Caribbean and Indian Ocean
Barbados »
One of Britain's favourite Caribbean islands, a laid-back destination combining pristine beaches, crystal clear water and vibrant flora with great music, delicious food
and a strong sense of history and culture. The dramatic differences between the East and West coast can not be missed. The East (Atlantic side) coast is less developed
and ruggedly beautiful. The West (Caribbean side) coast has more hotels, but the coastline remains elegant and attractive. The calm, clear and warm Caribbean waters teem
with colourful fish swimming in vibrant coral reefs. With the island's excellent infrastructure, visitors can expect an abundance of exceptional restaurants, golf courses
and other amenities. In addition, there are plantations to visit, rum bars to track down, and glorious beaches to gaze upon.
St Lucia »
St Lucia lives up to the stereotype of the Caribbean paradise. It is a wildly beautiful island dominated by The Pitons - twin peaks which loom over a dramatic landscape of
volcanic sands and coral reefs. While visitor numbers are booming, bananas are still bigger business than tourism, and the island retains its wonderfully seductive, low-key
feel. There are miles of quiet unspoilt sandy beaches and lush rainforests to explore, as well as Marigot Bay and quirky villages such as Anse La Raye, with its weekly fish
fry and picturesque houses set at the water's edge. Any visitor to St Lucia will be able to relax and enjoy the islanders' leisurely lifestyle.
Antigua »
With warm steady winds, a protective coral reef, and safe harbours, Antigua was a welcome base for Horatio Nelson's Naval fleet, and now 200 years on it's the same
characteristic's that make Antigua the perfect Caribbean holiday destination. Offering a phenomenal 365 white sand beaches, you are sure to find one perfect for you -
whether it's your own romantic paradise to laze the days away on, or a haven of activity and water sports. If you have the energy to leave the beaches Antigua offers a
wealth of colonial history, from Nelson's dockyard in the English Harbour to the crumbling brick sugar mills (built by sweet-toothed Brits in the past centuries) that
dot the landscape of this stunning island. For those of you with a rebellious, adventurous streak, you will be able to indulge in the mystery and intrigue of the pirates
that used to store their loot in the many coves and caves of the Antiguan coastline.
Cuba »
As tourism begins to take off, visitors are recognising that Cuba offers more than just a quirky sense of the past. In fact, it provides all the elements you might expect of
a Caribbean holiday, from pristine beaches to wild stands of jungle. Havana is located on the waterfront and is the largest city in the Caribbean. Enjoying an urban
rollercoaster of history, the city is packed with cultural and social experiences to explore and enjoy. Varadero on the other hand is Cuba's premier beach resort. Bordered by
the bright blue seas of the Atlantic Ocean and warmed by the tropical climate, Varadero and its beaches are truly a sight to behold. While Cuba still remains Castro's, be
sure to discover the fascinating history and take time to experience this unique country.
Jamaica »
Since Christopher Columbus first set foot on Jamaica in 1494, people have visited and revisited the island. Sometimes for its natural resources, sometimes for its human
resources (the slave era still weighs heavily on the national psyche), and sometimes, as today, for a slice of its beauty and sheer exuberance. After all Jamaica's wonderful
beaches are the birthplace of the all-inclusive holiday resort. Modern Jamaica is a feisty, colourful place personified in the spirit of its vibrant capital, Kingston
(inspiration of Bob Marley et al). It is also home to some stunning scenery - a landscape dissected by more than 120 rivers - are a joy to explore.
Bahamas »
Think Bahamas, and carefree images come straight to mind. Hammocks, cocktails, casinos and cruise boats. But there are more than 700 islands in the Bahamian archipelago and
such stereotypes do not always hit the mark. The Bahamas and its out islands, have a vibrant mix of flavours with diverse appeal. If you want fast and furious fun, with plenty
of family attractions and facilities, then Nassau and Paradise Island are hard to beat - the water sports are unrivalled. But for every contemporary hotel there is a secluded
cove and an untouched fishing village, waiting to be explored. With shopping in the lively straw market, golfing on world-class courses, diving amidst shipwrecks and coral
reefs, the Bahamas is not lacking in things to do.
Tobago »
Tobago is one of the least explored and most uncontrived of the Caribbean islands. Situated on the southern tip of the Caribbean archipelago, not far off the South American
mainland, Tobago is often acknowledged as the region's top dive destination. The island's offshore reefs boast the largest brain coral in the world and are a favourite haunt
of manta rays and marine turtles. Meanwhile, Tobago's interior is home to the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere. Quiet sister to Trinidad, this famously
laid-back island is the ideal place to 'get away from it all'.
Grenada »
'The Spice Island', as Grenada is known, is one of the highlights of the Caribbean. The hidden coves offer wonderful seclusion, the pleasing waft of nutmeg hangs in the air,
rainforests spill down a volcanic interior and Old French forts overlook the pastel shades of the lively capital, St George's - itself set in a stunning bay above the crater
of an extinct volcano. All in all, this unspoilt island sums up the languid charm of the Caribbean.
Turks and Caicos »
Less well known than other areas of the Caribbean, the Turks & Caicos Islands are one of the friendliest and most welcoming places in the Caribbean. Consisting of over 40 islands,
this destination has many perfect beaches and an amazing array of marine life waiting to be discovered in some of the best diving waters in the Caribbean. Often overlooked the
beautiful and rustic Islands are increasingly coming out of their shell, making the transformation from the 'forgotten Islands' to 'the new Bahamas'. With clear waters,
a varied marine life including loggerhead and hawksbill turtles, the Turks & Caicos Islands are a fantastic place to learn to dive.
Mauritius »
Mauritius is all about setting: an Indian Ocean paradise with tumbling rainforest and soft white beaches protected by a virtually unbroken coral reef. It is also a surprisingly
cultured place. From the 16th century, the island served as a vital landfall for traders and its influences include Europe, Africa, China and India. The result being a patchwork
cultural landscape, plus a smorgasbord of cuisines to indulge in. Track down temples, mosques and markets or enjoy some wonderful diving and jungle trekking. Better still, settle
back into the comfort of some of the world's finest resort hotels.
Seychelles »
There's no denying the Seychelles is a true tropical paradise. Of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles only a handful of the islands are inhabited, making this destination
exceptionally unique. The exotic and enchanting islands are thriving in lush tropical gardens, coral and granite boulders each with their own element of natural beauty from gazing
at the magnificent sunsets to discovering giant tortoises. The unspoilt islands boast picture perfect white sand beaches fringed by tamaka trees and endemic species. The mild
natured Seychellois seems to know they are blessed and are dedicated to preserving this unique environment. They are deeply proud of their islands and happy to share in their
little slice of paradise.
Maldives »
The Maldives have set many firsts when it comes to the concept of the dream holiday. Back in the 1970's the term 'Robinson Crusoe Tourism' was coined here while in recent years
this idea has been repackaged as 'Barefoot Tourism'. Visitors surrender their shoes the moment they arrive and settle into a little piece of Eden - the mirage-like lagoons, the
dazzling beaches, the pampering and the last word in luxury facilities. All of the resorts lay claim to their own islands, which are tiny jewels set in a halo of bright coral
and boast some of the world's finest dive sites.
India »
India offers a magical kaleidoscope of colourful landscapes, majestic cities and a rich tapestry of cultures. Falling down into the balmy Indian Ocean, the diamond shaped gem of
India is a beguiling country that captivates your senses - from spirited, multi-coloured cities filled with the fragrance of exotic spices to the cool mountain air that spills
down from the snow-topped Himalayas. Whether you visit the exotic cities with centuries old temples and bustling bazaars, go on a tiger spotting jungle expedition or simply unwind
on the porcelain-white beaches - this intoxicating land goes beyond your expectations.
Sri Lanka »
Poised at the tip of the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka makes an ideal destination for those who want a little more than just sun and sand (although the island is blessed with
these in abundance). Inland, sacred cities and giant statues of Buddha vie for attention with beautiful tea plantations and elephant sanctuaries. In the so-called Cultural
Triangle, there are cities dating back more than two millennia, while the fortress of Sigiriya has been declared the Eighth Wonder of the World. In case you need any more
persuading, Sri Lankan food alone is reason enough to visit.
