Holiday Type / Caribbean & Mexico holidays

Since its opening in 1961 Sandy Lane has acquired a regal status among other Caribbean resorts and it’s not hard to see why. A Bajan institution synonymous with conspicuous luxury, Sandy Lane exists in its own Palladian-style microcosm made up of chauffeured Rolls-Royces and celebrity patrons who treat it as a home-away-from-home. And yet, despite all this grandeur, the homely atmosphere ensures its enduring popularity is ever tangible. Committed to a certain kind of traditional service where no detail is overlooked, life here is so intrinsica...

Tranquil, secluded and very British in manner, this charming country house hotel in its tropical garden setting stands out for its warm welcome and genuine hospitality, even by Bajan standards. Resolutely old-school in feel, Coral Reef Club is very much one for those who relish a country house vibe. Its success is a tribute to the creativity and vision of Cynthia and the late Budge O’Hara who came to run the hotel in the 50s and never wanted to leave. It’s still managed today, over half a century later, by the following generation of O’Haras. ...

A VIP airport greeting sets the tone for a stay of all-taken-care-of relaxation in these high spec beachfront residences close to historic Speightstown’s stalls and restaurants to the north and laid-back-but-lively Mullins Beach Bar to the south. Perfectly located for exploring, we recommend travelling by complimentary water taxi to the renowned 13/59 restaurant at Port Ferdinand. Back at Saint Peter’s Bay, accommodations have a contemporary Caribbean aesthetic and are supremely spacious; a feeling that seems to permeate the resort. Join a pai...

A romantic hideaway nestled amongst swaying palms and vibrant tropical gardens, Fairmont Royal Pavilion is ideal for couples seeking a quiet yet sophisticated sanctuary. The feeling at this luxury retreat is one of being a privileged guest in a private home, where colonial charm blends seamlessly with the modern comforts expected of an exclusive resort. The real draw here is the accommodation – the hotel is one of few in Barbados with rooms offering direct beach access. Step straight from your Beachfront Suite onto the sand for a sunrise swim...

With its secluded feel and hidden away coves, this long-established resort is particularly well loved for its fresher take on Antigua’s characteristic easy-going living. Getting away from the hubbub takes on new meaning at this serene resort, especially if you opt for one of the delightfully spacious Cove Suites; they’re tucked away in a secretive part of the lush gardens and share access to an exclusive infinity pool. Family-owned by the Randalls for over three decades, the younger generation is bringing a revitalised energy to Blue Waters. B...

Carlisle Bay, Antigua is a privately owned enclave that has raised the bar for contemporary excellence in the Caribbean, set upon a backdrop of rolling hills and lush tropical rainforest. Firstly, there’s the ravishing beach setting, where each end is dedicated either to couples or families. Then, there’s the true sense of arrival, as guests are welcomed into a magnificent open plan lobby. And not least, there are the spacious suites, with cool, calm interiors, a sitting area or bedroom that faces the sea and a private terrace or balcony, most...

Boasting its own private marina and one of the finest beaches on the island, The Landings Resort & Spa is an exquisite 5 star resort designed to accommodate both families and couples in the utmost luxury. Adorned with subtle Caribbean influences, the one to three bedroom villa suites feature private terraces with or without plunge pools and benefit from picturesque views over the luxury Marina or ocean. Al fresco dining encompasses fusion seafood at The Palms Restaurant or local Caribbean flavours at The Beach Club Restaurant and Callaloo Beac...

From elegant villas to breathtaking seaside estates, Jumby Bay features an unrivalled collection of luxurious, one-of-a-kind properties, each enjoying access to the resort's world-renowned facilities and 300 acres of private, car-free island to explore. Set along the south shore and nestled in tropical gardens, the secluded villas feature two to four bedrooms, sea views from the custom designed pools and dining courtesy of the resort’s restaurants. With up to eight bedrooms, the larger estate homes are set in extensive grounds and offer the ul...

The site of a former 18th Century sugar plantation, the aptly-named Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort has attracted quite the celebrity following, counting Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow amongst its fans. And for good reason. Yes, the sand is exceedingly white and powdery, the service is genuinely superb and the location between the majestic Pitons within a UNESCO World Heritage Site makes this the premier address on St Lucia, but there is much more to this exceptional beachfront resort than first meets the eye. From sampling gourmet fare in the ...

Just minutes from the airport lies a residential oasis of multi-generational appeal. With every whim catered to, there’s little longing to abandon its comforts in favour of the world outside. It’s often said that you can’t please all of the people all of the time. Yet, this crowd pleaser seems to manage just that. Eden Roc Cap Cana stands within an exclusive gated community. The has-it-all resort is not only made up of a bustling marina, equestrian centre, gourmet restaurants and more; all this is scattered within an ecological marvel, alongsi...

Harmony with nature is the watchword at this stylish property with its surprising and utterly unforgettable experiences both on land and at sea. Stargazing from the spa during a private candlelit evening there, taking to the golf course alongside green vervet monkeys and even lassoing your entrée for a beachfront lobster feast during a two-tank dive with a resort chef and local dive master – you couldn’t get further away from the nine-to-five than at this upscale resort sprawled in the shadow of Nevis peak. And if you come with kids, you’ll n...

An exclusive hideout whose appeal lies in its anonymity, this castaway haven for an elite few is fast putting this lesser known Caribbean island on the map.  With only 26 suites and generous villas it’s easy to see how Mandarin Oriental, Canouan has maintained its under-the-radar status. Yes they have broken new ground stylistically, but the luxury group’s first venture into the Caribbean doesn’t disappoint. This is a place where everything comes together in true M.O. fashion: airy ocean facing suites, a little known yet vibrant destination an...

With a sense of calmness seemingly built into its very fabric, Silversands represents the first major new resort project on world famous Grand Anse Beach in over twenty five years. A boutique ambience pervades designer rooms, suites and villas, the latter the epitome of understated luxury with their choice of seaside or hillside settings. Outdoor pools, decks and alfresco dining salas are a feature of the Seaside villas, while their Hillside counterparts boast glorious hanging gardens. The excellent restaurant offers upscale all-day dining, or ...

The property where Ian Fleming wrote the James Bond novels has understandably acquired something of a celebrity status. Located near Ocho Rios in picture-perfect Oracabessa Bay surrounded by tropical forests and lush gardens, the original Fleming Villa has been enhanced by the addition of stylish cottages, villas and beach huts boasting chic interiors and outdoor rainshowers. Beach Villas open out directly onto the golden sands whilst the Lagoon Villas and Cottages each have their own dock and kayak. Fleming Villa features Ian Fleming’s origi...

Popping up in a new area set to redefine Riviera Maya’s luxury scene, the native mangrove surroundings and mystical Mayan culture put on a spectacle at Kanai’s most bewitching resort. Unlike the other hotels that line the road between Cancun and Tulum, Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection (Spanish for “ethereal”) made the bold choice not to dip its toes in the sand. Yes, the beach is easily accessible, but it’s the floating bridges through the verdant mangroves that make it a journey worthy of the name. Delivering on its unspoken promise to tran...

The Riviera resort that’s a welcome alternative to the glitz of the Côte d’Azur,  this eco-conscious enclave proves tradition and modernity can live in harmony. At the centre of Mexico’s Mayakoba development rests a resort masquerading as a wildlife and nature reserve. Swapping indulgent glamour for barefoot luxe living, this is a wild place where foliage outnumbers buildings – the secluded 129 stylish suites and collection of private residences are built around natural lagoons and hide among the greenery. Rosewood Mayakoba sprawls out along a...

For years, this Carrier favourite has let St Barths’ big names do the talking; now it’s back with a new look and management but still the same faultless creature comforts. Rosewood Le Guanahani has occupied this secluded area of private peninsula since the mid-60s, overlooking a reef-protected lagoon flanked by two white sand beaches. It’s always been a bare-foot elegance kind of place, but now with Rosewood as a prefix, the service is more sumptuous and the ease of living is more Caribbean than ever. For the newbies it’s a stylish addition to...

From white sands and water sports to Champagne and chandeliers, Rosewood Baha Mar, the third and final hotel to grace the ultra-luxe Baha Mar estate, offers it all. Rosewood Baha Mar is the third and final hotel on The Bahamas’ bustling Baha Mar resort to open its doors. Its British colonial-style architecture oozes charm and sophistication, while interiors decked in beachy blues, lavenders and earthen hues exude Bahamian calm. Woven rattans and local art may offer a delightful sense of place, but it is the effervescent and oh-so-gracious Baha...

Dotted along a natural crescent-shaped beach and framed by lush verdant hills, this acclaimed resort enjoys an enviable location on Virgin Gorda. Beautifully appointed rooms, suites and villas feature handcrafted furniture and gentle colours that reflect the pastel shades of the island – our favourites are the Ocean View Junior Suites with outdoor living areas and indoor/outdoor showers; and the Tree House Suites on stilts with wrap-around balconies and beach views. Sense, A Rosewood Spa perches on the hill affording fabulous sea views from th...