A slower pace of life in an idyllic setting with endless sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning sunsets. Warm people, lazy days, rum punches and calypso. Islands have varied scenery and distinct personalities. Discover the lush rainforests of mountainous St Lucia or succumb to the windswept charms of the Turks & Caicos. Head to Barbados for colonial glamour, to St Barts for French chic or to less developed Antigua for it’s multitude of beaches and popular sailing scene.

Antigua

The winding coastline of Antigua is home to a wealth of secluded powdery soft beaches and coral reefs perfect for snorkellers and scuba divers. The island has a strong West Indian flavour yet still retains it’s colonial heritage and there is plenty to explore including the historic district of Nelson’s Dockyard. The trade winds make the island popular with sailors and the usual laid back lifestyle of the island steps up a notch during Antigua Sailing Week at the end of April. >> More

Bahamas

The Bahamas incorporates about seven hundred islands, with the vast majority of them being completely uninhabited. The first of the islands is situated just 55 miles east of Florida and as you would expect from such an idyllic region, each island contains some of the most breathtaking beaches and scenery you will find anywhere in the world. The islands are a haven for diving, snorkeling and fishing and the Bahamas are well established as one of the world's top draws for both intrepid explorers and casual vacationers. >> More

Barbados

The place to be seen, Barbados boasts trend setting restaurants, exclusive resorts, chic nightlife, championship golf courses and first class watersports. The famed west coast with its white sands and warm turquoise waters is a playground for the successful whilst the east coast with its wild Atlantic surf has a rugged beauty of its own. There is an unmistakably British influence throughout the island and there is plenty to explore including Bridgetown, the bustling capital. >> More

Cuba

Cuba itself is the largest island in the West Indies and boasts offers more than 200 bays and over 300 natural beaches. Whilst the climate in Cuba can be considered tropical, there are little instances of extreme temperatures as it is cooled by the gentle breezes of the trade winds. It has two clearly defined seasons, the rainy season from May to October and the dry season from November to April. It is little wonder that when Christopher Columbus arrived in Cuba in 1492, he exclaimed "It is the most beautiful island". Cuba claims some of the richest flora in the world with the Royal palm trees, coconut palms, sugarcane, and tropical fruit trees growing naturally all around the Island. >> More

Grenada

Known as the Spice Island due to it’s production of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric and mace, Grenada is the southernmost of the Windward Islands and has a rugged mountainous interior and a coastline of bays and secluded beaches perfect for water sports. One of the quieter islands in the Caribbean, it has kept its traditional charm and is a peaceful retreat from modern distractions. Following hurricane Ivan in September the island has undergone extensive restoration, trees and plants are beginning to grow and the friendliness and hospitality of the Grenadian people holds true. The hotels we feature sustained minimal damage and have now fully reopened. >> More

Jamaica

As you would expect from a nation whose anthem mentions "the land we love" Jamaica really is a land of spectacular natural beauty. You can visit jungle mountaintops where you will see the most amazing cascading waterfalls and trek through tropical rainforests boasting varying varieties of exotic birds and plants. If that all sounds a little energetic you can simply relax on one of the islands lengthy and secluded white sand beaches. Jamaica is a land of friendly loving people where your senses will be delighted and your soul soothed. >> More

St Barts

Part of the Leeward Islands, tiny St Barts combines the idyllic powdery sands and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean with French chic. One of the hippest destinations in the Caribbean it offers peace and tranquillity, excellent beaches and is renowned for its gourmet cuisine and host of fine restaurants. The harbour-side town of Gustavia with its impressive yachts, boutiques and inns lies at the island’s heart. >> More

St Lucia

Known as the Caribbean’s most scenic island, St Lucia’s mountainous landscape is set against postcard perfect turquoise bays and white sands. In the south the twin volcanic peaks of the Pitons from a distinctive landmark. Secluded coves are popular with romantics and the dramatic underwater terrain is perfect for divers. Most of the island is undeveloped and home to banana and coconut plantations. It has a mixed British, French and Creole heritage and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. >> More

The Grenadines

The Grenadines are made up of 30 tiny islands and cays reaching like stepping stones between St Vincent and Grenada. Surrounded by coral reefs and clear blue waters they are ideal for diving, snorkelling and boating. The uninhabited Tobago Cays are particularly popular for their perfect waters and have been designated a national park. >> More

Turks & Caicos

The unique charms of the Turks & Caicos have only recently been discovered. These 8 islands and 40 cays offer a back to nature escape where the emphasis is firmly on the sand and the sea. World class white beaches, clear waters and scrubby interiors attract iguanas, dolphins, flocks of rare birds and shoals of exotic fish whilst several hundred miles of pristine reefs keep the Turks & Caicos on the world’s top ten dive list. >> More

Virgin Islands

Over 100 beautiful islands and cays scattered in turquoise waters, the Virgin Islands offer seclusion, natural beauty and great diving. St John, the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands is two thirds national park with fascinating trails, secluded coves and dazzling white beaches. Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands is an island of rolling hills, beautiful beaches, friendly people and a quiet small town charm. It is renowned for its north-western beaches where granite boulders create a series of sheltered grottos and sea pools. >> More