More location and points of interest are available in the above map

THE GRENADINES

BEQUIA (pronounced ‘beck-way’) is the most perfect island in the whole Grenadines. Stunning beaches dotting the shoreline, accommodations to fit most budgets and a slow pace of life all help to create an environment that is unforgettable. There are fine restaurants, shops that retain their local integrity and enough golden sand and blue water to keep everybody blissful.

The appealing little town of Port Elizabeth is little more than a line of shops rimming the beach of Admiralty Bay backed by a natural amphitheatre of green hills. The harbour is often packed with yachts from the world over. Many places are accessible on foot from Port Elizabeth. Everything else is a quick trip by minibus (EC$2 to EC$5).

Wandering the island enjoying the beaches is the top way to let the days slip past. Further afield, day trips to nearby islands are popular.

You don’t have to go far for great diving on Bequia – there are some top sites just on the edge of Admiralty Bay. Trips to Tobago Cays are a highlight for many. The tiny beachside community of Lower Bay has the best beach on the island: stunningly clear waters of Admiralty Bay spread out in front like a turquoise fan from a base of golden sand. It’s never crowded; vendors rent out beach chairs and there’s a couple of cute beachfront cafes.

MUSTIQUE is an island that offers stunning beaches and everything else you expect to find in paradise, now just add to the mix accommodations that defy description or affordability. With prices that exclude all but the super-rich, this island is the exclusive playground of the uber-affluent.

CANOUAN is interesting, both historically and aesthetically. This beautiful hook-shaped island has some of the most brilliant beaches in the entire Grenadines chain, and some of the most secluded hideaways too (plus one very large resort). You’ll find lovely beaches within a short walk of the tiny main town of Charlestown and the ferry dock.

The compact palm-covered island of MAYREAU sits just west of the Tobago Cays. With only a handful of roads, no airport and a smattering of residents, Mayreau might resemble a fabled desert isle. Stop in to the east side of the island (a 20-minute walk from the ferry dock) and you find Saltwhistle Bay. A double crescent of beautiful beaches split by a narrow palm-tree-fringed isthmus, it seems to come right out of central casting for tropical ideals.

UNION ISLAND is not only the southern most outpost but serves as an important transport hub to Grenada. The small port town of Clifton has a slightly rough-edged charm and you can easily spend a day wandering its short main street and the surrounding hills. It also has decent accommodations, services and just enough nightlife.

With five small islands ringed with coral reefs, the fabled TOBAGO CAYS offer some of the Caribbean’s best diving and snorkelling - perfectly situated in a national park and only accessible via boat on a day trip from one of the Grenadines. The snorkelling is world class and sea turtles and parrot fish are just the start of myriad species you’ll see with incredible coral abound. You can get a day trip to the Cays from any place in the Grenadines. The best operators are found on Bequia and Union Island.