Jewels of the Windward Islands

The tiny eastern Caribbean island of Barbados has long been a favourite for British holiday makers, thanks in no small part to the platinum sands and warm, crystal clear waters of the west coast. But there's more to Barbados than just beaches; the delightful architecture of the old garrison in Bridgetown, the capital, is fully deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status, and the island interior is littered with old sugar plantations and natural wonders such as Harrison's Cave. Perhaps the island's biggest asset, however, is the Bajans themselves, who are some of the friendliest people you're ever likely to meet.

Trois-Îlets is perhaps best known for the plantation La Pagerie, the birthplace and childhood home of Joséphine Bonaparte. The main beach, Anse Mitan, is a picturesque spot with a few shops and restaurants close by, and you can catch a ferry across the bay to Martinique’s bustling capital, Fort-de-France.

The majority of Saint Lucia’s hotels are clustered around the broad sweep of Rodney Bay, where you’ll find some of the best beaches on the island and a host of lively bars and restaurants. At the northern end of the bay is Pigeon Island and historic Fort Rodney, well worth a visit for the splendid views.

Castries, Saint Lucia’s diminutive capital, is home to some interesting markets and colonial buildings. The island’s highlights are situated elsewhere, however, and we’d recommend either heading south towards Soufrière, where the iconic Piton mountains guard a beautiful bay, or north to the bars, restaurants and beaches of Rodney Bay.

Situated just to the west of the Tobago Cays, Mayreau is a tiny, barely inhabited island that can only be reached by boat. There is very little to do, which is the main attraction for those lucky few who wash up here; the palm-fringed beaches and gently lapping waters are the Caribbean island idyll par excellence.

Browse the markets of charming St George’s, fragrant with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, and you’ll soon understand why Grenada is known as the ‘isle of spice’. This is one of the Caribbean’s most enchanting islands, fringed by gorgeous beaches and largely unsullied by mass market tourism.

Bequia is an incredibly friendly, laid-back island blessed with pristine golden sand beaches and some excellent restaurants. It’s also a popular sailing destination; the yachts tend to congregate around Admiralty Bay, where you’ll find the little waterfront town of Port Elizabeth.

There’s more to Barbados than just beaches; the delightful architecture of the old garrison in Bridgetown, the capital, is fully deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status, and the island interior is littered with old sugar plantations and natural wonders such as Harrison’s Cave.