Caribbean Inspiration Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis

Puerto Rico The cobbled streets and huge stone fortresses of Old San Juan. The powder white beaches and crystal waters of Isla Verde. The waterfalls, birds and wild orchids of the El Yunque tropical rainforest. And of course, the thrumming salsa beat playing long into the night; it could only be Puerto Rico. This is an island that has something for everyone. With an unbelievable natural environment, hotels and resorts that are the byword in luxury, plenty to do both day and night. Plus wonderful adventure experiences, Kayak through surreal bioluminescent bays, ride horses right along the beach, zip-line through the rainforest or soak up some culture at the island’s many museums. Puerto Rico appeals to families, couples and friends alike and if it is nightlife you are after then you won’t be disappointed. You can drink Mojitos in rooftop bars, party in exclusive clubs, catch a movie at a cinema bar, relax with some live jazz music or dance the night away to the hot salsa beat. From contemporary cocktail bars, sports bars to beachside cafés that go on until dawn, it’s all going on in Puerto Rico. As well as San Juan, check out the evening entertainment at Luquillo, Piñones, Boquerón and Vieques.

St Kitts & Nevis Aboard the St. Kitts Historic Railway you truly get a sense of this authentic Caribbean island, full of adventure, beauty and the smiles of its welcoming people. Following the coastline of pure white sand beaches, past towering fields of sugar cane, luscious rainforest and the historic UNESCO World Heritage Brimstone Hill Fortress, and you’ve circled this 30 mile island. St. Kitts has taken its heritage of sugar and tobacco and shaped it into something new and exciting. Like at the ancient sugar estate and rum distillery of Romney Manor where you can now watch demonstrations of batik. From hiking the dormant volcano of Mt. Liamuiga to zip-lining through the rainforest or taking a high speed catamaran to twin island of Nevis, St. Kitts isn’t short on exhilarating activities either! Whether you’re liming away your afternoons, living it up on The Strip or topping up your feel-good on its gorgeous white sand beaches- St. Kitts is the quintessential Caribbean island. Just two miles from its sister island of St. Kitts, Nevis is a charming island renowned for its stunning landscape and serene way of life. Sculpted on volcanic hills and enjoying a myriad therapeutic hot springs, it has only a handful of hotels and guest houses to its name spread over just 35 square miles, allowing it to retain its incredibly unique soul. Mile after mile of untouched beaches, lush rainforests and mango trees ripe with delicious fruit await visitors to the island (for foodies, the annual Nevis Mango and Food Festival is a delight). Nevis also has a fascinating colonial history, and the old capital of Charlestown and crumbling sugar plantations hide secrets of its chequered past and offer a truly authentic escape to one of the gems of the Caribbean. Nevis is also becoming known as the Island of Sport, playing host to the annual Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim, the Nevis Running Festival, the Nevis Triathlon, the Quallie Beach Fishing tournament, and even horse-racing events. I was lucky enough to arrange the British Airways inaugural flight to St Kitts way back in January 2009.

Saint Lucia Saint Lucia is home to dense rainforests filled with diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the island’s natural beauty through guided tours, ziplining, and nature walks. The island's most iconic feature, the twin volcanic spires of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These dramatic peaks offer breathtaking views and are popular for hiking and photography. Visit the world’s only drive-in volcano in Soufrière, where you can take a dip in the rejuvenating mud baths and hot springs. The vibrant capital, Castries, is home to a bustling market where visitors can experience local culture, purchase handmade crafts, and taste fresh island produce. The best nights out when you travel are those with a real local flavour, and that’s what you’ll get in Saint Lucia. As well as great food, Gros Islet is also home to the biggest street party on the island where you can party with the locals each Friday night. On the west of the island Anse La Raye has its own Friday Fish Fry, with local seafood, dancing and plenty of music! For a different flavour, try exclusive Rodney Bay where the cool restaurants and bars take you from day to night, with added clubs and casinos for after hours. A fine dining experience in a 5 star restaurant prepared by a Michelin starred chef, or some hearty home cooking at a local beach bar, codfish served from a roadside stand, you can experience all of this and more on an island where traditional Caribbean fare sits alongside international food and local, organic produce is the star of the show. Saint Lucia is often considered one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world, offering romantic settings, private villas, and intimate experiences like sunset cruises and candlelit dinners on the beach. The laid-back, small-island charm offers a sense of escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

I came close to buying a bar in Saint Lucia over 18 years ago, such was my draw to the island and the Saint Lucians who are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness, making visitors feel welcome and at home from the moment they arrive.