October 2020
Caribbean Christmas Special
We appreciate these are worrying times for many and holidays may not be at the forefront of everyone's minds. However if you believe a Christmas break after a difficult year could do you the world of good, we are here to help make that happen.
As a family we are usually at home for the festivities, closely watching worldwide weather reports to make sure our clients get away safely (and therefore praying for anything but a 'White Christmas'!). This year, however, we've decided to invest in a Caribbean escape for a week, so if you are keen to follow suit, we are well placed to advise.
Our shortlist for Winter Sun with travel protocols are listed below. ALL have travel corridors (which we believe will be more stable than those granted to Europe in the Summer thanks to testing) as well as an FCDO exemption. We are also watching the Canaries - with new testing procedures finalised (before travel and return) the archipelago is now set to re-launch itself to European tourists.
Antigua - Negative test taken within 7 days of arrival (under 12s exempt).
St Lucia - Negative test taken within 7 days of arrival (under 5s exempt) with some approved activities now allowed outside your resort.
Grenada - Negative test taken within 7 days of arrival (under 4s exempt) and again at 4 days if you wish to explore beyond your hotel.
Seychelles - Test within 48 hours of departure, then stay in your resort until returning a second negative test taken 5 days after arrival.
Barbados - Test 3 days before travel then 2 days 'in room' quarantine before returning a second negative test.
Below are some holiday ideas and flight inclusive prices for the destinations mentioned above (click on the hotel name for video links). The best deals are to be had are pre-Christmas, but rates are still much lower than usual when including the big day. Remember we generally only require a deposit of £50 per person, with hotel payments generally not due till a few weeks before travel at the moment. BA's 'Book with Confidence Offer' will also allow you to exchange for a voucher for any reason, right up until you depart (and if your flight is cancelled, you will of course receive a refund).
Next month we will report back on the findings of the Governments Travel Taskforce and how this may open up further destinations. We are also really excited to be welcoming Amy, Lops and Katie back to the team to work on our new website - more info on that in December!
In the meantime, we encourage you to keep up with the latest news and special offers via our two Facebook groups or just call / email anytime to chat through ideas and any concerns you may have.
Till then, take Care
Abi and Emily x
Direct: 01252 792984
abi@bushbaby.travel / emily@bushbaby.travel
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Antigua is known as the island with a beach for every day of the year, and Blue Waters nestles around one of those charming bays. If you can escape for a week before Christmas, costs are very reasonable for a 5 star experience once the 30% saving is considered, with rates from £1,890 per adult and £540 per child sharing a Superior Hillside Room, including BA flights, transfers and breakfast.
If you are seeking a 4 star hotel with All Inclusive food, drinks and fun, then consider the newly refurbished St James's Club, bordered by two beautiful beaches, giving it a tropical island feel. Here a Premium Oceanview room for a week at a similar time costs from £1,710 per adult sharing All Inclusive and children paying just £400 for travel thanks to a 35% discount, including BA flights and transfers.
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Sugar Beach a Viceroy Resort is nestled in great style between the two pitons (or mountains), which feature so dramatically on so many postcards and insta shots from this lush island. Nestled on your lounger, it's hard to find a more beautiful view in our opinion! If you can escape for a week after term ends, the cost is £3,390 per adult and £620 per child sharing including BA flights, transfers and breakfast.
4 star The Landings, tucked on the shores of Rodney Bay, has some great apartment style accommodation options ideal for families seeking some extra space with Festive sunshine over the holidays. Based on a 2 Bedroom Unit a week costs from £5,620 for a family of 4 with BA flights, transfers and breakfast thanks to discounts of up to 40%.
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To reach Grenada you do need to touch down in St Lucia, but that extra 'hop' brings you to one of the most authentic of the Caribbean islands. After a relaxing 4 days in resort, you are welcome to explore the hilly landscape, home to chocolate, rum and nutmeg plantations, giving the destination its' nickname of the 'Spice Island' of the archipelago.
Charming Mount Cinnamon offers stunning views from every terrace and many multi room villas idea for a New Year family getaway. For guests staying in a 2 Bedroom Villa for 7 nights the cost for a week before Christmas, including BA flights, transfers and breakfast costs from £6,990 for a family of 4, including a 30% discount.
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On arrival in the Seychelles, it's no great hardship to spend 5 nights in your first resort before setting out island hopping. Choose a hotel with spacious grounds such as Constance Lemuria, and you'll be kept busy playing golf on one of the most breathtaking courses in the world or scuba diving from one of the 3 castaway beaches. Stay for a week pre-Christmas and benefit from a 40% discount giving prices from £2,890 per adult and £470 child sharing including BA international flights, internal flights to Praslin, transfers and breakfast.
Or if your Caribbean dream includes cooling off in your own private plunge pool during your holiday, Raffles has some great offers including a 40% discount and free Half Board which can even be enjoyed on your terrace as part of room service. A week costs from £2,970 per adult and £470 per child sharing including BA flights, internal flights to Praslin, transfers, breakfast and dinner.
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If you would be content to spend a few days just soaking up this view and being gently cooled by a sea breeze, Barbados remains a great option for a Caribbean Christmas.
Book before the end of November and you can stay Half Price at the Fairmont Barbados (excludes 25th December - 01st January). Escape for a week from £2,330 per adult and £400 per child sharing including BA flights, private transfers and breakfast in a Luxury Oceanfront Room.
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