DESTINATIONS ISLANDS GUIDE | CARIBBEAN


t travelweekly.co.uk


he islands of the West Indies spread out like stepping stones between North and South America. They gather in groups that have complementary and contrasting characteristics, and


with the right know-how, you can create clients a perfect cocktail of flavours. Here’s our guide to the whens, wheres and hows of island-hopping holidays.


THE GREATER ANTILLES Location, location: Cast your eye south of the Florida Keys and you’ll see the Greater Antilles. It’s the island chain that kicks off the Caribbean, and as its name suggests, it includes the four biggest islands in the region. Which islands? Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (the landmass that Haiti and the Dominican Republic share) and Puerto Rico, plus their smaller neighbours, the Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos. What’s the vibe? Size does matter, and as well as incredible beaches, the larger islands offer a variety of terrains, from wetlands to alpine, plus charismatic cities. Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico share a Latin vibe and Spanish is the predominant language, while English is spoken in Jamaica, Turks and Caicos and the Cayman Islands, which have more of an affinity with Britishness. The Caymans’ pristine waters offer some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the region, while the multiple islands of Turks and Caicos deliver bucketloads of seaside charm. Getting out and about: This bunch is mainly a direct flight away from the UK. British Airways serves the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and the Caymans non-stop, Turks and Caicos via Antigua, and Puerto Rico with a pit-stop stateside. For Cuba, Virgin Atlantic flies direct. InterCaribbean Airways, based in Turks, offers flights between its hub and Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Cuba. From Jamaica, the Caymans are less than an hour’s flight with Cayman Airways, and it’ll take just over an hour to reach Cuba with Cubajet.


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ptherapy


Do you know your Windwards from your Leewards, your Lesser from your Greater Antilles? Jo Cooke gets back to basics with a beginners’ guide to the Caribbean


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