Check In | September 30 2020

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SUPPLEMENT Page 2 DailyMail, Wednesday, December 30, 2020 Experience the colour and spectacle of the Caribbean, above, then relax on one of its many pristine beaches, left and below Barbados promises pristine beaches, swaying palms and a touch of glamour. Nowonder the A-list love it T’S the time of year when most of us dream of exchanging short, dark days for soft sands, aquamarine waters and the endless sunshine in the Caribbean. In Barbados, year-round temperatures in the high twenties are perfect for exploring the 80-plus postcard-perfect beaches that fringe the island. But it’s not just dreamy beaches that bring the great and the good here year after year. It’s that mix of a warm, friendly Bajan welcome, an exciting food scene, sweeping rich history and amazing wildlife. It’s the fact that you can spend your morning swimming with turtles, then wander the streets of the UNESCO-listed capital Bridgetown to discover architecture and charming shops. Or perhaps you’d rather combine a morning surfing the Atlantic rollers of the east coast with an afternoon tasting at the 350-year-old Mount Gay rum distillery, which has produced rum for longer than anywhere else in the world. Barbados packs a lot into one island. It has both a Caribbean and an Atlantic coastline. You can hike the tropical hills and valleys, keeping an eye out for cheeky green monkeys, or visit the botanic gardens to spot exotic plants and jewel-coloured hummingbirds. Or, for more wildlife encounters, head out on a snorkelling adventure to spot everything from parrotfish to butterflyfish, trumpetfish to starfish. Beyond its wild beauty, there is the vibrant history and culture to discover, too. You can visit grand plantation houses dating back to the 17th century, stroll the streets of Holetown, which was the first English settlement in 1627, and explore the historic Garrison at Bridgetown. Then there’s the food. Think spiced dishes with West Indian, African and European influences, fresh lobster, tuna and flying fish, chilled beach bars and gourmet restaurants. If you’re after a relaxing break in the sun, make like the A-list, and head to Barbados. I JEWELS Caribbean OF THE ACARIBBEANSTAR VIRGINATLANTIChas been flying to theCaribbean formore than20years, and there’s nothing its experts don’t knowabout these idyllic islands. The teamhas beenworkinghard tomake sureyoucanenjoyyour longed-forCaribbeanholidaywithall the safety and flexibilityyouneed. All bookings arecompletely flexible – youcanpostponeor evenchange thedestinationat nocost, andevery holiday comeswith freeCovid-19 cover togiveyouextraprotection alongsideyour travel insurance. You’ll fly ina safeand sanitised environment, withall theusual comforts of hotmeals, andeven some sweet treats fromcelebrity pâtissier Eric Lanlard if you flyby day fromtheUK. Book your escapewithconfidence andVirginAtlanticHolidayswill create that dreamtrip to the sun you’vebeenwaiting for. YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS WITH VIRGIN ATLANTIC HOLIDAYS