An Extended Journey to Blue Lagoons and Colombian Emeralds

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.

Walk into a techo-colour dream of sorbet-hued buildings in Oranjestad, where a Papiamento Indian past mingles with the trendy Dutch present. Slide into a submarine and descend along coral-crusted walls to see the magnificence of the ocean depths. Marvel at a landscape rugged and wild with wind-bent Divi Divi trees, kilometres of powder-white beaches and sandy deserts where cacti thrive under a luminescent sun. And don’t miss the Natural Bridge, formed by waves crashing on coral rock. Aruba is an island blessed.

The sign says you can have it all in Santa Marta. Blending a thriving Caribbean trade with bountiful countryside, history and culture, Colombia really does offer a great deal. Drift into the depths of the Colombian countryside where organic coffee farms and Minca, the bohemian mountainous haven sit beneath the Sierra Nevada peaks. Roam around town for museums, Bolivar’s Park, colourful markets and partake in a Colombian cooking class. Speed into lagoons to visit a village built on stilts, and roam further afield to Bogota. Unfurl true paradise at the Lost City, Tayrona National Park and Caoba tropical bio-reserve.Colombia’s raw regional beauty will leave you longing for more.

Sparkle in this jewel of the Caribbean; the cultured and very colourful Cartagena. Saunter or ride by Segway through a maze of cobbled streets for historic architecture, bougainvillea-dripping plazas, old churches and chic eateries where you’ll discover a blend of Caribbean cool and Colombian sophistication. Learn new cooking techniques with a personal chef, birdwatch at the National Aviary, visit botanical gardens, take a cycle tour or head to Turbaco. Roam offshore to Islas Del Rosario for magnificent beaches and snorkelling through colourful coral reefs. And as the sun sets over the ancient city walls, prepare for an intoxicating nightlife scene - in no time you’ll be sipping moreish mojitos, nodding to reggaeton and - once really in the spirit - gyrating to the salsa.

Sparkle in this jewel of the Caribbean; the cultured and very colourful Cartagena. Saunter or ride by Segway through a maze of cobbled streets for historic architecture, bougainvillea-dripping plazas, old churches and chic eateries where you’ll discover a blend of Caribbean cool and Colombian sophistication. Learn new cooking techniques with a personal chef, birdwatch at the National Aviary, visit botanical gardens, take a cycle tour or head to Turbaco. Roam offshore to Islas Del Rosario for magnificent beaches and snorkelling through colourful coral reefs. And as the sun sets over the ancient city walls, prepare for an intoxicating nightlife scene - in no time you’ll be sipping moreish mojitos, nodding to reggaeton and - once really in the spirit - gyrating to the salsa.

Travel through time to one of the world’s finest man-made wonders, The Panama Canal. But Colon doesn’t just transport tankers or provide a short cut between two oceans; wander through Colonial and Neoclassical architecture in the old town, meet the native Embera Indians in the Chagres National Park and admire spectacular scenery as you gently sail the man-made Gatun Lake. Pass into forested San Lorenzo National Park for ecological bliss, a likely glimpse of sloths or toucans, and the fort that kept pirates at bay. And as you learn of the latest locks for maritime trade, wonder how many more million vessels will surge through these waterways.

Embrace a slice of Europe immersed in Caribbean heat. Wander through Scharlooweg’s pastel colonial architecture, delightful museums and a thriving art scene. Roam glorious beaches with hidden caves, snorkel with turtles and dive through spectacular reefs. Learn how to cook Creole cuisine, walk the town’s sun-kissed waterways, explore the prickly Hato Plains and then re-hydrate in ripe aloe plantations. As the heat of the day subsides, drop into trendy eclectic lounges, where friendly locals welcome and the legendary blue curacao cocktail awaits.

Unwind in the beautiful island of Bonaire, rooted in Dutch heritage. Immerse in a dazzling underwater wonderland where warm cobalt waters make way for blissful swimming, sailing and snorkelling. Inland is just as enticing with pink-hued sands and island cars that bear ‘paradise’ badges of honour. Journey off-road through Arawak history, kayak through mangroves and visit saltwater lagoons at the aptly named Goto Lake – where flocks of pink flamingos pose. You’ll find a hint of pink tint at every turn - no need for rose-tinted glasses in this paradisiacal place.

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.

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.