White Sand Wonderlands for the Holidays

Welcome to Miami and the sweep of South Beach – backdrop to every iconic Miami movie, and forefront of Latin American culture. Stroll through pastel-hued geometric buildings in the art deco district, to graffiti mural masterpieces at Wynwood Walls. Watch Latino life unfold in Little Havana – the heartbeat of this great city – where walk-up windows sell café cortadito, sweet sugarcane juice, hatuey beer and guava ice-cream. Watch passionate locals discuss politics, play dominoes and smoke cigars. Shimmy at a salsa class, shop designer boutiques and race marlin and sharks by speedboat. Then slow your pace to uncover rare and endangered species at the Everglades National Park outdoor oasis. You’ll find the Miami dream is real – and it’s not just Cuban heels that will give you a spring in your step.

Key West might end at Florida’s most southern point, but here is the start of real laid-back life. Nearer Cuba than Miami, this last in line of small coral reefed islands is famed for history, culture, fishing, cuisine, and candy-coloured homes. Surf, snorkel, shop by appointment and attend a private seafood tasting. Hop aboard the Old Town Trolley tour, visit Hemingway’s quirky former house, study over 50 different butterflies at the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory and watch leggy flamingos strut their stuff. Key West is not just a deep tan Floridan beach town, it’s a way of life, with the only rule being to come as you please.

Slip into a tranquil, tropical paradise of sparkling waters, coral reefs and powder white beaches. Switch off and slowly shop, swim, snorkel and sip within the peace of sand, sea and sky. Sink into a beachside boulder-forming pool at The Baths, admire spectacular villas scattered on the Great Mountain, sit back on a safari bus ride or sunbathe aboard a catamaran. Prepare to be mesmerised by this softly lit, sun-drenched heaven.

Slowly amble into little sleepy Deshaies. Stroll around the sheltered bay brimming with Creole homes, restaurants and a cosmopolitan crowd. Stroll along to the best of Guadeloupe; the fine golden sands of Grande Anse and the wonderful botanical garden with dreamy plants and ponds. Visit the Cocoa House for a taste of dark chocolate’s rich roots, climb the summit of La Grande Dame at La Soufriere, wander to waterfalls and visit Christopher Island bird reserve. Coconut palms, protected wildlife and a slow pace – you’ll be filled with love in this relaxed fishing village.

An adrenaline rush awaits. Swim with stingrays. Zip-line through lush forests. Walk across a gorge on a scenic suspension bridge. Sip excellent aged rums. Taste the island with a chef. Or stroll St. St. John’s old town to tour cottages laden with cheerful fretwork. Explore British forts atop Shirley Heights and Goat Hill. Then rest and rejuvenate with VIP reservations at one of Anguilla’s snow-white beaches and enjoy a cozy lounger and rum drinks.

Explore the oldest US city for a dose of Caribbean history, slice of Spanish culture and twist of American dream. Roam historic Old San Juan alleyways to glimpse centuries-old forts and colourful colonial buildings. Learn how to move, as locals sashay out the salsa to rhythmic reggae beats. Shop the boho streets or glamorous boutiques for artisan goods, decadent designers and hand-rolled cigars. Experience world-class surfing, explore a tropical rainforest, attend a private rum cocktail tasting and polish off empanadas. Then retire to one of the beautiful beaches to soak up crystal clear waters and, perhaps, one last rum cocktail.