PARADISE ISLANDS
With hundreds to choose from, here’s our guide to the best
Fly and flop or kick back with a rum punch, it’s all here...
THE temperature’s 25°C, the sky is clear, and a soft breeze is ruffling the palms that fringe a white-sand beach beside turquoise waters. Today, with ridiculous ease, we can jet direct from the UK to a dozen balmy Caribbean islands, arriving just in time for tea or a sundowner.
Whether you like to fly and flop, kick back on a catamaran with a rum punch or hike through a towering rainforest, this charismatic region offers it all.
SCENIC SAINT LUCIA
With its glorious rainforest, variety of beaches and the emblematic twin peaks of the Pitons, Saint Lucia is the definitive Caribbean charmer. To enjoy it to the full, go exploring by hire car. Marigot Bay, with its pretty yacht-filled waters, is an ideal base.
GRENADA’S FAMILY VALUES
Looking for a family trip? This mountainous Spice Island feels more authentic than some others, and is a great place to mix a hassle-free beach holiday with Caribbean culture. Tours to see its plantations, tropical gardens and natural attractions are well run and informative.
WHAT’S NEW? The Royalton Grenada is a 269-room, all-inclusive resort with four restaurants, two beaches, a spa and kids’ club. royaltonresorts.com
JAMAICA 007-STYLE
Jamaica plays a key role in No Time To Die, the latest James Bond adventure, the premiere of which has been put back to November. The movie opens with 007 enjoying a peaceful life on the island after leaving active service. But then an old CIA friend turns up…
Port Antonio in the northeast – the main filming location – remains blissfully free of mega-resorts, with easygoing beaches and coves nearby.
BLISSFUL BVIS
A sailing holiday is a great way to enjoy the 60 islands and cays of the British Virgin Islands, where many of its marinas, dive sites and castaway beach bars have reopened after Hurricane Irma.
WHAT’S NEW? Set beside a beach on Virgin Gorda, Rosewood Little Dix Bay has reopened, boasting 80 deluxe rooms, including treehouses with wraparound verandah (rosewoodhotels.com).
BEST OF BARBADOS
Never been to the Caribbean? Start with this super-friendly island, where you’ll feel right at home.
Barbados is Britain’s favourite Caribbean escape. Stay on the west coast if you like things refined, or head south for beach fun and nightlife.
WHAT’S NEW? Cobblers Cove is a distinguished beach hotel that’s had an elegant uplift. Its bar and restaurant are open to non-residents (cobblerscove.com).
EASY ANTIGUA
Direct flights, plentiful beaches and resorts to suit all budgets make Antigua the smart choice for a stress-free escape to the sun. The island does a good line in beach bars, too. WHAT’S NEW? Hammock Cove Resort & Spa is a five-star, adults-only all-inclusive with 42 villas, each with a plunge pool. hammockcoveantigua.com
CHIC SAINT BARTHS
Celebrities flock to this tiny French island every winter, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a whirl of high-end resorts, gourmet cuisine and fabulous beaches.
WHAT’S NEW? Eden Rock, owned by Pippa Middleton’s parents-in-law, has had a makeover and boasts suites with private pools and a beach bar serving frosé. oetkercollection.com
PARTY ON IN CUBA
Donald Trump’s restrictions on US citizens visiting this exotic isle mean it’s easier to get into hotels, with fewer tourists in the Spanish colonial cities. Head to Havana to lose yourself in a seductive world of salsa, cigars, vintage cars and memories of revolution.
GRAND ADVENTURE
Time to try somewhere new? Reached with direct flights from Heathrow, the Caymans has superb beaches and a vibrant foodie scene. Grand Cayman is the lively gateway, while quieter Cayman Brac is a good choice if you like to hike and dive.
DOMINICA DELIGHTS
A 40-minute flight south from Antigua gets you to this mighty, rainforest-cloaked island that will suit active travellers. If you enjoy scenic mountain drives, challenging hiking, wild-swimming, bird-watching or whale-watching, look no further.
WHAT’S NEW? Jungle Bay has 30 eco-villas set on a former lime plantation. junglebaydominica.com