TRAVEL: 'Home away from home' ways to experience the Caribbean

The UK’s leading specialist Caribbean holiday company has launched a new independent travel programme for guests seeking a ‘home away from home’ vacation.

Starting in Barbados – but with plans to expand to other islands – Caribtours is focusing on affordable properties that provide the ideal base for a cost-effective holiday in the Caribbean.

The 150 self-catered cottages and apartments are all located in coveted areas of Barbados, such as the star-studded Sandy Lane Bay.

All Caribtours guests will receive a welcome basket of grocery essentials, including an all-important bottle of local rum as well as preferential car hire rates and a schedule of local events, festivals and the best beaches to visit.

“A great choice for families needing extra space or couples looking to explore the culture of the island, the apartments offer guests a chance to live like a local,” Caribtours said.

Villas on the Beach, Holetown

Located on the west coast of Barbados, Caribtours has some beautiful apartments in Holetown, St James. One of the standout properties is Villas on the Beach, designed by architect Ian Morrison.

Guests are in easy walking distance of a grocery store, a 24-hour medical centre, as well as many fine dining restaurants, bistros and beach bars. The villas are located just a short drive away from three world renowned golf courses - Apes Hill Club, Sandy Lane and Royal Westmoreland.

Villas on the Beach consist of one, two and three en-suite bedroom apartments with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and their own private terrace.

Maxwell Beach Villas, Oistins

Set between St Lawrence Gap and the town of Oistins on the south coast, the views from Maxwell Beach Villas are second to none. Guests can stroll directly from their own apartment terrace to the pool for a spot of sunbathing or a cooling dip.

Wake up to the sound of the waves every morning, in the open plan two bedroom, two bathroom luxury apartments and walk along the pristine white sandy beach just a few steps away. Each property comes with a fully equipped kitchen and guests can buy ingredients for al fresco lunches in the grocery stores and shops of Oistins.

For those wanting to eat out, there is an array of dining options five to ten minutes’ drive away with a choice of casual beach restaurants and trendy bars, to some of the finest restaurants on the island, making it a great choice for foodie travellers.

For golf aficionados, the Barbados Golf Club, where Caribtours guests are offered preferential rates, is moments away. Directly next door to Maxwell Beach Villas is Butterfly Beach Hotel with its restaurant and bar, The Happy Star Fish, that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the year.

Carambola Cottage, Sunset Crest

Situated next to Sandy Lane, on Sunset Crest, these new three bedroom, three bathroom villas are beautifully decorated with their own private terrace and pool. Everything guests need is a short walk away in Holetown, including the chattel shops, supermarkets, restaurants and the luxury shopping mall Lime Grove.

Golf can be found just a few moments away and Caribtours guests staying at Carambola Cottage have access to the Sunset Crest Beach Club and tennis courts, just five minutes walk away. The club also has a pool, bar and restaurant to while away the day.

For information, visit caribtours.co.uk or call +44 (0)207 751 0660.