Luxury Caribbean holidays

There’s no shortage of swanky hotels in the Caribbean. So whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort with staff that’ll indulge your every whim, or you’d prefer to spend your luxury Caribbean holiday at a boutique hotel with an intimate feel, you’re bound to find somewhere that ticks all your boxes.

Personally, we’re big fans of Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort in St Lucia. Set amongst 100 acres of pristine rainforest, it offers stylish indoor/outdoor rooms, a rejuvenating spa and a dedicated rum bar. Plus, kiddies are welcome – and there are heaps of activities aimed at guests of all ages.

If you’re heading to Antigua, you might want to consider staying at Carlisle Bay – a secluded, five-star resort on the southwest shore of the island. Contemporary yet elegant, with a laidback, unfussy atmosphere, it caters to families as well as couples. Or, over on Barbados, there’s Sandy Lane. One of the most exclusive resorts in the Caribbean, it’s famed for its peaceful setting and first-class service. Besides luxurious suites and multiple restaurants, it’s also got a huge pool with a cascading waterfall and no fewer than three golf courses.

If there’s one thing the Caribbean does well, it’s knockout beaches. Wherever you go on your luxury Caribbean holiday – whether it’s the southeast coast of Mexico or the Cayman Islands – you’re guaranteed soft, powdery sands and clear, turquoise waters. Of course, you can simply spend your time at the beach chilling out – just find a patch of shade under some palm trees and pull up a sun lounger. Or roll your towel out in a sunnier spot and take the opportunity to catch some rays.

Alternatively, if you’re the active kind, you’ll be able to try a range of watersports. Snorkelling and diving are particularly popular throughout the region. The Bahamas is home to the world’s third-largest barrier reef; Mexico’s cenotes allow for incredible cavern diving; and the waters off Jamaica are home to two different types of sea turtle.

You’ll also want to find time during your luxury Caribbean holiday to enjoy the legendary beach bars. Depending on where you’re staying, you’ll find swim-up bars for day drinking, or sophisticated spots for night time revelry, where you can listen to DJs spinning the decks while dancing barefoot on the sand.

Let’s face it, if you’ve booked a luxury Caribbean holiday, the main reason you’re going is for that infamous combination of sun, sea and sand. But there are actually plenty of things to do here, away from the beach. Rich in history, many countries have ancient treasures to discover. There are impressive Mayan ruins in Mexico, spice plantations in Grenada, and historic forts everywhere from St Kitts and Cuba to Antigua and Aruba.

The Caribbean’s dramatically varied landscape also allows for an exciting range of outdoor pursuits. Hike through mangroves and along coastal pathways in Martinique; climb the limestone tiers at Jamaica’s Dunn's River Falls; go river rafting in the Dominican Republic; or zip-line through the rainforest in St Lucia. Or, if you’re looking for something a little less adrenaline-inducing, simply take the opportunity to sample the Caribbean’s famously flavourful cuisine and iconic rum-based cocktails at the many excellent bars and restaurants.

The Caribbean has a tropical climate, which means things stay hot throughout the year. Although there are slight regional variations, average monthly temperatures tend to only vary by about 2°C in the southernmost areas and by 5°C in the northernmost. However, there are still two distinct seasons here – wet and dry. In most places, the wet season runs from June to November. At this time of year, things at their hottest, with temperatures often hovering around 30°C, and humidity levels are high. Places also see frequent cloud cover and consistent rainfall. Downpours do tend to be short and heavy, though, as opposed to lasting all day. What’s more, the wet season also coincides with hurricane season in the Caribbean.

The dry season – from December to May – is a much better time of year for a luxury Caribbean holiday. Temperatures during these months tend to be in the mid-to-high twenties, and the humidity is much lower. So it’s a great option if you fancy a bit of winter sun. The only downside is that other people like to go at this time, too, so – depending where you go – certain places may be crowded. If you prefer to have the beach to yourself, consider travelling in early December or early January – either side of the popular Christmas and New Year period – or after Easter, in those few weeks before the weather turns bad again.