Boats on the beach in the world's newest country, Curacao

The winter season may be depressingly cold and grey in the UK but across the Caribbean the sun is shining and there are a host of new resorts, attractions and even countries to explore this year.

Check out our pick of the hottest Caribbean destinations for 2011.

Caribbean's hottest new country: Curaçao

Carib-CuracaoExplore Willemstad in new Caribbean country Curaçao
Brand X Pictures / Thinkstock

It's not every day that the world gets a new country. But 2011 marks Curaçao's first year as an autonomous nation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands - the perfect occasion to explore Curaçao's vibrant mix of cultures, from the colonial architecture of the Dutch to the mouth-watering cuisine of the Creole. Be on the lookout for more flights and new luxury hotels, including the new Hyatt Regency set to open in April.

Caribbean's hottest new port: Falmouth, Jamaica

Carib-JamaicaCruise to Jamaica's new Falmouth port
Hemera / Thinkstock

Jamaica's new port at Falmouth is set to open next month with the arrival of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Navigator of the Seas. Located on the country's northern coast, Falmouth is a 300-year-old town featuring attractive 19th-century Georgian architecture. New shops and restaurants have sprung up to cater to cruise passengers, who will also be offered historic walking tours and excursions to the popular tourist honey pots of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

Caribbean's hottest new attraction: Waitukubuli National Trail, Dominica

Carib-DominicaWalk through Dominica's rainforests
Hemera / Thinkstock

The Caribbean is not all about lazing around on pristine beaches, and Dominica has a new attraction to firmly get your pulse racing. The 232km-long (114 miles) Waitukubuli National Trail is set to open fully this month, including 14 different walks ranging from easy family hikes to difficult treks. The trail encompasses the length of Dominica, taking adventurers through lush rainforests, local villages, Fort Shirley and secret passages constructed by slaves.

Caribbean's hottest new flight route: Puerto Rico

Carib-Puerto-RicoDive in Puerto Rico
Comstock / Thinkstock

Puerto Rico is set to attract more holidaymakers with the launch of new twice-weekly British Airways flights from 28 March. Brimming with abundant attractions, this Caribbean hotspot offers fine, sandy beaches, wildlife-rich tropical rainforests, and the historic city of San Juan where cobblestone streets, 17th-century Spanish architecture and wrought-iron balconies resonate with old-world charm.

Caribbean's hottest new hotel: Buccament Bay Resort, St Vincent

Carib-St-VincentDiscover Buccament Bay Resort's stunning white-sand beach
Harlequin Hotels & Resorts

St Vincent now has its first 5-star hotel in the form of Buccament Bay Resort. The hotel is nestled in a rainforest-fringed cove with a stunning white-sand beach; a perfect base from which to explore the unspoilt island. Accommodation is arranged in one- to four-bedroom villas, each with its own deck and plunge pool. Facilities include two restaurants (with more opening this year), a kids' club, sports coaching, spa and gym.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.