Caribbean

Anguilla

An ideal retreat for the most discerning traveller, Anguilla is the classic island paradise, which relies mostly on its powder white sand beaches and warm turquoise waters to entertain its guests. Everything here is of an exceptionally high standard, including the particularly impressive selection of restaurants - there are more gourmet choices here per acre than in New York! Lazy days tend to be filled by sunset cruises and beach picnics, making Anguilla an ideal romantic choice for honeymooners and couples looking for that special escape.

Climate Guide
Hot throughout the year, tempered by tradewinds in local areas.

Time Difference
GMT -4 hours.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua's 365 white sand beaches are legendary. In fact, this delightful, unpretentious island has so much to offer, it's up to you how much or how little you do! Charter a yacht and sail to nearby Barbuda, or practice your diving technique amongst the colourful reefs. Back on land, head for English Harbour for a spot of culture and then up to Shirley Heights for excellent live music. One thing that's guaranteed is a magical holiday on one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. - view luxury villas in Antigua

Climate Guide
A very pleasant tropical climate, which remains warm and relatively dry year round.

Time Difference
GMT -4 hours.

Barbados

The West Coast of Barbados is where it all began for Elegant Resorts and we have nearly twenty years' experience in arranging holidays to this Caribbean gem. Coral sandy beaches, crystalline blue waters and warm, friendly people combine to create a unique atmosphere that appeals to everyone. And over the years, Barbados has become a favourite haunt of the rich and famous. With sensational restaurants, outstanding hotels and superb recreational facilities, not to mention our dedicated Barbados team who act as your personal concierge throughout your stay, a truly memorable holiday is guaranteed. - view luxury villas in Barbados

Climate Guide
A balmy, tropical climate cooled by constant sea breezes. The dry season is from December to June, with rainfall and humidity increasing during summer/autumn.

Time Difference
GMT -4 hours.

Bermuda

Bermuda is one of the prettiest archipelagos in the world, with a quiet charm and sophistication quite different from the vibrant atmosphere of the West Indies. It has been a British colony for longer than anyone can remember and, in addition to its long maritime history, offers museums, art galleries, botanical gardens and a pristine capital city best explored by horse-drawn carriage. In addition, Bermuda's golf courses are as outstanding as its pink sand beaches, making this magnificent destination a 'Mecca' for many golfing enthusiasts.

Climate Guide
Bermuda’s main season is from May to October, with temperatures usually reaching their peak between July and early September. From November to mid-April, temperatures drop, resulting in fewer visitors, as well as restrictions to beach and entertainment facilities.

Time Difference
GMT -4 hours.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are an escapist's paradise and perfect for those in search of world-class beaches, crystal clear waters, secluded coves and a safe anchorage. The pace on the islands is reassuringly laid-back and many visitors seek nothing more than unwinding on one of the glorious beaches. However, for the more adventurous, with small bays and islands always in sight, the sheltered waters afford some of the finest sailing opportunities in the Caribbean with an intoxicating 'yachtie' atmosphere to match!.

Climate Guide
A sub-tropical climate tempered by tradewinds. Rainfall is low and night-time temperatures are very pleasant.

Time Difference
GMT -4 hours.

Grenada

Grenada is an island where the pretty nutmeg groves outnumber the hotels and the sandy beaches are often left as nature intended. This is the place to choose when you want to get-away-from-it-all, but not too far. When conversation, cocktails and classic West Indian cuisine constitute your idea of a perfect evening. And when you like to know there are other things to do - even if you have a strong inkling that the beach is all you actually need!

Climate Guide
A tropical climate with an average temperature of 28°C. The dry season falls from January to May.

Time Difference
GMT -4 hours.

Jamaica

Crescent-shaped beaches and the dramatic Blue Mountains provide the striking backdrop for an escape to Jamaica. Despite becoming independent in 1962, there are many charming reminders of its colonial past - cricket remains an obsession while afternoon tea is a national institution! There's also plenty to see and do - Dunn's River Falls, historic plantation houses, championship golf, every kind of watersport imaginable, the annual Sunfest Reggae Festival. And with classy hotels, impeccable service and world-class recreational facilities, what more could you ask for?

Climate Guide
Tropical all year; temperate in the mountain areas. The rainy months are May and October, but showers may occur at any time.

Time Difference
GMT -5 hours.

St Barthelemy

Saint Barthelemy - or St Barths, as the island is affectionately known - is one of the world's most fashionable destinations, offering the scenic beauty of the tropics all wrapped up in the glossy lifestyle of the Cote d'Azur. Think powdery white sands and crystal clear waters; gourmet cuisine and a stylish Gallic ambience. You will be thrilled to discover real croissants, Camembert cheese and chateau wines, while the conversation is a French patois conceived to baffle anyone not born and raised here!

Climate Guide
A hot, tropical climate tempered by cooling tradewinds. Temperatures remain high year round.

Time Difference
GMT -4 hours

St Kitts and Nevis

St Kitts and Nevis are quite different from anywhere else in the West Indies, capturing the essence of the 'real' Caribbean, largely untouched by the heavy hand of tourism. Plantation houses and sugar mills have been transformed into exclusive hotels and, although the islands feature all of today's creature comforts, they tend to concentrate on the elegance of days gone by. Peaceful evenings generally centre around antique-filled dining rooms, while lazy days on the beach are punctuated by traditional afternoon teas and games of croquet on the lawn.

Climate Guide
A hot, tropical climate tempered by tradewinds most of the year. Rain showers occur year round.

Time Difference
GMT -4 hours.

St Lucia

St Lucia's reputation as the most scenic island in the West Indies is extremely well deserved. Turquoise bays and the stunning Pitons mean you'll never tire of its natural splendour. St Lucia has something for everyone. Choose the southwest for scuba-diving and exploring natural attractions or the north for duty-free shopping, dining out and excellent golf courses. By far the best way to discover the island's hidden treasures is by joining an organised tour while, for something extra-special, treat yourself to a guided helicopter trip.

Climate Guide
A hot, tropical climate tempered by tradewinds most of the year. The driest period is from December to May.

Time Difference
GMT -4 hours.

St Martin

Half French, half Dutch, this pretty Caribbean isle offers rolling hills, exceptional beaches, celebrated restaurants, duty-free shopping and interesting historical sites. We focus on the French side where the towns boast an atmosphere all of their own - open markets are typically Caribbean, bakeries are typically French. (It's almost as if the seafront cafes have been transplanted intact from the Cote d'Azur!) Our featured hotel is set on the spectacular Baie Longue - a magnificent arc of white sand lapped by clear turquoise waters.

Climate Guide
A hot, tropical climate tempered by cooling tradewinds. Temperatures remain high year round.

Time Difference
GMT -4 hours

St Vincent and The Grenadines

Just a short hop from Barbados, these tiny escapist havens are strung out between St Vincent and Grenada. Scenically they echo the hilly, verdant beauty of all the Windward Islands, however, they boast a way of life that is distinctly their own, characterised by their affiliation with the Caribbean Sea and general avoidance of anything linked with the fast lane. The hotels tend to rely upon their get-away ambience, their rustic charms and their stunning sandy beaches for their exclusive appeal.

Climate Guide
A hot, tropical climate with tradewinds tempering the hottest summer months. Rainfall increases from May to October.

Time Difference
GMT -4 hours.

The Bahamas

With more than 700 islands scattered over 100,000 square miles, the Bahamas range from laid-back tropical hideaways to sophisticated holiday playgrounds. Anything from deserted pink sand beaches to round-the-clock gambling can be found here; some islands paying homage to their colonial past; others with more than a hint of American-style glamour. Yet all boast the splendid beaches of the classic island escape, not to mention a close relationship with the sea that manifests itself in almost every kind of watersport.

Climate Guide
The weather is good year round, though days can be hot and humid from May to October, during the rainy season.

Time Difference
GMT -5 hours.

Trinidad and Tobago

Known as the 'Robinson Crusoe Isle', the unspoilt island of Tobago is a sanctuary for nature-lovers who also enjoy the finer things in life. Dazzling white sand beaches are framed by rolling hills and lush rainforests, home to seemingly endless species of wildlife. This is the perfect place to unwind - and you may well find a beach to call your own. For the more active, the coral reefs reveal an underwater world of vibrant marine life while golfers will delight in a choice of impressive courses.

Climate Guide
Because of Trinidad's southerly location, temperatures are equable year round. December to May are the driest months, June to August the wettest months.

Time Difference
GMT -4 hours.

Turks and Caicos

The Turks & Caicos is a collection of back-to-nature islands where the spotlight falls firmly upon the sea and the sand. Discovered centuries ago by dolphins, iguanas and ospreys, today they attract a more sophisticated clientele, keen to experience why some of the Caribbean's finest hotels are there. The answer, of course, lies in the quality of their dazzling white beaches and the clarity of their turquoise blue waters - these islands are ranked amongst the world's top ten scuba-diving destinations.

Climate Guide
A tropical climate tempered by tradewinds. Cool nights and low annual rainfall.

Time Difference
GMT -5 hours.