Antigua

Antigua's brochure line writes itself: three hundred and sixty-five beaches, one for every day. What the line misses is how good the days between the beaches are. This is the sailing capital of the Caribbean, and being on the water is the island's real religion, whether you charter a yacht for a coastal day, race in regatta week, or simply take the catamaran to swim with rays on a sandbank. Nelson's Dockyard adds proper history, a working Georgian naval harbour where you can drink rum where admirals once plotted. Sunday afternoons belong to Shirley Heights, where steel bands and barbecue smoke accompany the Caribbean's most famous sunset view. Resorts range from barefoot elegant to full grand dame. Antigua is the easy, warm, all-round Caribbean classic.