1. Wander Around Old Havana, Cuba
Cuba is listed as one of National Geographic’s Coolest Places to Go in 2016, and visiting Old Havana is top of our places-to-go list. Visit soon, before the expected influx of American tourists arrives due to the recent easing in restrictions. Enjoy the time-machine feel with no advertisements, no skyscrapers and no traffic while it lasts, as it’s sure to change over the next few years.
2. Dive in at Blue Hole – Ocho Rios, Jamaica
More rugged and less crowded than Dunns River Falls, the waterfalls provide the perfect backdrop for photo ops. If you like the idea of rope swinging ‘tarzan style’, climbing through waterfalls, jumping in from cliffs – this is for you!
3. Marvel at Hunte’s Gardens – Barbados
You’d almost expect to see fairies dwelling in this magical garden, filled with an incredible variety of colourful plants. This special place is full of character, just like it’s owner, Anthony Hunte, who’ll you’ll no doubt meet on your visit (and before you know if it, you’ll be sharing stories over a freshly made rum punch!).
4. Zip Through the Rainforest – St Lucia
Brush past palm fronds as you whizz along these ziplines through the jungle canopies, over rivers and rope bridges. A fun day out for all ages, and a alternative way to experience the St Lucian rainforest.
5. Stroll Along Seven Mile Beach – Jamaica
Lovely calm (and crystal clear) waters for swimming, beautiful soft sand for walking. If you enjoy a walk along a beach, you can’t beat this one! There are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat beachside. If you time it right, you’ll see lots of starfish in the shallows.
6. Go Sailing in Antigua
With a rich sailing heritage, cruising around Antigua is the best way to see the island. Have lunch on board, with a snorkelling stop. Amazing views!
7. Snorkel in the Grenadines
Take a trip on a catamaran and sail past the island where they filmed the scene of Jack Sparrow burying his treasure in Pirates of the Caribbean. Nearby World’s End Reef (so called because the next land you’d hit would be Africa), is home to truly spectacular marine life. There are shallower areas perfect for snorkelling, and deeper areas for divers. It’s a protected marine park, and the local wildlife is thriving as a result. You’ll probably be the only boat around; this is one of the Caribbean’s best kept snorkelling secrets.
8. Take off at the Concorde Experience, Barbados
One of the only ‘indoor’ Caribbean attractions on the list, this is the perfect distraction on a rainy morning. The closest most of us are ever likely get to actually flying on the Concorde, you can walk through the cabin and have a seat during a ‘simulated take off! You can even sit in the same seat Queen Elizabeth did when she experienced her first supersonic flight to Barbados. A must if you love planes, and a good experience even if you’re not normally that interested in planes.
9. Visit the Chocolate Factory, Grenada
We recommend taking the day to tour the island, with the chocolate factory the last stop before arriving back at your hotel. Go with a tour guide for insider tips and to really make the most of the day. The trip begins with a drive up the picturesque west coast. Stop for lunch at Petit Anse (the views are really special). Try the signature ‘sour sop juice’ (local fruit with cancer-beating properties). Tootle back down the east coast, stopping off at the chocolate factory on the way back. See the whole process, from picking the beans to wrapping the chocolate bar. It smells incredible, but the 100% cacao is impossibly bitter to taste – try if you dare! Take home a souvenir bar of the finished product to savour once you return.
10. Drift Over the Dominican Republic in a Hot Air Balloon
The balloon flights take place early in the morning (when winds are at their most stable), so you’ll be able to watch the sunrise from a unique perspective. The wind direction will greatly dictate what you fly over, but you’ll no doubt see sugar cane plantations along with other spectacular scenery.
To find out more about any of the destinations above, head over to our Caribbean page or give one of our award winning team a call on 020 3582 5286.
