SPECIAL EDITION
New and improved
E Beaches Turks & Caicos is adding a new area, Treasure Beach Village, for spring 2026, featuring 101 new rooms, a 1,400sq m pool,
food hall and 32-seat cinema. E Adult-only Royalton Chic Barbados is set to open in spring 2026, with 220 suites, nine
M is for Music The release of Bob Marley: One Love last year put
K is for Kayaking One of the best ways to explore the region’s
marine ecosystems is by kayak, from beginner-friendly excursions to spot turtles or rays in shallow, sun-warmed waters, up to more challenging multi-day routes that will put clients’ muscles to the test. At the gentler end, the Turks & Caicos islands’ Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve is home to red and black mangroves where eagle-eyed kayakers might see turtles or lemon sharks weaving their way through the water, plus endangered rock iguanas on Little Water Cay (four hours, from $259 with Island Routes). Or clients can get a new perspective on the impressive rock formations of The Baths and Devil’s Bay in Virgin Gorda when viewed from the water. If experienced kayakers are up for a bigger adventure, look to Exuma Cays in the Bahamas – they can paddle from one tiny, uninhabited cay to another, exploring tucked- away caves, blue holes and deserted beaches.
Nine Mile, the village where the world’s most famous reggae star was born and laid to rest, on the map. The film gave culture-focused tours in Jamaica a boost, according to Travelpack, while Tui Musement says Nine Mile is one of its most popular places in Jamaica – paired with Dunn’s River Falls for a full-day tour, costing £110. Other spots such as the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, where Audley Travel has a private tour as part of its relaunched Jamaica programme, also draw visitors keen to explore his life and legacy. Reggae isn’t the Caribbean’s only musical tradition
– from salsa in Cuba (pictured) and merengue in the Dominican Republic, to reggaeton in Puerto Rico and soca and calypso in Trinidad, this region pulses with rhythm. One of the best spots to soak up the sounds along with an incredible sunset view is at Shirley Heights Lookout in Antigua, where visitors will find reggae every Thursday and local steel pan bands at its famous Sunday Night Party, making it one of Azure’s bestselling experiences. Claire Metharam, head of product, says:
“For those seeking connection and authenticity, Caribbean hospitality and the rhythm of local life create unforgettable memories. The hilltop party at Shirley Heights delivers panoramic views, live music and sunset vibes that are pure Caribbean magic.”
L is for Lakes The Caribbean Sea is an enticing shade of blue, but clients can also find impressive
pools of water inland. The Dominican Republic’s Lake Enriquillo (pictured) – the driest and lowest place in the Caribbean at 40 metres below sea level – is a habitat for two types of endangered iguana, an endemic snake and bright pink American flamingos. Dominica, meanwhile, has the steaming Boiling Lake. This Unesco World Heritage Site is a flooded fumarole and the world’s second-largest hot lake; to reach it, clients will need to hike eight miles through wild rainforest and desolate volcanic valleys, making it a worthy reward for their exertions. For a more relaxed day out, the Great Salt Pond in St Kitts makes for an interesting
excursion. In the past, the lake’s high salinity gave rise to a successful salt industry, but its location far away from major towns also meant smugglers used it as a hideout.
restaurants and three bars. E The 25-room Nobu Beach Inn in Barbuda is due to open in November 2026, with direct
access to Princess Diana Beach. E Four Seasons is opening two Caribbean properties next year: Tropicalia in the Dominican Republic
and Caye Chapel in Belize. E Marriott has been renovating its seven properties in Barbados, with Tamarind reopening as an Autograph Collection hotel in October and Crystal Cove and Turtle Beach relaunching as Tribute Portfolio,
All-Inclusive Resorts in February. E Windjammer Landing in Saint Lucia has opened a Presidential Manor – the resort’s largest villa
spanning 4,200sq m. E Caribtours has expanded its Barbados programme to its biggest ever for 2026, along with an expanded Mexico portfolio making use of new flights with Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow and Aer
Lingus from Manchester. E Classic Collection has added the Bahamas, Tobago, Grenada and Jamaica to its Caribbean programme, including family-run and boutique hotels, and has introduced excursions focusing on
sustainable experiences. E Audley Travel has restarted trips to Jamaica, with luxurious itineraries including stays at Jamaica Inn or GoldenEye in Ocho Rios and Round Hill or
Half Moon in Montego Bay. E Tui is adding extra capacity on flights to Jamaica and its Gatwick to La Romana (Dominican Republic) route, which launched last year and is returning for winter 2025-26.
42 28 AUGUST 2025
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