From the turquoise lagoons of the Dominican Republic, and the awe-inspiring bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico, to the sweet flavours of the street food cooking in Jamaica, and the vintage Cadillacs of Cuba, the Caribbean is a medley of intense natural beauty and a musical soul, which is felt around in the air of its streets. A treasure trove of 28 nations which are scattered across the water, there is a Caribbean island experience out there for every type of visitor. Whatever your interests, browse the extensive selection of accommodation options through TripAdvisor or Airbnb, before securing your dream vacation letting, on your dream island at a price that suits you.
When to visit?
Have you ever dreamed of Christmas on the beach? If so, The Caribbean is the place for you, as the most desirable time to visit the islands is in December when the sun and humidity are not as intense, but you are still almost guaranteed a dry and warm climate which is ideal for sunbathing.
How to get there?
Accessibility, flight times are prices depend on which Caribbean Island you would like to visit, but on average, flights from the UK take approximately nine to ten hours. The three biggest carriers from Britain to a range of Caribbean destinations are TUI, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, with non-stop flights leaving from London Gatwick and Manchester, while you can also reach the islands via an indirect flight from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Newcastle. Many airlines choose to stop at Miami International Airport, as the state is in close proximity to the islands, and a handful of significant destinations such as Havana and Nassau can be reached in only a one hour flight. If you would prefer. To split up your travel time, or you are already staying in this southern state, choose a holiday villa in Miami where you can indulge in the American culture and sunshine before carrying on with the short hop to the Caribbean.
Getting around The Caribbean
The proximity of the major jewels of the Caribbean mean it is ideal for island hopping; and whether you want to explore more than one destination by air or boat, it is relatively cheap and easy to step out to lands beyond your holiday accommodation. Several ferries and smaller boats travel between the countries, with some journeys taking only a few hours, meaning you could even see two destinations in one day. Cape Air, Cayman Airways, and Caribbean Airlines fly between frequently and efficiently between popular resorts in almost no time at all, for example, the. Flight duration between St Lucia and Barbados is only 40 minutes.
Where to stay
Jamaica
Jamaica is instantly recognised for its reggae, and exotic jerk cuisine, which has cooked up a storm across the globe, but there is even more to this rhythmical island than its contribution to music and food, though these are great places to start. Delve into the rich history of this beautiful island by visiting the Jamaican House Heritage Site, or the National Museum of Jamaica, which exhibits the country's past, while showcasing thecontemporary day. Yes, the beaches of Jamaica are noted as among some of the best in the world, but why not reserve a traditional holiday home or chalet in the Blue Mountains, where you can wake up in a room with a view of the captivating azure haze which lays around the mountainous peaks. After your Jamaican culture fill, return to your self-catered holiday rental via Miss T's Kitchen in Ocho Rios, where you can get indulge in authentic home-cooked flavours, and trust us when we say, you will keep coming back for more.
Cuba
Known for its rainbow-kissed architecture, photogenic Cadillacs and the iconic Cuban cigar, this island, the largest in the Caribbean, is unlike any other country in the world. Cuba is steeped in a cocktail of Spanish culture, which is evident as you walk around Old Havana, a capital which is frozen in time, and still looks the same as it did when Hemingway used to write his masterpieces in its age-old bars. Reserve a central holiday apartment rental for an even more affordable price than a hotel room, which overlooks the Plaza Vieja, Havana's town square, to wake in the beating heart of Cuba.
Dominican Republic
Famed for its endless pearly white beaches, it is impossible not to fall in love with the Dominican Republic's natural assets when you experience its gratifying beauty first hand. To fulfil your seaside dreams, look no further than a beachfront villa with a sea view from your bedroom window, where you can watch the sunrise and set across the horizon which fringes this beautiful island. There is no better place for a family holiday than in the Dominican Republic, where you can rent a holiday villa with a private pool which is alongside some of the safest shores for padding and bathing in the world.
The British Virgin Islands
A collection of islands which are a part of British overseas territory, there is a home away from home feeling in the air of the British Virgin Islands, and that is before you even get through the door to your holiday home. Made up of four major lands, among countless other smaller ones, the British Virgin Islands are the perfect place to choose a holiday villa if you crave a tropical beach escape, with an undeniable British feel. If you are into your sailing, then you are in luck, as the BVI is the most popular sailing destination in the Caribbean, most notably in the bay of Tortola, which welcomes a vast number of sailing boats to its harbour.
The Bahamas
The beautiful, bohemian Bahamas is a beryl oceanic paradise which, around its unspoilt coves and reefs, has evolved as one of the hippest destinations in the Caribbean. You may be aware that The Bahamas is not technically catetogorised as a Caribbean island, but it is an unmissable destination for beach lovers in Central America, meaning it cannot be left out from the list. If you want an exclusive property in this pure and organic paradise, reserve a luxury apartment rental in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, which epitomises the island into one vibrant coastal city. Brimming with pure white beaches, pastel colonial beaches, and surrounded by a hilly landscape, this island is a melting pot of elegant fashion, food, and even more exceptional scenery.
Puerto Rico
Though small in size, Puerto Rico is bursting with some of the richest natural spectacles on the planet, with the El Yunque National Rainforest, the striking Cerro de Punta mountain, and the Bioluminescent Laguna Grande and La Parguera and Mosquito Bay, which is three of just five bioluminescent bays on the planet. Tens of thousands of bioluminescent dinoflagellates, which are half plant and half animal, congregate in each gallon of the water, leaving a mystical blue glow which is an extraordinary and consequently unmissable thing to witness when holidaying in Puerto Rico. You can jump aboard an organised tour, or arrange to see the bioluminescent water yourself, so however you get to one of these bays, just make sure you do get there!
Food and culture tips in The Caribbean
With influences and recipes from across Europe, India and China, The Caribbean is a hive of the finest global flavours, while adding in its twist for good measure. Using the Caribbean's natural resources, locals and chefs alike use beans, rice, chickpeas, sweet potatoes and coconuts as a base in its food, with each island serving up their individual takes on classic Caribbean cuisine. Perhaps the best-known country for its tasty flavours is Jamaica, which is elevated jerk chicken and pork to worldwide fame, so hit up one of the many sea-front restaurants and experience the home-cooked greatness of The Caribbean for yourself. Though many languages are spoken across the Caribbean islands, English is commonly spoken and understood, whichever land you choose to holiday in.
When to visit?
Have you ever dreamed of Christmas on the beach? If so, The Caribbean is the place for you, as the most desirable time to visit the islands is in December when the sun and humidity are not as intense, but you are still almost guaranteed a dry and warm climate which is ideal for sunbathing.