Jumby Bay Island, a splash of rugged green, a dot in the ocean really, perched off the north-east coast of Antigua, just a hop over from the airport, is where my adventure begins. Whisked through the terminal and over to the island within the hour, boots off, feet in sand, and clutching a papaya juice, I am ready for my 10 day Caribbean exploration. The island itself is a safe space for families with little ones who are well looked after by naturally charming Antiguans; activities include wildlife adventures, science club, pirates, Caribbean cookery class and a cool turtle conservation experience which introduces the next generation to the challenges wildlife face in the current climate and what is being done to protect their future. Part of German hotelier Oetker’s collection, which is quietly working towards many of its UN Sustainable Development Goals, the resort provides around 70% of the island’s energy requirements by solar. They also have a small but growing organic farm, with free-roaming chickens that were frantically darting around during our tour, and an abundance of coconuts from the sky-high swaying palms, glossy limes, mango and herbs. Refillable water stations have recently been installed and a partnership with a local ocean charity supports various marine wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
A thirty-minute propeller-engine journey over the eyewatering pristine Lesser Antilles to the French West Indies, and St-Barthélemy beckons. An oft-notorious plane landing which saw us lurch over the mountain top and deep-diving down onto the runway with an unnecessary urgence, brings us to our next check in, Eden Rock, also part of the Oetker Collection, where charming Camille is on hand to ensure a reassuringly slick welcome. A scattering of lavish suites and two villas, each immaculately managed, snake around the famous rock, the site of the earliest settlers here, way back in the 17th century. An island almost entirely devoted to tourism, think Ibiza’s charm betwixt St-Tropez’s glamour, with a Euro-Caribbean spirit. Topographically sublime with steep, wild cactus-smothered mountains and splendid beaches; creamy licks of sand affronting vivid azure waters. Is it any wonder a fourteen night stay over the festive season is urged?
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