Barbados

Famous for its glorious golden beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant island culture, Barbados is a Caribbean adventure you’ll never forget. Whether it’s surfing on the island’s wild east coast, sipping afternoon tea whilst watching cricket, or partying the night away in the buzzing capital of Bridgetown, this is a destination as diverse as its inhabitants.

Now an independent British Commonwealth nation, the island’s English heritage looms large. Cricket is the national sport, and plantation buildings once used to produce sugar, molasses and rum for export are everywhere you look. A statue of Nelson stands proudly in the Unesco World Heritage-listed capital, and its streets are crammed full of historic colonial buildings, including the country’s parliament, one of the oldest in the Commonwealth. This is juxtaposed with colourful Bajan culture, including the riotous annual Crop Over festival, which sees the island burst into life with throbbing drum beats, flamboyant feathered costumes, and rum-fuelled celebrations. Barbados also offers secluded beaches such as the evocatively-named Shark Hole, magical botanical gardens, sizzling fish fry at Oistins, and a tranquil, white sand west coast dotted with luxury resorts and restaurants.