Caribbean

An island of towering cliffs and mangrove swamp, not to mention one of the most perfect of all Caribbean beaches at heart-shaped Magens Bay. In Charlotte Amalie, named after a Danish princess, discover red brick Fort Christian and Blackbeard Castle - claimed by some to be the pirate's former lookout. Most, however, simply seek out their own bounty in copious duty free stores.

Antigua is blessed with an abundance of shining white beaches, and many of these have sprouted top-end resort hotels that engender golf courses and other amenities counted among the best in the Caribbean. A pleasant drive up through farms and tiny villages leads to the commanding fortress on Shirley Heights, from which you can survey the town and the harbor of Nelson’s Dockyard across the island. Once a carenage for British frigates, today it is an enclave of shops and restaurants.

St. Lucia is the sort of island that travelers to the Caribbean dream about--a small, lush tropical gem that is still relatively unknown. The Atlantic Ocean kisses its eastern shore, while the beaches of the west coast owe their beauty to the calm Caribbean Sea. St. Lucia seems like an island plucked from the South Pacific and set down in the Caribbean. Its dramatic twin coastal peaks, the Pitons, soar 2,500 feet up from the sea, sheltering magnificent rain forests where wild orchids, giant ferns, and birds of paradise flourish.

Sample the unique British flavour as you stroll through historic Bridgetown, also referred to as Little England and enjoy Bridgetown's unique combination of colonial tradition and Caribbean vibrancy. Barbados is an island where relaxation and adventure go hand in hand. White sandy beaches stretch for miles while snorkelling and sailing are some of the world-class water sports on offer.

Since 2010, Sint Maarten has been a constituent country within the kingdom of The Netherlands. It comprises the “Dutch Side” of the island of Saint-Martin, the other half being a French overseas territory. Philipsburg is its capital and a busy deep-water port city. It is a popular port for cruise ships, and consequently boasts a thriving duty-free shopping community, a range of resorts and villas, and numerous leisure and sightseeing activities, as well as a well-served airport.

Tortola is the business and touristic centre of the British Virgin Islands. The island has all the elements of an ideal Caribbean playground: dozens of soft sand beaches, clear water and hidden coves, a wealth of touristic infrastructure from rental cars and scooters to motor launches and sailing yachts.

Miami's amazing medley of cultures and flashy urban settings makes it a scene to be seen. Visit the trendy Art Deco district of South Beach, Calle Ocho in Little Havana, the super-upscale neighborhoods of Coconut Grove and Coral Gables and the unique ecosystem of the Everglades.

Forming a British Overseas Territory, this archipelago consists of around 40 low-lying islands southeast of the Bahamas. Grand Turk is the second most populated, even at scarcely seven square miles.

Jamaica's second largest city, Mobay as it is called locally, is also the country's tourism capital with superb beaches, friendly locals and delicious Caribbean cuisine.

Belize is found in Central America, with Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the south and west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Its impressive biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems translates into stunning scenery for visitors. And even with the lowest population density in Central America, Belize combines many languages and cultures, including a chance to glimpse back into the sophisticated Mayan civilisation.

The island of Cozumel off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula continues to be known for its fantastic fishing, snorkelling and diving opportunities.

Miami's amazing medley of cultures and flashy urban settings makes it a scene to be seen. Visit the trendy Art Deco district of South Beach, Calle Ocho in Little Havana, the super-upscale neighborhoods of Coconut Grove and Coral Gables and the unique ecosystem of the Everglades.