Step onto the Caribbean island blessed with 365 sweeping beaches, Antigua a tropical holiday paradise, where the softest white sands, cerulean skies and West Indian flavour meets British colonial charm. The clear Caribbean waters are perfect for swimming and steady trade winds offer calm sailing around the palm-fringed coast. What’s more, you can choose between some truly breath-taking luxury hotels, including all-inclusive resorts, cosy boutique retreats and chic hideaways. Panoramic clifftop views, luxurious spas, laid back beach dining and romantic sun-drenched terraces only add to the paradisiacal vibe.

Antigua Sailing Week brings world class racing and extravagant parties at the end of April and beginning of May, but year-round aquatic adventure means you can charter a yacht, swim, snorkel, kayak or windsurf any day of the week. The diving here is perhaps not for those looking to push the boundaries, but it’s a safe bet for beginners. Paradise Reef and Deep Bay are a snorkeller’s dream, and the latter is home to the Andes shipwreck, easily accessible with just a snorkel and flippers. Get out of the water and into a Jeep for a rainforest tour, find out more about the island’s colonial history and naval heritage at Nelson’s Dockyard, or jump into a helicopter and take a scenic flight over neighbouring Montserrat’s notorious volcano. Back on solid ground, sun lovers will find dozens of deserted beaches. For dreamy sunsets get down to Darkwood Beach, and for pelican spotting head to Ffryes Bay.