No two Caribbean islands feel the same. Some are built for barefoot luxury and long lunches, others for rainforest hikes, sailing or big family all-inclusives. Choosing well is the single biggest factor in how much you enjoy the trip — far more than the hotel you eventually book.
This guide compares the islands we send clients to most, with honest notes on who each one suits, how long the flight takes and what you should expect to pay.
The Caribbean Islands, Compared
Where each island shines, and the traveller it was made for.
Barbados
Best all-rounder
8h 30m from London
Polished, easy and endlessly likeable. The calm Platinum Coast has the grand hotels and glassy swimming water, while the Atlantic east coast is wild and windswept. Superb restaurants, rum shops and a genuine sense of occasion.
Best suited to: Couples, first-timers, food lovers, repeat visitors who want reliability.
St Lucia
Best for honeymoons
9h from London
The most dramatic island in the region — the Pitons rise straight out of the sea above rainforest and sulphur springs. Hotels are built into hillsides with plunge pools and views that do most of the work.
Best suited to: Honeymooners, romantics, walkers and anyone who wants scenery over nightlife.
Antigua
Best beaches
8h 30m from London
A beach for every day of the year — 365 of them, famously. Sheltered west-coast bays, sailing heritage at English Harbour and a low-key, unhurried pace once you leave the resort gate.
Best suited to: Beach purists, sailors, couples and families wanting calm water.
Jamaica
Best for all-inclusives
9h 45m from London
The most characterful island of the lot: mountains, waterfalls, reggae and outstanding food. Montego Bay and Negril deliver the big all-inclusive resorts; Ocho Rios and Port Antonio are greener and quieter.
Best suited to: Families, groups, music and culture lovers, value-focused all-inclusive stays.
Grenada
Best for a quieter escape
9h from London
The Spice Isle — nutmeg plantations, rainforest waterfalls and Grand Anse, a two-mile arc of pale sand. Barely developed by Caribbean standards and all the better for it.
Best suited to: Second-time visitors, divers, couples avoiding crowds.
The Bahamas
Best for families
9h 30m from London
Technically Atlantic rather than Caribbean, but unbeatable for shallow turquoise water. Nassau and Paradise Island bring waterparks and big resorts; the Out Islands offer near-empty beaches.
Best suited to: Families with young children, short-haul add-ons from Florida, watersports.
Turks & Caicos
Best for luxury
11h via connection
Grace Bay is regularly named the best beach in the world, and the island trades almost entirely on refined, low-rise luxury. Exceptional diving on the reef wall just offshore.
Best suited to: Luxury travellers, honeymooners, divers, quiet beach days.
Dominican Republic
Best value
9h from London
Punta Cana's long white beaches back onto some of the best-value all-inclusive resorts anywhere, with adults-only options and golf courses in abundance.
Best suited to: Value seekers, adults-only escapes, golfers, larger groups.
Island Comparison Table
A side-by-side look at flight times, atmosphere, beaches and value.
| Island | Flight (from UK) | Atmosphere | Beaches | Value | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barbados | 8h 30m | Polished & social | Excellent (west coast) | Premium | All-rounder |
| St Lucia | 9h | Dramatic & romantic | Good, volcanic sand | Premium | Honeymoons |
| Antigua | 8h 30m | Relaxed & nautical | Outstanding | Mid–premium | Beaches |
| Jamaica | 9h 45m | Lively & cultural | Very good | Great value | All-inclusives |
| Grenada | 9h | Quiet & natural | Excellent | Mid | Escaping crowds |
| Bahamas | 9h 30m | Bright & family-friendly | Outstanding | Premium | Families |
| Turks & Caicos | 11h+ | Refined & quiet | World-class | Luxury | Luxury & diving |
| Dominican Republic | 9h | Energetic resorts | Very good | Best value | All-inclusive value |
When to Visit the Caribbean
Weather, crowds and price change considerably through the year.
December – April (peak)
The classic Caribbean season: dry, sunny and warm with low humidity. Christmas, New Year and February half-term book up furthest ahead and carry the highest rates.
May – June (shoulder)
Our favourite window. Still reliably dry in most of the region, noticeably quieter, and prices drop sharply after Easter. Excellent for honeymoons.
July – August (family season)
Hot and humid with short tropical showers that clear quickly. Southern islands such as Barbados, Grenada and Tobago sit outside the main hurricane belt.
September – November (low)
The wettest months and the core of hurricane season. The lowest prices of the year — worth considering with the right flexible booking and travel insurance.
Four Things Worth Knowing Before You Book
Combine two islands
Inter-island hops on LIAT, interCaribbean or a private charter make twin-centre trips simple — St Lucia with Barbados, or Antigua with Nevis, are natural pairings.
Choose your coast carefully
On most islands the Caribbean (west) coast has calm, swimmable water and the Atlantic (east) coast has surf and wind. It matters more than the hotel you pick.
All-inclusive isn't always right
In Jamaica and the Dominican Republic all-inclusive is genuinely excellent value. In Barbados and St Lucia, eating out is part of the pleasure — room-only or B&B often works better.
Book flights early
Direct UK routes to the Caribbean are seasonal and limited. Peak-season seats in premium cabins sell out nine to twelve months ahead.
Plan Your Caribbean Holiday
We have stayed on these islands, know the resorts room by room and can match you to the right one — with added value, upgrades and flexible payment options on almost every booking.
Flight times, seasonal weather and resort facilities are indicative and subject to change without notice. This page is intended as a guide only and we recommend clients verify up to date information with airlines and suppliers directly before booking.