Caribbean/Mexico

Bahamas

Situated just off the coast of Florida the Bahamas are often referred to as the ultimate in paradise. The beaches are some of the finest to be found anywhere in the world, with white coral sands, the warm aquamarine waters of the ocean and palm trees fringing the coast all combine to provide the most idyllic experience.

The island of New Providence is the centre of the Bahamian life and is home to the Capital of Nassau, located to the North East. The town has a cosmopolitan feel and the magnetism of Colonial style buildings and horse drawn carriages. Obviously this attracts the Caribbean cruise ships and is always a regular stop on their itinerary. Shopping is excellent from local artefacts and imported goods such as perfume, woollens and glass, which benefit from low taxes, many of which are found in the commercial centre of Bay Street. Paradise Island is linked to New Providence by two small toll bridges, where you will find more fabulous beaches, plusher hotels, casinos and a world-class golf course. Grand Bahama is another perfect choice for a relaxing break. Not as developed as Nassau, there is still an array of outdoor activities and of course many deserted beaches, unspoilt villages and national parks. Again duty free shopping is widely available and for some exciting nightlife head to the casinos of Freeport and Lucaya.

Barbados

Known as ‘Little England’, Barbados is definitely the most British and friendliest of the Caribbean Islands. Barbados offers what your dreams are made of. Endless palm fringed white sandy beaches and deserted coves.

Tranquil, turquoise waters and sugar cane covered hills. Barbados has what is required for a relaxing holiday but also has the athletic side for the more energetic and interested in activities such as horse riding, golf and water sports. A lot of the nightlife tends to be focussed in and around the hotel resorts.

South Coast – The Island’s capital ‘Bridgetown’ is located on the south coast where there are a wide variety of open-air markets, duty free shops and boutiques. Hastings, Rockley and Maxwell are an excellent choice if you want to relax on the long sandy beaches. If you are looking for informal nightlife, then head for St Lawrence Gap for a range of live music. There is a great choice for couples and singles due to the large selection of bars, restaurants, nightclubs and reggae bars.

East Coast – For a quieter, more secluded break the East Coast is the place for you. With stunning scenery and rugged coastline, you can hide away in one of the many secluded coves.

West Coast – The West Coast offers more sophistication. The area is upmarket and glamorous more so than the South or East, the hotels are more exclusive and the restaurants and bars more chic. Still, there are kilometres of white sandy beaches to offer the sense of paradise.

Antigua

With temperatures constantly between 75 and 85 degrees all year round, it is hardly surprising that Antigua is well known for having a different beach for every day of the year. Scattered all around the island, coves and harbours are filled with beautiful turquoise waters and tropical fish. There are signs of the old colonial history as well as Nelsons Dockyard, which was previously home to Nelsons Fleet and numerous Spanish Galleons it now houses luxury yachts taking advantage of the fantastic relaxed lifestyle.

The capital, St Johns, has many traits of a typical city, a good selection of shops selling a variety of goods from clothes to handicrafts as well as an art gallery reflecting the culture of the island. Like many of the other Caribbean Islands, Antigua takes advantage of the locally caught fish that is prepared in a local way. 'Blackenend' - style is seasoned with black pepper and spices and is a local favourite that should be sampled. Black Pineapple, a local fruit can be purchased from the local stalls. The atmosphere in Antigua is calm, relaxed and charming. With steel bands, local rum and the friendly people, it would be difficult not to unwind and settle into the laidback lifestyle.

Grenada

Grenada offers a contrast of scenery, cascading waterfalls, lush tropical rainforest and mountain lakes as well as beautiful white sandy beaches. Coral reefs off the coast continue the beauty of the area underwater. The ‘Isle of Spice’ adds a fragrant aroma of nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon to the air. Of course an excellent excursion to take would be a day tour experiencing a spice estate and processing factory. Grenada is a fantastic destination for complete relaxation.

St Lucia

St Lucia is one of the most spectacular islands of the Caribbean. Lush green tropical jungles and banana plantations are a constant reminder of the year round tropical climate and the trademark Pitons, cones of volcanic rocks rising thousands of feet high. The beaches are golden despite the volcanic nature of the island and many beautiful coves and bays are on offer to help relax in the sunshine. The island still shows signs of its heritage being French Creole and the British colonial. The local cuisine makes the most of the locally grown tropical fruit and fresh fish, curries and pepper pot stew being local favourites. If you fancy a break from sunbathing, there are plenty of stalls and shops selling hand screened prints and batiks, hand-woven baskets and woodcarvings. With its turquoise waters, St Lucia is without a doubt an island of paradise.

Tobago

Just off the coast Venezuela Tobago is one of the most southerly Caribbean Islands. One of the most noticeable things about the tiny island is its natural charm, peace and tranquillity. The locals are genuinely friendly and the atmosphere relaxed, shops and entertainment are relatively quiet outside of the hotel areas. The beaches are un-crowded and the surrounding blue waters are brimming with coral reefs and brightly coloured fish. A visit to the world-renowned Buccoo reef and Pigeon Point, virtually untouched and totally unspoilt natural beauty is very highly recommended. Tobago is a true flavour of unspoilt, un-commercialised Caribbean life.

Cuba

Apart from the obvious world famous cigars, Cuba has much to offer in the form of white sandy beaches and tropical warm clear waters. The atmosphere is calm and laid back but be prepared, as the sun goes down, the dancers to come out. Home of the salsa, and rumba, latin America lives on. The resorts are unspoilt but offer luxury holidays.

Havana

Over 4 centuries old, Havana is still brimming with its traditional feel and charm. The Spanish colonial feel is still abundantly obvious. The streets are wide and the old American cars of the 1950s are not out of place. The centre of the town offers some great opportunities to experience culture and see some fantastic architecture. Of course a visit to a cigar factory should definitely appear on your itinerary. The old town is a heritage site and some of the highlights include Baroque cathedral and Ernest Heminigway's frequently visited bars of La Bodequita and La Floridita. New Havana offers a contrast to the culture providing modern bars, restaurants and discos.

Varadero

On the north west coast, Varadero is the perfect Caribbean beach resort. Over 20km of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and modern hotels it is combined with a Latin feel that makes a great change from the stress of everyday life.

Holguin

On the North East Coast of Cuba, Holguin is a quiet resort. Not having been exploited to the same extent as some of the other resorts, Holguin provides a relaxed tranquil atmosphere. The beaches are pure white sand typical of a Caribbean paradise. Scattered along the coastline, the resorts are un-crowded with few bars and restaurants. The resorts of Guardalavaca, Playa Pesquero and Santa Lucia all have their own qualities on top of the basic glorious palm lined beaches and clear waters. Speciality fish restaurants frequent the beaches. Santiago de Cuba is a great example of the real Cuba and home to a great Carnival where you can really experience the great hospitality and culture of the locals.

Dominican Republic

One of the great favourites of the British, the Dominican Republic is perfect for those looking for a Caribbean break at great prices. The whole year round, tropical climates and golden beaches, coral reefs, mangrove swamps and white water combined with the relaxed pace of life make this island difficult to leave. The island offers spectacular scenery, an array of activities and warm and welcoming people. After a few rums you may find yourself indulging in the Latin roots and meringue!

Playa Dorada - North Coast

Consisting of a variety of resorts running along the north coast. If you are after Golf then Playa Dorada is the the choice, it is located around an 18 hole championship golf course. Linked by 3/4km of golden sandy beaches, bars, restaurants and casinos this is Costa Dorada. The nightlife is low-key but perfect for a relaxing drink. For a more relaxing laid-back attitude, Cabarete & Sosua have a younger feel. Daily markets offer a great place for souvenirs and there are a variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs for evening entertainment. Services can sometimes leave a little to be desired, some roads may be underdeveloped and electricity may sometimes be erratic.

Bavaro - East Coast

If it’s the Caribbean dream of white powdery sand beaches and turquoise waters you are looking for then the East Coast is the place to be. It has the best beaches on the island, with a wide range of water-sports being offered. Most of the accommodation along this stretch consists of hotel complexes such as the resort of Bavaro. Bayahibe has a more traditional Dominican style resort with brightly coloured buildings.

South Coast

The south coast is the home of the capital Santo Domingo, with a wide variety of culture and history to be discovered. The old colonial city attracts locals as well as holidaymakers. Boca Chica is home to a natural lagoon of turquoise, warm waters created by one of the Caribbean reefs, an excellent place to see the sea life, or just lie back on the white sandy beaches and admire the scenery. Juan Dolio, one of the newest resorts similarly has coral reefs and shallow waters and the white coconut palm-fringed beaches.

Jamaica

One of the largest islands in the Caribbean, Jamaica is an island of discovery. It offers the ultimate of life in the slow lane and everything is ‘no problem’ - Perhaps that’s down to the famous Jamaican Rum. You may find it difficult to drag yourself away from the idyllic sandy beaches and secluded coves. However there are some spectacular mountain ranges offering fantastic views of waterfalls and rivers heading to the sea. Sport is plentiful and varied as is the nightlife from bars to restaurants.

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios – Situated in a sheltered crescent bay on the north coast, this modern resort is becoming increasingly popular. The sweeping white sandy beach gives a good base to try some of the water sports offered. Caribbean cruises include this resort on their routes and anchor in the harbour, a perfect opportunity for a visit to Dunn’s River Falls. A wide selection of bars, restaurants and nightlife are offered.

Montego Bay

Montego Bay – Often known as the Cosmopolitan area of Jamaica, the busy strip of Mo’ Bay runs parallel to the beach and offers an array of hotels, shops, bars and variety of restaurants. The beaches offer swimming and golden sands with the opportunity to visit the infamous therapeutic waters of Doctors Cave known since the 1920s. If you are a golf fanatic then Montego Bay will offer you few challenges. When the sun sets you can head to a club, to mix with the locals and move to the sounds of Reggae or Jazz.

Mexico

Cancun

Known as Mexico’s most popular resort, Cancun is situated on a thin, flat peninsula with powder white sands. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge at either end of the island. As a purpose-built resort, there are very few amenities not offered. The turquoise waters on the Caribbean side offer a great spot for relaxing whereas the lagoon side is great for water-skiing.

Shopping is varied and widespread from market stand crafts to designer labels at discount prices. The nightlife is also as varied and abundant from bars, clubs, live music venues and restaurants offering a variety of cosmopolitan cuisine. It is very Spanish-American orientated, and the people always friendly.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has a more Mexican Colonial feel to it. The beaches are gloriously golden with small coves more popular in the south and longer straight beaches in the north. The nightlife is lively consisting of bars, restaurants and clubs. There is a good choice of shops to buy locally made gifts, which can be bought for bargain prices if you are prepared to shop around. The quaint cobbled streets are lined with cafes and bars for a spot of people watching whilst relaxing in the afternoon or evening.