Most visitors know all about Fort Lauderdale's six miles of wide soft sands. Fewer, however, realise that it also features 165 miles of mansion and yacht-lined canals, smart boutiques and chances to visit the nearby unique Florida Everglades. Visit Seven Mile beach for a day of Caribbean sun and fun, or take a fascinating submarine trip over the extensive coral reefs. The Caribbean's only Spice Island is also the kind of island that provides picture-postcard views at seemingly every turn. Even its capital features pastel warehouses and gabled buildings set around a scenic deep blue lagoon.
Beaches are much rarer than the blooms, however.
OCHO RIOS Many people consider Jamaica the loveliest island in the Caribbean. Soaring mountains, miles of ruggedly beautiful coastline and tumbling foaming waterfalls conspire to create a unique landscape. Take a unique walk all the way UP Dunn's River Falls. The mother colony of the Caribbean, St Kitts was colonised by the British as early as 1623. Basseterre, the main port, is an historic town.