| We've all heard of the Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba and | | | | cuisine. However, the southern half is Dutch, its capital |
| Jamaica but what of Aruba, Bonaire or St Maarten? It | | | | is Phillipsburg and its main specialism is in nightlife and |
| is important to understand that the Caribbean has a | | | | beaches. And if you feel you've a little bit of luck on |
| whole host of hidden islands that are waiting to be | | | | your side, there a handful of casinos located in the |
| discovered. | | | | area too. |
| Aruba sits at the very southern edge of the | | | | St Barthelemy - also known as St Barts or Barths - is |
| Caribbean; its heritage is a mix of Dutch and | | | | an amalgamation of laid back West Indies and |
| Caribbean, and its lifestyle is truly idyllic. Its southern | | | | sophisticated France. Indeed, considered a playground |
| coast is fringed with palm trees and white sand | | | | for the rich and famous, St Barthelemy offers an array |
| beaches, lapped by turquoise water which is teeming | | | | of small luxury hotels, chic boutiques and beautiful |
| with vivid tropical fish, coral and maybe even a wreck | | | | beaches to explore. As such, some of the most |
| or two. | | | | popular beaches are in Saline - due to its untouched |
| Side by side with Aruba sits Bonaire. Here is a small | | | | natural beauty, Colombier - which is very picturesque |
| crescent shaped island that offers much for those | | | | and can only be reached by way of boat or hiking, and |
| who appreciate sea life; it is only 21 miles long but | | | | Shell - which has little surf and is perfect for families. |
| home to over 300 species of marine life, making it an | | | | The British Virgin Islands are the last of the hidden |
| ideal location for windsurfing, diving and snorkelling fans | | | | treasures, scattered among the American Virgin |
| alike. | | | | Islands in the Caribbean. A strong mix of European, |
| St Kitts - twinned with Nevis - is the location where | | | | American and African influences ensure a variety of |
| historical figure Horatio Nelson lost his heart to a local | | | | food, music and tastes. What's more, it is home to |
| girl, before going on to make history for his participation | | | | some of the most amazing beaches in the Caribbean, |
| in the Napoleonic Wars. With year-round sunshine and | | | | which can provide the perfect opportunity to kick back |
| only brief spells of windy weather, the warm powder | | | | and relax. |
| beaches and clear waters will steal your heart, too. | | | | Of course, Caribbean holidays offer a diverse |
| Sint Maarten or Saint Martin, depending on where | | | | experience for the visitor. Whether you have an |
| you're standing, is a small island located below St Kitts | | | | interest in a spot of relaxation, exploring the sea life or |
| and Nevis in the Caribbean. Its northern half is French, | | | | simply enjoying the beautiful scenery of the islands, |
| its capital is Marigot, whilst it specialises in shopping and | | | | there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. |