Barbados

With the night's getting longer and the weather becoming colder, now is the time to start thinking about escaping to a winter paradise in the sun. Barbados is a great antidote to the cold winter weather, with a combination of breathtakingly beautiful sandy beaches, lush, wild tropical vegetation, tantalising food and drink almost- guaranteed, year-round sunshine.

Welcome to the Caribbean island that’s got it all – from wonderful weather to fabulous beaches, bars, restaurants and hotels. The celebs love it... and so will you when you touch down in paradise. If it’s jet-set central you are after for your Caribbean holiday then head straight for the island of Barbados, which has been drawing celebrities, business leaders and oligarchs to its sandy shores for years. And small wonder.

With its five-star villas, white beaches and temperatures higher even than the balmy Caribbean average, Barbados is a byword for the dream holiday.  Barbados might have more than 70 miles of stunning shoreline, but there is so much more to this island than sea and sand (though that’s not a bad place to start).  Browse the Lime grove boutiques, play golf on some of the finest championship courses in the Caribbean, see the island from a different angle on a jeep safari, wander the beautiful Flower Forest, or swim with turtles with Jammin’ Catamaran Cruises.

Escaping to a sun-drenched island is on most of us bucket list, of things to do.  But for a once in a life time experience how do you choose the right location for that perfect romantic getaway? Maybe you want to recharge your batteries, or perhaps you fancy some personal training in a state-of-the-art-gym, followed by a rejuvenating spa treatment and dinner at a fabulous restaurant boasting international haute cuisine.

Would you like to switch off from the 'hustle and bustle' of everyday life. We have put together six Caribbean islands where you can do just that. Whether you choose to visit one or all, they all offer their distinct take on life in the tropics. From sand, surf and snorkelling to eco-treks into the rainforest, island arts and hot nights on the beach dining on freshly cooked fish, every island has its unique charms, but also a shared appeal to anyone looking for effortless relaxation and more active pursuits when you are ready to get up from that lounger.

There is something otherworldly about arriving at Sandals Barbados. This is the stuff of James Bond films and multi-million-pound music videos. But arriving at Sandals Barbados, the company’s newest resort after a $65 million makeover, it is all real. From the inventive accommodations spanning three unique villages, with luxurious suites, 11 restaurants and a spa and the eternally pouring beach bars to the gently swaying palm trees, Sandals Barbados is an almost inconceivable slice of luxurious exclusivity.

It’s easy to see why so many people think Barbados is paradise. As you approach Oistins’ fish market on a Friday night, your senses are awakened by the delicious aromas of fresh fish being cooked and the sweet strains of calypso – music so rhythmic you won’t be able to stop yourself from dancing along.

It’s has been given the nickname ‘the Gem of the Caribbean Sea’.  Whether you're looking to lounge on a pristine white beach, get a taste of local food or soak up lively Caribbean culture, your perfect holiday awaits you in Barbados. This picture-perfect tropical island really does have it all.  From a UNESCO World Heritage capital to a jaw-dropping coastline, and lush, wild interiors, it’s idyllic Caribbean scenery at its finest.  There’s  always something to entice visitors, including festivities, sport, music, nightlife, local traditions and delicious cuisine.

If you try to conjure up your idea of paradise, chances are the Caribbean would some pretty close, sugar-white beaches, luxurious resorts and miles and miles of aquamarine seas make it one of the most idyllic destinations on earth.  And at around eight hours’ flight from London, it’s an ideal place to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

But which of its many islands to visit? St. Lucia, Barbados and Tobago, with adventure, vibrant culture and movie-star coastlines wrapped into each one – should be right at the top of your ultimate Caribbean wishlist.