THERE is one word on everyone’s mind. Escapism. As we all adapt to the new normal, the memories of foreign lands play on loop as we sit at our desks at home and reminisce. However, not all hope is lost. With the Caribbean having some of the lowest rates of coronavirus overseas, it’s time to pack up your bags and swap the office for the ocean.
With work continuing remotely rather than in the office, it doesn’t matter where you are as long as there is wifi – luxury hotels in Antigua, St Lucia, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos are offering packages to meet your office needs in the sunshine. Here are Glass’s favourite offers
Curtain Buff, Antigua
The Curtain Buff in Antigua is one of the longest continually running luxury resorts of the Caribbean reopening for their 59th season this month. With this island having only had a very small amount of cases and implemented a way to contain spreading amongst the community, it has cemented itself as one of the safest places to be during this time.
The family-run hotel is offering an Extended Stay package with a 50 per cent off offer if you book for 21 days or more in the Hulford Suite Collection (two adults, plus child or extra person). This promotion runs alongside the new visa program in the country, the Nomad Digital Residence, which allows tourists to benefit from Antigua and Barbuda’s personal income tax-free status.
Rates starting from £665 all inclusive for a minimum stay of 21 days
Viceroy Resort, St Lucia
St Lucia’s Sugar Beach has a reputation that exceeds the island. Wrapped in 100 acres of rainforest with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of Pitons in the background, Sugar Beach is a taste of heaven on earth.
Home to the Viceroy Resort, the former site of a sugar plantation has been transformed into a 96-bedroom palace. Offering an extensive programme across the Christmas period, from an all-white party on December 22 to a New Year’s Eve masquerade party (now named Mask-Erade – very in tune with the times).
For those eager to swap their mundane Zoom background to the white sand of Sugar Beach, the resort is offering a Work From Paradise package. This includes a private airport transfer, private terrace with pool, your own personal butler to accommodate your needs, breakfast for two including smoothies, daily lunch and a private 3-course dinner for two.
Additionally, the package includes one 50-minute Swedish massage, private cabana access to the pool with fresh fruit as well as indoor and outdoor working spaces – wifi included.
Who thought we could work and be on a permanent holiday?
Rates start from £800 per night
Eden Roc Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
French-owned Eden Roc is famously known for providing the best of what luxury has to offer globally. Their Dominican Republic hotel is no different. Located in the exclusive Cap Cana, the eastern tip of Punta Cana known to be a prestigious beachfront location, the hotel draws visitors from across the world.
Offering two packages, work and learn, the hotel accommodates both working parents and their children.
The Family Staycation is centred around a whole family staying between 20-30 days in one of the property’s standalone villas – this comes equipped with a kitchen, private swimming pool, living and dining areas along with a chef and butler.
For parents, work-spaces will be set up for those that need it. For the children, unlimited Spanish and piano lessons come included to inject some education into the stay.
Rates start from £27,000 for 20 nights and £40,000 for 30 nights.
Eden Roc Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
The other offer is the Learning by Eden Roc Cap Cana. This provides families with a classroom if they are staying for a minimum of 15 days. Not only does this allow children to participate in remote learning for school in their suite but it also comes with a concierge to meet them outside for some fresh air and a snack when they would usually be at a break time.
The bundle also includes two free activities per day; choosing from an array such as Spanish lessons, Bachata and Merengue dance lessons, ballet, swimming lessons and even piano.
Starting rate for one month is £34,5000
It is time to swap the city for the beach.
by Imogen Clark