Your best chance to bag a Caribbean bargain is to book a summer holiday. The weather is just as sunny as in the region’s traditional high season in the winter – and the beaches just as sublime – but from June to September prices can plummet 60 per cent.
‘Expect superb low-season prices and special offers,’ says Katie Hill of tour operator Tropic Breeze. ‘I love the islands when they are quieter out of high season.’
I do, too – and have been visiting the region for 36 years, calling in at 75 islands and sandbars across 28 countries and territories. I’ve also written a dozen books about my favourite place on Earth – including The Caribbean & The Bahamas guide published by Cadogan.
For couples, June and early July offer the perfect getaways.
Then, when schools break up, family offers abound. So here’s my ultimate guide to Caribbean summer savings.
You can relax on one of St Lucia’s stunning beaches… for a bargain price
FOR UNDER £1,200 A WEEK…
DOM REP DREAM: 31% OFF
Beyond the beachfront screen of palms and parasols, Royalton Punta Cana buzzes from noon into night, with its beachside deck hosting DJs and Latin-style dancing in the evenings.
Choose from the steakhouse, Italian, Asian or Mexican-fusion dining options. There’s also a gym, spa and casino.
How to do it: Seven nights from £1,176pp all-inclusive, including flights from Birmingham and transfers (tui.co.uk).
BUDGET BARBADOS: SAVE £120
Southern Palms Beach Club is a bright pink affair right by the soft sand of Dover Beach – enjoying comfortable, colourful rooms and a laidback ambiance. Explore nearby rum distilleries and secluded south-eastern beaches (Crane, Bottom Bay), before returning for complimentary afternoon tea.
Then stroll the short distance to St Lawrence Gap with its bustling restaurants, bars and clubs.
How to do it: Seven nights from £865pp room-only, including flights from Heathrow and transfers (virginatlantic.com).
ST KITTS SAVINGS: 22% OFF
Timothy Beach Resort overlooks Frigate Bay, St Kitts’ liveliest beach, where the watersports shops, bars and restaurants hum by day and kick up in the evening, with fantastic sunset views.
It’s got a great bistro serving the daily catch plus curried goat. Relax at its chilled-out Dock beach club and bar.
How to do it: Seven nights from £1,140pp room-only, with BA Gatwick flights and transfers (juststkittsnevis.co.uk).
AMAZING ANTIGUA: SAVE £100
Jolly Harbour is a lively resort on a magnificent mile of sunset-facing sand. Ranging across 40 acres of gardens, rooms overlook a huge main pool with swim-up bar.
Dine at Caribbean and international restaurants or a pizzeria. There’s a spa, gym, watersports, golf and a lively marina with more restaurants and bars nearby. Antigua’s diminutive capital St John’s is a short bus ride away.
How to do it: Seven nights from £1,003pp all-inclusive, including Gatwick flights (ba.com).
CUT-PRICE JAMAICA: £420 OFF
Negril is blessed with seven miles of glorious, baking hot sands. But it’s cooler up on its West End cliffs. Samsara on the cliffs is a secluded retreat with pools, spa and terraces by the crystalline sea. Open-air Chez Maurice serves traditional Jamaican fare.
How to do it: Seven nights from £972pp room-only, including Birmingham flights (thomascook.com).
GRENADA FOR A SONG: £255 SAVINGS
A friendly local on Grenada
Blue Horizons Garden Resort is a delightful family-friendly retreat in pretty grounds with tropical birds flitting here and there.
It’s a short walk to Grenada’s best beach, Grand Anse, with its beach bars and sailing/snorkelling operations.
Visit the colourful market in nearby St George’s and venture farther afield for rainforest zip-lining and river-tubing.
How to do it: Seven nights from £1,070pp self-catering, based on four sharing, including Virgin Atlantic Heathrow flights and transfers (justgrenada.co.uk).
FOR UNDER £1,500 A WEEK…
TEMPTING TOBAGO: 40% OFF
With coral pink hues, classical columns and arches, Coco Reef is an elegant 135-room hotel with palm tree-scattered grounds next to a beautiful beach.
It’s perfect for couples, with gentle steel bands playing at beachside Bacchanals Bistro and Tamara’s restaurant. Go snorkelling on nearby Buccoo Reef and visit the local food stalls at Store Bay for brilliant roti, ‘crab and dumpling’ and Buss Up Shut (bust up shirt), which is shredded paratha bread.
How to do it: Seven nights £1,397pp B&B, including BA Gatwick flights and transfers (kenwoodtravel.co.uk).
BARBADOS BARGAIN: £197 OFF
On A gorgeous white sand beach at Carlisle Bay near Bridgetown, Barbados’ vibrant capital, Radisson Aquatica Resort is a colourful hotel with a sea- facing infinity pool.
The main restaurant serves jerk chicken and coconut shrimps and has a pleasant, breezy terrace.
Carlisle Bay enjoys a waterpark, banana boats and catamaran trips. Or wander up to the Unesco-listed Garrison Savannah and the nearby Barbados Museum.
How to do it: Seven nights from £1,313pp room-only for a family of four, including Heathrow flights (tui.co.uk).
GO GRENADA: SEVEN NIGHTS FOR FIVE
True Blue Bay Boutique Resort is among the Caribbean’s friendliest. On an inlet on Grenada’s meandering southern coastline, its Dodgy Dock bar and dining room – offering Caribbean specialities such as callaloo, pepperpot and coconut curry – are always lively with locals and visitors.
There’s a poolside bar, spa, yoga, bakery, dive shop and entertainment most evenings.
How to do it: Seven nights from £1,295pp B&B, including Virgin Atlantic Heathrow flights and transfers (justgrenada.co.uk).
SO GOOD, ST LUCIA: 45% OFF
Family favourite: Windjammer Landing is offering 45 per cent off holidays this summer
Long a family favourite, Windjammer Landing sits in lovely Labrelotte Bay, with rooms and villas lining the hillside.
There’s a pleasant pool as well as the beach, plus a gym, spa and eight restaurants and bars (Italian, Indian, West Indian and a steakhouse). Go kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing. A day trip by boat to St Lucia’s majestic Pitons peaks is highly recommended.
How to do it: Seven nights from £1,421, including Gatwick flights and transfers (kenwood travel.co.uk).
TENNIS AND YOGA: SAVE 25%
All-inclusive Hawksbill Resort in Antigua has charm and seclusion on a mile of blinding white sand.
By day, there’s tennis, watersports (snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing), yoga and spa treatments. By night, enjoy waterfront dining, or a private dinner on the beach.
How to do it: Seven nights £1,470pp all-inclusive, including Virgin Atlantic Heathrow flights (tropicbreeze.co.uk).
ENTICING ANTIGUA: SEVEN NIGHTS FOR SIX
Fly and flop on the two beaches and central deck area of adults-only Ocean Point Resort on Antigua’s north shore.
Sottovento offers Caribbean dishes such as conch fritters and grilled fish – plus fantastic sizzling steaks.
Go swimming or snorkelling on the reefs, sailing or enjoy a sunset cruise.
How to do it: Seven nights £1,427pp all-inclusive, including flights from Heathrow (virginatlantic.com).
FOR UNDER £2,500 A WEEK…
NEVIS FOR LESS: 65% OFF ROOMS
At Montpelier Plantation Inn on the charming island of Nevis, you can immerse yourself in tropical elegance and history (Nelson was married next door).
Montpelier combines Nevisian tradition with contemporary style. Expect elegant rooms and outstanding cuisine.
Try poolside restaurant Indigo for light conch fritters or a caprese salad, while Terrace serves contemporary carpaccios and tartares. There’s a spa and good nearby hiking.
How to do it: Seven nights from £1,745pp B&B, including Gatwick flights and transfers (juststkittsnevis.co.uk).
JAMAICAN JAMBOREE: SAVE 30%
A sign on Jamaica points the way
While Hilton Rose Hall sits on the shore, with its poolside cabanas (with concierge), kids’ club, water park, spa and evening entertainment, the resort’s 400 acres stretch a long way inland.
There, you’ll find a golf course and old Rose Hall plantation with a historic haunted great house and tropical farm. Zip-lining and horse-riding can be arranged.
How to do it: Seven nights from £6,524 all-inclusive for a family of four (£1,631pp), including Heathrow flights (virginatlantic.com).
GRENADA GIFT: £1,200 OFF
Rooms at the lively Royalton Grenada hover on the hillside surrounding a secluded cove, with views across the resort’s three pools and spa. There are four restaurants (French, Indian, pizzeria and gourmet street food) and six bars – enjoy cocktails at Martini Mix, plus live evening entertainment.
Across the beautiful beach, with its watersports and fitness centre, lush green Grenada rises on the horizon.
How to do it: Seven nights from £1,639pp all-inclusive, including Virgin Atlantic Heathrow flights and transfers (tropicalsky.co.uk).
BEST OF BARBADOS: FAMILY DEAL
The vibrant teal parasols almost outshine the turquoise of the sea at The Sands, Barbados.
Around the pool deck, Caribbean fare is served at the On The Water restaurant, while evening meals are offered at the rooftop Noir eaterie.
By day, ride a horse, visit Harrison’s Cave to see stalagtites and stalagmites, and ride the narrow gauge steam train at St Nicholas Abbey.
How to do it: Seven nights from £6,165 all-inclusive for a family of three (£2,055pp), with flights, transfers and UK lounge access on departure (caribtours.co.uk).
SENSATIONAL ST LUCIA: 45% OFF
Authentic Creole charm runs through Ti Kaye, a series of red-roofed cottages ranging over the hillside above St Lucia’s calm Caribbean coast – each with a garden shower, large veranda and hammock.
Creole cuisine such as red conch chowder and almond-crusted catch is served at the main restaurant, while lighter lunches are offered by the beach.
There’s excellent snorkelling and scuba – plus a good spa.
How to do it: Seven nights from £1,645pp B&B, including BA Gatwick flights and transfers (tropicbreeze.co.uk).
THRILL OF NEGRIL: ALL-IN BARGAIN
Located on one of the best spots along the superb white sands of the seven-mile Negril Beach, Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa is all-inclusive and adults-only – enjoying spectacular sunsets.
Expect hammocks, beachside cabanas and cocktail bars.
Watersports include kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling, while on land there’s pickleball and tennis. Live music is played each evening, with a real party atmosphere.
How to do it: Seven nights all-inclusive £1,925pp, including Virgin Atlantic flights and transfers, based on July 10 departure (sandals.co.uk).
- Prices correct at time of publication.
