Barbados

Powdery white sand beaches, iconic streets lined with restaurants, and a vast array of independent hotels that feel absolutely timeless; if there’s ever an iconic image of Barbados that springs to mind, this is probably it. With a family feeling to the coastline that’s almost impossible not to fall in love with, returning is almost necessary.  

The hubbub of local lifestyle and true Bajan spirit, Bridgetown steps in with its historical insights, vibrant architecture, and array of sports that this island made their own. With restaurants, nightclubs, and many a rum beach shack, this is the spot to uncover Barbados’ story as told from the grassroots.

An electric magnet for the young at heart, the south of the island takes centre stage for all-night dancing by the beachside. Bringing all the best of Calypso, hip-hop, reggae, and more, there’s a synonymous dance between creativity and freedom that the spirited types just can’t help tapping into. 

Because unmatched beauty on this island isn’t just reserved for the land up above, Harrison’s Cave brings an incredible web of geological formations, caverns and crystals that are sure to spark any adventure-lovers attention. And, with a wildlife reserve nearby, there’s even a chance to see the famous Barbados green monkey jumping through the treetops.   

Clapboard barbecue beach shacks and an air of welcome idleness attract visitors from all walks of life to this Caribbean favourite, but it’s the deliciously straightforward ease of living that keeps them coming back for more.

Between hushed coves and Crayola buildings, the underlying strum of Antigua’s maritime heritage hums softly below the beat of its Caribbean core; this is the place to throw cares out of the window and be unapologetically peaceful.

The playground of the region, the sprightly  Bahamas is the catalyst to the Caribbean travel bug; coming through with boredom-busting endeavours from diving the shipwrecked seabed to dancing among carnival crowds.

Couture has slipped the net to far-flung Bermuda, blending its pretty historic properties and stoney-faced forts with an easy going lifestyle centred on gourmet dining, great golf and cutesy pink sand beaches.

Like the high society Europeans of yesteryear, the modern-day glamour crowd have always sought the glitzy charisma and lavish status of  the British Virgin Islands.

Best known for its vibrant capital streets infused with the invigorating merengue beat and its melody of natural wonders, the Dominican Republic is one island you can’t help but tap your foot to.

A seasoning of nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger scenting the air, all it takes is one deep breath in and you’ll almost taste the reason Grenada is shaking things up as the Caribbean’s spice island.

If we could bottle up Jamacia’s soulful aura, we’d confidently release it in the form of song, to inspire letting loose and getting into the local groove for that truly euphoric feeling.  

Where Mayan gods whisper in underground caves, Hollywood trailblazers found romance and the dearly departed roam the land of the living once more, Mexico’s uncanny allure knows all the right tricks to pique a globetrotter’s interest.

Glitzy, polished resorts and a designer French ambience are the mark of St Barths, where the jet set return year upon year for a dose of tropical island life doused in glamour.

Deliciously slow and sleepy, the tranquil landscapes of St Kitts and Nevis epitomise the Caribbean of yesteryear.

From soaring Pitons to the swathes of revellers that turn out for the annual jazz festival, St Lucia’s exuberant culture and captivating aesthetics could both metaphorically and physically outdo the kraken in size.

This group of island characters is united by one special family secret; that stepping into the cosseted household of St Vincent and The Grenadines makes everything blissfully stress free.

There’s an exclusive air about these off-the-radar islands; maybe it’s the quiet, unspoilt cays where gleaming white yachts drift at anchor, or, maybe it’s the in-crowd preferring to keep its beauty to a select few.