All you have to do is mention the Caribbean and you’ll be met with chatter about coconut trees, soft sands and cyan-blue waters. But, this cluster of islands is about more than just fly and flop holidays. Waterfalls, rainforests and lively towns – it ticks all the adventure boxes. Not to mention the rum.

Barbados

Barbados definitely has the X Factor. Celebrities like Simon Cowell flock here year-round. And, while it’s the most ‘British’ of the islands, it’s not all afternoon tea and cricket. It’s dotted with sugarcane fields, all-night clubs, roadside rum shops, and pearl-white beaches, so whatever you’re looking for, it’s got it.

Dominican Republic

Dramatic scenery comes as standard in the Dominican Republic. If you can tear yourself away from the palm-fringed beaches, there are waterfalls to scale, waves to surf and humpback whales to spot. Come-dark, this island’s got a buzzing edge with shops and bars blasting merengue music.

Jamaica

Jamaica has some serious musical roots. You can move to chilled-out reggae rhythms on the white sands of Seven-mile Beach, listen to the cascading sounds of Dunn’s River Falls, or rev it up on a Jeep safari through the mountains. And don’t forget to sample that spicy jerk chicken and sweet rum