7 Caribbean islands and what we recommend them for

Everyone loves the Caribbean, but which island should you choose?

Published 31 July 2012 in Travel Articles

ARUBA - Wedding bliss

Many a cruise passenger have hopped off here to wed on its seven-mile palm-fringed beach. To make life easier the Aruba tourist board have created an online bridal registry.

Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and feels somewhat European culturally speaking. Highlights include the eerie ruins of the bushiribana gold mine, natural rock bridges and the arikok National Wildlife Park which spreads over 20 per cent of the island.

Where to stay: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
A lovely adults only boutique hotel with ocean front suites situated on 14 acres of soft sandy beach.

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THE BAHAMAS - Eco travellers will love this

Why go: The name for the Bahamas comes from “baja mar”, the Spanish for “shallow sea” and this destination is the perfect eco-getaway. there are 700 islands and sandy cays offering oodles of adventurous playgrounds for divers. New Providence and grand Bahama providing the most varied diving.

There are 28 national parks spread over a million acres of land with amazing colonies of West Indian Flamingoes, mangroves and sea turtle research stations. Recently the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve was opened on the island of Eleuthera. This was funded by the Leon Levy Foundation whose mission is to continue his philanthropic legacy, and supporting excellence in six broad areas: understanding the ancient world; arts and humanities, preservation of nature and gardens, neuroscience research and human rights.

Where to stay: Grand Lucayan
A lovely property with ocean, island and marina views. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and a golf course

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CAYMAN ISLANDS - Dive into these islands

Why go: Divers, get your flippers and head to the Cayman Islands. Thanks to the policing of the marine environment, the diving and snorkelling around these parts must surely rank with some of the best in the world. It has a vertiginous geology which means the islands are the tip of an underwater mountain range.

Some say the diving for pleasure trend started here and the Bloody Bay Marine Park is heralded as one of the world's great sites. Plunge 20 ft to see the awesome coral wall which stretches 6,000ft. Imagine the life that have made their home there.

Incidentally, one of the world's rarest lizards, the blue iguana, is the closest living relative to dinosaurs, and can only be seen on Grand Cayman.

Where to stay: Grandview Condominiums
Located on a private beach in Grand Cayman, this property is 10 minutes' drive from Owen Roberts International Airport. The apartments provide full kitchens and a private screened porch.

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CUBA - Culture, colonial history and salsa

Why go: Where else can you salsa the night away with the locals, make like Hemingway in Havana, get a taste of the Spanish empire, and soak up the colonial atmosphere and history from Columbus to Castro all in one place? And then add in cigars, rum and classic cars and you have a truly culturally rich destination.

This is the biggest island in the Caribbean but for half a century the country has been infamous for its politics, thanks to Fidel Castro. A lack of resources means its infrastructure has seen better days, yet despite that for visitors it offers a laid-back vibe and a unique Afro-Latin culture.

Where to stay: Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Considered a symbol of history, culture and Cuban identity, Hotel Nacional opened in 1930, when Cuba was a prime travel destination for Americans, long before the embargo. The Hotel is located in the middle of Vedado, the center of Havana, on a hill just a few meters from the sea, and offers a great view of the Havana Harbor; the seawall and the city.

In addition to hotels, many people stay with the locals, also known as Casa Particular. For example, Casa 1932 in Centro Habana is an art nouveau den run by a former pharmacist - 3 lovely rooms & four-course meals every night.

Getting there: find flights to Cuba

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GRENADA - Life is a beach

Why go: There are two and a half impressive miles of spacious white sandy beach on Granada. Add to that a backdrop of lush, verdant hills and sensational raintforest and the island feels alive with nature. Yet this island is not just beautiful its entertaining too. There are ample bars, restaurants and waters sports and for a day out hire a sturdy car and explore.

Where to stay: Coyaba Beach Resort
Offering a beautiful setting on Grande Anse Beach, Coyaba Beach Resort features rooms with balconies overlooking its gardens or the Caribbean Sea. It has a seasonal outdoor pool, gym and a restaurant.

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JAMAICA - Reggae and rainforests

Why go: Famous for being the home of Bob Marley, Reggae, and the rainforest that tumbles down from the Blue Mountain to rocky coves and of course, the coffee. Its dashingly blue shoreline is the welcome mat for underwater caverns and caves.

Where to stay: Jamaica Inn
Located on a private beach in Ocho Rios, Jamaica Inn offers elegant suites with furnished balconies or verandas overlooking the Caribbean Sea. This stylish resort has an outdoor pool and a beachfront spa.

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - Lime with the locals

Why go: There is an intriguing cultural mix encompassing the Middle East, India and China. Popular “street food” includes the Indian channa dhal — curried chickpeas topped with chutney.

There is a weekly Sunday festival of steel bands with energetic dancing. Tobago, which as the oldest, protected forest in the eastern hemisphere, is a laid back place where you can “lime” with the locals (basically just hang out doing nothing) while Trinidad is more hard-working but has an abundance of natural and nocturnal attractions.

Where to stay: Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort - Adults Only
This delightful adult-only resort is located in scenic Stonehaven Bay. It offers an outdoor pool, a Spa with hot tub, massage and beauty treatments and tennis courts, 8 km from Scarborough.

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