No Caribbean island guide would be complete without Barbados! Synonymous with blissful beaches, elegant hotels, acclaimed restaurants and lively nightlife, it's little wonder that a visit to Barbados holds an enduring appeal. Steeped in British culture but with a Caribbean twist, be sure to witness both a familiar and foreign feel, as high tea and cricket mingle with rum and calypso beats.

Accommodation can be found on either the sheltered west coast, the perfect location for swimming and snorkelling, and the breezy southern coast is superb for surfing and savouring the nightlife at St Lawrence Gap. The capital, Bridgetown, is a UNSECO World Heritage Site which is home to brilliant museums, colonial architecture, and bustling markets. For a different perspective, the secluded east coast offers a glimpse of a wild, yet beautiful area with windswept seas and spectacular vistas.

Top tip: A visit to Oistin’s fish fry on a Friday is a must which brings locals and tourists together for a feast and lively party.

Saint Lucia is full of contrasts with the verdant volcanic peaks of the Pitons providing a striking backdrop to St Lucia’s tranquil bays and beautiful sandy beaches.

The iconic Pitons, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, are Saint Lucia’s most famous landmark and dominate the islands scenery. You can marvel at these majestic spires from hiking trails, the water on a catamaran or many Saint Lucia resorts offer incredible views.

The capital, Castries, is home to lively markets and excellent restaurants which boasts beautiful botanic gardens, pretty harbours and stunning beaches. Located in the island’s north-west, Rodney Bay Village is home to a glamourous marina, authentic restaurants and lively nightclubs. In addition, don’t miss the rejuvenating Sulphur Springs and mud baths at Soufriere, the perfect natural skin detox.

Top tip: Experience this beautiful island from the air and upgrade your arrival transfer to a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter transfer.

A dream for beach lovers, Antigua is nicknamed the land of 365 beaches because it boasts a different stretch of sand for every day of the year.

Whilst famed for its many beaches, there are plenty of opportunities to exercise a little more action on your Antigua holiday. Indian Town National Park offers great hiking trails and Shirley Heights provides breathtaking panoramic views of English Harbour. English Harbour is the only Georgian dockyard in the world and is a lovely place to relax, dine and admire the elegant yachts. The colourful capital, St John’s, makes for an eye-catching landscape and is home to the Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, St. John’s Cathedral and many a shopping complex.

Top Tip: Visit the picturesque Shirley Heights on a Sunday for the famous ‘Jump Up’ event. Witness the spectacular sunset accompanied by cocktails and a barbeque whilst listening to upbeat reggae music.

The lush and rugged island of Grenada is known affectionately as the ‘Spice Island’ and is home to the charming capital of St George’s. St George’s is said to be one of the prettiest capitals of all the Caribbean islands with its pastel coloured Creole houses, red rooftops and winding streets nestled against a backdrop of green hills.

Along Grenada's beautiful coast lies a fringe of restful golden beaches, calm turquoise waters and teeming reefs which provide ample snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities. For those looking for more of an active escape to the Caribbean, wander the wonderful walking trails through the Grand Etang Forest Reserve to the glistening crater lake.

Top tip: Keen snorkellers must visit the Underwater Sculpture Park just north of St George’s to witness the astounding submerged art installation.

Looking for a laidback, intimate island getaway? As the smaller sister island of Trinidad, Tobago is a slow paced and relaxed undiscovered gem lying at the southernmost tip of the Caribbean Islands.

This idyllic island is home to picturesque towns, sleepy fishing villages and the warm hospitality that the Caribbean is so well-known for. With its close proximity to Latin America and enviable even climate, Tobago is bursting with natural wonders and is a true haven for wildlife with over 200 species of birds throughout its verdant rainforest interior.

The tranquil waters and colourful reefs also attract a rich marine life to some excellent snorkelling opportunities. Whilst there are a few all inclusive resorts, expect no high-rise hotels seen on the larger Caribbean islands. 

Top tip: Bird lovers must visit the Tobago Forest Reserve, home to over ten species of bird, including the almost eradicated Sabrewing Hummingbird.

St Kitts and Nevis are a peaceful retreat on two of the lesser visited of the Caribbean islands. These sleepy islands are separated by a two mile channel and form the smallest country in the western hemisphere. St Kitts is dominated by the lofty peak of Mount Liamuiga and is home to pretty coves of white sands and the capital, Basseterre offers a blend of both French and British influences.

On the neighbouring and smaller island of Nevis, accessed by boat from St Kitts, grand 18th Century plantation houses dot the green hillside fringed by a necklace of black and golden sand beaches.

Top tip: Hike to the top of the volcano, Nevis Peak, for fantastic views over St Kitts.

Accessible from Barbados and Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines consist of 32 picturesque islands of which only 9 are inhabited. These lush tropical islands rear up out of the crystal clear waters and offer a truly secluded escape where the nightlife is replaced with absolute peace and the activities include total relaxation.

Spend your days on the pristine white sand beaches on the island of Bequia or Palm Island or, if you’re looking for a little more adventure, the Grenadines offer fantastic snorkelling opportunities and incredible sailing trips.

Top tip: If visiting the unspoilt island of Bequia, stroll the beautiful costal walking trail from the capital, Port Elizabeth, to Jack’s Beach Bar, an idyllic spot for swimming and sunset cocktails.