Paradise found: the beauty of the Caribbean

When you think of paradise, what springs to mind? A powdery white sandy beach? Palm trees swaying in a warm breeze? Brilliant turquoise waters stretching off to the horizon? If this is your image of paradise, your dream destination is the Caribbean.

This string of diminutive islands stretched across the ocean between North and South America like a string of pearls have captured the imagination of generations of travellers, and now it’s your turn to find out why.

Each Caribbean island has a different flavour but all are united in offering miles of spectacular beaches, a laidback sun-drenched atmosphere and some of the best hotels in the world. Wherever you choose to visit you’re sure to be close to the water and most Caribbean hotels are strung along the beaches, offering ocean views from the rooms, lunch overlooking the surf and waterborne activities aplenty. Facilities here are unrivalled and hotels are top-class, offering expansive grounds, stunning pools and high quality restaurants, so whether you’re seeking a value-for-money family holiday or a blow-the-budget couples retreat, the Caribbean has it covered.

Couples looking for luxury and romance should consider Barbados. Known especially for their understated opulence, many Barbados hotels offer an all-inclusive experience that will leave you wanting for nothing. The Fairmont Royal Pavilion, which sits on half a mile of unspoilt sands and boasts eleven acres of tropical gardens, offers complementary water sports including swimming with turtles and one of the most sought-after fine dining restaurants on the island, the open-air Palm Terrace, which serves delicious seafood right on the beach; while the more modern The House caters exclusively to adults, beginning the day with a champagne breakfast, before serving complimentary afternoon tea and canapés every evening. Non-motorised water sports and tennis are also free of charge.

For those who really want to push the boat out, the island’s top property is the Royal Westmoreland, a 500-acre landscaped resort of exclusive villas perched on a ridge overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Far from the hustle and bustle of the coast this five-star resort offers an 18-hole championship golf course, floodlit tennis courts, a full-service spa and classes in pilates, yoga and aerobics at The Sanctuary. Pure indulgence.

Over the water on Jamaica, there’s a different vibe. Hotels here are often livelier than their counterparts on other Caribbean islands and Jamaica holidays tend to centre around the unrivalled facilities of the Jamaica hotels. The resorts here are very family-friendly and often include facilities just for the kids – some hotels even have on-site water parks, a real luxury for parents. Three of the best hotels for families are Beaches Negril Resort and Spa which features the slide-packed Pirates Island Water Park, Rose Hill Resort and Spa which has the Sugar Mills Water Park and Sunset Beach which is home to the Pirates Paradise Water Park as well as three sandy beaches. Stay at any of these and the kids will disappear, leaving you to enjoy the swim-up bars in peace, and maybe even have a massage.

Paradise may mean different things to different people but whatever it means to you, you’re sure to find it in the Caribbean. Pick the right resort and the superlative service will do the rest. Enjoy.

13 May 2010