An Extended Journey of Endless Beauty & Historic Treasures

Gently breeze into the vibrant capital of Barbados. Steeped in fascinating history, with architecture to match, uncover the wonderfully laid-back West Indian ambiance. Embrace the slow Bajan rhythm of this welcoming island; surf, snorkel and try spotting turtles in balmy azure waters. Explore subterranean Harrison’s Cave, Jacobean St Nicholas Abbey and zipline high above bountiful tropical flora. Then return to restore on pastel pink sands at palm-studded beaches, where you’ll discover cocktail hour is endless, and measures of rum are copious.

Nestled in the horseshoe of the caldera, with candy-coloured houses spilling down the hillsides to the water, this deep natural harbour is often considered the prettiest in the Caribbean. Wander the Georgian buildings of the Carenage, elegant masts swaying in the breeze, to market stalls brimming with tropical fruit and island spices, the colonial-era Fort George, the Catholic cathedral and Anglican church – painstakingly rebuilt after the 2004 hurricane – and the House of Chocolate, a shop, café and micro museum deliciously devoted to Grenada’s cacao trade. From here, head to the mountainous and lush, jungly green interior, hike to the island’s famed falls and cool off beneath the cascade, or travel to the quieter north on a spice journey, nutmeg scenting the air.

Wind your way through the romantic island of St Lucia. Hike up the majestic UNESCO-listed Pitons, wallow in a volcanic mud bath, lounge on black sand beaches, explore botanical gardens and venture into a tropical jungle scattered with banana, coconut and mango plantations. Choose between calm Caribbean or choppy Atlantic seas to skim through waters by catamaran, private boat or kayak. Refresh beneath a waterfall, watch gliding whales and enjoy freshly caught mahi mahi with local Piton beer. Or just relax into an inner glow of serenity as you unwind in this tranquil tropical isle.

Embrace Martinique’s natural joie de vivre. Volcanic in origin, Gallic in heritage and Creole at heart; explore old sugar plantations, premium rum distilleries, cocoa farms and St Pierre ruins at the foothills of the still smouldering Mont Pelée. Chase the Saut du Gendarme waterfall, explore the 10 million-year-old Caravelle peninsula, roam northern beach dusky sands and visit Le Carbet made famous by the artist Gauguin. And as you slow down to contemplate the sweet concoction of the national punch, you’ll understand why the Creole and French blend makes Martinique so magical.

Mingle amongst other discerning guests on this French isle that exudes relaxed glamour. Wander along secluded beaches, harbourside Creole huts, drop into bohemian bars and snorkel gently through warm turquoise waters. Visit La Tourmente, the peaceful salt ponds and admire uninterrupted views on a local boat trip. And as you sip your second (or third) glass of champagne to the lull of the gentle waves, it might be time to learn the French for “paradise found”.

Wander into the reality of a serene Bahamian dream. Alluring, exclusive and eco-friendly, an escape to this island marine reserve is possibly the world’s most coveted invite. Slowly snorkel, gently paddle board or glide over aquamarine waters by boat. Wonder at marine life and nature in its natural habitat, visit the marina, lighthouse, lagoon and pastel-hued buildings. Recline for a beachside massage, settle into a lazy lunch, sip endless rum cocktails and sink into powdery white sands cooled by the soothing sways of palm leaves. If paradise was packaged, this island might be the finest gift.

Welcome to Miami and the sweep of South Beach – backdrop to every iconic Miami movie, and forefront of Latin American culture. Stroll through pastel-hued geometric buildings in the art deco district, to graffiti mural masterpieces at Wynwood Walls. Watch Latino life unfold in Little Havana – the heartbeat of this great city – where walk-up windows sell café cortadito, sweet sugarcane juice, hatuey beer and guava ice-cream. Watch passionate locals discuss politics, play dominoes and smoke cigars. Shimmy at a salsa class, shop designer boutiques and race marlin and sharks by speedboat. Then slow your pace to uncover rare and endangered species at the Everglades National Park outdoor oasis. You’ll find the Miami dream is real – and it’s not just Cuban heels that will give you a spring in your step.

Spidery tendrils of the coast are dotted with quiet coves and hidden harbours in sublime Saint John, the smallest of the US Virgin Islands. Tune in to island time on Trunk Bay, where turquoise waters caress powder-soft sands; this is what Caribbean dreams are made of. The motherly arms of Virgin Islands National Park embrace two-thirds of the isle, an emerald expanse of protected forest etched with mountain valleys, indigenous rock art and the ruins of old sugar plantations, crisscrossed by a web of scenic hiking trails. Kayak into the knotted mangroves around Hurricane Hole or plunge below the waves at Maho Bay, where turtles and rays sluice through crystal-clear waters.

An adrenaline rush awaits. Swim with stingrays. Zip-line through lush forests. Walk across a gorge on a scenic suspension bridge. Sip excellent aged rums. Taste the island with a chef. Or stroll St. St. John’s old town to tour cottages laden with cheerful fretwork. Explore British forts atop Shirley Heights and Goat Hill. Then rest and rejuvenate with VIP reservations at one of Anguilla’s snow-white beaches and enjoy a cozy lounger and rum drinks.

Explore the oldest US city for a dose of Caribbean history, slice of Spanish culture and twist of American dream. Roam historic Old San Juan alleyways to glimpse centuries-old forts and colourful colonial buildings. Learn how to move, as locals sashay out the salsa to rhythmic reggae beats. Shop the boho streets or glamorous boutiques for artisan goods, decadent designers and hand-rolled cigars. Experience world-class surfing, explore a tropical rainforest, attend a private rum cocktail tasting and polish off empanadas. Then retire to one of the beautiful beaches to soak up crystal clear waters and, perhaps, one last rum cocktail.