Caribbean Christmas Island-Hopping

The winter sun in the Canaries makes this the perfect time to explore Tenerife and its beautiful beaches, including the man-made golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas in the north and the volcanic black sands of Puerto de la Cruz.Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, dominates Tenerife’s skyline, and its summit can be reached by cable car for spectacular views across the island and beyond. Meanwhile, as the waters surrounding the island are home to a diverse range of wildlife, there will be opportunities to spot pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. As you stroll through the streets of Santa Cruz, they will still be adorned with festive decorations to admire.

Known as having a beach for every day of the year, Antigua and Barbuda are often referred to as the crown jewels of the Caribbean, and St. John’s is testament to this with its red and yellow colonial buildings set against the azure blue sea and lush green hills. The history of St. John’s is brought to life at English Harbour, where Nelson’s Dockyard, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site has strong connections with the Royal Navy.

Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, lies between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond in the Caribbean, where Dutch and French cultures blend with British and African influences. Despite being governed by two nations, St. Maarten and French St. Martin share a rich, intertwined heritage, and today, schoolchildren on both sides learn Dutch, English, and French. While ashore, take the opportunity to savour the local dish of conch and dumplings, visit Maho Beach, Simpson Bay, and Oyster Bay for swimming, snorkelling and boat cruises, and explore Philipsburg’s vibrant duty-free shops, beachfront bars, and restaurants. Meanwhile, you may wish to experience the thrill of aircraft landing just metres above you at Maho Beach, a unique and exhilarating spectacle.

First spotted and named by Christopher Columbus, St. Kitts and Nevis were the first Caribbean islands to host a British colony, achieving independence in 1983, while the capital of Basseterre, established by the French in the 17th century, still retains much of its Georgian architecture. After visiting Brimstone Hill Fortress, perched 750ft above sea level, you can explore the Fairview Great House & Botanical Gardens, nestled at the foot of Olives Mountain, offering insights into the region's diverse culinary heritage; discover St. Kitts aboard the historic Scenic Railway, originally built to transport sugar cane; and experience the charm of Nevis, a 36-square-mile haven epitomising the perfect island escape.

Castries, St. Lucia’s capital, was named after the Marquis de Castries and boasts landmarks such as a 400-year-old Samaan tree and Fort Charlotte, which offers breathtaking views. During your visit to the islands, you will have the chance to explore the Botanical Gardens, a sanctuary for native Caribbean birds, insects, and lush vegetation; relax on beautiful beaches like Cockleshell Beach or take a boat ride to admire the majestic Pitons; while in Soufriere, you can visit the volcano for a unique mud bath in natural pools near bubbling craters. You can immerse yourself in Creole traditions, including cassava bread preparation, cooking in macamboo leaves, and the rhythmic music of a local ‘chak chak’ band. Alternatively, you can discover the island’s rich folklore and learn about the indigenous tribes who inhabited St. Lucia long before Columbus's arrival.

Fondly known as the ‘Big little Island’, Bequia is the northernmost of the Grenadines, with a lasting seafaring history. Famous for its sandy white beaches and topaz blue sea, it never feels crowded on Bequia, as can be seen from the few houses dotted within the lush green hillsides. A captivating part of the island is the Moonhole, where a huge natural rock arch has formed, but is now a private nature reserve and marine and wildlife sanctuary.

Located on the south-west side of Grenada, St. George’s is a picturesque city, with red-tiled homes dotted amongst the volcanic hillside of an old crater. The city is steeped in British and French history, and the buildings here reflect the colonial architecture of this time. Close by is Grand Etang National Park, surrounded by rainforest and a large lake, teeming with indigenous flora, fauna, exotic birds and lizard species.

The quintessentially Caribbean island of Barbados is renowned for its crystal-clear seas, home to some of the Caribbean's healthiest coral reefs, teeming with diverse fish species. The UNESCO-listed Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison reflect the island’s past, while the capital features an abundance of colonial architecture, including Victorian, Georgian and Jacobean styles, adapted to the Caribbean climate with spacious verandas and gable roofs. In the heart of the city, a mix of shops, markets and cafés sits alongside a busy harbour and waterfront, while beyond Bridgetown, soft sandy beaches and gently swaying palms offer an easy-going atmosphere and time to relax by the sea.

The glorious island of Madeira is known as the ‘Garden Island’ due to its array of subtropical flowers and plants that seem to burst from every direction. From Funchal, you’ll be able to witness the floral beauty of the island at the exquisite garden in Monte, featuring themed gardens and tropical plants, while its levada walking trails offer unique views of enchanting forests and flowing streams. During January, you will have the opportunity to sample traditional foods and the renowned fortified Madeiran wine or visit one of Europe’s tallest cliffs, Cabo Girão, standing 580m above sea level, with a suspended glass platform viewpoint.