Caribbean Archives - Liv& Travel

book your island adventure

Olivia — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 23:15:31 +0000

This month, founder of Liv& Travel and your local travel agent, Liv Ponniah, talks about navigating the new rules around travel and why you should head to the Caribbean this Summer.

As a luxury travel agent, specialising in unique destination experiences across all 7 continents, I must say I have been most impressed with the efforts put in place by the Caribbean Islands to welcome UK Tourists back to their charming paradise locations. With direct flights to many of the islands from both Heathrow and Gatwick, and welcoming entry protocols in place for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers – the Caribbean is a fantastic destination to consider for your next vacation.

From the ‘Resilient Corridor’ of Jamaica, inviting tourists back to a tourist haven stretching as far as Negril, to the 24 hour quarantine in place across Barbados, The British Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos and St Lucia, you’re truly spoilt for choice. Each island has its own character and if like me, you’ve travelled many of the islands before, you’ll already have your favourites suited to your own personality. At Liv& Travel, we will intuitively match the perfect island to the experience you’re looking for, so whether you’re planning a family holiday or a getaway with friends, a romantic honeymoon or a solo escape, we can help.

Even for the seasoned travellers among us, it can be stressful trying to navigate the changing rules around travel. Why not let us take the stress off your hands? Get in touch today – we’d love to hear from you.

The islands are calling. Will you answer?

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Isla Holbox : All You Need To Know

Olivia — Mon, 18 May 2020 13:08:55 +0000

Isla Holbox, known for its scenic beaches, calm waters and laid back vibes, is one of our must-travel destinations post-lockdown.

Getting There

Located just north of the Yucatan peninsula on Mexico’s south-eastern coast, and just a car ride from Cancun Airport to the ferry of Chiquila, this idyllic island boasts a wealth of activities and things to do. Pay less than £10 for the 25-minute ferry ride across to the island for a greeting-by-golf-cart upon arrival, ready to transfer you to the property of your choice – totally worth it!

But where to stay? Well, that’s easy (if you ask us!)

For the best beachfront location on the island, friendly and attentive service and cloud-like beds, we know a fantastic family-run boutique hotel on the island, only a 3-minute walk from the main square and a 5minute ride from the ferry terminal. Casa Las Tortugas. Indulge in barefoot luxury at this must-stay spot on the island.

Tip: Try to plan your trip around the new moon so you can experience the monthly new moon ceremony on the beach !

Arrival Experience

Expect a welcome experience that will leave you feeling as though you have returned home, with a gift bag and some mystery seashells… we won’t ruin the surprise, but the team at casa Las Tortugas do a great job of making you feel instantly at home.

You will have a selection of locally produced, eco-friendly amenities in the room to enjoy. Of the hotel’s 24 individually decorated rooms which are set around a courtyard, you will have views of the beach, pool and/or yoga studio depending on your room allocation. The hotel restaurant (&bar) stretches out on to the beach, which becomes a beautiful spot by night when lit up by candles, lanterns and fairy lights. By day, spend your day swinging on the beach hammocks and chaises-lounges, ordering delicious fish tacos with the most glorious guacamole and the freshest fruit smoothies to ever touch your lips. Make sure to stick around for the sunset, cocktail in hand..

Dining
Breakfast is included and served at Mandarina, offering fresh juice and hot drinks, a basket of homemade pastries with butter and homemade jam (the pineapple one was delicious), one plate of fresh fruit with yoghurt and homemade granola or the breakfast of the day. The perfect way to start your day.
The rest of the day, Mandarina offers a full-day fusion of Mediterranean, South American and Caribbean delights. You literally don’t need to leave the beach!

AMA is the rooftop restaurant, serving sushi and cocktails. What more do you need in life?! A view? Not a problem from this spot, trust us.

Across the road you will find LUUMA which offers a selection of tapas and cocktails in a patio-setting. Very popular spot on the island so don’t miss out!

What to do?

Casa Las Tortugas is located very close to the main square of Holbox – only a 3-minute walk! With no cars on the island, you have the option to explore by foot, rent a bike or jump in a taxied golf buggy to get around. The square gets quite busy at night

At night, there are plenty of things going on throughout the islands wildly understated bars and restaurants, mixed with street foods for a full culinary experience. A great spot for cocktails on the beach is Salma. The staff will not only welcome you but share a wealth of knowledge on different daily excursions you must experience based on your preferences. Expect all the local tips on whale shark excursions, bioluminescence and kite-surfing adventures.

Spa

The hotel also has a spa, with massage rooms and yoga/meditation classes, in addition to a swimming pool which is often deserted leaving you with a feeling as if it’s just you and the pool. Serenity.

Get in touch

It’s easy to see why the likes of Forbes, Vanity Fair and The Telegraph have all flagged this family-run hotel as a must stay in Holbox. Overall, the hotel is great for anyone looking to unplug from the world with a laid-back barefoot luxury experience on one of Mexico’s most beautiful islands. Head to Isla Holbox post-lockdown, whilst you can still enjoy the islands untouched nature and natural beauty.

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10 Reasons to Visit The British Virgin Islands in 2020

Olivia — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 08:07:05 +0000

10 Reasons to Visit The British Virgin Islands in 2020

The British Virgin Islands is the place to be in 2020! Hailed as the top destination for the super rich in 2019, it’s easy to see why this idyllic paradise is on everyone’s list of places to visit this year.

1. First and foremost, this is one of the only corners of the Caribbean which has not fallen victim to the tourism industry, in total lack of the commercialisation often seen on other paradise islands nowadays. This destination is a true paradise for all ages, cultures and budgets.

2. Yes, the rumours are true. The NY Times just announced The British Virgin Islands as their number 2 of 52 places to go in 2020. Reason being? Well it’s the islands incredible resilience and ability to bounce back after the Hurricanes which totally devastated the territory back in 2017, allowing for an almost re-birth of this paradise. And let’s face it – if the NY Times says so, who are we to disagree?!

3. In 2019, CEOWORLD Magazine listed the BVI as the most popular destination for the super rich. But you don’t need to be super rich to visit the BVI. All are welcome here.

4.If Forbes said it, then it really must be true. The Virgin Islands, both British and US were listed on their top 20 destinations for 2020 under the Forbes Travel Guide. Check out their reasons why here.

5. Remember Richard Branson? Hard not to forget that name. The BVI is home to one of his many homes, Necker Island. Also up and coming on the Virgin front is Mosquito Island, just off the coast of Virgin
Gorda. Fancy a trip to Necker, but can’t afford the room nights? Fear not! Sea It Clear Tours will take you on an educational experience of the island by glass bottom boat, where you will learn all about the conservational efforts of Branson and his team,.

6. CN Traveler praised the BVI under their best islands to visit in 2020. We will be curating some exclusive offers for these ultra-luxe island locations very soon so watch this space!

7. If it’s not for the sustainability focus across the region, including a turtle tagging program being introduced on Cooper Island, it’s because Harpers bazaar told us so. The BVI has also featured on their best places to visit for 2020. What are you waiting for?! Head to www.bvitravel.co.uk for more info.

8. Ever heard of Eustatia Island? Currently home to the co-founder and CEO of Google, Larry Page and his wife. if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us. What do you say?

9. Coming in at number 9 on Matador Network 25 places you need to travel in 2020, we have The British Virgin Islands. Who doesn’t want to visit a completely renovated caribbean island?! We know we do.

10. Last, but not least. Why not?! The British Virgin Islands has been hailed as a top destination for 2020 and our suggestion to you is to experience it before the tourism industry takes over too much. What are you waiting for? Visit www.bvitravel.co.uk and get in touch with us today!

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The Best Beaches in Antigua

Olivia — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 08:04:49 +0000

Ah Antigua. Land of the 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. If you don’t quite have a full year to spend beach-hopping, here we let you in on a little secret… the top 3 as recommended by locals.

Darkwood Beach
Long Bay Beach
Halfmoon Beach

To give you the best chance of getting to all the beaches and enjoying them at your leisure, you’re going to need to rent a car. We recommend 108 Estate – a local car rental service owned by a friendly giant named Dion. He will have your car personally delivered to your location and will provide you with your temporary Antiguan driving licence. Easy as that! Get in touch to find out more.

P.S. There is nothing quite like an Antiguan Sunset – keep this in mind when planning your trip to the Beach!

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