The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World formed a remarkable collection, but with only the Great Pyramid of Giza still standing, it’s not hard to see why 100 million people voted to revamp the list.
We decided it was time to make a list of our own. We didn’t quite manage to secure 100 million votes, but it does have the Abbotts Travel seal of approval.
Our seven wonders centre around the glittering islands of the Caribbean. The region's stunning scenery, lush rainforest and colonial roots are guaranteed to leave you head over heels.
But it’s not all about lazy days spent dipping your toes into the tropical waters. There are an array of adventures to experience, which is why we have teamed up with Caribtours, the experts in bespoke Caribbean holidays.
Like us, they know the importance of quality service and they love nothing more than to share their passion for the islands.
So allow us to welcome you to the wonder of the Caribbean with our seven incredible experiences...
1) Train with Olympic swimmers at Bodyholiday, Saint Lucia
Keen to make some changes to your health and wellbeing? WellFit could be the perfect fit for you.
The BodyHoliday has tailored an intensive two weeks boot camp, with a training programme that will transform your body, attitude and approach to health and wellbeing. The team are on hand with support and encouragement to help you create a lasting change and nail those goals.
WellFit will be delivered by Olympians David Carey and Keri-Anne Payne, who will develop a programme to suit you and help get the most from your holiday.
In addition to the WellFit Programme, in November 2017, Keri-Anne and David will be offering SwimFit, a special 4-day programme for guests of any swimming ability who want to improve their technique, efficiency, and speed.
This is an exciting opportunity to be personally coached by the best in the world and will enable you to take part in the 1 mile open water swimming challenge!
7 nights at Bodyholiday from £2,199 per person on an all-inclusive basis.
2) Bioluminescence Paddle Boarding Experience, Castara Retreats, Tobago
Prepare for your mind to be blown.
Glowing Plankton in the ocean is one of the most unique sights in the world.
Set out on your paddleboard in the early evening and travel through the tranquil waters as you watch the ocean glow beneath you.
For a totally unique experience we recommend staying at Castara Retreats, the eco-friendly boutique hotel which takes you into the heart of Tobago.
From the tiny hummingbirds hovering amongst the trees to the fireflies that light up the night sky, this wonderful family-run retreat will take you back to nature with a truly authentic Caribbean experience.
Designed and built by British owners, Steve and Sue Felgate, an extraordinary amount of care and attention has been given to this truly unique hideaway.
The accommodation is beautifully crafted, the sea views are stunning and the warm hospitality has guests coming back year after year.
7 nights at Castara Retreats from £1,019 per person on a room only basis.
3) Make your own organic chocolate at Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia
Made for the chocolate lovers amongst us!
There are over 2,000 cocoa trees on Jade Mountain, including the organic farm Emerald’s in the Soufriere Hills.
Since 2010, Jade Mountain has hand-crafted Emerald Estate Chocolate and with the opening of the chocolate laboratory, not only can you taste, but you can help make a delicious treat.
Choose from a variety of chocolate-infused activities like chocolate sensory tastings, educational estate trips and truffle making classes on a year-round basis.
Chocolate lovers will be further enticed by chocolate inspired dishes, cocktails and body treatments in the resort restaurants, bars and spa.
Jade Mountain is the ultimate romantic retreat, perched high on Morne Chastanet with magnificent panoramic views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea, this fabulous resort is one of Saint Lucia’s most exclusive retreats. 7 nights at Jade Mountain from £3,485 per person including breakfast.
4) Private Dining and Champagne Zip-Line on Rock Maison at Cap Maison, Saint Lucia
Elegant and luxurious, Cap Maison is set in a beautiful location with its own secluded sandy beach. Being both private yet near to the chic Rodney Vay area, it is one of the most sought after spots on the island.
For a tiny boutique hotel, you will be spoilt for choice with dining experiences. There are so many unusual options to choose from but Rock Maison, a private deck below the Cliff at Cap Restaurant on the water’s edge, provides an unforgettable dinner.
The deck is almost surrounded by the surging sea rolling over the coral reefs and is accessed by a staircase down from the Clifftop. It’s the perfect venue to have a romantic meal and enjoy the sunset colours across the sky.
You can also have a bottle of champagne sent down to you via zip-line from the Cliff above. Yes... we said zip-line. The “Rock” is linked to the Cliff Bar by a zip-line enabling the staff to send down bottles of ice cold champagne in a basket along with tasty canapés. With candle lit lanterns and tiki torches lighting the sky and the sound of the waves as your backdrop, there are few places in the world that can compete.
7 nights at Cap Maison from £1,769 per person including breakfast.
5) Traditional cookery classes at Secret Bay, Dominica
Tucked away on the unspoilt island of Dominica, Secret Bay is the perfect getaway for a holiday of a lifetime.
With its unique and personalised service that caters to guest preferences and privacy, the resort is home to eight sustainable luxury villas and bungalows.
The team are renowned for creating unique activities to break up your relaxing holiday and a popular choice is learning to cook local dishes.
Personalised culinary classes are on offer in the villas and bungalows. Cooking is at the heart of Dominican culture so guests are invited to discover the local tropical fruits and vegetables and learn how to prepare some of Secret Bay’s signature dishes such as yam pie, breadfruit chips or a mouth-watering passion fruit mousse.
7 nights at Secret Bay from £2,325 per person on a room only basis.
6) Swim with stingrays in Antigua
For those who want to experience something unique, visit Stingray City in Antigua.
You will have the chance to get up close and personal with the stingrays, who come to this sheltered cove to swim and feed in the shallows.
Once feared but now loved, guests can spend some time with the animals and learn all about their environment from an experienced guide.
This amazing experience is enhanced by the unbeatable scenery and the pristine coral reef surrounding the area, particularly from Blue Waters, one of our favourite hotels in Antigua.
Seeing these creatures in their natural habitat will create an unforgettable memory.
Epitomising luxury and elegance, Blue Waters is the idyllic tropical paradise. Over the years, the resort has earned an enviable reputation as being one of the Caribbean’s finest and prides itself on delivering a first class service.
With several freshwater pools, secluded beach coves and 17 acres of stunning tropical gardens, the resort is at the forefront of luxury living. 7 nights at Blue Waters from £1,499 per person including breakfast.
7) River tubing in Grenada
A 45 minute drive out of the town of St. George’s, through either the scenic hilly interior or the Grand Etang Rainforest Reserve brings you to the Balthazar Estate located on Grenada's Greatest River.
Here, you can start your wet and wild adventure through the rainforest.
This isn’t fast-paced, more of a leisurely adventure downstream. Meander through swirling river and enjoy views of exotic wildlife and tropical scenery.
At the end, jump out of your personal raft and take a refreshing swim in the river before heading back to Mount Cinnamon to enjoy a cold glass of rum punch and a BBQ at Savvys.
Sat on a tranquil hillside overlooking two miles of glorious white sand, Mount Cinnamon is set right above Grand Anse Beach and offers a wonderful blend of modern luxury and a casual, chic atmosphere.
7 nights at Mount Cinnamon from £1,599 per person including breakfast.