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Day 1
Miami, Florida
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.
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Day 2
Key West, Florida
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.
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Day 5
Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda
Slip into a tranquil, tropical paradise of sparkling waters, coral reefs and powder white beaches. Switch off and slowly shop, swim, snorkel and sip within the peace of sand, sea and sky. Sink into a beachside boulder-forming pool at The Baths, admire spectacular villas scattered on the Great Mountain, sit back on a safari bus ride or sunbathe aboard a catamaran. Prepare to be mesmerised by this softly lit, sun-drenched heaven.
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Day 6
Gustavia
Mingle amongst other discerning guests on this French isle that exudes relaxed glamour. Wander along secluded beaches, harbourside Creole huts, drop into bohemian bars and snorkel gently through warm turquoise waters. Visit La Tourmente, the peaceful salt ponds and admire uninterrupted views on a local boat trip. And as you sip your second (or third) glass of champagne to the lull of the gentle waves, it might be time to learn the French for "paradise found".
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Day 7
Saint John's
An adrenaline rush awaits. Swim with stingrays. Zip-line through lush forests. Walk across a gorge on a scenic suspension bridge. Sip excellent aged rums. Taste the island with a chef. Or stroll St. St. John's old town to tour cottages laden with cheerful fretwork. Explore British forts atop Shirley Heights and Goat Hill. Then rest and rejuvenate with VIP reservations at one of Anguilla’s snow-white beaches and enjoy a cozy lounger and rum drinks.
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Day 8
Deshaies
Slowly amble into little sleepy Deshaies. Stroll around the sheltered bay brimming with Creole homes, restaurants and a cosmopolitan crowd. Stroll along to the best of Guadeloupe; the fine golden sands of Grande Anse and the wonderful botanical garden with dreamy plants and ponds. Visit the Cocoa House for a taste of dark chocolate’s rich roots, climb the summit of La Grande Dame at La Soufriere, wander to waterfalls and visit Christopher Island bird reserve. Coconut palms, protected wildlife and a slow pace – you’ll be filled with love in this relaxed fishing village.
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Day 9
Soufrière
Cradled between towering Piton spires, Soufriere is basecamp to wonders that never cease: leisurely kayak into a (real) Bat Cave; navigate lush jungles for rippling waterfalls named for Superman, Sapphires and Diamonds. Keep the adrenaline pumping with Piton climbs, a drive-in volcano or diving with denizens of the deep at Pigeon Island. Hydrate in King Louis XVI Mineral Baths and Sulphur Springs but — whatever you do — do not miss a visit to a sustainable cacao farm to witness milky beans go from harvest to your own personal chocolate bar. Bliss indeed.
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Day 10
Port Elizabeth, Bequia
Summon your inner Robinson Crusoe on remote Bequia. Secret lagoons. Castaway picnics. Warm waters in shades of blue that beg to be snorkelled through. Stake your flag in the sweet Bequia breeze just as the Union Jack did for almost 200 years. Usher in deep tranquillity on lovely Princess Margaret Beach. Ascend Mount Peggy with sunny views of St. Vincent. Stoll Belmont Boardwalk to Margret Beach for hand-whittled mahogany boat models then prowl the concrete catwalk that runs along Port Elizabeth for home-churned nutmeg ice cream. Support a sterling turtle sanctuary protecting the rare hawksbill or ferry to nearby Mustique, the favourite holiday romp for Prince William and Kate Middleton.
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Day 11
Bridgetown
Gently breeze into the vibrant capital of Barbados. Steeped in fascinating history, with architecture to match, uncover the wonderfully laid-back West Indian ambiance. Embrace the slow Bajan rhythm of this welcoming island; surf, snorkel and try spotting turtles in balmy azure waters. Explore subterranean Harrison’s Cave, Jacobean St Nicholas Abbey and zipline high above bountiful tropical flora. Then return to restore on pastel pink sands at palm-studded beaches, where you’ll discover cocktail hour is endless, and measures of rum are copious.
