Tropical Shores

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 and sights that are second to none. In a coconut shell, it’s the small island with a big fan base.

• Take a tram ride through a labyrinth of underground caverns at Harrison’s Cave in St Thomas. A natural phenomenon that has to be seen to be believed, it’s all sparkling streams, playful waterfalls and stalactites and stalagmites that shimmer in shady tunnels.
• Go snorkelling in search of hawksbill and green turtles. Once endangered because of over-fishing, these creatures are now protected and monitored throughout the island.
• Take it easy on Carlisle Beach, one of the island’s best stretches of sand. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, slip on a pair of flippers and propel your way past the underwater shipwrecks just off the shore.
• The Atlantis Submarine lets you scuba dive without getting wet. As this underwater ship descends into the ocean, you can look out the portholes for tropical fish and sea turtles.

From a huge sea-facing fortress, to the colour-splashed old quarter, the Puerto Rican capital is choc-full of colonial character. Explore the narrow streets, and you’ll lose count of the number of jazzy murals and tucked-away squares along the way. It all culminates in a maze-like peninsula beside the Caribbean Sea, which has long sandy beaches stretching down one side, and a smart harbourfront promenade lining up bars and restaurants on the other.

• The city’s most-striking landmark, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, has stood firm on San Juan’s headland for centuries. The fortress was built by the Spanish to protect the port from enemy ships, and was also used as a US military base prior to the First World War.
• Old San Juan is a charming mix of open-air cafés, column-front plazas and brightly coloured townhouses. Many consider this to be the real heart of San Juan, and it certainly has an old-school charm that you won’t find elsewhere.
• Plaza las Americas takes care of the demand for modern retail therapy. It’s the biggest mall in the Caribbean, and you’ll find it right in the middle of San Juan. Among the 300 stores is the world’s largest JC Penney, plus a cinema and a restaurant area.

The city of Charlotte Amalie’s the capital of the island of St Thomas, and is known for its deep natural harbour. Christopher Columbus first landed here in 1493, and since then everyone from the legendary pirate Blackbeard to the US Navy have used it as a base. It’s also known for its colourful Danish architecture and ruby-red stronghold. The latter, Fort Christian, is the oldest building in the Virgin Islands archipelago, and was built in 1680 to protect the area from invading fleets. It’s now a museum, where you can learn about the region’s slavery-and-piracy-filled past while you take a look at centuries-old cannons and antiques.

• Charlotte Amalie’s downtown district is where you’ll find most of the city’s jewellery shops and souvenir boutiques. You can buy everything from diamond earrings to sea-glass bracelets here.
• If you’re looking for a quiet day out on Charlotte Amalie’s turquoise water, book a laidback catamaran cruise. The skipper might drop the anchor in a quiet spot, where you can enjoy a cool-down dip.

The town of Frederiksted is on the west coast of St. Croix, the biggest of the US Virgin Islands. In true Caribbean island fashion, this place serves up plenty of A-grade beaches for you to flake out on. The most popular belt of sand is Frederiksted Beach, where the sand’s as white as flour and the water’s as warm as a bath. What’s more, it’s watched over by the town’s leading landmark, Fort Frederik. This 250-year-old stronghold was built to ward off pirates in the 1700s. It’s now a museum, where you can look at weapons that were used during a slave revolt that rocked the town in 1848.

• Browse the town’s waterfront shops for gold bracelets, bottles of rum and nautical-themed pottery.
• Rip across the water in Frederiksted Harbour on a jet-ski. There are plenty of watersports centres dotted along the coast, meaning you’ve got lots of opportunities to get your adrenaline pumping.

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 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 ready…

Somewhat unfairly, St Vincent is often overlooked in favour of its little brothers and sisters – the neighbouring Grenadines. But those who do stop here are in for a treat. Deserted beaches and untouched forest stretch for miles, interrupted only by the occasional cobbled town or dormant volcano. Kingstown is the main hub, its arched stone doors and covered walkways giving a nod to days gone by.

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 and sights that are second to none. In a coconut shell, it’s the small island with a big fan base.

• Take a tram ride through a labyrinth of underground caverns at Harrison’s Cave in St Thomas. A natural phenomenon that has to be seen to be believed, it’s all sparkling streams, playful waterfalls and stalactites and stalagmites that shimmer in shady tunnels.
• Go snorkelling in search of hawksbill and green turtles. Once endangered because of over-fishing, these creatures are now protected and monitored throughout the island.
• Take it easy on Carlisle Beach, one of the island’s best stretches of sand. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, slip on a pair of flippers and propel your way past the underwater shipwrecks just off the shore.
• The Atlantis Submarine lets you scuba dive without getting wet. As this underwater ship descends into the ocean, you can look out the portholes for tropical fish and sea turtles.