Nightlife, loveseats and beautiful beaches: why the Caribbean makes for the perfect romantic holiday

28.07.2023 - 15:35 / theguardian.com

With its white-sand beaches and sparkling turquoise seas framed by palm trees, lush greenery and soaring mountains, there could hardly be a more romantic destination than the Caribbean. Whether you want to snorkel with spectacular sea life, indulge in a moonlit dinner á deux, have your cares massaged away or lounge together in a private cabana, the Caribbean offers the ultimate idyllic couples’ escape.

Each of the many Caribbean islands has its own unique history and vibe – and they all have plenty to offer to anyone seeking a romantic getaway. From vibrant Jamaica and the enchanting hidden gem Curaçao, to bustling Barbados and lush St Lucia, there’s something to suit every couple, whether on honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, or just escaping everyday life for a taste of paradise.

What these islands – along with Antigua, the Bahamas and Grenada – all guarantee is laid-back luxury, gourmet cuisine, warm hospitality and delicious rum punch.

For fun-loving couples, Barbados is home to some world-renowned nightclubs and is said to be the birthplace of rum. Don’t miss a trip to the capital Bridgetown and head to Harbour Lights on a Wednesday or Thursday evening for a barbecue dinner with entertainment provided by fire eaters and flamboyant, feather-costumed dancers.

Barbados is also known for the splendour of its natural beauty. Couples can watch the sun melt into the sea on a romantic catamaran tour, or wander together along one of its many glorious beaches. Take it all in at Sandals Barbados or Sandals Royal Barbados – both resorts are steeped in romance, with atmospheric waterfalls, loveseats, and the scent of hibiscus wafting in the breeze. Like all 17 Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean, the pair, located side by side in St Lawrence Gap, are luxury, all-inclusive, couples-only and boast the brand’s signature Love Nest Suites. These take romantic pampering to another level: think stunning décor, butler service, private patios or balconies with couples’ bathtubs, all set in beautiful locations including beachfronts and clifftops.

Jamaica is the number one Caribbean destination for British travellers, made popular by the easy living vibe, jerk cuisine, reggae and excellent all-inclusive resorts. The first Sandals resort was opened by Gordon “Butch” Stewart in Montego Bay in 1981; now, there are seven on the island, including the new Sandals Dunn’s River. Nestled on a stretch of beach in Ocho Rios, it offers some of the most luxurious accommodation in the Caribbean, from its Coyaba Sky Rondovals – private, round villas, each with a pool and a soaking tub on the open-air terrace – to the Skypool Suites, which boast private infinity pools.

It’s close to Jamaica’s biggest tourist attraction, Dunn’s River