Miami → Miami (9 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.

Off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and off the charts in charm, Cozumel, once sacred to the Mayan Moon Goddess Ixchel, now is a wealth of natural beauty. Dive into the kaleidoscopic Caribbean waters that lap her beaches, follow dive guides to the Mesoamerican reef, or swim in sacred cenotes. Take a walk on the Wild East side, sink into hammocks and sip Mezcalitos cocktails and nosh on the freshest fish tacos. Kayak the mangroves or hike trails around the marshland and pay homage to Ixchel at her temple ruins of San Gervasio.

Swirling blue seas give way to the tangled tendrils of emerald jungle along the coast of Quintana Roo, where Mayan pyramids and enigmatic cenotes lay hidden. Time slows down and languid days turn into unforgettable nights around Puerta Costa Maya, a portal to indigenous culture and natural abundance. Enchanting and Bacalar and her Lagoon of the Seven Colours show off nature’s artistic essence and star-shaped Fort of San Felipe transports you to a world of European pirates and Spanish conquistadors. Snooze beneath droopy palms and snorkel the mesmerising reefs of Xcalak National Reef Park or explore the crumbling Mayan temples at Chacchoben, reclaimed by the jungle over millennia, then feast on fresh Mexican flavours in cosmopolitan Chetumal.

A fringe of shaggy mountains surrounds the wild jungle home of this Mayan empire, where art masterpieces are untouched and in harmony with nature. A stunning shade of crimson still paints the faces of fearsome gods glaring from towering ancient temples in Quiriguá, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Hike to a nature preserve where hundreds of species of birds sip from cool waters fed by sparkling waterfalls. An imposing 1600’s stone citadel begs a visit to see how the Spanish thwarted thieving pirates. Prepare to be dazzled by rows of colourful embroidery, beadwork, and handwoven textiles at the lively town market whilst the nutty fragrance and rich flavour of local coffee pairs perfectly with some of the most exquisite chocolate in the world.

Beguiling Belize fuses diverse culture with an intriguing history. Touch upon spectacular wildlife, underwater wonders, idyllic beaches and ancient Mayan ruins. Call in at the world’s first jaguar reserve, take a jungle tour, head into the Tiger Cave, seek out The Swing Bridge or dip into a chocolate farm. Snooze under thatch, glide through the vibrant Belize Barrier Reef and mingle with locals to uncover nature’s medicinal tonics. And unwind in a pristine Caribbean caye, courtesy of the aptly named Hummingbird Highway.

Key West might end at Florida’s most southern point, but here is the start of real laid-back life. Nearer Cuba than Miami, this last in line of small coral reefed islands is famed for history, culture, fishing, cuisine, and candy-coloured homes. Surf, snorkel, shop by appointment and attend a private seafood tasting. Hop aboard the Old Town Trolley tour, visit Hemingway’s quirky former house, study over 50 different butterflies at the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory and watch leggy flamingos strut their stuff. Key West is not just a deep tan Floridan beach town, it’s a way of life, with the only rule being to come as you please.

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.