Miami → San Juan (8 nights)

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.

Savour a fusion of heritage in sparkly St Thomas. Roam a flawless Capital teeming with local culture, smart boutiques, American hallmarks, streets bearing Danish names, and former hideouts for the notorious pirates of Blackbeard and Bluebeard. Climb up to historic landmarks, catch the cable car for serious views and savour the Frenchtown quarter famed for its restaurants. Ferry to scenic conservatory of St. John, float around diamond-sand beaches with limpid blue waters and venture on forested yomps through rugged hilltops. Dreamy Caribbean warmth soaked in Danish roots and American influence - this USVI is a curious culture clash with plenty of personality.

Restore in blissfully quiet yet sophisticated laid-back island life. Roam amongst wildlife, learn fascinating insights into Anguilla's quirky history and gently wander to the limestone cavern of Katouche cave. Embark on a guided quad bike tour for a glimpse of island life and sail over electric blue seas to reach remote paradise at private Little Bay, where jagged cliffs flank pristine sands. Casually kayak or paddle board through warm breezes and calm waters to secluded coves and indulge in refreshing cocktails with butter-soaked grilled lobster at enticing beach bars, with toes submerged in the softest, whitest and finest sand.

Embrace Martinique’s natural joie de vivre. Volcanic in origin, Gallic in heritage and Creole at heart; explore old sugar plantations, premium rum distilleries, cocoa farms and St Pierre ruins at the foothills of the still smouldering Mont Pelée. Chase the Saut du Gendarme waterfall, explore the 10 million-year-old Caravelle peninsula, roam northern beach dusky sands and visit Le Carbet made famous by the artist Gauguin. And as you slow down to contemplate the sweet concoction of the national punch, you’ll understand why the Creole and French blend makes Martinique so magical.

Formed by volcanoes, St Kitts fertile soil is so rich it turns monkeys green. Trek through miles of rainforest amongst colourful wildlife to conquer the highest peak of Mount Liamuiga so you can peer into the mile-wide crater, or bravely descend to sniff the sulphur. Experience a train ride, sailing trip, cooking class, sky safari zip-line, or creative batik fabric workshops. Visit sugarcane plantations, the Narrows between St Kitts and Nevis and the UNESCO Brimstone Hill Fortress for spectacular views of neighbouring islands. You’ll find this special island small in size yet tall in standing, as well as big on charm.

Princely Philipsburg reigns as the capital of the Dutch side of the dual-nation island of Sint Maarten/ and French Saint Martin. Lounging beside aptly named Great Bay, the seaside city weaves colourful streets lined with Dutch emporiums brimming with chocolates, cheeses and coveted luxuries. Kayak lapis-blue waters, dive amongst a kaleidoscope of reefs or gallop on horseback along shaded plantation trails. Play ‘lady luck’ in winning casinos or a round of golf beside an eternally blue sea. Every moment embraces the idea that a day in Philipsburg is royal.

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.