Holidays in the Caribbean

Lively calypso beats, stunning natural wonders and some of the world’s best beaches make Barbados a favourite Caribbean island. From the star-studded Platinum Coast to the family-friendly all-inclusives and local fish-fry celebrations, this island has something for everyone.

With an ancient culture dating back to the Aztecs, Mexico offers all the bliss of the Tropics, but with a sprinkling of Latin fiestas and mythical Mayan sites. Glorious beaches, fabulous shopping and excellent cuisine also make it the ideal place to kick back and indulge.

With zip-lines tours, island safaris and breathtaking mountain lookout points, Antigua boasts thrills for the most intrepid traveller. Beach bums will be just as happy: this lively island has 365 gorgeous beaches.

Home to the dramatic Pitons, pristine beaches and divine sunsets, a romantic energy oozes from St Lucia. Rainforest treks please the adventurers, while ‘jump up’ parties make for a vibrant nightlife. Foodies flock here for cocoa plantation tours and tasty Creole cuisine.

The largest and perhaps most intriguing of the Caribbean islands, Cuba is a unique place, perfect for the intrepid adventurer, where time-stood-still heritage has been captured for all to see.

With reggae, jerk chicken and rum on tap, Jamaica is a large and lively gem of the Caribbean where the Blue Mountains and Dunn’s River Falls enchant everyone who visits. For dizzying cliff divers and stunning sunsets, the famous Rick’s Café in Negril has it all.

Tobago is the slightly smaller sister island of Trinidad, but it’s bursting at the seams with natural wonders. From the volcanic beaches inhabited by Hawksbill turtles to the rejuvenating ‘powers’ of Nylon Pool lagoon, this a magical eco-destination to explore.

Those who travel with their tastebuds head straight to the ‘Spice Isle’, where aromas of nutmeg, cloves and ginger fill the air. Its underwater wonderlands offer top-notch snorkelling and the spectacular waterfalls and Grand Etang Forest Reserve never cease to amaze.

The large and lively Dominican Republic is an enthralling land of modern attractions alongside an authentic and fascinating island culture. Zip lining, water sports and diving around the Punta Cana Reef please the avid adventurer, while stunning beaches offer the perfect slice of R&R.

Thrilling water parks, world-class golf and classic white sandy beaches are all a given on this exotic island chain. Designer retailers draw in the shoppers to Nassau, while island-hopping, sailing and deserted beaches make for uninterrupted holiday bliss.

A tiny Dutch island off Venezuela, Aruba is known as one of the ‘happiest’ Caribbean islands. And with a weekly ‘Carubbian’ festival, uncrowded beaches and tiptop surf, it’s easy to see why. The vibrant capital of Oranjestad is great for folk-themed events, shopping and nightlife.

Fresh seafood, cocktail calypso and sunset watching are all on the agenda in St Vincent. A unique black coral surrounds this secluded paradise where tropical sea life thrives. In other words, it’s a diver’s paradise.

This small chain of islands and tiny cays is a British Crown Colony. Some parts feel so secluded, it can feel like you’re the only one there. Alongside blissful beaches and a castaway feel, it’s also offers unbeatable diving, upscale shopping and world-class golf.