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DESTINATION Barbados & Grenada: Two islands, two moods

Chargrilled mahi mahi, ice-cold beers, a soundtrack of soca and reggae… this is your Friday night, sorted. For a change of gear entirely, consider Grenada, where things move at a softer pace. Known as the Spice Island, its fertile soil grows nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves – scents you’ll catch between rainforest hikes and waterfall swims. It’s less about scene, more about soul. Think volcanic peaks, natural hot springs, and dense green jungles teeming with life. The pace slows. The mood deepens. And you’ll wonder why you didn’t come sooner. Start in St George’s, Grenada’s picture-perfect capital, where rainbow-hued Georgian buildings wrap around The Carenage harbour. Adventurers should grab a snorkel and dive into the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park – an eerie, evolving gallery where the National Park calls with its crater lakes, lush rainforest trails and wildlife you’ll spot only if you stop and listen. Annandale Waterfall is a short hop from there – a lush, green plunge pool you’ll want to sink into. Thirsty? Keep the Caribbean rum thread going with a visit to River Antoine, Grenada’s oldest distillery. And for the sweet finale: Tri Island Chocolate Factory, where you can make your own bar from locally grown cacao. Worth it for the smell alone. art lives beneath the waves. Back on land, Grand Etang

Sandals Grenada: an adults-only hideaway where luxe meets laid-back.

When it comes to sun-soaked escapes, nowhere shines quite like the Caribbean. Tropical weather, lush landscapes, world-class beaches, and vibrant culture set it apart. Across its thirteen independent nations, each island offers its own rhythm, flavour and story. But Barbados and Grenada? They’ve got that irresistible spark. And with Virgin Atlantic Holidays' inter-island shuttle flights, you can do both in one trip – two perspectives, one unforgettable escape. Families and fun-seekers will feel right at home in Barbados. Head to Paynes Bay or Mullins Beach for sun-soaked days, laid-back dining and an easy-going mix of beachfront hotels to suit every tribe. But it doesn’t stop at the shore. Barbados is energy bottled. Start with Coco Hill Forest – 53 acres of tropical bamboo groves and spice trees overlooking the sea. Then make for Bridgetown, where history and heritage collide. From colonial architecture and the UNESCO-listed Barbados Garrison to Rihanna Drive (yes, that Rihanna), it’s all on the map. Naturally, you’ll want a little rum with your history. Head to Mount Gay – the oldest rum distillery on the island – for a sip-and-stir cocktail class with a side of storytelling. And don’t even think about skipping Oistin’s Fish Fry on the south coast.

STAY HERE In Grenada, Sandals Grenada offers grown-up luxury just steps from the sea. For families in Barbados, Sugar Bay blends boho charm with beachfront ease. SEE THIS In Barbados, explore Harrison’s Cave, a subterranean world of waterfalls and stalactites. In Grenada, Grand Anse Beach is as wide, soft, and perfect as they come. EAT THAT In Barbados, try cou-cou and flying fish. In Grenada, go for Oil Down, a coconut and callaloo one-pot stew packed with spice and soul.

Bay watch: St George’s, the capital of Grenada, is famous for its horseshoe-shaped harbour.

Your sunshine, sorted. We think you deserve better than drizzle, dark mornings and an umbrella that’s working overtime. Swap it for sea temperatures warmer than your shower, sunsets worth raising a glass to, and memories that last longer than

a tan – all with Virgin Atlantic Holidays. To secure your next adventure visit: virginatlantic.com/holidays

order.virginatlantic.com

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