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Why A Caribbean Getaway Is Legitimately Good For Your Soul (As If You Needed Convincing)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions and protective measures may be in place at time of travel. Please check travel advice and availability of activities at time of booking.

Sun, we need you so...

They say travel feeds the soul, but the truth is, it’s a bit more complicated than that.

City breaks satisfy that part of you that longs for culture, excitement, amazing food and drink.

Countryside getaways let you reconnect with nature in its pure, glorious form (and force you off your phone for the duration so you can reconnect with nature).

Beachy destinations are perfect for relaxation and finally reading a book cover to cover; adventure holidays are adrenalin-pumping thrill rides of new discoveries daily.

What’s truly magical is when you find a place that can feed every part of the soul, from your inner daredevil to its alter-ego, that over-exhausted worker in desperate need of a physical and spiritual recharge.

There are some destinations on the map that can do all of the above for you: warm your cold bones, introduce you to a kaleidoscopic rainbow of the freshest local-grown foods, wow you with natural beauty and impress you with the genuine friendliness of the inhabitants.

Yes, of course one of these dream spots is the Caribbean.

People think of the Caribbean as a wonderful beach getaway but islands like Saint Lucia, Grenada, Barbados and St. Kitts offer much more in terms of wellbeing, self-discovery and culture.

Now, we’re sure you don’t need any convincing, but here are a few reasons to make a getaway to the Caribbean with British Airways your next choice for a long-haul holiday. And you can book with confidence, safe in the knowledge that you can change your date or destination if you need to.

Marigot Bay, St. Lucia. Credit: Wildroze via Getty Images

Get your sunshine fix

Sunshine isn’t just something that puts a smile on our faces (although it definitely does that, too). It’s very good for us to have some sun exposure in both physical terms (a much-needed vitamin D boost, woohoo!) and emotional ones.

Whether you want to relax on a beach or hike up a volcanic mountain, the Caribbean isles are the perfect places for a relaxing getaway.

Woman carrying basket of fruit on head, Grenada. Credit: Walter Bibikow via Getty Images

Eating the freshest, most delicious foods

Caribbean islands like St. Kitts, Saint Lucia, Barbados and Grenada are known for their local cuisine: fresh, colourful, vibrant and delicious.

From fish and seafood like lambi (conch) to curried goat, goat water (meat stew) and Cajun chicken, all cooked in glorious spices, every bite of food is like a celebration in your mouth.

Head to the local markets to sample the abundance of island-grown fresh fruits and veg on these three island destinations. Nibble on plantains, breadfruit, guava, ackee, jackfruit, green figs (bananas), genips, ugli fruit, papaya, custard apple, soursop and more.

Making new friends

The Caribbean is often hailed as a fantastic destination for its friendly local faces, who will gladly introduce you to their favourite foods, recommend off-the-beaten-track haunts or help out with directions if you need. St. Kitts, Grenada, Barbados and Saint Lucia all have their own local marketplaces, where you can browse the tables overladen with spices, fruits and vegetables, sauces and condiments, cacao and fabrics.

If you’re not a fan of market frenzy, get a feel for local culture by booking into a locally run guest house or heading out to a foodie joint. Cathy’s Ocean View Bar & Grill in St. Kitts, and Patrick’s Local Homestyle Restaurant in Grenada are popular, and people love Marie’s Beach Shack in Saint Lucia’s Rodney Bay for grilled fish with rum punch.

Dreaming of a Caribbean getaway? Book something to look forward to and secure your Caribbean holiday with a deposit starting from £75pp. Book now and change later with flexible booking options. ATOL protected. Find out more at ba.com/caribbean.

Bookings created as Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car are eligible to be confirmed using a deposit payment. Flight only, single product bookings, and any hotel/car/experience added to a flight only booking are excluded from this offer. £75 per person deposit payment based on two people sharing a booking with a total value between £1000 & £2999, where the minimum deposit payment is £150 per booking. Full deposit payment terms and conditions apply, see ba.com/deposits. British Airways Holidays standard terms and conditions and conditions of carriage apply, please refer to ba.com. British Airways Holidays reserve the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time. All information correct at time of publishing – 2 June 2021, errors and omissions excepted (E&OE). 

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Welcome to The Spoils from HuffPost UK, a digital space celebrating a new kind of modern luxury. We'll show you how to enjoy the little things that feel luxurious to you with features and expert recommendations on lifestyle, culture, travel, eating and drinking, your home, style and wellbeing.