By Donna Richardson
Dive into Paradise Promotions unique portfolio of properties and you’ll find adventure at every turn. Discover Saint Lucia’s amazing landscape, underwater treasures, the wild rivers and lush diving waters off Dominica and the beautiful Turks and Caicos, home to the world’s third-largest barrier reef. Barbados has many underwater wrecks to discover while Nevis has a volcanic peak to scale and adventures galore. Meanwhile, Jamaica is home to the enigmatic Blue Mountains where you can uncover great places to hike and be immersed in captivating nature. Whichever location you choose, you’ll be sure of fantastic accommodations and handcrafted packages to help your clients make the most of these wonderful destinations.
Saint Lucia
If you’re seeking adventure, Saint Lucia has plenty to offer the adventurous spirit. On land, you’ll find miles of tropical rainforest with stunning waterfalls and deep ravines to explore, the enigmatic volcanic Pitons and the mud baths in Soufrière. Under the waves, lies a diver’s dream with a fantastic habitat for marine life to flourish in the warm Caribbean waters. Divers can explore fascinating shipwrecks, coral reefs and underwater fumaroles, which make Saint Lucia one of the most sought-after dive destinations in the world. Dive Saint Lucia and Scuba Steve’s Diving, both PADI 5* IDCs, operate from Harmony Marina Suites in Rodney Bay and offer various scuba diving courses. Clients can enjoy two dives daily, with the boat departing around 8:45 am and returning between 1:30 and 2:30 pm so you can have lunch back at Bay Gardens and plan your afternoon.
There are some spectacular diving sites on the west side of the island and some of the most accessible to guests staying at Bay Gardens Beach Resort are: Anse La Raye Wall, Anse Cochon North, Lesleen M Wreck, Anse Chastenet Reef, Pinnacles, Superman’s Flight and Pigeon island.
Anse La Raye Wall offers a great drift dive with volcanic boulders covered in coral. Anse Cochon (N) is an amazing spot for diving and snorkeling, featuring colourful coral reef perfect for photography and night dives. The Lesleen M Wreck, a 50M freighter sunk in 1986, is now covered in soft coral, sponges, and home to diverse marine life.
The Anse Chastenet Reef is a favourite of underwater photographers for its unusual fish and diverse habitats while Pinnacles consists of four underwater spires packed with encrusting corals and sponges, attracting huge shoals of fish but due to its unpredictable currents, photography is slightly trickier.
Superman’s Flight offers a sensation of flying with its massive layering of coral, soft coral formations, and various marine life. It is suitable for all levels of divers.
Pigeon Island, is a popular diving spot. The reef starts at the beach and encircles the fort, making it an ideal location for night dives and scuba courses. Pigeon Island isn’t just great for diving; it’s also a fantastic destination for a day trip, boasting rich history and featuring two peaks for hiking. These peaks offer stunning views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, Fort Rodney, constructed in 1778, is well worth exploring.
A water taxi service is available to guests of Bay Gardens Beach Resort. This is the closest island to the Bay Gardens Beach Resort. It is connected to Rodney Bay by a causeway and Bay Gardens Beach Resort, which currently offers 78 rooms, will expand by 27 rooms with the highly anticipated addition of Sapphire Sands – a new collection of luxury villas set to launch in 2025, aiming to elevate the four-star property to new heights of opulence. This is just one of several hotels to choose from in the Bay Gardens Resort group, in the Rodney Bay area. For those on a smaller budget, the Bay Gardens Hotel/Bay Gardens Inn and Bay Gardens Marina Haven all offer a fabulous base with a free daily shuttle to the Beach Resort. For more information visit our dedicated trade space;
Bay Gardens Beach Resort – Paradise Promotions (paradise-promotions.co.uk)
BAY GARDENS INN – Paradise Promotions (paradise-promotions.co.uk)
Bay Gardens Marina Haven – Paradise Promotions (paradise-promotions.co.uk)
BAY GARDENS HOTEL – Paradise Promotions (paradise-promotions.co.uk)
Waters Edge Villas – Paradise Promotions (paradise-promotions.co.uk)
Tet Rouge Resort in Saint Lucia are in Soufriere close to the mud baths and the mystical Pitons. If you are looking for a romantic break look no further. At Tet Rouge Resort immerse yourself in nature while enjoying stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the majestic Gros Piton. Book a Gone Tropical Catamaran Tour package includes a meal and a fabulous sailing day along the west coast of Saint Lucia on a 40 ft catamaran. This is the trip of a lifetime where you can experience the serene Caribbean sea and get up close and personal with the Gros Piton and the tropical coastline. This cosy retreat has just six sea-view suites which feature cathedral ceilings, a queen-sized poster bed, an expansive terrace, a kitchenette, a walk-in closet and a modern bathroom. At the resort itself, there’s a 40-foot saltwater infinity pool with a swim-up bar and lush gardens.
Dominica
Dominica is known for its abundance of rivers, there are 365, one for every day of the year which make for epic inland water-based adventures. However, the island also offers fantastic diving opportunities with its rugged pinnacles, drop-offs, abyss depths, and vibrant marine life. Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, located in Roseau, Dominica, is the only hotel on the island to have its own dive shop and with two brand new dive boats that can offer exceptional diving experiences in the Caribbean Sea. The hotel’s prime waterfront location has made it a top destination for diving enthusiasts for over ten years, offering unforgettable underwater experiences. Unlimited and complimentary shore diving is also available directly in front of the hotel. Here you’ll find a captivating shore dive full of sunken cannons and oil-drained engines. The hotel’s experienced dive instructors cater to both beginners and deep-sea thrill-seekers, ensuring an unforgettable underwater experience. The underwater landscape mirrors the dramatic mountains on land, with cliffs plunging into the Caribbean Sea, pinnacles rising from the depths, and volcanic ridges sloping into the deep blue water. Diving sites such as Scotts Head Pinnacle, Champagne Reef, Nose Reef, and Pole to Pole offer diverse underwater experiences. One of the most incredible is swimming through a volcanic crater and exploring underwater bubbles from volcanic vents at Champagne Reef.
Dominica has also created the ocean’s first Sperm Whale Reserve, so this is a fantastic place to see these beautiful creatures and additionally, Fort Young offers whale-watching twice per week. Fort Young has now launched a new solo’s package where guests can see these incredible creatures and also enjoy various island activities throughout the week, including visits to areas of outstanding natural beauty such as Trafalgar Falls, Titou Gorge, Middleham Falls, Freshwater Lake, Hot Springs, Indian River, Cabrits National Park, Spanny Falls, and Jacko Falls.
Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort is a fabulous base for all the adventure Dominica offers. The original Fort Walls remain and date back to 1699, inside this hotel gem has undergone a multimillion-pound refurbishment. You are also on the doorstep of Dominica’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and activity in Roseau, the capital of Dominica, yet closed away enough for guests to enjoy a luxurious sense of seclusion.
For more information, images, videos and reels on Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort visit our trade page.
Fort Young Hotel – Paradise Promotions (paradise-promotions.co.uk)
Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos remains a hidden gem, offering a holiday away from the crowds and full of adventure. The chain of islands in the Lucayan archipelago boasts dazzling white sand beaches and tropical rainforests, making each island and cay an adventurer’s dream. While Grand Turk and Providenciales are the main tourist hubs, visitors can venture to Middle Caicos for caves, and North Caicos for the nation’s farming. As for diving, Grand Turk provides wonderful and unique adventure experiences, with the area blessed with the third-largest barrier reef on earth.
The diving possibilities are endless all year round, featuring a 2000-metre plunging wall filled with shipwrecks. The underwater walls around the islands are consistently rated among the top wall diving destinations by scuba diving publications, hosting over 250 varieties of fish species inhabiting the coral reefs. Situated on a shallow underwater plateau, the Turks and Caicos Islands have transitional zones where depths can quickly reach over 2100 meters with a sheer drop, providing ample opportunities for wall diving. Divers can explore canyons, arches, and overhangs, swimming through and admiring the tropical beauty, clear water, large fish densities, sea creatures, and abundant coral. Additionally, from January to April, humpback whales migrate through these waters, best spotted in Grand Turk and South Caicos, providing a spectacular sight for enthusiasts. With endless opportunities to venture beyond, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer an unforgettable experience for nature, exploration, and culture. This hidden paradise is easily accessible with the new Virgin flight going direct from Heathrow, making it the world’s best-kept secret for barefoot luxury.
If you are looking for accommodation on Grand Turk, this is made up from small inns and guest houses scattered along the beach front. Outside of the cruise port Grand Turk is quintessentially British with a slow relaxed pace of life.
If you would like to combine with a stay on Providenciales, check out The Shore Club, voted the most Instagrammable hotel in the world in 2022, owned by the Hartling Group. Located on exclusive Long Bay Beach, guests enjoy VIP airport transfer and the luxury of a private elevator to villas for complete privacy. Relax at the indulgent spa, pools, or restaurants during your stay.
The Palms is another great place to stay with 72 suites and penthouses on the award-winning Grace Beach. Guests can enjoy Caribbean cuisine as well as the spa, fitness suite, yoga classes, infinity pool, tennis court, and free bicycles. The oceanfront suites offer panoramic views of Long Bay Beach and include full amenities.
The Sands at Grace Bay is an all-suite resort with a central beachfront location on Grace Bay Beach. It has 114 suites in six three-story buildings, surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. This is the lean in property for The Hartling Group and offers stunning views and easy access to Grace Bay’s 12 miles of powdery white sand and turquoise waters.
For more information, images and factsheets for these properties please use the links below;
The Sands – Paradise Promotions (paradise-promotions.co.uk)
The Palms – Paradise Promotions (paradise-promotions.co.uk)
The Shore Club – Paradise Promotions (paradise-promotions.co.uk)
Barbados
Blessed with the perfect conditions for diving with great visibility and water temperature Barbados has great diving opportunities all year round. If you want to dive shipwrecks, Barbados has a wide range. The Stavronika wreck is popular among divers and this Greek freighter was carrying cement when she caught fire en route from Ireland to the Caribbean in 1976 and was towed to Barbados and sunk. She has remained ever since. The Carlysle Bay Marine Park is a great place to dive numerous wrecks including the Berwyn, Ce-Trek, Bajan Queen, Cormwallis, Barge and the Eilion. You’ll also find some excellent diving sites with abundant coral. Old Fort off Needham’s point has a shallow barrier reef, ideal for drift dives, while The Deep is a deeper drift dive. Castle Bank is a great reef dive which drops off either side and is a great place for spotting barracudas. Lobster Reef is another excellent drift dive, which can be dived in tandem with the wreck Friars Craig – a 70ft freighter sunk in the eighties and has some great bottom growth.
On land Barbados has so much to offer the adventure seeker, with its rugged beauty and lush landscapes that are perfect for hiking and cycling. The east coast offers challenging terrain, while the Barbados Trailway and Coco Hill Forest provide more leisurely options.
Stay at Divi Southwinds, located between a beautiful half-mile stretch of white sand beach and the lively Barbados street attraction, St. Lawrence Gap, which offers restaurants, shops, music, and a vibrant local atmosphere. The hotel itself is an all-suite accommodation, perfect for families or those looking for a home-from-home experience with ample space and their own kitchen.
For more information on Divi Southwinds Beach Resort please visit our trade page;
Divi South Winds – Paradise Promotions (paradise-promotions.co.uk)
Nevis
Nevis is an adventurer’s playground, where you can explore the ruins of old sugar mills and climb a volcanic peak. Hike through lush rainforests and geothermal fields to the hot springs where they can soak in its healing mineral waters surrounded by nature. See more of the island in a thrilling off-road Funky Monkey Tour which is a fabulous way to soak in the sights and sounds of the island. Hop aboard a Polaris Ranger and head off the beaten track with your guide who will tell you all about the island’s best-kept secrets. For the more adventurous take the hike up Nevis Peak, this incredible mountain has an elevation of 3232 ft and for most of the hike this is exceptionally steep and needs to be undertaken using all your limbs as you pull yourself up over boulders, or the huge and ancient trees and various root systems that seems to blanket every inch. For the more challenging areas there are ropes to help as you cover this life-size jigsaw puzzle and you’ll need to listen to your guide for instruction on which set pieces to use as you tackle some of the steeper elevations. On average this hike takes 4 hours but for those looking for a hike that is slightly less demanding there are many other options which only take around 2 hours. Guides can also tailor-make hikes to fit your client’s personal requests.
To access this island’s incredible adventure offerings why not book the charming Golden Rock Inn, nestled in the Gingerland Hills and with the advantage of being situated at the base of Mount Nevis, here you can find your jungle paradise with spectacular views. Wander around the acres of gardens planted by Raymond Jungles and see the verdant monkeys swinging in the trees. When guests want to explore more of the gardens, Keith, who has been with the property for over 30 years and is the resident head gardener, will take you on an inspiring and knowledgeable garden tour. This unspoiled Caribbean island paradise features beautiful beaches, a wealth of historic sites and some of the Caribbean’s best beach bars and dining experiences. Nevis is a unique, tranquil place with its special kind of charm but with adventure at every turn.
For more information on Golden Rock Inn, factsheet, images and video content visit our website;
Golden Rock Inn – Paradise Promotions (paradise-promotions.co.uk)
Jamaica
The Blue Mountains rise to an elevation of 7,402 above the sea, peaking out of the mist and vegetation to give onlookers the impression it has a blueish tinge – hence the name Blue Mountains. You can enjoy scenic views as you hike these enigmatic mountains, stopping from time-to-time to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and learn about its origins. Take the Blue Mountain Trail for a four-hour long hike to the summit climbing up steep terrain for about 9.3 km exploring this unique UNESCO site or one of the other routes up the mountain with a preferred mountain guide. Surrounded by tropical jungle, you’ll discover cascading waterfalls and lush foliage as you hike. Bask in the glorious sunshine while enjoying the flora and fauna around you as tropical birds fly overhead, Jamaica has 35 endemic birds, many of which can be seen in the Blue Mountains. Hiking opportunities are ample in this region whatever your ability. The higher you go, the greater the chances of rain so be sure to take a poncho or visit during the dry season.
For your base, stay at S Hotel Kingston, for easy access to the Blue Mountains and coffee tours. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this property has 125 modern, design-forward rooms that evoke elegant simplicity. Guests can enjoy continental classics made with fresh local ingredients at a range of bars and restaurants the hotel offers, from Rocksteady, Jamrock and Strings &Stones to the Sky Pool bar and the Cabana pool bar. For more information, factsheets and images please visit the hotel’s resource centre on our website.
In Montego Bay, experience the ultimate luxury beach holiday at S Hotel in Montego Bay. This stunning resort offers breathtaking views of Doctor’s Cave Beach and features a main swimming pool surrounded by vivid red swim-out cabanas, providing guests with the ultimate relaxation and privacy. The hotel’s cosmopolitan vibe is unmistakably Jamaican, making it the perfect destination for jet setters and celebrities looking for a luxurious escape.
S Hotel Kingston – Paradise Promotions (paradise-promotions.co.uk)
S Hotel Jamaica: Montego Bay – S Hotel – Paradise Promotions (paradise-promotions.co.uk)
Overall, Paradise Promotions has some great opportunities for agents to design the perfect holidays for their clients. If you want any more information contact Victoria Cranmer on victoria@paradise-promotions.co.uk or by phone on +44 (0) 7956 216654.
For more information on the properties in this blog please visit their page on this website, here you’ll find online training, images, videos, reels and fact sheets.