The words 'The Caribbean' have a magical allure, conjuring images of blinding white sand beaches, swaying palms and azure tropical waters. With more than 700 islands, reefs and cays, the island chains that comprise these archipelagos are surprisingly diverse, each with its flavour of Caribbean magic.

Start in vibrant Barbados in the east, with its pirate's bounty of glorious white beaches and turquoise tropical waters alive with marine life - but which also emanates great Caribbean good-time vibes. Barbados is the favourite gateway for royals, celebrities and sports stars for decades; Barbados is the place to go if you like to gild your tropical idyll with a touch of serious glamour.

Discover all Barbados has to offer

Base yourself in a spectacular yet utterly private ocean-front villa with effortless beach access for a five-star experience. From here, you can discover all Barbados has to offer.

Ringed by coral reefs and with mangroves, lagoons, coves and historic shipwrecks, Barbados has so much to do besides the must-do world-class diving and snorkelling. Take a helicopter flip to the green heart of the island to sample historic Mount Gay rum, enjoy a game of tennis or golf, and take in a cricket or polo match. You can even participate in an exhilarating hi-tech 'pirate' treasure hunt. The nightlife is vibrant, and the Bajan cuisine - using the day's freshest seafood, island produce and Caribbean spices - is superb.

The perfect stretch of isolated beach

If beaches are your main priority, head to the pristine islands of the Turks and Caicos. The chain of 40 largely untouched islands in the Lucayan Archipelago is where sun-slowed days revolve around finding the perfect stretch of isolated beach to while away the day.

Laid-back, quiet and charming, the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) offer a life centred around the sea. The coral reefs - the planet's third-largest - are truly remarkable, rich with schools of tropical fish, turtles, rays, and marine life, and the miles-long beaches are almost implausibly perfect.

350 days of sunshine

Choose a beachfront estate home to make the most of the near-perfect weather (TCI averages 350 days of sunshine annually) and enjoy an extraordinary oasis of unassuming elegance. Hop between islands aboard a 60-foot luxury yacht from a private dock to explore the most sought-after snorkelling and diving spots. In Gibbs Cay, swim with the local colony of (friendly, we promise) stingrays before ending the day anchored at a pristine sand bar for a sundown picnic of delicious seafood and champagne. Those looking to connect and revitalize will love the sunrise yoga - sail in the darkest pre-dawn hours to a private beach where your yoga instructor will guide you through a sunrise healing session - yet another Caribbean experience you will never forget.

Featured Luxury Villa in St. Peter, Barbados - Godings Beach House

Located on the West Coast, in St. Peter Parish, this five-bedroom, 13,500-square-foot villa is set on a broad expanse of gardens with magnificent sea views. Limestone floors and a palette of neutral tones greet you upon entry. The open-concept living and dining area features large windows and retractable doors that open onto the terrace and garden. The infinity pool is just steps away. The modern Italian-design kitchen is a delightful place to create a memorable meal. There is also a barbecue for casual outdoor cooking. A double staircase leads upstairs to the five bedrooms, several of which have four-poster beds. The villa also contains a gym and a home theater. Exquisite designer furniture is found throughout the villa. Guests enjoy the service of a professional staff, including chef, housekeeping, and concierge. Set between the original colonial settlements of Speightstown and Holetown, the villa has the perfect location to explore the best of Barbados. Two marinas, bars, restaurants, golf, and polo clubs are only a few minutes’ drive away.

Featured Luxury Villa in St. James, Barbados - Seaclusion

This chic 8-bedroom oceanfront villa offers world-class amenities with sprawling oceanfront views on the world-class Grace Bay Beach. Pearlescent white décor and underwater-inspired sculptural elements echo through all of the indoor and outdoor living areas to bring a modern twist. In nearly every room, towering glass windows give unobstructed views of the Turks and Caicos sea just outside. For freshwater swimming you have two pools to choose from, a hot tub spa and numerous poolside lounges, both shaded and not. Take a dip in the turquoise waters – the white sand beach is your own backyard. Between the in-villa movie theater, billiards room, and decadent dinners prepared by a private chef - there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your evenings. Adventurous guests can venture beyond the calm waters of Grace Bay to explore Mangrove Cay or Iguana Island for supreme wildlife viewing. Host friends or family in the spacious, nearby guest house and invite them over for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the outdoor dining areas.