Caribbean

• Anguilla

  Anguilla has some of the best beaches in the world – fact. What’s more, there’s 33 of them and they’re clean, warm and mesmerisingly beautiful with brilliant-white sands and gentle, turquoise waters. This is what lures travellers here, but there are other compelling reasons to visit this quirky British Overseas Territory, which can be reached by small plane or on a short water crossing from St Martin/St Maarten. Covering 35 square miles and with a population of just 14,500, Anguilla has long had an A-list following, reflected in its wealth of upscale resorts, villas and restaurants. Why? Because here the vibe is definitively laid-back, with the stars left in peace and the ocean providing all the glitz.
• Antigua and Barbuda

  Served by abundant international flights and blessed with 365 beaches, Antigua is a deservedly popular destination for a Caribbean holiday. There’s a new $100 million airport terminal, an attractive and fast-expanding stock of luxury hotels, and plenty to see and do. The islands are particularly appealing to families and fans of sport and sailing, and the Antiguans are masters at giving their visitors a good time. If you want an easy and sociable, beach-based sunshine break, look no further.
• Aruba

  Aruba is a flat, riverless island who’s land covers about 180 sq m (70 sq m). It’s in the Leeward Antilles island arc of the Lesser Antilles, in the southern part of the Caribbean, just north of Venezuela. Aruba is one of the four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands (including Holland, Curaçao and Sint Maarten), so while almost everyone you’ll meet will speak English, you will hear some Dutch and a local dialect, Papiamento, spoken. A popular stop for cruise ships who come by the droves to Oranjestad, the country’s capital, where there are high-end boutiques and jewellers (Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci and Chopard to name a few) and local designer stores to enjoy a good browse. Other than the cruise business, the island is a popular fly-and-flop destination, famous for its stunning blonde beaches, cactus-strewn desert landscapes and some of the best wreck diving in the Caribbean. It’s a relatively dry island with consistently fine weather which adds to its appeal, especially as its location puts it out of reach of most storms and hurricanes. Sunseekers can enjoy the island's outdoor attractions and water sports at any time of year. Select a resort on Palm Beach where, unlike on Eagle and other beaches on the island, the sands are crystal clear and the hotels are able to manage to keep the beaches fairly private and free of large, local gatherings (with boom boxes). From your hotel, the concierge or the beach team will be able to help you sign up for all kinds of boat tours, private or otherwise, as well as every type of watersport you’ve always wanted to try, motorised or not. In the nearby environs, there are several shopping and dining districts where independent restaurants, bars and cafes offer a host of options, and local boutiques make it easy to pick up a new sundress, hat, trinket or swimsuit.
• Bahamas

  If you won’t settle for anything less than perfection when it comes to a beach holiday, then The Bahamas will suit you to a tee. Gorgeous coral and white sands and fantastic snorkelling and secluded bays abound, making it perfect for a romantic escape. And if you’re seeking nightlife, duty free shopping, luxury casinos and first-class golf, you’ll find it here too. Paradise Island, connected to Nassau by bridges, is a great base to enjoy the best of both worlds, but island hopping around some of the other 700 islands and cays reveals much more. Enjoy the happy vibe, set your watch to ‘island time’, relish the delightful year-round climate and unwind.
• Barbados

  Much is made of Barbados’ historical links to Britain, and as you drive – on the left-hand side of the road, of course – past a game of cricket being played near Dover or Hastings, you can’t help but agree. But truth be told, more than 50 years after independence, Barbados has matured rather nicely at its own pace and now has an individualistically Bajan lilt to life that is definitely unique. Come for the gorgeous beaches, the friendly people and the delicious food, but above all just come to unwind and relax: it’s always rum punch o’clock in Barbados.
• Bermuda

  Bermuda is a tiny sliver of Britain in the Atlantic. Well, sort of. Actually, North American influences are strong, in a good way – service, friendliness – but you may be too engrossed swimming in the translucent aquamarine seas or walking across the pink sand beaches that actually squeak underfoot to notice. Whatever the exhortations of the tourist board, Bermuda is not the Caribbean – it’s roughly on the same latitude as Atlanta – so though you definitely won’t be throwing snowballs in midwinter, you probably won’t be frolicking on the beach in January either. Think of it as a spring-to-autumn destination.
• Cayman Islands

  Situated in the sky-blue waters of the Caribbean Sea about 500 miles south of Miami, west of Cuba and just north of Jamaica, destination the Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory, is a short, one-hour flight from Miami; head here and find yourself in another world in no time at all. There are three islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman – but most of what you’ll want to see and do will be on Grand Cayman where George Town, the capital, is located. Little Cayman is known for its nature, and sightings include endangered iguanas, parrots and seabirds including red-footed boobies. Cayman Brac offers exciting opportunities for diving, deep-sea fishing, exploring limestone caves by water and verdant terrain on foot. Both of the islands can be reached by private boat in a little under an hour. Grand Cayman, meanwhile, is where you’ll encounter most of the action. Generally, it’s a sophisticated crowd you’ll find here (it’s not cheap), patronising the island’s gourmet restaurants, shopping at the beautiful boutiques and name-brand stores and staying in the glitzy hotels with beach access, spas and fine-dining venues of their very own. Nightlife is something to be talked about, with local DJs and bands creating a cool and happening atmosphere. Anticipate late nights followed by mornings (into afternoons?) spent on a pool or beach lounger, recovering. Expect to see some A-listers in your hotel or ambling about town, not to mention a sports celebrity or two drawn by the lure of fantastic diving, water sports of every kind – both mechanised and otherwise – boating opportunities and some superb golf courses. The pristine Seven Mile Beach is the island’s best-known feature, perfect for a resplendent sunset stroll or early morning walk. It’s so popular that it has its own Facebook page.
• Curaco

  As one of the three ABC Islands in the Caribbean Sea – the westernmost group of the Leeward Antilles including Aruba and Bonaire – Curaçao shares their Dutch heritage, and yet it has a distinct personality of its own. Larger but less crowded, more sedate and by far more “European” than Aruba (a destination largely favoured by the American market), Curaçao is known for its fine dining restaurants, beautiful bays and beaches (there are 38 of the latter), cultural and natural attractions. Although not as easy to reach as Aruba, there are, however, direct flights to the island from Miami and New York for starters. The airport is small and easily navigable, and it’s just 12 kilometres from Willemstad, the capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s easy to see why it has this distinction when you wander across Queen Emma (floating) Bridge with Handelskade – which looks like mini Amsterdam with its colourful rows of traditional houses – as a backdrop. Without a doubt, this is the perfect place to start a visit to Curaçao (and your trip-based Facebook feed). There are casinos in town, a decent nightlife scene and the chance to swim (or dive) with wild dolphins at the Dolphin Academy Curacao. Beaches, of course, are the island’s main attraction, made especially wonderful as many of the diving sites are so close to the shore you can wade into the sea and swim up to reefs for snorkelling and diving adventures – no boat needed. Prefer to be on land? There’s Pietermaai with its cafes and restaurants, there are museums and street art to admire and plenty of hills, nature reserves and cliffs to explore. Check before you come, as festivals and carnivals are scheduled throughout the year here, where the weather is always perfect.
• Dominican Republic

  As the second-largest country in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is fully geared up for showing holidaymakers a good time. For decades it has lured them to its shores with the promise of uncrowded beaches, wall-to-wall sunshine, rich flora and fauna in 19 national parks and the colourful culture of some 10 million exuberant islanders. With luxury hotels making an appearance on the scene recently – in the likes of Cap Cana – and premier golf opportunities, now is the time to consider the Dominican Republic for your next luxury Caribbean holiday.
• Grenada

  Grenada is called the Spice Island for good reason: the scent of nutmeg perfumes the air, for Grenada is the world’s largest producer of this heady spice. And since no building here is allowed to be built higher than the tallest palm tree, the island has the balance of tourism and unspoilt scenery just right. Naturally, Grenada is a magnet for those looking for beautiful Caribbean beaches but is also for romantics and those with a sense of adventure alike.
• Jamaica

  There’s no question that sun, sand and sea are guaranteed in Jamaica – it’s the Caribbean, after all. But Jamaica stands out from the crowd. The mere mention of it will, no doubt, conjure up images of Bob Marley, reggae music and a country seeped in Britishisms. Usain Bolt, “The Fastest Man Alive” also hails from Kingston, the capital. And whether you’re a sprinting fan or not, his hip and groovy restaurant, Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records, is well worth a visit. Fly into or out of Kingston (one of two of the island’s international airports) and spend some time getting to know it; you won’t regret it. There are several museums in town which are worth a pit stop, most notably the National Gallery. Stop by the chic Spanish Court Hotel come evening, and watch the sunset over the Blue Mountains from the Sky Terrace as you sip a cocktail before heading back out for the night; the late-night scene in Kingston is legendary. There’s also an airport in Montego Bay, where – other than perhaps Ocho Rios, or “Ochi” for short – you’ll have planned to spend some time relaxing, for sure. Expect luxury resorts, diving and snorkelling sights and reef-lined beaches. The cuisine at the resorts is good overall, and dishes like Jerk chicken (as spicy as you like) and lychee-like ackee fruit and salt fish, the national dish which looks like scrambled eggs, are staples found on most menus. If you prefer more simple fare, you’ll have ample fresh fish choices everywhere you dine, and service is, without exception, always friendly. Make time during your visit for one more stop, in the port of Falmouth situated between Montego Bay and Ochi. It’s one of the Caribbean’s best-preserved Georgian towns, founded in 1769, and it has a historic district containing a sizable, nearly intact collection of very fine British Colonial architecture.
• Puerto Rico

  The archipelago of Puerto Rico, with San Juan on the island of Puerto Rico as its capital, was originally a Spanish settlement. Today, it’s an unincorporated territory of the United States, so expect to come across many Americans on holiday. Three of the four main landmasses: Puerto Rico, Culebra and Vieques are inhabited and travel between them is made easy by ferry. Getting here is equally easy; you’ll no doubt fly into Luis Munoz Airport in San Juan. So a visit to Puerto Rico will probably start right here in town, where cobblestone streets and pastel-coloured buildings welcome you, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. There are several sights to visit, including a few old Spanish military forts, primarily El Morro Fort, the neoclassical San Juan Cathedral and La Fortaleza which still serves as the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. The city itself is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a modern mecca – far from it. Golf and gambling are two of the most popular pastimes, and beautiful resorts, night clubs, beaches and fine dining also await. But….if you’re looking for something a lot less hectic, then a visit to Culebra, where you’ll find the famous Flamenco Beach is, by all means, an option. Evenings start and finish at the Dinghy Dock Bar where a handful of Hemingway-look-a-likes hang out. It may, however, be a little too relaxed for some, in which case the island of Vieques is a better choice. The semi-wild horses that occupy the island and the handful of chic, boutique hotels appeal to the well-heeled traveller seeking beauty, tranquillity and a host of water-based sporting options. Come off-season, September to mid-December and mid-April to May, when hurricanes and crowds are scarce.
• Saint Barthélemy

  St Barths deliciously combines the perfect looks of the Caribbean – including limpid waters, scenic hills and 17 white-sand beaches – with the glamour, energy and gourmet delights of the French Riviera. It might be tiny, covering just over eight square miles, but you can still have a lot of fun here. Although well known for attracting superyachts and supermodels, the abiding mood is casual and uninhibited (pack kaftans rather than heels), with a creative élan that elevates it beyond just a fun-in-the-sun getaway. Holiday on St Barths and you won't only eat well and party well – you'll also fly home feeling life is really quite ‘superbe’.
• Saint Kitts and Nevis

  Of the sister islands of St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Kitts is the larger and more bustling. Until 2005, sugar was the main economy, but now tourism is king, with some of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean. Yet despite this rapid development, the island takes great strides to protect both its natural beauty and cultural heritage: over a quarter of the island is protected, and, despite its small size, few Caribbean isles have such remarkable historical sites.
• Saint Lucia

  St Lucia is less visited than many other of the well known Caribbean islands and is less touristy too. The natural beauty shines through with ease: cue volcanic peaks covered with lush rainforest, deep valleys, pretty sugar and cocoa plantations, pristine beaches and fantastic reefs. Keen sailors can moor up at fine marinas alongside some of the most luxurious yachts in the Caribbean, while the island’s rich culture derived from Caribbean, African, French and English influences means that the culture and cuisine are vibrant and varied.
• Saint Vincent

  Caribbean holiday dreams come true at the southern end of the Leewards, where the 31 islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines lie scattered across a turquoise sea like dropped jewels. Anchored to the mighty, volcanic hulk of St Vincent, this has long been a getaway of choice for the Caribbean cognoscenti thanks to a winning mix of idyllic sailing, seriously exclusive resorts and authentic, old-school character. Utterly beautiful and blissfully low-key, this is an excellent destination for honeymooners, families, yachties and lovers of island-hopping.
• Turks and Caicos Isl.

  Thirty miles south-east of the Bahamas, this laid-back British Overseas Territory is a dry, low-lying beach paradise adorned with coral reefs and exquisite luxury escapes. Snorkelling, diving and sport-fishing are key attractions plus the islands’ natural life, ranging from flamingos and rock iguanas to humpback whales. Only eight out of 40 islands are inhabited and many visitors understandably get no further than the international gateway of Providenciales, home to the stunning 12-mile Grace Bay Beach.
• Virgin Islands

  The Virgin Islands are an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. Located in the easternmost part of the Greater Antilles, the islands fall into three different political jurisdictions: the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands and the Spanish Virgin Islands. The US Virgin Islands consists of four larger and some 50 smaller, mostly uninhabited islands. Everyone will have heard of the biggest three: St. John, St. Thomas, and St. John with their superb resorts, beautiful beaches and tropical terrains, but fewer will know Water Island. Water Island has no stores (not even a supermarket), no hotels, no taxis and nowhere to go, except a solo beach bar. It’s a short water taxi ride from St. Thomas, but within an hour or so, the novelty of spartan living will have, no doubt, worn off. The British Virgin Islands, a major yachting and cruise ship destination, consists of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, along with more than 50 other smaller islands and cays, about 16 of which are inhabited. The largest is Tortola whose capital is Road Town. Equally well known is Virgin Gorda’s famous beach area known as The Baths. It’s a national park; easy to see why as the beach has huge boulders forming natural tidal pools and grottoes making it vastly more appealing than your average sandy beach. In spite of their name, the Spanish Virgin Islands are part of the US along with (and alongside) Puerto Rico and hence sometimes referred to as the Puerto Rican Virgin Islands. There’s not a lot out here, but nature-lovers will find joy in the crystal clear water, reefs overflowing with colourful fish, birdlife, small towns to wander through and an overwhelming sense of what the Caribbean was like long ago. Rent a boat from St. Thomas and make your way here. There are guesthouses for overnights.