ST VINCENT AND GRENADINES
'You won't find Happy Island on maps of the Grenadines, partly because this speck of an islet is too small to count, but mostly because it's a construct: the creation of Rasta bar owner Janti, who built it with his own hands from conch shells in the middle of Clifton Harbour, near Union Island's diminutive airport. Accessible only by dinghy and popular with yachties after a day out exploring the sublime Tobago Cays, it's the place for a sunset rum punch and, if you're in luck, a grilled lobster dinner.'
Claire Wrathall, travel writer
'From Petit St Vincent, ask local Carl to take you aboard his boat My Decision, along with your snorkelling gear and picnic, to the tiny offshore sandbar known locally as Petit St Richardson — one small ring of sand, complete with an umbrella, bottle opener and nothing else. The waters boast some of the finest diving in the Caribbean with uninhabited cays fringed with sugar-white beaches.'
Sarah Siese, travel writer and author
British Airways flies to Antigua from London Gatwick and on to St Vincent with Liat. BA offers seven nights in St Vincent
and Grenadines from £1,999 per person for travel during
5 January-27 March. Includes return flights from Gatwick and five-star all-inclusive accommodation, based on two sharing. Visit ba.com/caribbean or call +44 (0)844 493 0758.
THE BAHAMAS
'What you have to do is to get invited to David Copperfield's spectacular Musha Cay (mushacay.com), where he has acquired 12 little islands. Close to one of the islands, at
low tide, a sandbank is exposed making a beach in the middle of the ocean. As I was born in Trinidad, I thought
I was quite immune to stupendously beautiful beaches, but this place is so sensational it's almost otherworldly.'
Sir Trevor McDonald, broadcaster and presenter of ITV's
The Secret Caribbean
'Harbour Island is only three miles long and half a mile
wide. Wander into "town" for breakfast at The Dunmore
Deli (+1 242 333 2644), then walk it off by heading up to
The Sand Dollar Shop (+1 242 367 4405) where you can
find locally made treasures, including little bottles of pink sand, which you can take home to prove it really does
exist. In the afternoon, rent a boat from Duke, snorkel for sand dollars and sea biscuits, and then head to Bottom Harbour to watch the turtles and dolphins. You can also
take a trip with Captain Bob who lives on the neighbouring island, Current. He will take you diving for conch or spear fishing. For a late afternoon snack, head to The Queen
Conch shack near the PLP dock. It's here the local conch salad is made. The conch is pulled from its shell, chopped and mixed with the juice of limes and sour orange, local tomatoes, onions and green peppers. Ask for tourist
strength — anything else will blow your bikini off.'
India Hicks, interior designer (sugarmillbyindiahicks.com)
'Hire a boat from Governor's Dock on Harbour Island
and go turtle spotting. Remember to take a cool bag
filled with ice-cold Kalik (the local beer). There is only
one place for lunch — Sip Sip (+1 242 333 3316). Tip the hostess and try not to drink too many Goombay Smash cocktails while you wait for a table. The best place to see
the sunset is Romora Bay — Thursday night is their night
for sundowners.'
Heidi Klein, swimwear designer
'The most important island is New Providence, on which the capital Nassau is situated. Visit the Straw Market in downtown Bay Street. Straw vending is one of the
country's oldest industries and with the sun beating
down all day, a wide brimmed hat should be top of your shopping list.'
Momma Cherri, chef and restaurateur
'Sunday afternoon in West End on the island of Grand Bahama offers an authentic Bahamian experience. This oceanfront settlement has charm, genuine hospitality
and the freshest seafood imaginable. Don't be fooled by
the unassuming appearance of local eatery Chicken Nest
(+1 242 346 6440), where you can enjoy a made-to-order conch
salad, as well as other island specialities. The sounds of
rake-and-scrape music, and a glass of Switcha (a local limeade) at one of the food stands is a great way to cap
a hectic week.'
Benjamin Davis, general manager, Grand Lucayan Hotel
BA flies to Nassau from London Heathrow. BA offers seven nights in Bahamas from £1,169 per person for travel during
5 January-27 March. Includes return flights from Heathrow and three-and-a-half star accommodation only, based on two sharing. Visit ba.com/bahamas or call +44 (0)844 493 0758.
