Caribbean chill-out: escape to an island in the sun
The winter months are the best time to visit these exotic islands in the Atlantic Ocean
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Your support makes all the difference.Adventure and indulgence as usual: that is the message from almost all the Caribbean islands this winter. The awesome power of Hurricanes Irma and Maria made headlines around the world, and some of the Leeward Islands — particularly the Virgin Islands and the Franco-Dutch isle of St-Martin — were devastated. But this is a vast region: Barbados and Tobago are further from Havana than London is from Istanbul, and most of the leading holiday islands are unscathed. Those which were harmed and are now rebuilding need tourism more than ever — and are seeking to entice visitors with unprecedented discounts.
Back in business
The dream island of St Kitts — a confection of sugar-white beaches, scenic beauty and rich heritage — sustained some damage, but is now open for business and seeking to win back visitors with unprecedented deals, A week in a top beach hotel in St Kitts in December for under £800? Check British Airways Holidays for 2 December departures and you will see you are spoiled for choice at that price.
Heading clockwise around the Caribbean curve, Antigua has some of the Caribbean’s most exclusive resorts sheltered in its corrugated inlets and coves. Should you want more than sunbathing and snorkelling, it packs a remarkable amount into an island smaller than the Isle of Wight. In the capital, St John’s, you can see the cricket bat that Viv Richards used for his record-breaking century off 56 deliveries, in a test match in 1986. Then head inland on a Rainforest Canopy Tour, in which you traverse a gorge 300 feet across.
Next along, silver and gold characterise Saint Lucia: silvery sand skirts of the iconic volcanic peaks, the Pitons, while in the northern holiday playgrounds — Marigot Bay, Rodney Bay and Gros Islet — golden beaches prevail. Tear yourself away for a tour of the rugged interior, by 4x4 or on foot.
Grenada and Tobago share the same alluring qualities: rising from a sparkling sea, decorated with gentle beaches and topped with tropical rainforest. Each also has a pastel-painted capital that feels more like a village. But they have very different standouts: Grenada’s astonishing underwater sculpture gallery was the most amazing day’s snorkelling I have ever experienced, while a guided trek to Pigeon Point in Tobago immerses you in nature on the climb to nearly 2,000 feet.
And out on its own: Barbados, where Alpha Echo celebrates a decade on show at the Barbados Concorde Experience. The only Caribbean island to have had a supersonic service has always appealed to jet-setters — but its shimmering coast offers excellent value for lower budgets. And while the journey may take a little longer these days, comfort is a given with premium economy fares starting at under £900 return.
Book a British Airways holiday with a deposit and pay the balance as late as five weeks before you travel (£150 per booking up to a holiday of £1,500). Terms and conditions apply. Visit BA.com/wintersun