Caribbean Islands: the cheat sheet!
Antigua – The larger island of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda, Antigua has a strong English colonial heritage and excellent hotels and resorts, making it a captivating, yet secluded getaway for holidaymakers.
Aruba – Part of the ABC island group, Aruba is the kind of place where you don’t have to leave your hotel to have a perfect holiday. Beach tennis, hotel pools, restaurants lining the sand…it’s geared for everyone from golfers to gourmets.
Bahamas – Great for island hopping, the Bahamas consist of more than 20 inhabited islands that are rich in history, marine life and natural beauty. Grab your snorkels or pack your shades for Harbour Island, and prepare for a holiday like no other.
Barbados – Alongside a reputation for attracting the rich and famous, Barbados’s beaches could have been cut from a magazine. Packed with historical sites and excellent music bars and restaurants, Barbados runs on rum and calypso – who could ask for more?
Cayman Islands – A place where you can enjoy world-class scuba diving and snorkelling, these three islands in the western Caribbean (Grand Cayman in particular) boast glamorous homes and fantastic five-star hotels.
Cuba – A seasoned favourite among honeymooners, Cuba enjoys year-round good weather and a reputation for warm welcomes. Head down to the Buena Vista Social Club with a cigar, mojito and a straw hat, and remember to check out the architecture on your way!
Dominican Republic – A fantastic all-rounder, “the DR” has it all, from beaches to weather to water sports, and the island is so affordable that it’s become one of the most sought-after destinations in the whole of the Caribbean.
Grenada – Perfect for a romantic getaway, Grenada, near Trinidad and Tobago, has excellent resorts that will cater to your every need, while hikers can explore the interior rainforests and lush jungles that are teeming with monkeys and birds.
Jamaica – The home of Reggae hardly needs an introduction, but it’s worth visiting Jamaica to explore beautiful cities like Kingston, Montego Bay and Negril and to savour long afternoons on Seven Mile Beach with a jerk chicken barbecue.
Margarita – A relatively undiscovered ‘gem’, Margarita certainly lives up to its claim to fame as the “pearl of the Caribbean”. A relaxing and secluded spot, Margarita Island is undoubtedly a Venezuelan taste of paradise.
St Kitts – Connected by a slim channel to the island of Nevis, St Kitts has wide beaches, famous lava formations, historic plantation houses and forts to explore – perfect for a restorative Caribbean trip in 2013!
St Lucia – Sheltering magnificent rainforests and beautiful, calm beaches that are typical of the Caribbean Sea, St Lucia is a smaller tropical island in the eastern Caribbean.
Tobago – Also off the coast of Venezuela, Tobago (officially, Trinidad and Tobago) has incredible coral reefs that appeal to snorkelers and divers, while the dining, shopping and carnival season just can’t be beaten for those who wish to keep their feet firmly on dry land.