Escape to paradise

Tour operators say 
that families who have 
left their holiday plans to the last minute – and many of them have as they wait to see how finances fare – could surprise themselves with some amazing last-minute deals in the long-haul sector.

With many hoteliers in the Caribbean prepared to lower their off-peak rates, and airlines also keen to boost demand for flights to the region, with Virgin and British Airways running special promotions, the coming weeks could see low holiday prices which will be a much needed bonus for those who feared they would be spending the summer holidays at home in rain-soaked Britain.

Paula Whitehead, managing director at Elite Island Resorts, which has properties in Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada and The Grenadines, says: “We’re seeing some particularly good deals through all operators to the Caribbean over the next six weeks.

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“As European destinations hit peak prices during July and August, the Caribbean can be terrific value at this time with prices significantly lower than they are in the British winter months.

“Whilst European resorts are still getting to grips with the all-inclusive concept, the Caribbean has perfected this formula over many years.”

Hayes & Jarvis commercial director Niel Alobaidi adds: “The Caribbean has been a star performer for us this year; it’s a very price-led market, with demand driven by great short term deals that we have been able to offer.

“These have tended to create peaks and troughs in bookings. A month or so back, both Virgin and British Airways offered exceptional discounts on flights to the main islands, which really boosted early summer demand.

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“Now Virgin is going it alone with a flight sale designed to clear remaining summer capacity, so we can line up some keenly-priced packages for August/September with prices which compare favourably with the short-haul market.”

Hayes & Jarvis seven-night all-inclusives at four-star Almond Beach Club & Spa, Barbados, from Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic lead in at £995, with seven nights’ all-inclusive at four-star Smugglers Cove, St Lucia from August 31 for £899.

Alobaidi says the Dominican Republic is the biggest hit this summer; H&J has seven-night all-inclusives at five-star Larimar Resort and Spa from September 27 for £799.

At Tropical Sky, Caribbean director Mags Longstaff says: “Great deals this summer offer savings of more than 40 per cent on package deals to various resorts. Many resorts offer big discounts to make summer travel more affordable than ever.”