The Caribbean covers a territory of over 1,000,000 square miles and is home to literally thousands of islands and cayes rising out of the gin clear waters. The islands appear like similar jewels set in a turquoise sea but diversity is broad as the Caribbean and Dutch, British, Portuguese and Spanish influences have coloured the individual island's ambiance, architecture, cuisine and culture.

The Caribbean islands are the number one tourist destination for vacationers worldwide and the majority spend their Caribbean holidays on one of the major islands. Marinas and bays are crowded with cruising boats in transit and expatriates who came to paradise and never left. Of all the beautiful islands in the Caribbean, three stand out like jewels among gems; Barbados, the land of bearded palms, Jamaica, of rum and reggae and Grenada, a sparkling solitaire.

Barbados, a beautiful island, was named (the bearded ones) by the Portuguese or the Spanish for the bearded fig trees. Barbados has some of the most breathtaking beaches in the Caribbean and the majority of Barbados' hotels are situated on the west and south shores. From the hotels, tours and excursions are available to visit the playful, green monkeys in the preserve or participate in scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing or jet skiing.

When one thinks of Jamaica holidays, visions of free flowing rum, fire dances and limbo contests prevail. Claimed for Spain in 1494 by Christopher Columbus, the island was seized by the British in the 1600s and slaves that were left behind escaped to the mountains where their descendants still live today. Besides being a party island, Jamaica is known for its vibrant reefs and Jamaica hotels offer packages for scuba divers and snorkelers alike.

Grenada and the Grenadines make up one of the most beautiful areas in the entire Caribbean. Although ceded to Great Britain, Grenada still has a memory of its early French influence. The island is mountainous and its coast is cut up with numerous headlands and coves. The majority of Grenada hotels are on the beaches of St. George and host a variety of watersports including some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean. Grenada is the hub for sailing with gorgeous seas and fair winds.

Some of the best hotels to maximise your enjoyment in the Caribbean are the La Source Grenada [http://www.virginholidays.co.uk/brochures/caribbean/holidays/caribbean/grenada/lasource/], Sunset Jamaica Grande [http://www.virginholidays.co.uk/brochures/caribbean/holidays/caribbean/jamaica/sunset_jamaica_grande_resort__spa/], Couples Negril, and Almond Casuarina Beach Resort