaking. You also have easier access to English Harbour and Shirley Heights.

You don’t need to worry too much though if you want to experience everything as it only takes around 30-40 minutes in a taxi to travel from one end of the island to the other. In very general terms I would say if you like to get out and about stay in the South and if you are looking for relaxation then the North/West is best.

When is it best to travel to Antigua?

Like all Caribbean destinations it is best to avoid the wet and huricane seasons which runs from late July to early October. The rest of the time there is usually fantastic weather and when it does rain it’s usually in short, sharp bursts.

For the chance to see whales around Antigua March/April is best. Then in April/May Antigua hosts its famous sailing week. The Antigua carnival is Jul-August and 1st November is Independence Day.

If you are looking for more real time Antigua travel information then we can also recommend Antigua Nice. Their website is full of the latest useful information.

Carribean Holidays.org is a comprehensive travel guide covering the top destinations across the Caribbean. We strive to help travellers decide which island will suit them best and provide top notch travel advice and information, and we can prepare tailor made holiday packages to suit all tastes.

Why not contact one of our advisors for help planning your holiday? We are available 7 days a week and since each of our advisors has an average of 15 years experience in booking holidays to the region you can be sure you are receiving expert advice.

Caribbeanholidays.org is part of Holidaysplease limited and UK company registered at Albion Court, 18-20 Frederick Street, Birmingham b1 3HE. Telephone 0845 3 65 65 65. If you would like to get in touch via email please use the form below.

Floating quietly along the edge of the Atlantic and the Caribbean, not too far from Venezuela, is the small island of Tobago. Tobago is a part of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; Trinidad is the larger, more famous of the two islands, but Tobago is just as deserving of a visit.

The Best Eco Destination in the World

Nature lovers will be interested to know that the World Travel Awards named Tobago the “Best Eco Destination in the World”, and the Caribbean Travel Awards Committee named it the “Number One Eco-Destination in the Caribbean”. Just what is there in and around Tobago that makes it so special?

For starters, Tobago has the oldest legally-protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. The Main Ridge Forest Reserve has been protected since 1776, and visitors love to following the nature trails to see Tobago’s unique flora and fauna.

Scuba divers will appreciate the reefs that include over 300 species of South Atlantic coral and 600 species of fish. Besides the reefs, divers can explore rock pillars, ship wrecks, and undersea gardens with sponges the size of bathtubs. If your holiday is planned between March and July, dive in the Manta Reef area to get up-close-and-personal with giant rays, dolphins, marine turtles, and sharks. And if you don’t know how to dive? That’s ok – some dive shops on Tobago offer professional instruction.

If you prefer birds to fish, Tobago offers some of the best birdwatching in the Caribbean. In just 116 square miles of land area, Tobago includes more than 200 species of birds, giving the island one of the highest densities of bird species in the world. Great birdwatching spots include the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary, and Little Tobago Island.

The beaches of Tobago include some unspoiled, secluded beaches perfect for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or just a quiet rest. Other beaches have access to modern facilities, concessionaires, and life guards. Whichever beach is right for you, you can find it in Tobago.

Culture in Tobago

After a day spent snorkeling, diving, birdwatching, or hiking, relax by checking out some steel drum music or participate in the Tobago Heritage festival. The festival, which begins in mid-July and runs through early August, brings story-telling, ceremonial dance, and incredible music to each village on the island.

Although some of the dances you might see will look vaguely familiar (the Reel and Jig, for example, have British origins), you’ll notice that the music and dance of Tobago has a distinct African influence. The modern-day bards of the Tobago Speech Bands address social and political issues with wit and satire, while the folk songs weave the island’s history into its lyrics.

The rich Afro-Caribbean heritage of Tobago makes it a fascinating destination for any student of history and culture.

Golfing in Tobago

Tobago isn’t big enough to have numerous golf courses like the Dominican Republic or Jamaica, but that doesn’t mean it lacks amazing golf courses. Tee off right next to the beach at one of the island’s two eighteen-hole championship golf courses. At Mount Irvine, you’ll find fairways lined with coconut trees and a view of the Buccoo Reef. At Tobago Plantations, you’ll see beaches on one side and a panoramic view of the city of Scarborough on the other. It’s hard to find golf courses as scenic as these anywhere in the world.

Get away from the busy pace of modern life and step into a different world on the island of Tobago. The natural beauty of the island, the friendly natives, and the azure sea make Tobago one Caribbean destination you’ll never want to leave.

At 239 square miles, the tropical island of St. Lucia is a relatively small, but for holidaymakers it still provides everything a person could want in a holiday. Located on the eastern edge of the Caribbean, bordering on the Atlantic Ocean, St. Lucia is famous for its powdery white sand beaches, its sky-blue waters, and its luxurious resorts.

In part because of its small size, and in part because most tourists only visit St. Lucia as part of a Caribbean cruise, St. Lucia tends to be slightly less crowded than other holiday destinations in the Caribbean, drawing a mere 350,000 visitors per year. While 350,000 may seem to be a large number, considering that Cuba attracts two million visitors per year and Jamaica attracts closer to three million, St. Lucia will seem deserted by comparison – and that might be just the kind of quieter holiday you’re looking for.

Natural Wonders of St. Lucia

Like the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific, St. Lucia is a volcanic island. As such, the interior of St. Lucia is covered in high mountain peaks and wild rain forests.

Visitors might enjoy taking a low-impact hike along the Barre de L’isle trail in the Forest Reserve. From the trail, lookout points provide incredible views, including views of Mount Gimie, the highest mountain on St. Lucia. The more adventurous might try hiking through St. Lucia’s most hidden and lush rain forest at Mahaut. The trail is more strenuous than that of the Barre de L’isle Forest Reserve, but you might be rewarded by catching a glimpse of the rare St. Lucia Parrot.

St. Lucia’s volcanoes have one unique feature you won’t find elsewhere: St. Lucia boasts the only drive-in volcano in the world. Most commonly known as the St. Lucia Sulphur Springs, the volcano is near the southwestern end of the island, near the town of Soufriere. Visit it while you can – scientists predict an eruption in one hundred years that could wipe out most of St. Lucia!

But the Pitons are the most famous natural wonder in St. Lucia. Two mountain peaks (technically “volcanic plugs” created by hardened magma) jut out from the southwestern coast of St. Lucia. The Pitons are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and while hiking the Pitons is tough, the view from the top is well worth it.

Yachting and Deep Sea Fishing

Although the rain forests and volcanoes of St. Lucia are definitely worth visiting, it’s the water, not the land, that draws most visitors to this tropical island. With the Caribbean Sea on one side, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, St. Lucia is perfectly positioned for both yachting and deep sea fishing.

For sailors, setting off for a day trip from St. Lucia couldn’t be more appealing. Even if you don’t want to rent your own yacht to sail, you can still hop on board for a popular yachting day trip, such as the Rodney Bay to Sand Dollar beach trip. Sand Dollar Beach, just inside Martinique, is an undeveloped area perfect for snorkeling, walking along the coast, or just a long lunch and a bit of napping in the sun.

Fishermen, meanwhile, will find St. Lucia full of deep sea fishing operators happy to take holidaymakers out for a chance to snag a king mackerel, a white marlin, or even a barracuda.

Relax in St. Lucia

When all that hiking, fishing, and yachting tires you out, lounge on white sand beaches lined with swaying palm trees. Go snorkeling to glimpse St. Lucia’s underwater wonders, or learn to windsurf from instructors located right in your hotel. Parasailing provides a bit more for the thrill-seeker, along with an excellent aerial view of Rodney Bay.

Back on the land, go golfing at one of St. Lucia’s world-class greens, or take the afternoon off for shopping in St. Lucia’s capital city, Castries.

All in all, a holiday in St. Lucia offers the best the Caribbean has to offer. Whether you want to relax on the beach, sail the clear blue water, or hike through a tropical rain forest, St. Lucia is a delightful break from ordinary life.

Few Caribbean holiday destinations are more famous than Jamaica – and for good reason. Jamaica is an island that has it all, from authentic Calypso and Reggae music to pristine white sand beaches and unique historic sites. No matter what you or your family enjoy doing, you’ll be able to find it in Jamaica.

Beaches of Jamaica

Montego Bay’s Doctor’s Cave Beach Club is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Sheltered from strong winds and waves in a snug inlet, the waters along this white sand beach are always calm and clear. The beach gets its name from Dr. Alexander James McCatty, who allowed his friends and other doctors to bathe at the beach by entering it through a nearby cave. In the 1920s, an English osteopath named Herbert Barker wrote an article on the curative, soothing properties of the waters of Dr. McCatty’s beach. Soon, the beach was no longer a well-kept secret; today, there are several nearby hotels that provide easy access (no swimming through caves) to the beach.

Lime Cay is located about fifteen minutes (by boat) from Port Royal. Known as a party spot, Lime Cay is filled with revelers, music, and boats during the holiday season and weekends. It’s not a spot for a quiet nap on the beach, but it’s a great place to have a good time.

Duncans is a small town in the rural area of Jamaica along the northwestern coast. The birthplace of singer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte, Duncans is a sleepy town with a few pubs, a few sugar estates, and not much else. However, Silver Sands, Duncans’ beach, is described by some as the best beach in all of Jamaica. Silver Sands is primarily private beach; to visit, you’ll need to rent one of the villas that butts up against the beach.

Cultural and Historical Attractions in Jamaica

Inhabited since about 4000 BC by the South American Arawak and Taino tribes, Jamaica has a long, colorful history. Christopher Columbus was the first European visitor to Jamaica in 1494; Jamaica was claimed by Spain until 1655, when the British took the last Spanish fort on the island. Jamaica did not gain full independence until 1962.

Given this long history, Jamaica has plenty to offer by way of historical and cultural attractions. Bluefields, for example, is the oldest settled area in Jamaica. Built in the seventeenth century, the city withered when the British took over, but pirates still called the settlement home. Today, Bluefields is home to a popular beach park.

Meanwhile, at the Prospect Plantation, one of the nation’s oldest plantations, you can take a tour and learn the history of the estate, take an open-air carriage ride, go horseback riding, or even take a camel ride. The villas nearby are great places to stay and are popular wedding destinations.

Reggae lovers should definitely visit ReggaeXplosion near Ocho Rios, not far from Prospect Plantation. An exhibit celebrating Jamaican music, ReggaeXplosion includes videos, images, soundtracks, and interviews dating from the 1950s to the present day.

Golf in Jamaica

For some people, a holiday isn’t complete without golfing. Jamaica’s golf clubs won’t disappoint. From Kingston to Montego Bay, golfers will find plenty of world-class greens, including some championship courses.

One of the most unique golf courses is The White Witch golf course in the Jamaican mountains. Located on the 5,000 acre Rose Hall Plantation, the course features panoramic views of the Caribbean from the vast majority of its eighteen holes. Lodging nearby is no problem; The White Witch is a part of The Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort.

These are just a few of the many things you can do while on your Jamaican holiday. As soon as you feel the island has revealed all it has to offer, you’ll discover a new nook, a new waterfall, a new restaurant that you almost missed. To see everything Jamaica has to offer, you’ll have to visit this island paradise again and again.

 

When it comes to holiday destinations in the Caribbean, Cuba might not make the top of your list. After all, what comes to mind when you think of Cuba? Cigars, Castro, and communism? An inebriated, mojito-sipping Hemingway? Despite some image problems with some western nations over the years (mostly the United States), Cuba has a long history of tourism and remains a popular Caribbean holiday destination to this day. Cuba draws over two million people every year to its little patch of paradise, and tourism is one of Cuba's main sources of income. Keep reading to find out why Cuba is one of the best holiday destinations in the Caribbean.

A Brief History of Tourism in Cuba

Until the Cuban Revolution of 1959, the most common tourists to visit Cuba were Americans. Cuba's capital city, Havana, had more visitors between 1915 and 1930 than any other city in the Caribbean. In the aftermath of the communist revolution, Americans were banned from Cuba until very recently, but this didn't stop European visitors from enjoying Cuba's serene beaches and rich culture.

Holidays in Cuba these days are better than ever before. Cuba embarked on a major effort to bring international tourists to the island – between 1990 and 2000, the government poured over $3.5 billion into the tourism industry.

What to See in Cuba

When it comes to sight-seeing in Cuba, Havana should be at the top of any traveler's list. Founded in the late sixteenth century by Spanish settlers, Havana was called the “Key to the New World and Rampart of the West Indies,” a phrase that can still be seen on the city's coat of arms. Located on the northwestern of Cuba, Havana has been at the center of Caribbean history, politics, and culture for centuries.

Some of the most popular sites in Havana include:

 

• Old Havana (La Habana Vieja): Probably the most popular tourist destination in the city, Old Havana is home to colonial-era Spanish architecture and an ever-increasing number of museums.
   
• East Havana: Just east of the Havana tunnel, this portion of the city includes many historic sites, including old forts and castles.
   
• Partagas Cigar Factory: For fans of Cuban cigars, don't miss an opportunity to visit the Partagas Cigar Factory, where you can see how the cigars are made from start to finish.
   
• Marina Hemingway: Some students of American literature may know that writer Ernest Hemingway spent many years living in Cuba. The marina named in his honor is a traditional, well-known marina that's a great launch-point for fishing excursions.

 

What to Do in Cuba

 

There's more to Cuba than Havana. Like all Caribbean islands, Cuba has spectacular beaches and resorts with ocean views. Playas del Este is one of these beaches, located not far from Havana. Varadero, or Playa Azul, is another great resort beach. Besides the clear blue water at Varadero, tourists can explore the nearby caves or take a day trip to one of the virgin cays.

Cayo Coco (Coco Key in English), on the other hand, is a tiny island in central Cuba famous for its luxurious and exclusive resorts. Because Cayo Coco remains relatively untouched by man, the coral reefs to the north of the island offer some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean. Cayo Coco even opened its own international airport in 2005, making travel to the island easy.

As for nightlife, be sure to visit one of the salsa discos in Havana or Santiago de Cuba. Unlike the rest of the Caribbean, whose music is mostly Afro-Caribbean in origin, the musical traditions of Cuba have a more Latin influence. In the 1960s, Cuban musicians started mixing in elements of jazz and rock with their traditional dance music, and salsa was born.

Don't know how to salsa? No problem, you can take salsa lessons at a local discotheque. You can learn to salsa during the day, and dance with the best of them at night.

In short, a holiday in Cuba is sure to please the whole family. Whether you want a Caribbean holiday that includes beaches and scuba diving or history and culture, you can find it in Cuba.