Caribbean Travel Blogs

SXMusic Festival, Saint Martin

Hitting the beach in Saint Martin for SXMusic Festival.

Oh hey… look where I am?

Just when I thought I was heading home from an incredible month in South America, I took a slight detour. I’ve popped over to the paradise Caribbean island of Saint Martin for a week of sunshine, rum and beach parties. The occasion? The brand new boutique music festival SXMusic.

From 9th – 13th March, the world’s top DJs are flying in to perform at some of the island’s coolest venues. From the perfect white sands of Palm Beach on Orient Beach, to the island’s top nightclubs Tantra and Le Shore. Jamie Jones , Patrick Topping and Maceo Plex head up a top line up for the Caribbean’s newest music festival.

What’s it really like to go for afternoon tea at Sandy Lane in Barbados?

This guest post was written by Sarah Connolly

Some hotels are known globally, be it for the guests they host, a long standing reputation as a leading hotel, impeccable service, the destination of a high profile wedding, or just as somewhere people aspire to go to. I’m thinking of places like The Ritz, George V, Beverly Wilshire, or in my case Sandy Lane.

The word luxury is thrown around a lot and used far too often when it comes to hotels. Luxury to one person may not be luxury to another but having been to Sandy Lane I am 100% confident that this hotel wholeheartedly deserves to be deemed a luxury property, and that all those who have stepped through its doors would agree.

I was in Barbados for a week staying at a nearby hotel and booked to have afternoon tea at Sandy Lane. From the gated entrance to the long and winding driveway, everything plays a role in creating a really exclusive and beautiful setting. On arrival we were led to the lower level of Bajan Blue; an alfresco restaurant looking out to the beach, scattered with the famous pink sun loungers and even more famous guests.

My stay at the Barcelo Solymar in Varadero, Cuba was a real ‘Fawlty Towers’ experience. Find out why in my review of the hotel, restaurants and facilities.

“The best resort in Varadero, Cuba”… Unfortunately wasn’t where I stayed last week. Instead, I booked into the budget equivalent of Fawlty Towers. With a Trip Advisor rating of 3.5 out if 5 I wasn’t expecting pure luxury. Reviewers had complained about the food, service and state of accommodation. Needless to say, my expectations were relatively low, particularly when paying £50 a night for my own room and all-inclusive board. It was one of the only affordable options after spending months travelling around Central America.

These are all of my Caribbean travel blogs!

SXMusic Festival, Saint Martin

Hitting the beach in Saint Martin for SXMusic Festival.

Afternoon Tea At Sandy Lane, Barbados

What’s it really like to go for afternoon tea at Sandy Lane in Barbados?

REVIEW: Barcelo Solymar, Cuba – AKA ‘Fawlty Towers’

My stay at the Barcelo Solymar in Varadero, Cuba was a real ‘Fawlty Towers’ experience. Find out why in my review of the hotel, restaurants and facilities.