Caribbean Classics/ Colours Of The Caribbean

A Caribbean and Latin-fused favourite, it’s easy to see why Columbus labelled the Dominican Republic as ‘the fairest land under heaven’. It’s got all the tropical ingredients you could wish for. And this southeast corner is no exception. Shop for jewellery made of locally mined amber. Feast on the Spanish, African and Taino cuisine. Or explore the Chavron River, which landed a starring role in the film ‘Apocalypse Now’…….

Grenada can’t fail to spice things up. It’s known as the ‘Spice Island’ after all. Wherever you head, the fragrant scent of ginger, almond, nutmeg and vanilla follows you. Plus you can see cinnamon, cocoa beans and every tropical fruit imaginable growing here. Alongside its basket of goodies, this lush landscape hides Bounty-like beaches, mountain ranges and thick rainforests. And don’t miss a wander around St George’s, one of the Caribbean’s prettiest harbours, with its pastel-coloured buildings, cobbled streets and even the odd lipstick-red London phone box…….

A hypnotic calypso isle, Barbados is the ultimate Caribbean dream. And at just 21 miles by 14 miles, the island really is your oyster. Of course, it’s most famous for its palm-fringed beaches, but there’s more than talcum powder sands here. We’re talking a duty-free shopping scene. Gorgeous green countryside. And sights that are second to none. In a coconut shell, it’s the small island with a big fan base…….

This truly tropical isle is one of the prettiest in the Caribbean. Think glossy rainforests showered in sunbeams. Vivid yellow banana plantations. And striking, syrup-coloured sands that simply demand your tanning time. The coral reefs are out of this world, too. Be dazzled by the rainbow of colours hidden beneath the waves, then let the St Lucian sun gently dry your skin. For a paradise escape, this place comes up trumps every time…….

One of the British Leeward Islands, St Kitts is one of the Caribbean’s pearls. Once an illustrious sugar colony, it now focuses its efforts on being a tropical paradise. And it excels in every sense, with its seductive blend of blonde sands and duck-egg blue seas. Away from the shores though, you’ll find plenty of historic sights to tick off your checklist. Or why not pop across to the neighbouring island of Nevis, which is just three kilometres over The Narrows channel?……

A Caribbean and Latin-fused favourite, it’s easy to see why Columbus labelled the Dominican Republic as ‘the fairest land under heaven’. It’s got all the tropical ingredients you could wish for. And this southeast corner is no exception. Shop for jewellery made of locally mined amber. Feast on the Spanish, African and Taino cuisine. Or explore the Chavron River, which landed a starring role in the film ‘Apocalypse Now’…….

Known as the island of waterfalls, Dominica is as green as it is unspoilt. Fairly off the tourist trail, this exotic isle is a paradise for nature lovers. In fact, it’s one of the Caribbean hotspots for scuba-diving and rainforest trekking. And of course, it’s got some superb beaches. Not the snow-white variety you’d expect, but dramatic volcanic sweeps and secluded coves hidden by greenery. Have your camera at the……

If you’re a big fan of the beach, prepare to lose your heart to this place. Antiguans like to boast they have a different one for every day of the year. Without doubt, porcelain, palm-fringed sands and still turquoise waters are the star of this island show. But that’s not all Antigua’s got to boast about. Get ready for towns in a rainbow riot of colours. Quiet countryside that slumbers in the sunshine. And cuisine as sublime as those moon-white shores……

Two flags rule over this tiny isle – the French and the Dutch. Philipsburg is the Dutch capital and the place to head for a serious shopping splurge. Marigot, meanwhile, is the French capital, where you can divide your time between bistros and boutiques. Add to the mix dreamy Caribbean coves, kaleidoscopic reefs and lashings of sunshine and you’ve got all the ingredients for tropical bliss…….

Nature’s the star attraction in the British Virgin Islands. We dock at Tortola, the biggest isle. Here, ancient rainforests hog the limelight, beautiful botanical gardens vie for your attention, and opal-white beaches like Apple Bay and Smuggler’s Cove really steal the show. It’s wild. It’s wondrous. It’s waiting…….

When Christopher Columbus docked here back in the 15th century, the region made quite an impression. Fast forward 500-odd years and the good-looking slice of the Dominican Republic is still melting hearts. Coconut-covered mountains march down to the sea. Crystal streams wind their way through lush forests. And virgin sands lie waiting to be discovered. If it’s untouched Caribbean you’re after, look no further…….

A Caribbean and Latin-fused favourite, it’s easy to see why Columbus labelled the Dominican Republic as ‘the fairest land under heaven’. It’s got all the tropical ingredients you could wish for. And this southeast corner is no exception. Shop for jewellery made of locally mined amber. Feast on the Spanish, African and Taino cuisine. Or explore the Chavron River, which landed a starring role in the film ‘Apocalypse Now’…….