Western Antilles

Philipsburg, St. Maarten's Dutch capital, with colourful houses, a bustling bayside boardwalk, beachfront eateries and excellent duty-free shopping, provides an enchanting gateway to the island. Nearby, 17th-century Fort Amsterdam ruins grace a peninsula. Soft-sand beaches like Great Bay and Little Bay, featuring colourful reefs and shipwrecks, are within easy reach, and hiking trails lead to Geneve Bay's natural swimming pool and Guana Bay.

The seaside town of Gustavia, Saint Bart's capital, was founded in 1785 by King Gustav III of Sweden. Among the world's most beautiful harbours, Gustavia is encircled by French-inspired boutiques, restaurants and bars along Rue de la République. On the western side of the bay, the remains of 17th-century Fort Karl is one of three forts that defended the island during Sweden's rule. Shell Beach is the only beach in town bordered by restaurants.

Known for its colourful Creole architecture and cuisine, Deshaies is a picturesque fishing village on the western side of Basse-Terre Island in Guadeloupe. The Jardin Botanique de Deshaies hosts an impressive collection of lush tropical plants, exotic flowers and serene ponds. Grande Anse Beach lures beachgoers with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, often regarded as one of Guadeloupe's most picturesque coastal stretches.

Fort-de-France is the capital of Martinique, a French Caribbean island and birthplace of Joséphine, who became Napoleon I's wife. This colourful town with steep hills and narrow streets is known for its colonial architecture with ornate iron balconies and bustling markets. Inland, the volcanic landscape dominated by Mont Pelée gives way to dense rainforests with waterfalls, while the coastline offers idyllic beaches and turquoise waters.

The towering twin volcanic spires of the Pitons dominate the scenery of spectacular Soufriere Bay. Below the peaks, Soufriere - St Lucia's original capital - is charming, with colourful wooden houses and a relaxed vibe. St Lucia's highlights include the 18th-century cocoa plantation Morne Coubaril, Sulphur Springs mineral-rich mud baths at a collapsed crater, and Rainforest Adventures where a zipline and open-air cable car glide over the trees.

Tiny Mayreau island in the Grenadines offers a special Caribbean retreat accessible only by boat. With just 250 residents and no airstrip, Mayreau remains unspoilt. Salt Whistle Bay's pristine sands rank among the Caribbean's top ten beaches. Mayreau provides all the ingredients for a secluded island haven with charming hillside villages, and divine beaches and bays for swimming and kitesurfing.

Bridgetown, the vibrant capital of Barbados, is a dynamic Caribbean city that merges historical charm with modern energy and a warm island welcome. Its UNESCO-listed historic district showcases colonial-era architecture, including the 1870s’-built Parliament Buildings. The bustling city offers colourful markets, duty-free shopping and Bajan restaurants. Bridgetown also has pristine beaches with crystal clear waters, such as Carlisle Bay.