What’s new for 2026
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ritish holidaymakers can’t get enough of the Caribbean, judging by the escalating interest from operators. “Each island has its own personality and something special to
offer,” says Jim Robertson, senior regional manager for long-haul beach product at Kuoni, which recently added St Kitts and Nevis and Turks and Caicos to its portfolio of island escapes. Meanwhile, Marella Cruises has introduced itineraries sailing
from Barbados this winter and Virgin Atlantic is enhancing inter-island connectivity by partnering with local carriers InterCaribbean Airways and Caribbean Airlines.
Sunshine, warmth, white-sand beaches and bewitching turquoise seas
are the classic lures of the Caribbean, closely followed by exuberant scenery, spicy cuisine and a stellar soundtrack. While some clients like to explore new places, others are serial repeaters who check in to the same resort – and often the same room – year after year. But even customers who like to stay somewhere familiar will find something new in their destination, as 2026 is shaping up to be a bumper 12 months for Caribbean openings. Here are just three islands with even more to offer this year.
5 FEBRUARY 2026
Antigua
Easy to reach, with plentiful beaches and an abundance of all-inclusive resorts, Antigua is in a buoyant mood. Expect the island to be busy this year as it hosts the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in May – the regional equivalent of World Travel Market – followed by the vivid Antigua Carnival (July 25-August 4). “Last year, UK arrivals rose by 5% and the average length of stay was 12 days,” reports Colin James, chief executive of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. British Airways is offering more seats to the island on its daily flights from Gatwick. A new cruise terminal
is also taking shape, having opened its first phase in January, with more shops, restaurants and a day club to be added by July. The facility is expected to help the island break cruise records, with more than a million passengers forecast to pass through Antigua this year. The focus is firmly on the mid to upper end of the market, a step up reflected in a wave of new-look resorts. On the south coast, Carlisle Bay has refreshed 48 of its suites with minimalist interiors in classy natural tones, and will renovate the rest of the rooms and public areas by 2027. A strong selling point of Carlisle Bay is the numerous
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