San Juan → Miami (8 nights)

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.

Spidery tendrils of the coast are dotted with quiet coves and hidden harbours in sublime Saint John, the smallest of the US Virgin Islands. Tune in to island time on Trunk Bay, where turquoise waters caress powder-soft sands; this is what Caribbean dreams are made of. The motherly arms of Virgin Islands National Park embrace two-thirds of the isle, an emerald expanse of protected forest etched with mountain valleys, indigenous rock art and the ruins of old sugar plantations, crisscrossed by a web of scenic hiking trails. Kayak into the knotted mangroves around Hurricane Hole or plunge below the waves at Maho Bay, where turtles and rays sluice through crystal-clear waters.

Anchored in San Juan Bay, an inky palette washes the sky and an enchanted evening begins. Stars peep through our ebony ceiling and a feast of finest fare begins. Champagne corks pop and glasses chime as we toast new beginnings and gorge on merry cheer, while San Juan erupts in an incandescent display of fireworks to welcome the New Year.

Anchored in San Juan Bay, an inky palette washes the sky and an enchanted evening begins. Stars peep through our ebony ceiling and a feast of finest fare begins. Champagne corks pop and glasses chime as we toast new beginnings and gorge on merry cheer, while San Juan erupts in an incandescent display of fireworks to welcome the New Year.

Clasped between the Dominican Republic mainland and the jungle-draped hillsides of the Samaná Peninsula, little Cayo Levantado is a jade droplet in sapphire seas. Tread softly across ivory-white sands before crossing the crystalline waters of Samaná Bay towards unscripted adventures. To the north, a primordial world of rainforests, waterfalls and secret coves, where hiking trails thread through lush forests to soul-stirring viewpoints. Travel south to paddle pristine mangroves serenaded by a symphony of birdsong or cruise to powder-soft beaches where coconut groves spill down to cerulean shores. Colourful clapboard houses outshone only by the radiance of bougainvillaea and hibiscus provide the backdrop for fresh fish feasts and rum punch sunsets.

The queen of the “Silver Coast”, Puerto Plata is treasured for her soaring cloud-shrouded peaks and stunning shining beaches. Once famously plundered by pirates — you too can storm the 16th-century Fortaleza San Felipe fort — now is coveted by modern-day aficionados seeking her bounty of aged rum, robust cigars, and rich chocolate. Adventurers can soar to the top of the Pico Isabel de Torres 793 mt (2,602 ft), dare to off-road to the Waterfalls of Damajagua, or kite-surf, catamaran, and zip-line over the ocean. Pro tip: save time for a buzzy beach club to chill with coconut-fused libations.

Wander into the reality of a serene Bahamian dream. Alluring, exclusive and eco-friendly, an escape to this island marine reserve is possibly the world’s most coveted invite. Slowly snorkel, gently paddle board or glide over aquamarine waters by boat. Wonder at marine life and nature in its natural habitat, visit the marina, lighthouse, lagoon and pastel-hued buildings. Recline for a beachside massage, settle into a lazy lunch, sip endless rum cocktails and sink into powdery white sands cooled by the soothing sways of palm leaves. If paradise was packaged, this island might be the finest gift.

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.