We will be open at 9:00 am. Call 020 7590 0610

Treasured Islands - Caribbean

Article content

1 June 2008 by Pete Mathers

Wake up. Stretch. Open your eyes and look around. You’re wrapped in soft cotton sheets in an unimaginably comfortable bed. Soft cream tones balance the room and sunlight glints on the bathroom’s marble floor.

Through the open French doors is your private veranda and a magnificent view of the sparkling Caribbean. A few barefoot paces and you’re on a glorious stretch of sugar-white beach. It’s a beautiful summer’s day in Barbados, and you’re staying at the 5-star Sandy Lane. A decade ago, few British holidaymakers were seen summering in the West Indies. Then came all-inclusive deals and enticing summer packages – largely aimed at the low end of the market. For a while there were bargains galore.

Today, however, due to their popularity, low-end hotels can cost as much in the summer as they do in the winter. Surprisingly, this has been a blessing for the more discerning traveller.

That’s because the summer’s best bargains are no longer in the low-end hotels, but rather at the Caribbean’s most exclusive resorts – including the aforementioned Sandy Lane, whose reputation as one of the world’s most luxurious resorts hasn’t faltered in four decades.

Our Sandy Lane ‘Romance in Paradise’ offer includes a week’s accommodation, a bottle of champagne on arrival, a candlelit dinner for two, a catamaran cruise, unlimited nonmotorised water sports, and either a $100 spa voucher per person or a round of golf at the celebrated Country Club. As well as deals in Barbados (statistically Wexas members’ favourite Caribbean island), we’ve offers on the lush and forested St Lucia, and the increasingly popular Grenada. All include stays at luxurious hotels and savings of between £186 and £412 per person. In other words, you can indulge in luxury for the price of a mid-range package.

And the fact that Caribbean currencies are nearly all linked to the weakened us Dollar, coupled with the current strength of the Euro, means a week of luxury in the Caribbean is almost on par with a week in the Med. Barbados is the ‘Little England of the Caribbean’, with stone-built Anglican churches, Saturday race meetings and a great love of cricket.

You’ll find a congenial climate, pinktinged sands and wide rolling landscapes. Certain places can be quite dramatic, like the limestone caverns and subterranean waterfalls of Harrison’s Cave, while others are far more relaxing – the sunny terrace of a 17th
"NUTMEG GROVES OUTNUMBER HOTELS, AND THE SCENT OF CINNAMON, CLOVES AND GINGER FILLS THE AIR"
century plantation home for example, where tea can be taken before strolling through botanical gardens.

At night, the friendly Bajan people are happy to put on a party, most commonly fuelled by Mount Gay Rum, and danced to a calypso beat.

The Caribbean’s award for outstanding natural beauty would most probably go to St Lucia. Rising straight from the sea, the twin volcanic peaks of The Pitons watch over a coast of secluded bays and translucent waters. Fishing villages give way to over 18,000 acres of lush rainforest and banana plantations. Beneath the sea (especially around Soufrière) are some of the Caribbean’s most dazzling coral reefs.

But St Lucia has a split personality. On the one hand it’s the honeymoon capital of the Caribbean, ideal for lounging in luxurious resorts like Anse Chastanet, where octagonal hillside gazebos lie hidden amid verdant foliage and bursts of colour.

Jade Mountain is Anse Chastanet’s hillside resort within a resort – the last word in luxurious living. Individual bridges lead to open-fronted infinity pool suites with 15ft-high ceilings, hardwood floors, and panoramic views of the magnificent Pitons. But St Lucia is also an adventure traveller’s dream. The luscious interior is ideal for hiking and mountain biking. A recommended trek is to Diamond Falls, which tumbles in stages through sulphurous springs that colour the waters like a rainbow.

In this respect St Lucia is similar to Grenada. The Spice Island, as Grenada’s also known, is largely unspoilt. Nutmeg groves outnumber hotels, and the scent of cinnamon, cloves and ginger fills the air. The waters are beautiful, and a number of shipwrecks make for fascinating diving.

St George’s is the island’s capital. Thanks in part to its pastel-coloured buildings it’s one of the Caribbean’s prettiest, and one of the liveliest come market day.

As for accommodation, we thoroughly recommend the family-run Spice Island Beach Resort. Superb service, a fabulous location on Grand Anse Beach, and a commendable ecological ethic are three good reasons to visit. Call any of our Caribbean specialists and they’ll give you many more.

One of the most breathtaking locations in the whole Caribbean.” Valerie Vasquez Wexas Caribbean specialist, on Anse Chastanet & Jade Mountain

Related offers

Havana, Cuba

The Essence of Cuba

10-day tailor-made holiday from £3,370 pp incl. flights

This discovery of Cuba will have you get right to the heart of its iconic streets, palpable history & electrifying culture. It's all enjoyed with private transfers, gourmet meals and included tours.

The Club, Barbados Resort & Spa

The Club, Barbados Resort & Spa

Contemporary hotel

The Club, Barbados Resort & Spa is the island's only adults-only all-inclusive resort. Located right on the beachfront on the island's stunning west coast, this resort is ideal for couples, honeymooners, friends and family with children aged 16 years and over.

Apartment kitchen at O2 Beach Club, Barbados

O2 Beach Club and Spa, Barbados

Contemporary hotel

Perfect for families, couples and honeymooners alike, the O2 Beach Club and Spa offers peaceful beachfront luxury and spectacular ocean views on the southern coast of Barbados.

Aerial view, Crystal Cove, Barbados

Crystal Cove, Barbados

Contemporary resort

Whether you’re a couple or a family this vibrant and friendly hotel is an excellent choice for an all-inclusive holiday. Crystal Cove is a member of the Elegant Hotels group and is a favourite amongst families and couples.

Beach & Deck, Tamarind, Barbados

Tamarind, Barbados

Contemporary hotel

With a blend of Mediterranean design and Caribbean charm, Tamarind offers all-inclusive beachfront value and warm Bajan hospitality.

Pool at Turtle Beach Resort, Barbados

Turtle Beach, Barbados

Contemporary resort

Turtle Beach combines the typical Barbados beach holiday with extensive facilities, an excellent choice of restaurants and a lively atmosphere with some great evening entertainment.

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0610 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected