Tour operators say that families who have put their holiday plans on hold could surprise themselves with some amazing last-minute deals in the Caribbean.

With many hoteliers in the region ready to lower off-peak rates, and airlines keen to boost demand for flights to the region – Virgin and British Airways have been running special promotions – the coming weeks could see prices at remarkably low levels.

Paula Whitehead, managing director at Elite Island Resorts, says: ““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.

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

“Many resorts – including St James’s Club and The Verandah in Antigua – are doing more to attract families this summer, with child-friendly menus, storytelling workshops, cookery classes and bigger children’s clubs.”

Hayes & Jarvis commercial director Niel Alobaidi says: “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.

“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 and September which compare favourably with the short-haul market.

“However, availability is limited and people should act fast to secure the dates they want.”

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

However, Alobaidi reckons the Dominican Republic is the biggest hit this summer; Hayes & Jarvis has seven-night all-inclusive packages at the five-star Larimar Resort & Spa from September 27 for £799.

Thomas Cook Signature offers seven nights’ all-inclusive at the four-star Galley Bay Resort, Antigua, from £1,935, saving £210 per person. The price includes return Virgin flights from Gatwick for departures on August 14 to October 25.

Thomas Cook Signature also offers seven nights’ all-inclusive at the four-star Palm Island in the Grenadines from £1,845, saving £685, including return Virgin flights from Gatwick and return transfers for departures on August 14 to September 24.

Current Virgin Holidays offers include seven nights’ self-catering at the All Seasons Resort Europa, Barbados, for £675, saving up to £236; and seven nights’ B&B at the four-star Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Tobago, from £815, saving up to £234, both departing Gatwick on August 30 with transfers.

INFORMATION:

  • Hayes & Jarvis: 0844 415 1918 and hayesandjarvis.com
  • Thomas Cook Signature: 0844 871 6650 and thomascooksignature.com
  • Virgin Holidays: 0844 557 3859 and virginholidays.co.uk