Top 5: Ultimate Caribbean beach escapes

For rest and relaxation, it's hard to beat Anguilla

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For a fly and flop: Anguilla
Anguilla has none of those pesky “must-see” sites - it’s all beach. Spend the day laid out on the sand, taking intermittent dips into the impossibly turquoise waters and then hit up a beach bar for a barefoot lobster lunch and a rum punch.

Even the most popular beach, Shoal Bay East, is peaceful and never overcrowded. In Crocus Bay, pop down to Da’Vida restaurant and ask local guide Calvin to take you to Little Bay, for a private escape – it’s accessible only by boat, or by climbing down a cliff. Don’t forget to let him know what time to pick you up.
 

For secluded romance: Petit St. Vincent

Lovers can hide away on Petit St. Vincent
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Couples looking to unplug and enjoy each other should head to Petit St. Vincent. With only one resort, boasting 22 cottages spread over 47 hectares (115 acres) of tropical woodlands and impeccable service, this place is the ultimate in seclusion. Hoist a yellow flag outside your cottage to have one of the butlers swing by and take a message, or fly a red one for “Do Not Disturb”.

Finding a private sliver of sand to picnic, swim or just relax on is easy, as the island is completely surrounded by a strip of sugar white sand, and when you’ve relaxed quite enough, find a perch at the beach bar where you’ll catch sunsets glowing fiery orange and purple whilst enjoying a cold beverage.
 

For the culturally curious: St. Kitts and Nevis

Bored of the beach? Get your cultural fix on Nevis
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Need a little more than a beach to keep you entertained? St. Kitts and Nevis combines culture and relaxation brilliantly. On the island of Nevis, you’ll find the Hamilton House museum, the former residence of Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father of the US, who was born on there in 1757. There’s also the Horatio Nelson museum commemorating the British naval hero, who got married on the island, and which houses the largest collection on memorabilia in the Americas.

Plan a visit to the many sugar plantation ruins that dot both islands to delve into their colonial past - the Eden Brown Estate is said to be haunted. If you weary of museums, Lover’s beach offers seclusion with tropical charm while Newcastle beach is ideal for a stroll.
 

For the wildlife watchers: Dominica

Dominica is great for more active travellers
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If you’re a nature lover, Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) should be at the top of your list. While it has less in way of sandy beaches, this island is overwhelmed with jungle and trekking opportunities. A fantastic amount of flora and fauna thrive on the island – you’ll encounter brightly coloured parrots and 3m- (10ft-) long boa constrictors aplenty.

Need a beach to unwind on after a day of wildlife? Try Wavine Cyrique on the east coast. You have to hike to get there, but shrouded by the low-lying fog of the surrounding jungle and black sands, it certainly feels exotic.  
 

For party people: Negril, Jamaica

Eating and partying - you'll do a lot of both on Negril
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Negril, Jamaica is one of the best places in the Caribbean for dancing in the sand. From legendary beachside hangout Rick’s bar, you can catch an unbelievable sunset and watch divers leap off the cliffs, whilst the plethora of open air bars and beach parties are awash with live music, as reggae performers flock to the town. Catch them at night spot, Alfred’s Ocean Palace. After a night on the ‘tiles’, recover during the day by lying out on Negril beach or “Seven Mile,” where the sand is powder soft, the water is turquoise, and the living is easy.