Anguilla is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, from long stretches of white sand to picture perfect crescent bays and secluded coves. The island is also a fantastic choice for those looking for a gastronomic getaway, with exceptional cuisine served across the island in tiny beach bars as well as exclusive restaurants. It has been a while since any of the Tropic Breeze team have visited Anguilla, so in November 2023 Jo went out to re-discover this unique Caribbean destination.
Are you looking to experience some of the most vibrant marine life the Maldives has to offer? Our travel specialists have snorkelled and dived extensively in the Maldives so that we can offer our clients honest recommendations based on our personal experience. With so many resorts in the Maldives to choose from, here is a small selection of resorts we feel stand out because of their excellent house reef.
Travel Specialists Jessie and Kate have recently been on an island hopping trip that took them to Barbados and The Grenadines. It is easy to combine these two contrasting Caribbean destinations, allowing visitors to experience both the lively atmosphere of Barbados and the slow pace of life in the Grenadines. Once in The Grenadines, those wanting to experience more than one island can make use of an excellent local ferry service to explore further. We’ll hand you over to Kate to share the highlights of their trip and the hotels they visited…
Travel Specialist Jessica has recently visited Dominica, an unspoilt Caribbean gem. Located between Guadeloupe and Martinique, Dominica is a nature lover’s paradise. From towering mountain peaks and waterfalls to enchanting rivers and secluded beaches, the island’s scenery is varied and stunning. Despite being a fairly large island, Dominica is relatively untouched by tourism and is perfect for those looking to explore off the beaten track.
Travel Specialist Jessie travelled to St Kitts and Nevis in October and spent some time exploring both islands, as well as visiting a selection of hotels. Separated by a 2km channel of water, St Kitts and Nevis work well as a twin centre destination, and either island can be easily combined with Antigua as part of an island hopping itinerary. Jessie was excited to visit these two intimate islands, both of which are an ideal choice for the Caribbean traveller looking to go a little off the beaten track.
Calabash Hotel is a five star hotel in Grenada set within eight acres of lush tropical gardens beside the famous L’Anse Aux Epines beach. This family owned and managed hotel is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group and offers the highest standards of service. Calabash Hotel is delighted to have been named Grenada’s Leading Boutique Hotel in the recent World Travel Awards, and they have also been named #2 Hotel in the Caribbean and Central America by Condé Nast Traveller’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
O2 Beach Club & Spa and Sea Breeze Beach House offer luxurious all inclusive stays on the vibrant South Coast of Barbados. Both resorts are perfect for foodies, providing a different take to the traditional all inclusive with an excellent choice of a la carte restaurants. O2 Beach Club & Spa is a contemporary resort with a grown up beach club feel, where guests can enjoy premium drinks and gourmet menus with no additional supplements. Sea Breeze Beach House meanwhile is an intimate resort that offers laidback luxury, infused with traditional Bajan charm.
A Postcard from O2 Beach Club & Spa
Start your day in style! Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Elements Restaurant, accompanied by mimosas and stunning views of the ocean. After breakfast, you could take an hour or so to unwind on the beach on one of the memory foam sun loungers, before taking part in one of the resort’s ‘how to’ experiences. These unique classes include a variety of activities from making authentic Bajan fishcakes to learning how to wind-surf.
Guests have plenty of options when it comes to lunch, but we would highly recommend the shrimp tacos at Bluefin Beachside Grill. Guests can spend the afternoon relaxing by one of the resort’s two swimming pools, and perhaps also enjoy a cocktail from one of the swim-up bars. Or why not indulge in a spa treatment at the award winning Acqua Spa? The spa is the highest on the island, and boasts panoramic views over the ocean from its floor to ceiling windows.
Why not start your evening with a glass of bubbles on Brisa Roof Deck, before heading up to Oro Restaurant. Oro serves a fine dining menu that fuses Caribbean and European cuisine, accompanied by stunning views from the 9th floor. After a luxurious dining experience, you will be ready to retire to the comfort of your suite. Guests can chose from Luxury Collection Suites in the adults only section of the hotel, or spacious Concierge Collection Suites.
A Postcard from Sea Breeze Beach House
A sumptuous buffet breakfast at Mahogany Lounge will set you up for a day of sun, sea and adventure at Sea Breeze Beach House. The resort boasts access to three pools and two beaches, but for those keen to do more than simply relax, there is varied activity schedule on offer. For example, on Friday morning you could take a stroll to Oistins’ Fish Market – famous for it’s fish fry on a Friday evening. Other popular morning pastimes include yoga and aqua aerobics.
With a choice of several dining experiences, guests are spoiled for choice. Why not head to De Rum Shop at lunchtime for a Bajan cutter – the island’s unique take on a sandwich! In the afternoon, try your hand at the complimentary non-motorised watersports offered, which includes paddleboarding and Hobie Cat sailing. For some relaxation, take a dip in one of the adults only whirlpool tubs, whilst enjoying the poolside drink service. And don’t forget to try the daily afternoon tea!
Tipsy on the Beach is the perfect spot for a beachside sundowner. For dinner, you might chose the elegantly casual Aqua Terra Restaurant, which serves particularly excellent seafood in an al fresco setting. Or you could try the romantic Cerulean Restaurant – the resort’s fine dining option. Finally, take some time to relax in your room or suite! From the colourful Classic Collection to the stunning Luxury Suites, there are options perfect for both families and couples.
At Tropic Breeze we specialise in using our personal knowledge of each hotel to offer the best recommendations based on our extensive experience of the Caribbean. If you would like further information on holidays to Barbados, please call us on 01752 880 880 or email info@tropicbreeze.co.uk
Lily Beach Resort & Spa is a premier all inclusive haven in the Maldives. Nestled on a lush and beautifully natural island in the South Ari Atoll, this Maldivian-owned gem is reached by a scenic 25 minute seaplane transfer from Male. What sets Lily Beach apart is its universal appeal, catering to both families and couples alike. Your journey towards a luxurious and authentic holiday experience starts from the moment you enter the exclusive seaplane lounge at Male airport.
Stylish Accommodation
Only natural materials are used at to construct the villas and public areas, combining contemporary design with local Maldivian architecture. Accommodation options include Beach Villas nestled along the shore and Deluxe Water Villas with a private Jacuzzi plunge pool set over the lagoon. Beach Suites meanwhile boast a more contemporary interior and some feature a Jacuzzi or plunge pool on the terrace. The Lagoon Villas, set on land but with direct lagoon access, are perfect for those torn between a beach or water villa, whilst families are well catered for with Lily Beach’s spacious Deluxe Family Villas.
Award Winning All Inclusive
Lily Beach Resort & Spa is renowned for its all-inclusive Platinum Plan which includes gourmet cuisine and a selection of premium drinks, as well as activities, excursions and live entertainment. Lily Maa is the resort’s main restaurant offering expansive buffets, live cooking stations and barbeques for dining in a relaxed setting. A la carte lunches can be enjoyed at AQVA Pool Bar and Vibes Bar, along with a wide selection of premium beverages. The Platinum Plan also includes one a la carte dining experience per week at Tamarind, which serves delicious Thai and Indian fusion cuisine.
With the Platinum Plan, guests can enjoy three excursions per person per stay, with options including coral garden snorkelling, a fishing trip, sunset cruise and a trip to a local island. Complimentary activities include all non-motorised watersports, group sunrise yoga sessions and access to the sports complex, with facilities such as a tennis court, football pitch and fitness centre. For younger guests, there is also complimentary access to the Turtle Kids’ Club and a children’s playground.
Snorkelling & Diving
The house reef that encircles Lily Beach Resort & Spa is renowned for it’s coral and abundance of marine life. Guided tours of the reef are available, and use of snorkelling equipment is included in the resort’s Platinum Plan. Guests can also explore the nearby coral garden, which is just short dhoni ride from the resort. The South Ari Atoll is home to some of the best diving in the Maldives and there are more than 40 dive sites, as well as ship wrecks within easy reach of Lily Beach.
Spa & Wellness
The overwater Tamara Spa offers holistic therapies inspired by the rejuvenating practices of various cultures. Options range from signature massages that combine different massage techniques to Ayurvedic treatments. Guests can also opt for wellness packages that include a yoga session with sound healing, a body scrub, soothing massage and foot reflexology. Lily Beach Resort & Spa will ensure that you leave the island feeling fully relaxed and recharged!
What comes to mind when you picture a holiday to the Maldives? At Tropic Breeze, when we think of the Maldives we think of authentic island resorts that offer boutique luxury and showcase the natural beauty of the destination. A holiday to the Maldives is an opportunity to escape to a tropical paradise and enjoy genuine, warm hospitality. This is what Coco Collection has to offer across it’s two resorts – Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
LUX* Belle Mare is set to re-open on 1st October 2023 following an extensive renovation. Set on one of the most iconic beaches on Mauritius’ east coast, this forward thinking resort combines stylish and innovative designs with delicious cuisine and comfortable accommodation. With a collection of Extraordinary Experiences, extensive wellness facilities and a modern and mindful Kids Club, there will be something for everyone at LUX* Belle Mare.
