Caribbean Inspiration Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados and Belize

Thinking about the Caribbean brings thoughts of sunshine, warm weather, beautiful beaches, rich culture and pure relaxation. The Caribbean offers so much choice and is a diverse region made up of over 7,000 islands, islets, and cays and while the islands share some common characteristics, each one has its own unique culture, history, geography, and identity. I have been fortunate to visit so many of these incredible islands multiple times and this is the first of my series of why you need to visit and to help you chose which is for you.

Anguilla is a little gem, a British Territory 40 minutes from Antigua and a stone’s throw from St Marten so easy to get to and seriously worth considering. Anguilla is a place where crystal clear waters wash up onto endless stretches of white sand beach. Perched at the tip of the Caribbean Sea, Anguilla packs a lot into its 35 square miles! An island of panoramic landscapes, warm, friendly people, come-as-you-are culture, incredible dining and 33 of the world’s most immaculate beaches. A tempting array of accommodation from luxurious first-class resorts, private villas, boutique hotels and intimate guest houses and I can help you plan which is right for you. One of life’s little treasures, come lose the crowds and find yourself.

Antigua & Barbuda Exquisite beaches, world class sailing, first class hotels and a distinctly English vibe, the tropical twin island paradise of Antigua and Barbuda is the ultimate getaway for families and couples. In Antigua, you can zip-line through the rainforest, reach into the island’s rich colonial history at UNESCO world heritage site Nelson’s Dockyard, Sunday night Shirley Heights is a great place to be for the famous English Harbour view and you can enjoy steel-pan and live band music at the longest running Sunday party in the Caribbean, the Shirley Heights Sunset Party and BBQ A mooch around the boutique shops and restaurants in the capital St Johns is also a must and Dickenson’s Bay and Jolly Harbour. Antigua is rightly proud of its 365 flawless beaches, and its reefs and coves are home to 200 shipwrecks that surround the islands. Just a short ferry ride from Antigua lies Barbuda and its 17 miles of pink sand beach are awash with wildlife and rare bids- it has one of the largest colonies of Frigate birds in the world! As the sailing capital of the Caribbean, the annual Antigua Sailing Week each April and the Classic Yacht Regatta make the island a magnet for the international jet set. Antigua is a charming, luxurious escape and makes the perfect pairing with untouched Barbuda.

Bahamas A must have on any Caribbean bucket list are the 16 main islands of The Bahamas. Whether you want to head for all out paradise at the world class resorts of Nassau/Paradise Island, take the eco-tourist trail in Inagua or see the swimming pigs of The Exumas, The Bahamas have some of the most awe inspiring sights on earth. Imagine plunging 663 feet into Dean’s Blue Hole on Long Island, the world’s second deepest blue hole. Picture diving The Andros Barrier Reef, the third largest barrier reef in the world. Or visualise the mass of bright flamingo pink as you see one of the largest colonies of flamingos in the world. The ocean is a huge draw in The Bahamas with the clearest waters you’ll ever see. From the hub of capital city Nassau, take your pick of the glorious islands of The Bahamas. A favourite for me is Green Turtle Cay where the local taxi is a golf cart.

Barbados With a tantalising combination of white and pink sand beaches, a bustling UNESCO World Heritage capital city and a whole host of culinary and cultural delights, it’s little wonder that Barbados is a firm favourite with so many. The island has an intriguing history and retains its unique blend of colonial English with the legendary Bajan hospitality. Chill with the locals at the legendary Friday night fish fry at Oistins to the sounds of soca, stroll through historic Bridgetown and its Garrison or take a dip in Barbados’ own thermal bath- the Hot Pot and if there is a cricket match on it is a must to be part of the incredible atmosphere at Kensington Oval, one of the most iconic and historic cricket grounds in the Caribbean. Located in Bridgetown, it has been the heart of cricket on the island since its inception. Known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, Barbados indulges its love for good food with the annual Barbados Food and Rum Festival; a wonderful showcase of the islands top chefs and mixologists! Another festival not to be missed is the Crop Over Festival; which celebrates the end of the sugar harvest season! Imagine five weeks filled with everything from craft markets, high energy fetes and colourful costumes on parade. You will be spoilt for choice to when looking for the right place to stay, from the historic plantation house brought into modern day luxury to a charming beachside boutique hotel and everything in between; there is something for everyone. I have visited over 10 times and experience something new every time!

Belize From coastal mangrove swamps to soaring mountains, Belize is a magnet for travellers wanting to experience intense adventure, unrivalled nature and one of the most extreme environments of biodiversity on the planet. Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world, after Australia, stretching the entirety of its 185 miles and the largest cave system in Central America. Bordered by Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea, in Belize you can trek through endless jungle, delve into the ancient Maya underworld of fire pits and skeletons of human sacrifice in its caves, or dive to the depths of the Great Blue Hole of Belize. Divers can also explore the Lighthouse Reef, Glover’s Reef and Turneffe Islands. Nature will also play a big part in your trip to Belize with the 570 bird species, manatees, monkeys, keel-billed toucans and blue morpho butterflies making their home in this one of a kind destination. My visit here is up there as one of the most memorable trips ever for the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.