The Caribbean needs little introduction. Synonymous with sun-kissed beaches, this colourful band of islands are the original paradise, where the water’s warm all year round and the colours are in HD. There’s the incredible beaches of Antigua, where the sand is like powdered gold splashed with green palms and tropical sapphire seas. Then there’s Barbados, where resorts like St James offer up rum-soaked nightlife and reggae rhythms in tiny bars and restaurants with fantastic local flavour.
The Dominican Republic’s lush green landscapes give the island a wild, tropical kind of beauty, with superb diving and snorkelling in its crisp, clear waters. But the Caribbean is more than beaches and beauty; a diverse history has left many of the islands with the kind of towns history buffs can get their teeth into, like the colonial splendour of Soufriere, the vibrant soul of St Lucia.
Even Mexico is getting in on the action – its Yucatan peninsula dips its toes into the Caribbean Sea, with resorts like Cancun and the relaxed Riviera Maya soaking up the island vibe.
