The Caribbean as it was: tiny volcanic islands linked by mail boats and day charters, culminating in the Tobago Cays, an uninhabited cluster of islets inside a horseshoe reef where you snorkel with turtles in knee-deep turquoise. Base yourself on friendly Bequia, splash out on a day sail past Mustique, and accept that your standards for 'clear water' are permanently ruined.
Featured in Ten island-hopping routes for the perfect beach fortnight · Beach