The South African team is travelling to the West Indies in the hope of putting the recent home fixture with England firmly behind it! Thanks to Barbados Journeys, English followers of Test Cricket will be able to see whether South Africa fares better in the next series. The 2nd Test takes place in Trinidad from 8-12 April 2005. Guests can stay in the Kapok Hotel, located near downtown Port of Spain - a mere five minutes walk from the cricket ground. The business-class hotel offers full facilities including cable TV, high speed internet access, coffee making facilities and swimming pool. The price is 873 GBP for six nights (7-13 April).

The 3rd Test takes place on Barbados from April 21 to 25. Barbados Journeys offers a range of accommodation, including the 3-star Casuarina Beach Club in Christchurch on the island’s south coast. The apartment hotel sits in eight acres of tropical gardens leading to a 1,500ft stretch of sand. The spacious, air-conditioned rooms benefit from ocean, garden or pool views and are suitable for wheelchair access. Prices are 812 GBP for seven nights (19-26 April), 904 GBP for 10 nights (19-29 April) and 1,026 GBP for 14 nights (16-30 April). Alternatively, guests can opt for the 4-star Tamarind Cove hotel in west Barbados, just 20 minutes from the cricket ground. With colourful courtyards, secluded fountains, landscaped gardens leading to a 750ft stretch of sandy shore, four freshwater pools and five jacuzzis, the Tamarind is a stylish retreat. It is also renowned for its full facilities and fine cuisine. Prices are 1,049 GBP for seven nights (19-26 April), 1,236 GBP for 10 nights (19-29 April) and 1,486 GBP for 14 nights (16-30 April).

The third option is the 2-star The Monteray Apartments - 20 minutes from the cricket ground and a short walk from Dover Beach. Accommodation comprises poolside studios and one-bedroom apartments with kitchenette and balcony/patio. Prices are 709 GBP for seven nights (19-26 April), 756 GBP for 10 nights (19-29 April) and 819 GBP for 14 nights (16-30 April). The 4th Test takes place in Antigua from 29 April to 3 May. Barbados Journeys recommends the Dian Bay Resort and Spa. Overlooking one of the Caribbean’s most scenic bays, it has a panoramic, three-tier swimming pool and tasteful guest rooms with air conditioning, private balconies and cable TV. Prices are 1,290 GBP for seven nights (27 April to 4 May), 1,579 GBP for 10 nights (27 April to 7 May) and 1,868 GBP for 14 nights (27 April to 11 May). All meals and drinks are included while guests are staying in the hotel. The South Africans are then Jamaica bound for a series of One Day Internationals. Barbados Journeys will cover both the 1st and 2nd ODI’s (7 and 8 May) with accommodation at the recently renovated Jamaica Pegasus in the banking area of Kingston. The hotel combines British style with Jamaican warmth and offers well-furnished bedrooms with balconies overlooking sea, mountain or cityscapes, as well as an outdoor pool. The price is £902 for six nights (4-10 May).

All prices (based on two people sharing a room) include flights from Gatwick; airport taxes; return airport transfers; Sir Garry Sobers’ My Autobiography; sports shirt, bag and cap; five days’ match transfers (except on the Barbados tour) Beach Party with a chance to meet the stars (Barbados tour only). Five days match tickets are guaranteed and are available for a supplement, to be advised.

By: Barbados Journeys