Have you ever heard people saying that they're planning on taking a holiday in the Caribbean, but then unsure as to where in the region they're going? It's a common dilemma - the Caribbean is a great draw to tourists, with its 10 hours a day of sunshine and pristine beaches, but actually picking which island is right for you can be tricky. It would take more space than I have here to write a guide to each of the islands, so I've decided to list a handful of family Caribbean holiday suggestions to give you an idea of what to expect from this beautiful and relaxed area of the globe:
Barbados Sports Camp
If you're planning on taking a family Caribbean holiday in August, then the free Barbados Sports Camp is a must for your children - allowing you to enjoy the sun and the sand in peace! Families may book up to four children between the ages of 9 and 17 for 1 to 5 days at the camp, where up to 100 children can get tuition from former professional players of Netball, Football and Cricket. Dividing the kids up by age group, and with the emphasis placed squarely on fun, this year's coaches included Alan Hanson, Mark Bright, David Seaman, Sir Geoff Hurst, Mike Gatting, Olivia Murphy and Fiona Murtagh. With that pedigree of coaching it's sure to not only be fun, but educational as well!
Explore Revolutionary Havana
The infamous Cuban revolution is still felt in every aspect of Cuba, from the attitude of the locals, to the propaganda and the statues. No more is this felt than in Havana, where Castro delivered many a memorable (if very long!) speech, and where there's a monument to the failed revolutionary hero of the 19th century - Jose Marti. The Plaza de la Revolution is the place to go to get a feel for the vibe, where the iconic picture of Che Guevara is a truly imposing presence. Aside from that, the various museums of the city have all kinds of artefacts and items pertaining for the time, allowing even non-islanders to get into the revolutionary spirit on a Caribbean holiday!
Stay in an Antigua Spa Hotel
Antigua has some of the best spa hotels in the world, so if decadent relaxation is something you look for from a Caribbean holiday, then look no further. Amongst the more memorable options are being worked on by two therapists with a 'Synchronised Massage' at Carlisle Bay, or enjoying a Caviar and Pearl Facial at The Verandah Resort & Spa. The perfect way to unwind after a 'hard' day at the beach!
See the Grizzly Side of Jamaican History
Jamaica is widely known as a land of sand, sea and good times. However, if you want to see the grizzly side of the island's history, not only can you visit the site of the last pirate execution, you can also dare to take the tour of Rose Hall - the former home of the infamous Annie Palmer. Immortalised by the late Johnnie Cash in song form, the legend of her life is different from every source, but the general gist involves a background in Voodoo, the murder of 3 husbands and relationships followed by the murder of many of the slaves on the building's plantation. She was then herself murdered as an act of revenge. The reason why the house is still a highlight for luxury Caribbean holiday makers? Because many visitors report that the building is haunted by her from beyond the grave, despite the tomb she's buried in being designed to keep her there for ever. Visitors report voices, bloodstains, footsteps, music and babies crying upon visiting the house, and many more see things in the photographs that they don't recall seeing at the time!
Go Diving with Sharks in the Bahamas
In 1877, Mark Twain commented "You go to heaven if you want, I'd rather stay here" in his first visit to the Bahamas. It certainly is that beautiful, and the experience is no less pleasant over 100 years later! If you want something a little more challenging, then Shark Diving is something that many will see as closer to Hell than Heaven Still for those who can stomach it and aren't put off by the warning instructions ("never move your arms away from your body!"), there's some fantastic photo opportunities, and of course a memory and anecdote that will last long after your Caribbean holiday is over!
Of course, in addition to this there is plenty of cross over - all the islands have splendid beaches, all of them offer conditions ideal for scuba diving and all of them have their fair share of nightlife for the visitors. Whatever you're looking for, you're sure to find it on a family Caribbean holiday - whichever island you end up visiting.