The Caribbean is one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world thanks to its rich culture, fantastic food, tropical weather and dazzling white sand beaches. With all this on your doorstep, it's no wonder that over 30 million holiday-makers visit the region annually. Here we take a look at some of the top destinations in this tropical paradise.
Jade Mountain at Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia
Jade Mountain is one of the best known and most iconic holiday venues in the Caribbean. Situated on the island of Saint Lucia on a 600 acre mountainside estate, the resort offers unprecedented views of The Pitons, Saint Lucia's world famous volcanic rock formations. This adult-only resort prides itself on offering the highest standards of tranquillity and luxury. Each of its 29 suites have panoramic views and a private infinity pool to bask in. There are a range of exciting activities to enjoy from mountainside nature trails to evening cruises aboard a two-storey yacht replete with live music and a champagne bar. Jade Mountain's rooms have three tiers, with the top price bracket, The ‘Sun' Infinity Pool Suite, boasting a king size bed, whirlpool bath, mini wine cellar and a stunning 270 degree view of the bay.
Royal Caribbean Oasis-Class Cruises
If you'd rather not be pinned down to a single location, the Caribbean is one of the premier locations on earth for island hopping cruises. For the discerning holiday maker with a taste for the finer things in life, there is no viable alternative to the small fleet of Oasis-class cruise ships under the purview of the Royal Caribbean cruise company. In fact, the largest of their vessels, The Symphony of the Seas, holds the accolade of being the largest cruise ship in the world. Packed to the brim with amenities, the ship is home to 20 restaurants, 12 bars and nightclubs and a 1400m² casino replete with its own private high stakes poker room. The Symphony is also home to several spas, swimming pools, gyms, and, of course, a comprehensive shopping outlet.
Beaches Ocho Rios Golf & Spa Resort, Jamaica
The Caribbean not only plays host to private romantic getaways but offers a range of world-class family resorts to explore and enjoy. Among the best of these is Jamaica's Beaches Ocho Rios Golf & Spa Resort, located on the northeast coast of the island. This 5 star resort manages to pack more in than most with a golf course and waterpark joining a host of fine dining options, swimming pools and a comprehensive beauty spa. The resort is situated on approximately 22 acres of sumptuous tropical gardens adjoining pristine white sandy beaches. Everybody is well catered for with the Pirate Island Waterpark accompanying activity camps, an Xbox Play lounge and Trench Town, an activity and entertainment centre for teenagers. Sandals Golf Course offers unlimited rounds of golf with free transfers to-and-from your hotel, and for sporting holidaymakers who prefer a different pace there is a fully featured gym, several tennis courts and the option to take scuba diving lessons.
The BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia
A stay at Saint Lucia's BodyHoliday resort aims to rejuvenate and restore both body and mind with a range of activities and facilities designed to cater to all your wellness needs. If you're looking to work up a sweat, BodyHoliday offers you the services of your own personal trainer as well as the opportunity to participate in a rotating schedule of daily sports and fitness activities with everything on offer from yoga to golf, fencing and sailing. BodyHoliday also plays host to a comprehensive spa that runs a range of daily treatments including Lucian lime and ginger scrubs, hydrotherapy and aloe vera body wraps. For those wishing to focus on nutrition, Ayurvedic advisors are on hand to design a tailor made detox programme for your stay.
