There’s more to the Caribbean than flying and flopping on the beach. The region takes pride in being one of the most dynamic holiday regions in the world, offering culture, wildlife and watersports, so whatever your tastes, there’s bound to be an island for you

Why visit Barbados

Bajan dining offers unique tropical flavours and an array of fabulous restaurants, and the locals are globally renowned for their warm and welcoming hospitable nature. Barbados has perfect year-round weather conditions and it’s marine life makes the Caribbean island a diver’s paradise.

Where to stay in Barbados

Little Good Harbour
A unique combination of mid-17th Century Bajan history with a twist of stylish modern day elegance situated on the water’s edge on the calm Caribbean west coast of Barbados. Little Good Harbour is a place where you can guarantee every detail has already been thought of and the main aim is to ensure ultimate guest relaxation without any fuss. It’s one of Barbados’ hidden hotels, thanks to its sea-facing wooden cottages surrounded by lush tropical jungle.

The Atlantis Hotel
Evoking fashionable seaside living on the wild and rugged east coast, there is something mystical about the wild Atlantic surf that nips at The Atlantis Hotel’s beach and the feeling of total escapism that can only be found on this side of the island. This historical building has been lovingly restored without losing any of its original charm; its cool decor is all beach-chic muted colours and natural materials.

The Resident: Little Good Harbour’s Fort SuiteLittle Good Harbour’s Fort Suite

Grenada is the spice isle of the Caribbean, offering everything from rainforest to silky white secluded beaches that make this island a popular destination for the bohemian crowd. It has sophisticated boutique hotels with exemplary service and exciting culinary experiences, be they gourmet or street food.

The Resident: The Atlantis Hotel, BarbadosThe Atlantis Hotel, Barbados

Where to stay in Grenada

Calabash
A superb all-suite hotel and spa right on the beach, with outstanding food and pampered service, that perfectly blend with the Caribbean charm of Calabash – despite being five-star, it’s still laid back. Food is a highlight, there are menus by Gary Rhodes and beachside tapas at lunchtime at the Bash Restaurant by Marc B.

The Grenadines include over 32 beautiful islands and cays, with only nine of them inhabited, animals thrive in this protected environment, include green turtles. This year sees the launch of the country’s first international airport.

The Resident: Calabash’s Caribbean beachCalabash’s Caribbean beach

Where to stay in The Grenadines

Bequia Beach Hotel, Bequia
A retro boutique resort on the totally stress-free island Bequia – one of the less-visited Caribbean islands, which is increasingly sought-after as the perfect hideaway escape. Part of the guest experience is to discover local restaurants around the island, meeting the friendly people and sampling delicious local food.

Young Island, St Vincent
An understated resort on a totally private, stress-free island; the perfect barefoot hideaway escape. To experience more of the Grenadines sail away on one of the hotel’s private yachts and enjoy some of the best sailing waters in the Caribbean, before stopping for lunch on exotic Mustique.

The Resident: Bequia Beach Hotel, BequiaBequia Beach Hotel, Bequia

The most picturesque of islands with its famous Piton Mountains, lush rainforests, and idyllic beaches. St Lucia has an abundance of activities include zip-lining, diving, yachting and riding, as well as twin centre appeal, with the north and south offering two distinct experiences.

The Resident: Young Island, St VincentYoung Island, St Vincent

Where to stay in St Lucia

East Winds
Unstuffy yet with excellent service, East Winds is what a boutique hotel should be; intimate, exclusive, full of charm, very low-key and with the friendliest of staff. East Winds is all about relaxation, as well as experiencing fine cuisine with superb wines – including the popular Lobster night on Fridays.

Cap Maison
People who visit Cap Maison are blown away by its clifftop location, and breathtaking ocean views. The hotel in St Lucia is an elegant boutique resort and spa with unique villa suites that have spacious, stylish interiors and furnished terraces, some with rooftop plunge pools. The resort’s chefs create their own twists on dishes, resulting in something out of the ordinary.

The Resident: East Winds’ deluxe roomEast Winds’ deluxe room

This popular Caribbean island has 365 beautiful beaches, one for each day of the year and all with bright white or pink sand. Antigua is a popular spot for honeymooners and families, offering something for everyone, from reggae and conch fritters at Shirley Heights to Champagne sunset cruises. Antigua is a sailing heaven with many a super-yacht lining the harbour.

The Resident: Cap Maison’s romantic cliff-top diningCap Maison’s romantic cliff-top dining

Where to stay in Antigua

Curtain Bluff
A fully inclusive, world-class resort with luxury beachfront suites and gourmet cuisine. Take time to experience some of the numerous sports activities available (including scuba diving), or simply sample the variety of therapeutic treatments at the ocean-side spa.

Jamaica’s warm waters and white sands, create the perfect beaches for all ages, but if it’s a more lively holiday you’re on, then its rum and reggae offers an insight to the island’s cultural and musical heritage. Jamaica also has a great range of hotels, from the affordable to barefoot luxury.

The Resident: The view from Curtain Bluff’s Grace SuiteThe view from Curtain Bluff’s Grace Suite

Where to stay in Jamaica

Jamaica Inn
An intimate all-suite hideaway on a stunning private cove beach, where peace and relaxation are the main focus. Attention to detail sets this small luxury hotel apart. It’s all about the guest rooms with their spacious furnished verandahs and gorgeous views, but the impeccable Cottage 7 has to be the suite experience-of-a-lifetime, cantilevered on the cliff edge with stunning ocean views from every vantage point.