There are some bargain sunshine breaks to be found across the Caribbean for those looking for a late summer holiday
If clients didn’t get to utter the words “we’re all goin’ on a summer holiday” this year, all is not lost, with Caribbean resorts offering some impressive late deals for September and October. And with the likes of Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada and more all on the green list, clients don’t necessarily need to be double-jabbed to get their slice of paradise. We’ve scouted out some of the best bargains to be had right now across both green and amber list islands for those in serious need of some late-season sun – rum punch on the beach, anyone?
Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica
For families and couples who want a real bargain, Tui points to this four-star, beachside all-inclusive in Runaway Bay, Jamaica, which boasts three outdoor pools set in tropical gardens alongside a kids’ pool, splash park, tennis courts, spa and five restaurants (spanning Japanese, Italian, gourmet dining and beyond). Activities range from Padi diving courses to sailing lessons, volleyball to dance classes, while a kids’ club, disco and live nightly shows ensure there’s never a dull moment.
Book it: Tui is offering seven nights’ all-inclusive from £879, including transfers and flights from Manchester on September 5.
tui.co.uk
The Harbour Club, Saint Lucia
The emphasis is on the experience at this new, 115-room Hilton’s Curio Collection property, which is currently offering a free seventh night alongside a 25% discount on room rates and up to 20% off the all-inclusive supplement. Set by the harbour in Saint Lucia’s Rodney Bay, it offers various activities across the island as well as five dining venues, four full-sized pools, a spa, gym and more, with shops, restaurants and bars a short stroll away, and the secluded Reduit Beach accessible by ferry from the marina.
Book it: Travelpack offers 10 nights’ all-inclusive from £1,649, based on two sharing an Island View room with resort transfers and British Airways flights, departing September 26.
agents.travelpack.co.uk
Pineapple Beach Club, Antigua
Direct couples and groups looking for an adult-only retreat to this laid-back four-star on Antigua’s east coast, suggests Gold Medal. Located on a secluded white-sand beach overlooking Long Bay, it’s set among 30 acres of gardens and is home to three pools, five restaurants (including buffet and à la carte) and several bars, with all dining, drinks, entertainment and activities included.
“After a day of snorkelling, sailing and windsurfing from the beach, guests can enjoy a refreshing drink before checking out live bands in the nightly entertainment programme,” says Mark Henderson, head of product (west). “It’s the perfect setting for a wedding or honeymoon.”
Book it: Gold Medal offers 14 nights’ all-inclusive from £1,879, including flights and transfers, departing September 12.
goldmedal.co.uk
O2 Beach Club & Spa, Barbados
Kuoni highlights this new, upscale five-star hotel, which opened in June, for couples seeking a trendy stay. It boasts 130 rooms, suites and residences set on a powder-white beach, with four à la carte restaurants, a cocktail bar and watersports all included in the price.
There’s also a free shuttle to sister property Sea Breeze Beach House – which adds more included dining into the mix – while those willing to fork out extra can enjoy spa treatments overlooking the ocean and island experiences ranging from jeep safaris to horse riding, catamaran cruises to deep-sea fishing.
Book it: Kuoni is offering savings of up to 50%, with a week’s all-inclusive starting at £2,149 for selected departures in October, including British Airways flights from Heathrow.
kuoni.co.uk
BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia
The recently-renovated BodyHoliday is offering some impressively low prices for the coming weeks, with September heralding the return of its popular Solos month.
Guests are given a personalised schedule of daily spa treatments, fitness classes and activities – from ziplining to sports tournaments, yoga to sailing and scuba diving, all included in the price – with hosted dinners, cocktail parties and sunset cruises thrown in for travellers wanting to meet other like-minded souls.
But September isn’t only for solo travellers, says Jenny Peart, product manager for Caribtours. “It’s also a perfect month for groups of friends or even mothers and daughters travelling together, and it makes for a lovely late getaway,” she says.
Book it: Seven nights’ all-inclusive in a Garden View room costs from £2,599, including flights and a Caribtours discount, for travel until October 2.
caribtours.co.uk
Sandy Lane, Barbados
For those wanting to push the boat out, Elegant Resorts recommends Sandy Lane, home to three golf courses, a pool and spa once voted the best in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure. It’s a hotspot for families as well as couples, with a kids’ club, watersports and other activities, plus accommodation ranging from rooms and suites to standalone villas.
“With its outstanding service, world-class food and famous Sunday Brunch, this is a real island institution,” says Caroline Waters, product and commercial executive for the operator.
Book it: Elegant Resorts is offering 10 nights from £4,715, including two rounds of golf or two 60-minute massages, daily breakfast, candlelit dinner for two and lunch for two with flights, valid from September 1 to October 4.
elegantresorts.co.uk
Latest news
Virgin Atlantic is adding to its Caribbean route network with new flights from Edinburgh to Barbados (starting December 5), Heathrow to Saint Lucia (December 18) and Manchester to Montego Bay (November 6). These are in addition to recently announced routes to St Vincent and the Grenadines (October 13) and the Bahamas (November 20).
virginatlantic.com
Sandals Royal Curacao is due to open on April 14 with 351 rooms and suites, including bungalows with private pools and butler service, marking the brand’s first foray into this Dutch-speaking isle.
sellingsandals.co.uk
AMResorts’ wellness-focused Zoëtry brand is taking over two existing properties: Casa Del Mar in Los Cabos, Mexico, opening in November with 60 beachfront suites; and Marigot Bay, Saint Lucia, featuring 124 rooms and suites.
zoetryresorts.com
PICTURE: Cezare White Photography
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