Double the delight with a twin-centre Caribbean break
A Caribbean twin-centre break offers clients twice as many opportunities to enjoy the region’s beaches, culture and heritage.
Combining two Caribbean destinations C in one trip is not only a great way for clients to see more of the region, but also gives agents a great opportunity to upsell.
Jenny Peart, head of product at Caribtours, says the operator has seen a rise in popularity of twin and multi-centre Caribbean trips, and she believes this is due to their value.
"There’s just one international flight and the ability to experience more, from wildlife-rich rainforests to stunning beaches."
Here, we speak to five operators for their top twin-centre Caribbean combinations for 2020.
Blissful beaches and nature
"Dominica and Antigua are less than an hour’s flight from each other, but they couldn’t be more different," says Peart.
"Antigua is known for its 365 beaches. The island is also popular with yachting enthusiasts and has a rich naval heritage, as well as regular parties and festivals to get involved in.
"Dominica, on the other hand, is mountainous, with volcanic beaches, tropical rainforests and hot springs to discover. It’s popular with those looking to get back to nature."
Getting between the two islands should be easier than ever. Guests of the recently opened Cabrits Resort and Spa Kempinski can make use of the hotel’s planned Tropical Aviation charter flight which will see them board a 10-seat Beechcraft King Air 200 departing from Antigua or Guadeloupe.
BOOK IT: Caribtours offers five nights at Blue Waters Resort and Spa in Antigua and five at the Cabrits Resort and Spa Kempinski from £2,599pp, including breakfast, flights, transfers and lounge access. Inter-island flights are excluded.
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Watersports and sunshine
Funway Holidays has introduced a Barbados and Tobago twin-centre itinerary for 2020, which promises to appeal to water sports enthusiasts and sun worshipers alike, according to product destination manager Malcolm Davies.
“Barbados is a great choice with Tobago as it’s only a two-and-a-half-hour flight between the two islands.
Tobago is a favourite for a laid-back holiday, with some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, while Barbados’ south coast is ideal for surfing and sailing,” he says.
BOOK IT: Funway Holidays offers the 10-night twin-centre holiday from £999pp including flights, five nights in Barbados at the Halcyon Palm and five nights in Tobago at the Mount Irvine Bay Resort.
Cultural immersion
According to Amanda Springer, beaches manager at Abercrombie & Kent, Jamaica’s craggy coastlines, cerulean swimming holes and lush jungles can be combined easily with Dominican Republic’s cultural diversity for a memorable break.
"In Jamaica, clients can visit the Blue Mountains where some of the finest coffee in the world is produced, as well as spot 250 species of bird and 3,000 varieties of tropical plants," says Springer.
"In Dominican Republic, which is one of our newest destinations, residents hail from Jewish, Japanese and Afro-Caribbean communities. This is what gives the nation its unique charm. There is no single influence here, but a multitude of co-existing cultures to explore."
BOOK IT: Abercrombie & Kent has a 10-night Caribbean twin-centre break, with five nights at the Jamaica Inn and five in Amanera, Dominican Republic and flights from £5,995pp.
Luxurious hotels and relaxation
Clients with a penchant for luxury should look to Inspiring Travel Company’s (ITC) Canouan and Barbados bespoke twin-centre packages.
Where Sandy Lane hotel on Barbados’ west coast offers easy access to the restaurants and clubs of Bridgetown, the Mandarin Oriental in Canouan provides clients with a base to explore the smaller, more exclusive Grenadine island, explains senior product manager, Helen Tabois.
"Sandy Lane has long been known as an icon of glamorous Barbados and is ideally situated to enjoy the island’s dining scene and activities. Meanwhile, Mandarin Oriental Canouan – just 26 suites and a small collection of privately owned villas – enjoys a peaceful spot on Canouan, with its verdant landscapes and sparkling seas. An ideal option for clients looking to relax and recharge."
BOOK IT: ITC has four nights at Sandy Lane in an Orchid Room and three nights at Mandarin Oriental Canouan in a One Bedroom Beachfront Suite from £4,799pp with breakfast, including flights.
Golf and mountain hikes
With only two miles between the islands of St Kitts and Nevis, which can be traversed by a 10-minute water taxi from the Park Hyatt St Kitts Christophe Harbour, there’s no excuse not to experience both on a visit to the region.
St Kitts, the larger of the two, offers myriad outdoor pursuits, including quad biking and rainforest hikes.
For clients who prefer a slower pace, this island offers laid-back pursuits too, including playing a round at the Royal St Kitts Golf Club.
Nevis is dominated by the 985-metre Nevis Peak, which can be tackled on a guided climb. There are plenty of softer options too, such as the Nevis Equestrian Centre’s horse-riding routes and bike rental from Wheel World Cycle Shop.
BOOK IT: Tropical Sky offers seven nights’ B&B at the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club in Nevis from £3,269pp with flights included.
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