Caribbean holidays are about escaping the everyday and embracing the joy of life.

The paradise destinations located across this exotic region are all blessed with outstanding natural beauty, sunshine on tap and some of the very best beaches in the world. Precious moments of relaxation can be expected in every single one, while you’ll have the chance to discover epic landmarks, awe-inspiring activities, authentic delicacies and an abundance of culture. Family holidays in the Caribbean promise memories that will last forever, while a honeymoon escape will make your dreams come true. Action-packed escapades and lively nightlife also await if you’re craving adventure and excitement with friends. From the soft, white sands of Barbados to the reggae beats of Jamaica, the Caribbean delivers sights, sounds and scents that will intoxicate the senses and captivate the spirit. To help you make the most of your getaway, here are 5 must dos for a truly magical summer holiday in the Caribbean.

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Hit the beach

If you’re heading to the Caribbean for your summer holiday there’s a fair chance you’ll be spending a lot of time on the beach. The soft, white sandy expanses, pretty palm-fringed coves and breathtakingly beautiful bays are famous throughout the world and perfect spots for relaxing in the sun, fun and games with family or unbelievable water sports action. Anse Chastanet, Vigie Beach and Anse Cochon are well worth seeking out in Saint Lucia, while Crane Beach, Carlisle Beach, Bottom Bay Beach and Dover Beach are among the best Barbados has to offer. Prepare to be wowed by the colour of Pink Sands Beach during your getaway in the Bahamas, or escape to Jamaica to find a spot to yourself on the immaculate Seven Mile Beach. Bavaro Beach in the Dominican Republic and Dickenson Bay, on the shores of Antigua are other superb sports, while Playa Langosta is ideal for families enjoying holidays in Cancun.

Join the party

From reggae rhythms and world-famous nightspots to exuberant festivals and colourful carnivals, the residents of the Caribbean sure know how to have fun. If you’re seeking a holiday where you can party in paradise there are plenty of destinations to choose from across this intoxicating region. For legendary nightlife, Cancun might be the place for you, with iconic Coco Bongos a mecca for revellers seeking the ultimate night out. Barbados is another option, with St Lawrence Gap, in Christ Church, brimming with lively nightlife and offerings pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants. Maybe plan your visit to coincide with the Crop Over Festival, in July and August, which features a packed calendar of daytime and evening entertainment. Other nightspots include Punta Cana, Playa Dorada or La Romana, in the Dominican Republic, English Harbour, in Antigua and Rodney Bay, in Saint Lucia, or you could holiday in Jamaica during the summer carnival or Ocho Rios Jazz Festival.

Savour the flavours

Whatever you do during your holiday in the Caribbean, make sure you discover the local dishes and delicacies. Fusing together West African, European, Cajun, South Asian, Latin American and Middle Eastern flavours, the exotic culinary creations to be discovered will tantalise your taste buds and leave you hungry for more. You’ll be wowed by spicy jerk meats, traditional stews and mouth-watering curries. Fresh seafood is a menu mainstay, and even takes centre stage at weekly food festivities such as the legendary Oistins Fish Fry, in Barbados, and Seafood Fridays, at Nelson’s Dockyard, for those on holiday in Antigua. Seek out curried goat, Jamaican patties and Blue Mountain Coffee in Jamaica, or green figs and saltfish, macaroni pie and Johnnycakes if you’re visiting Saint Lucia. Other Caribbean dishes to enjoy include rice and peas with chicken, pineapple chow and spiced plantains. The region is also famous for its rum, and it would be rude not to give it a try.

Seek out adventure

Wherever your Caribbean holiday takes you, you’ll find a myriad of unmissable things to do on land, in the air and on water. Enjoy ziplining, off-road safaris, paragliding, rock climbing and wind surfing during holidays in the Dominican Republic, while turtles, stingrays and more greet you as you snorkel at Tobago Cays Marine Park in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Jamaica offers catamaran cruises, whale and dolphin-watching trips, rafting, horseback rides and the chance to climb the famous Dunn’s River Falls. You can discover ancient Mayan ruins on Mexico’s Riviera Maya or scuba dive amidst eerie shipwrecks off the shores of Barbados, where you can also enjoy water sports such as jet skiing, bodyboarding and parasailing. Saint Lucia is another superb spot for underwater exploration, while those really up for an adventure, could take on the Three Peaks Challenge, scaling Mount Gimie and the iconic twin volcanic spires of Gros Piton and Petit Piton.

Soak up the beauty

With the sun in the sky and chilled drinks on tap, you might be tempted to spend the whole of your Caribbean holiday lazying on the beach or relaxing by the pool. However, with jaw-dropping beauty at every turn, that would be a mistake. You would miss the chance to watch the sun set from Treasure Beach, in Jamaica, or explore botanical gardens and lush jungles. For those enjoying holidays in Barbados, Harrison's Cave is where you’ll find a subterranean playground of stalactites and stalagmites, while Saint Lucia delivers not just the breathtaking Piton mountains, but also rainforests and waterfalls. Other wonders include the Blue Holes National Park, in the Bahamas, the Dark View Waterfall, in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve, in the Dominican Republic. The Caribbean is also alive with wildlife, from flying squirrels, spider monkeys and iguanas on land, to humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins and stingrays in the sea.

“The Caribbean is a truly phenomenal region with so many epic destinations, all of which deliver tropical wonder by the bucket load and sights and experiences that are absolutely unmissable.

“While relaxing and recuperating may be your priorities, you do not want to miss out discovering the stunning tropical beauty, exhilarating activities, mouthwatering food and immaculate beaches that this scintillating part of the world is famous for.

“You’ll be wowed by nature and treated to a whirlwind of fun, flavour, excitement and energy.

“With so many unbelievable things to do with family, friends, as a couple or solo, you’ll be glad you made the effort.

“You’re also sure to still have plenty of time to kick back in the invigorating Caribbean sun and enjoy the pleasures of paradise without a single care in the world.”

Sugar Bay Barbados

Traditional Caribbean island life awaits at the laidback Sugar Bay Barbados. Grab a sunlounger and relax poolside, with bars, restaurants and snack shacks open for you to indulge in whenever you want, or head to the adjacent beach for a day of sun and sand. Kids and teens will find fun in their own clubs, where the entertainment is tailored especially for them, while adults can feel revitalised in the spa.

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Cobblers Cove, Barbados

Greenery surrounds this picturesque 5-star resort, transporting you to a place of true tranquility and natural beauty. Cobblers Cove is a slice of paradise waiting to be discovered. With Colonial charm and modern amenities, you'll have everything you could want and more. The nearby beach is the perfect spot for water sports, while those seeking a wellness holiday will love the spa and gym. Delicious fare can be enjoyed in the Camelot Restaurant that provides outdoor seating for unforgettable evenings.

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Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences, Saint Lucia

Nestled at the foot of a tropical cliffface, the Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences offers holidaymakers the chance to relax in postcard-perfect scenery and glorious sunshine on the coast of the divine Caribbean destination, Saint Lucia. Look forward to swimming in a sparkling pool, melting away in the outdoor jacuzzi and soaking up the sun on the private beachfront. Indulge in an array of exceptional cuisines, including traditional Caribbean, Italian and American, as well as fresh seafood.

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Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Complete luxury is available at the 5-star Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where you’ll not only find spellbinding scenery, but multiple beaches to choose from. Get active with some water sports, like snorkelling, scuba diving, paddleboarding and kayaking, to get a real look at the Caribbean’s diverse marine life and coral reefs. Lounging by the pool has never been more tempting, with swim-up bars and snack shacks making sure you’re satisfied throughout the day.

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