Vibrant, culturally rich and visually stunning – the islands of the Caribbean are like nowhere else on Earth. From cocktails to coral reefs, hiking to heritage, they offer something for all tastes and tempos. Here are seven unmissable highlights of the Caribbean.
Enjoy sunset cocktails on the white sand beaches of Barbados or Jamaica
Pristine beaches and perfect sunsets go hand in hand in the Caribbean – as do perfectly made cocktails to enjoy them with. Just pick your favourite beach – be it along the platinum coast of Barbados, or at the heart of the rich, reggae-infused warmth of Jamaica – add a classic mojito or piña colada (cocktails are available to all-inclusive holidaymakers at Sandals Resorts), and watch the sun sink into the limitless blue horizon. Ready to take the sunset experience one step further? At some of its luxury, all-inclusive Jamaica resorts, Sandals has over-water bars, complete with broad hammocks for lazing just above the gently lapping water.
Swim at Grenada’s Concord and Royal Mount Carmel waterfalls
For the ultimate Caribbean waterfall swimming experience, head to Grenada’s Concord and Royal Mount Carmel waterfalls. Royal Mount Carmel are the highest falls on the island, spilling down a wall of dark rock in a curtain of white water and spray, surrounded by tropical jungle. Don’t miss the chance to take a refreshing dip in the pool below – the rock pools and slides make for a perfect place to swim. Concorde falls are actually three beautiful cascades – it’s the second, about 30 minutes’ walk from the first, that you’ll want to get to for a dip. Concord and Royal Mount Carmel are both easy to reach by car from Sandals Grenada.
Hike Jamaica’s Blue and John Crow Mountains national park
If you thought Jamaica was all about beaches, think again. The Blue and John Crow Mountains national park is a stunning 42,000-hectare area of mist-clad slopes and lush tropical forest, slashed by steep valleys. It’s a fantastic place for hiking, crisscrossed by walking trails and scattered with waterfalls – several of which come with inviting swimming spots. For an unforgettable day out in the hills, hike to 2,256-metre Blue Mountain Peak, the highest point in Jamaica, where you’ll be rewarded with stupendous views out across the island. The national park is a hotspot for birdwatching, with plenty of migratory species along with many that are endemic – Jamaica has the largest number of endemic birds of any island in the Caribbean. The mountains are equally rich in history, having been a stronghold of the Maroons – escaped slaves who established their own communities. A Unesco world heritage site, the national park lies southeast of Sandals Dunn’s River and Sandals Ochi resorts.
Savour delicious local dishes in St Lucia
The culinary traditions of the Caribbean are wonderfully rich, with each of its islands having something different to offer in the way of a gastronomic twist. From green figs and saltfish in St Lucia, to the one-pot stew known as “oil down” in Grenada, and finger-licking, spice-infused jerk in Jamaica, there’s something for all palates. The surrounding seas, and the islands’ rich soils mean there’s plenty of locally sourced produce – at the Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, 90% of the fresh produce comes from local farmers. If you’re a fan of seafood, Gordon’s is the place for you – the over-the-water, guests-only dining spot at Sandals Grande St Lucian is a real treat.
Explore the rich history of Willemstad in Curaçao
For colonial architecture in the Caribbean, it doesn’t get much more impressive than the Unesco-listed town of Willemstad in Curaçao. The Dutch established a trading settlement here in the 1600s – the well-preserved historic core that developed over the following centuries is a must-see for architecture lovers. It’s as if a familiar piece of Amsterdam has been transposed across the Atlantic and dropped on a tropical island – think Dutch merchant houses with steeply gabled roofs and brightly painted facades, their paintwork shimmering in the Caribbean sun. Sandals Royal Curaçao is the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring Willemstad.
Relax at a spa in the Bahamas
Relax, re-energise and rejuvenate with an unforgettable spa experience at one of Sandals’ Red Lane Spas, inspired by the traditions and aromas of the Caribbean islands, and available at all Sandals Resorts in Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, Curaçao and St Lucia. Along with tropically-infused facial and body treatments, there are mother-to-be sessions and couples massages to be enjoyed.
Snorkel over coral reefs and an underwater sculpture park in Grenada
The many coral reefs of the Caribbean combined with clear waters make it one of the best places in the world for snorkelling. At Grenada’s Molinere Bay, just a short way up the coast from Sandals Grenada resort, you can snorkel above the world’s first underwater sculpture park, which was installed by the British artist Jason deCaires Taylor in 2006 after Hurricane Ivan had wreaked huge damage on the bay’s ecology. The 75 sculptures, among them lifesize figures, stand on the seabed, five to eight metres beneath the surface. There they have created a new habitat where corals and other marine life are thriving. The project proved a key step towards the area being declared a marine reserve.
To book your holiday in the Caribbean, or to find out more about the luxury, all-inclusive offerings available at Sandals Resorts, visit the Sandals website
