TAKE 2
CARIBBEAN ISLANDS
f
Look to the Caribbean’s lesser-known islands for an authentic stay with fewer visitors, says Lina Molloholli
rom the rhythms of reggae in Jamaica to rainforested reserves in Saint Lucia, the
Caribbean promises an escape where time slows down, fusing palm-fringed beaches with green landscapes and exceptional food with a diverse mix of cultures. But while it’s a hotspot for holidaying, only a fraction of the Caribbean’s 7,000 islands garner the spotlight; for example, seven million visitors flocked to the Dominican Republic in 2022, according to the country’s ministry of tourism, while just 549,000
travelweekly.co.uk
visited the Turks and Caicos Islands that same year, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organisation. Go a little off the beaten track and you’ll be rewarded with the same brilliant beaches, without the crowds, untouched coral reefs and a chance to dive into island culture. So what can you sell to clients
in search of somewhere different? Whether they’re a second-time visitor looking for something new, or they simply want somewhere quieter, we’ve highlighted three lesser-visited Caribbean destinations to put on your clients’ radar.
7 SEPTEMBER 2023
DESTINATIONS LESSER-VISITED ISLANDS | CARIBBEAN
LIKE THIS? THE BAHAMAS
For rich history, picturesque beaches and a portfolio of dynamic resorts, many clients look to the Bahamas. Pastel-hued buildings, colonial architecture and vibrant markets abound in Nassau, while Cable Beach is a true stretch of paradise. Junkanoo Beach offers a livelier, more local atmosphere, while a short boat trip from Nassau is Blue Lagoon Island, a private island known for its dolphin encounters.
TURKS AND CAICOS
The arrival of direct, non-stop flights with Virgin Atlantic to Providenciales in November is likely to draw more attention to this archipelago to the southeast of the Bahamas, offering visitors a laid-back, authentic Caribbean escape with plenty of action. At Grace Bay Beach, there’s kayaking and paddleboarding, while adventure-seekers will find solace underwater at Columbus Landfall National Park, where wall diving sites, vibrant coral formations and abundant marine life draw snorkellers and divers. Beyond the beaches, visitors can explore attractions ranging
from the mesmerising limestone cliffs and labyrinthine caves of Middle Caicos – the archipelago’s largest island – to the historic Cheshire Hall Plantation on Providenciales. The protected wetlands of Princess Alexandra National Park meanwhile offer opportunities to spot native wildlife and bird species.
BOOK IT: Caribtours offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast at Grace Bay Club, from £2,925, based on two sharing a
Junior Suite, including flights and private transfers.
caribtours.co.uk
TRY THIS
² 51
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
