Honeymooning in the Caribbean

Rebecca Mottram on 01 September 2023
Think of the Caribbean as a paradise in many different forms. Whether your top focus is relaxation, romance, adventure, nature, or entertainment, there's an ideal island experience for you. But with hundreds of destinations across dozens of countries to choose from, which Caribbean honeymoon is right for you? To help you decide, here’s a little of what to expect from the most popular. Each island has individual character and charm, the vibrant islands of the Caribbean will capture your heart and make it a honeymoon you won't forget. What you’re guaranteed wherever you go is warm hospitality, a laid-back vibe, reggae beats and great rum punch – can you ask for more than that? From vibrant Jamaica to the tiny Bonaire; from relaxing spas to rugged hikes up mountain peaks; from dancing till dawn to early morning dives, you’ll find just about everything on offer on one of the Caribbean islands. The Caribbean also has a range of accommodation from budget, self-catering to luxurious resorts or even private islands. The possibilities really depend on what you’re looking for. Temperatures never really drop below 24 degrees year round in the Caribbean, so if you’re outside the path of the typical hurricane belt you can visit year-round. Otherwise, the best time to visit is December to April, when it’s drier, less humid but still glorious. Hurricanes are possible from July to October so avoid if possible. And if you still really can’t decide which island you’d like to visit, why not combine two (or three) different ones. If you have time then it’s a great way to get a sense of how different the islands really are. Get in touch about where you’d like to visit by phoning (07794187180) or emailing (Rebecca.mottram@travelcounsellors.com) today. I can’t wait to talk to you about your honeymoon plans! Barbados Barbados is one of the most densely populated Caribbean islands, which helps explain its lively festivals, inspired cuisine, and overall abundance of cultural offerings. While much of the island feels distinctly Caribbean - colourful houses, beautiful beaches, lush landscapes - Barbados retains much of its formerly British culture. The result offers a unique mash-up whereby honeymooners can enjoy the pleasures of a tropical island infused with a bit of British flair. Everything from afternoon tea and rounds of cricket to champagne and caviar on the beach and beyond. Saint Lucia Lush, jungle-draped hills and enamel blue shores make this a number one spot for luxury-seeking honeymooners. Go for relaxing resorts, stunning sailing and the impossibly picturesque backdrop of the Pitons. From tall mountain peaks to palm-lined beaches, lush rainforest, and vibrant coral reefs, the island begs to be explored. Not surprisingly, it's a top honeymoon choice for nature-lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Prefer underwater explorations? St. Lucia offers some of the Caribbean's best snorkelling and scuba diving experiences. Jamaica Easy to reach and offering fantastic all-inclusive deals, Jamaica is popular. Go here for beautiful beaches, authentic jerk cooking and a breathtaking hike up Blue Mountain Peak. Jamaican zest for it’s fantastic music spills over into its spicy cuisine which will satisfy foodie couples. An abundance of snorkelling cruises, coffee plantation tours, river rafting adventures, and good old-fashioned beach lounging should excite just about anybody else. The Bahamas Actually made up of more than 700 islands, the Bahamas are a playground for island-hoppers, partiers and watersports-lovers. Head to Nassau and Paradise Island for fascinating pirate history, and the Exumas for ultra-exclusive hotels and unique outdoor experiences - including swimming with pigs! Turks & Caicos If you’re looking for tranquillity, check out these serene islands. Famed for the surrounding crystal-clear waters, they boast some of the world’s most spectacular diving spots, as well as relaxed seaside bars and your pick of deserted beaches. You might even spot the annual migration of thousands of humpback whales. Antigua & Barbuda Visit both of these sister islands: Barbuda, with natural pink sand beaches, and the larger Antigua, covered in small bays lapped by azure seas. Cuba A time-capsule island, bursting with colour and colonial curiosities. Coastal resorts offer fantastic beaches and mojitos on tap but it’s the cities you’ll not want to miss. Down cobbled streets and off grand squares, you’ll find Havana fizzing with culture, nightlife, live music and salsa clubs. Grenada Very few islands boast their own underwater sculpture park like Grenada does. Known as the Spice Island, the scent of nutmeg hangs in the air, friendly locals wave good morning and your days are whiled away on beaches or wandering colourful towns on this low-key island. ABC Islands Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao: these three Dutch islands all have their own character. Aruba is the most touristy, with plenty of all-inclusive hotels and cruise ship stopovers, but the beaches more than make up for it. Tiny Bonaire is a diver’s paradise, rich with sea turtles and exotic fish on pristine coral reefs. Curaçao feels like discovering a little bit of Europe – delightful candy-coloured Dutch colonial houses border the port at Willemstad, with dramatic coast all around. Sandals Curaçao will open there in 2022. Dominican Republic If you like a resort holiday where everything is taken care of, the Dominican Republic is your place. But just beyond the picture-perfect beaches and bars, this diverse country also offers rainforests, mountains, mangrove lagoons, colonial towns, quiet fishing villages and more. For the couples that manage to break free from the bliss of their hotel grounds, they can enjoy the most that this Spanish-speaking destination has to offer. Whale-watching, windsurfing, world-class golf, and epic hikes are just some to consider. Trinidad and Tobago Pulsing Trinidad and peaceful Tobago are neighbouring islands, best explored in combination. Get the vibrant nightlife, amazing Carnival and buzzing towns on Trinidad before hopping over to Tobago for waterfall swimming, world-class diving, hiking and sunbathing. Cayman Islands Composed of three islands the Caymans are a chill-out favourite. And rightly so: there are string rays to swim with, beautiful all-inclusive resorts on Seven Mile Beach, and cosmopolitan towns with excellent shopping.