This jewel-like chain of 32 islands is home to some of the Caribbean's most alluring hideaway hotels and undiscovered gems; the journey alone is spectacular as you fly from Barbados over the clear turquoise waters speckled with lush green islands. For such a small country, there's an outstanding choice of resorts – whether you're looking for relaxed glamour or barefoot simplicity – and an equally surprising range of natural attractions aside from the ocean. As you might expect, watersports are superb and it's a sailor's paradise. Honeymooners will find it hard to find a more romantic escape – and beachcombing hedonists need look no further! Some of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean movie was filmed in St Vincent & The Grenadines – and the stars stayed at Young Island.

Francesca is still talking about her stay in the St Vincent & The Grenadines: "I just loved the diversity and individuality of each island, not least St Vincent itself which has so much natural beauty inland. I had only thought that the Grenadines were strictly for sun worshipping on the beach but the diving and snorkelling is excellent, there are rainforests to explore and colourful markets."
The cannons in the forts are turned inward rather than out to sea – the British were protecting themselves from the native Caribs who lived inland.