Eight of the best Caribbean islands for winter sun and beach stays

Islands that stretch from jungle to sea, with rainforests and rivers bordered by captivating coves – it can only be the Caribbean.

Though balmy temperatures prevail year-round, swerving the storms of the region’s unpredictable hurricane season is a must for that picture-perfect Caribbean retreat, and there’s more to it than wafting palms and white sand.

With subtropical climates providing vitamin D from December to April, thousands of travellers flock to relish the flavourful food and punches of rum to the rhythm of music.

From “Nature Island” Dominica to “Island of Spice” Grenada, off-grid hikes up Unesco-listed mountains and mud baths on active volcanoes meet diving in the underwater world of the Caribbean Sea in the diverse archipelago.

Here are our top island picks from the curve of Caribbean tropics – along with luxe sandside resorts – to inspire your holiday plans and secure that winter sun fix.

With temperatures still a mild and dry minimum of 22C in January, the Bahamas has beach resorts to suit all budgets in Nassau and Paradise Island, making it the ideal place for a family getaway.

Trot off to Big Major Cay off Exuma to swim alongside some sandy snouts, spend a Friday night at Oistins Fish Fry where the seafood is king, and learn about the island heritage and its landmarks for a top-notch trip with the whole clan.

Where to stay

Margaritaville Beach Resort, a five-star stay in Nassau, offers easy access to Junkanoo Beach and steamy hot tubs, plus American and Italian cuisine from five on-site restaurants. Cobalt accents and wood slats adorn rooms while thatched parasols set the tone for some serious poolside R&R.

Hailed as the Caribbean’s sunniest island with around 300 days of 11-hour sunshine, chances are you’ll come home from an Aruba holiday sunkissed with lashings of sand hidden in your suitcase and a big grin – it has been nicknamed “One Happy Island”, after all. Laze on the loungers of the famous white beaches while sipping an Aruba ariba crème de banana cocktail to truly sink your toes into the Caribbean pace of life.

This Dutch-speaking shore off the coast of Venezuela has a carnival season of parades, floats and dancers throughout January and February, an aloe vera plantation primed for healing hair and skin qualms and the desert plains of the Arikok National Park – best explored four-wheel-drive-style for winter thrills in the Great Outdoors you don’t have to wrap up for.

Where to stay

Mere metres from Eagle Beach, the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort in Aruba exudes beachy style and Caribbean charm in the shell of Dutch colonial architecture. Spacious self-catering studios and suites sleep guests while extensive buffet breakfasts waft the walkways come morning and, with daily freshly grilled fish at the Passions Beach Bar & Lounge, you can consider dinner catered for.

With January one of Grenada’s driest months and one of the UK’s wettest, a tropical trip to the suntrapped island couldn’t come at a better time. Luxury all-inclusive resorts and bespoke boutique hotels line the shore – great bases to dive into St George’s underwater sculpture park, stroll the Palm Tree Botanical Garden and watch leatherback turtles hatch and paddle from Levera Beach.

Known as the Caribbean’s “Spice Island”, there’s a plethora of spices to pinch, from nutmeg to cinnamon and ginger. Try “oil down” meat and vegetable stew (Grenada’s national dish), curried goat and nutmeg ice cream to taste the homegrown flavours at their best.

Where to stay

The swish True Blue Bay Resort offers spacious suites, an infinity pool and marina access from Grenada’s southernmost point. It’s just three miles to the powder-white shore of Grand Anse Beach, for a day of sun and sand followed by feasting on seafood and Grenada barbecue at the al fresco Dodgy Dock Restaurant when you return to the resort.

Read more: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/central-america-caribbean/best-winter-sun-caribbean-island-stays-b2455525.html