West Indies Destination Guide

The West Indies is one of most beautiful areas of the world, providing a wonderful mix of stunning scenery, outstanding weather and fantastic food.

With a refreshingly laid-back way of life and plenty of culture to explore, it’s easy to see why travellers keep returning to these blissful islands. Whether you want to relax on a stunning beach, or explore the diverse culture of the region, there are a lot of options.

Currency: The Barbadian dollar is the legal tender for Barbados, while the East Caribbean Dollar is the currency for Antigua and Grenada.

Climate: The Caribbean islands enjoy warm and sunny winters that average around 29 degrees, though thundery showers can be expected in the evenings.

Customs and etiquette: The locals here are extremely hospitable and you can expect first-class customer service throughout your stay. While a majority of people are Christian, expect individuals from several different religions across the islands, with Spanish, French, Anglo-Saxon and African beliefs creating a wonderfully diverse society.

Barbados

Barbados really is like a summer paradise. Visitors can look forward to extraordinary weather, stunning scenery and incredible nightlife.

Whether you choose to take a wander through the jaw-dropping Harrison’s Cave and the Andromeda Gardens, or put your feet up on the glorious Carlisle Bay, the island is full of natural beauty.

Foodies will have plenty to look forward to, including the magnificent Champers restaurant on the south coast, where some of the top seafood dishes in the region are served. Once you’ve enjoyed the delicious dishes available, visit the incredible Harbour Lights nightclub to let your hair down and soak up the island’s amazing party atmosphere.

Must-see: When relaxing on the beach, the Caribbean Sea is truly irresistible. Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, perhaps take a boat trip to enjoy some truly unforgettable views.

Shopping: Sheraton Mall in the Parish of Christ Church is the top retail centre on the island, offering a vast selection of high street brands and local products at great prices.

Getting around: Public transport in the island is provided by the Barbados Transport Board, with buses available across all of the tourist areas.

Antigua

With an even more laid-back feel than many of the other destinations in the West Indies, Antigua is the perfect place for a tranquil break away from it all.

Expect beautifully serene surroundings, gorgeous weather and fantastic hospitality in this majestic resort. Perhaps take a stroll down the Valley Church or Galley Bay beaches, where you can enjoy peaceful walks along the magical Caribbean shoreline.

If you are looking for more of an adrenaline rush, Antigua offers plenty of extraordinary watersports across its beaches, including scuba diving, snorkelling and surfing.

Must see: Stingray City is a top attraction for visitors, allowing them to get up close to the incredible fish. Don’t worry about being stung either, as the officials make sure all participants are safe and prepared.

Shopping: Redcliffe Quay is the place to be for shoppers, offering an amazing variety of boutique stores and delightful cafes and restaurants.

Getting around: Buses are the main mode of transport in Antigua, with all services starting in either the east or west stations. Unfortunately, not all tourist areas are covered, so it is advisable to use licensed taxis if coaches are unavailable in your location.

Grenada

Much like Antigua, Grenada is full of natural beauty and outstanding scenery, making it one of the most desirable areas of the Caribbean.

While European beach resorts are wonderful, the sands here are truly something else. Expect majestically blue oceans, unforgettable hilly landscapes and sensational green spaces, all designed for exploring.

To make the most of the phenomenal environment, Fort George cannot be missed. The vantage point overlooks the resort’s main attractions and makes for some unbelievable photo opportunities.

Must see: The Underwater Sculptures in the St George’s area of Barbados are perfect for exploring, giving visitors the chance to snorkel down into the depths and see some incredible sealife alongside the unique structures.

Shopping: Spiceland Mall is the leading retail destination in the area, offering a great mix of restaurants and clothes stores, including the flagship Real Value IGA Supermarket.

Getting around: There is a central bus station in St George’s, providing the services to other areas of the island. Taxis and water taxis are also available, making it easy to get around the tourist areas.

St Lucia

The itinerary for England's tour of the Caribbean in early 2019 has been published - and there is a new venue on the schedule.

England will play a Test in St Lucia for the first time, from February 9th-13th. The Darren Sammy Cricket Ground just outside Gros Islet will also host a one-day international on March 2nd and a Twenty20 game three days later.

While fans will look forward to seeing the action on the field, off it they will discover that St Lucia is one of the most enjoyable destinations in the Caribbean.

Natural delights

The rainforest offers wonderful inland adventures, while the beaches are as good as any in the Caribbean. Indeed, the coast offers one of the most iconic natural sights in the region, the Pitons. These two towering volcanic plugs look like mountains from a child's drawing. Nearby is the fascinating Sulphur Springs with their hot mud pools.

St Lucia is also a great place to eat and drink, with local seafood dishes like Saltfish Accra and lobster.

A place in history

Those with an eye on history can visit Pigeon Island with its old military buildings, while the local markets offer a great chance to buy some local goods, including foods such as breadfruit.

It may be a small island, but St Lucia is a fascinating and beautiful place that will ensure a great all-round trip, whatever happens in the cricket.