Antigua and Barbuda

Tear yourself away from the white powdery sands and the shallow turquoise waters and head out to explore the main town, St John, with its bustling market scene brimming with coconuts and fresh spices, or take a drive inland past banana plantations and sugarcane crops.

The island comes alive in May for the annual Antigua Sailing Week, when ships and luxury yachts from all around the planet congregate here to enjoy the lively atmosphere.

In the evening make your way up to Shirley Heights, once a military lookout and gun battery which has today been restored into one of the island’s best nightlife spots. Look out over the harbour below and marvel at the panoramic sunset view, with a rum punch in one hand and a plate of soul food fresh off the BBQ in the other. Let your worries drift away in the ocean breeze with the sound of a local steel pan band.