4 of the best Caribbean islands for year-round sunshine

Ever heard of the ‘ABC islands’? These are Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao – three western isles in the Leeward Antilles, which boast some of the warmest and most predictable climates in the region. Our top pick is Curaçao, which not only offers beautiful weather, but also the chance to visit 30-plus beaches, go diving around its numerous underwater wrecks and coves, and sample its unique cuisine, which is heavily influenced by its Dutch-Caribbean status. Make time to see the candy-coloured buildings in Punda, Curaçao’s ‘downtown’, and, of course, sip a cocktail or two made with the island’s namesake liqueur.

Where to stay: Sandals Royal Curaçao is the company’s newest all-inclusive opening, and has everything you need to make the most of your time in this sun-kissed spot – including deluxe suites, 11 restaurants and a two-level infinity pool (a dreamy place to take a dip when you need to cool off).

Antigua’s white sand beaches are complemented by steady blue skies, with an average of seven to eight hours of sunshine per day. It may only be 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, but there’s plenty packed into this island’s relatively compact borders, including the fascinating 18th-century Nelson’s Dockyard, a must-see for history buffs. For inspiring views, head to Devil's Bridge National Park, where coastal limestone has been eroded into unique formations over the years, or take the trail up to Shirley Heights Lookout; parties take place here every Sunday at sunset, complete with rum punch, freshly barbecued jerk chicken and lively local music.

Where to stay: Make Sandals Grande Antigua your base and enjoy luxurious suites – some with private plunge pools – endless gourmet dining and unlimited land and water sports. Everything from snorkelling to beach volleyball is included – there’s even a PADI scuba-diving programme for discovering Antigua’s coral reefs.

The third largest island in the Caribbean is one of the most popular – for good reason. Weather-wise, Jamaica is reliably clear and sunny for the majority of the year; Montego Bay, for instance, is warmest in July, but even in the ‘colder’ month of January it’s around 28°C, which should appease even the most avid sunbathers. If you prefer a more action-packed adventure, you won’t be short of options – from marvelling at the waterfalls of Dunn’s River to boarding a bamboo raft in the Rio Grande river. And as you’re in the birthplace of reggae, a visit to the Bob Marley museum in Uptown Kingston is truly unmissable.

Where to stay: Get ahead of the crowds and be one of the first to experience Sandals Dunn’s River, which opens its doors in May 2023. Nestled in a secluded spot on the north coast of the island, there are dozens of amenities at your fingertips, from swim-up bars to unique river pools.

The Bahamas may experience slightly more rainy days on average than some of the islands listed above, but its showers are brief and refreshing rather than the familiar day-long drizzle that outstays its welcome on home turf, and for the majority of the year, you can bask happily in its humid, tropical climate. One of the most memorable things about these islands is the pigs who you can swim alongside in Nassau or Paradise Island, and the calm turquoise sea and plethora of other marine life in these places makes them a particularly appealing destination for divers, too. Luxury reigns supreme in the Bahamas, so you might even get to spot an A-lister on your travels (or, at the very least, take a peek at their glamorous residences, should you happen to pass through the right neighbourhood).

Where to stay: Speaking of luxury, Sandals Royal Bahamian is a standout five-star retreat – ideal for those seeking a relaxing all-inclusive break in picturesque surroundings. From food to transfers, everything is included in your stay, making for a stress-free, sun-soaked escape from start to finish.

Learn more about Sandals Resorts and discover the best offers by visiting sandals.co.uk or calling 0800 742742