A Journey from Miami to San Juan

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.

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.

Slowly amble into little sleepy Deshaies. Stroll around the sheltered bay brimming with Creole homes, restaurants and a cosmopolitan crowd. Stroll along to the best of Guadeloupe; the fine golden sands of Grande Anse and the wonderful botanical garden with dreamy plants and ponds. Visit the Cocoa House for a taste of dark chocolate’s rich roots, climb the summit of La Grande Dame at La Soufriere, wander to waterfalls and visit Christopher Island bird reserve. Coconut palms, protected wildlife and a slow pace – you’ll be filled with love in this relaxed fishing village.

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.

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.

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.