Top 10 Caribbean Islands

Jo Baldwin on 28 June 2018
Going to the Caribbean was always my dream when I was younger- it had the allure of clear azure seas, tropical paradise, swaying palms and underwater technicolour. To have been able to visit this part of the world with my job has literally been a dream come true, and I would love to take my family there on holiday as a special treat. If you haven’t been, then all the superlatives are true- and photos don’t do it justice. If you’ve been before, then you’ll know what I mean- but there are so many places to visit-how do you know which one to choose? Here’s a snapshot of 10 of my favourite islands-the hardest choice is which one to pick!

1. Jamaica: Colourful, carefree and lively. Choose from family friendly resorts like Beaches, or chic boutique hideaways. The bobsled ride at Dunn’s River is always a huge hit, and who can resist the coolest bar in the world-Pelican’s, which is around 1 mile from land!

2. St Lucia: The Twin Peaks of the Pitons dominated St Lucia’s stunning natural beauty, and I have to say snorkelling here is some of the best I’ve seen. You’re spoiled for choice with adult only hotels here and my favourite hotel, Sugar Beach, sits nestled between the Pitons-the ultimate luxury hotel with one of the finest locations on the planet. #holidaygoals!

3. Antigua: This pretty island has 365 beaches - all equally stunning with white, powdery sand. Visit Stingray cove to have a hands-on experience with these amazing creatures and fly through the jungle zip lining.

4. Barbados: Great for those who don’t want all-inclusive, you can visit the buzzing bars of St Lawrence Gap in the south of the island and the Friday night fish fry at Oistins is a veritable Barbados institution. A great island to visit if it’s your first time in the Caribbean.

5. Dominican Republic: Often a very affordable way to see the Caribbean, with a great range of hotels for the whole family. With 1000 miles of coastline and great scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities.

6. Bahamas: With 700 islands, this is the place for tropical adventure and home to the legendary Blackbeard! Take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Exumas with the wild pigs that reside there, where these friendly animals will piggy-paddle alongside you for a unique photo opportunity- a once in a lifetime experience.

7. St Kitts and Nevis: Firmly off the tourist trail, these islands are sleepy and unspoilt. Ideal for peace, tranquillity and utter relaxation. For more active pursuits, you can Climb Nevis Peak, take a rainforest hike or even join a monkey tour!

8. British Virgin Islands: a stunning cluster of 60 breathtakingly beautiful islands and cays, the Virgin Islands offer an idyllic escape for those seeking barefoot luxury, and the region’s protected coral reefs also make for some superb diving.

9. Grenada: Less developed than many of the other Caribbean islands, Grenada enchants with low rise boutique hotels, laid-back way of life and a lush rainforest that opens out onto beautiful beaches and indigo waters of the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Here you will find hot springs, vividly scented markets, spice plantations, volcanic crater lakes and the striking Seven Sisters Falls.

10. St Barths: The jet set crowd has long had a love affair with the understated Caribbean beauty and chic French flavour of this island. Opulent, high end and stylish, at just eight square miles the island packs a punch, with white sands, designer boutiques, fine dining and ultra-luxe hotels. One for a special treat.

Call me to chat about where you’ll visit in the Caribbean!