Barbados

The largest beach in the area, Rockley is a picture-perfect crescent of sand. Backed by shade trees, there’s moderate surf. The new boardwalk allows you to walk west for more than 3km to Hastings.

Fringed by a fine stretch of sand, gently curving Paynes Bay is endlessly popular and its calm waters make it one of the west coast’s best spots for swimming and snorkeling (if you're patient enough there's a very good chance of seeing sea turtles).

Barbados’ west coast has lovely tranquil beaches that are largely hidden by the majority of the island’s luxury hotels and walled estates. It's known to some as the Platinum Coast, a moniker earned either from the color of the sand or the color of the credit cards.

In colonial times, the area was a popular holiday retreat for the upper crust of British society. These days the villas that haven’t been converted to resorts are owned by the wealthy and famous. That’s on the water side, of course. On the other side of Hwy 1 are modest huts and simple vacation retreats. Although the beaches are all public, the near-constant development means you only get a few coastal glimpses.

Easily the most evocative small town on Barbados, Speightstown combines old colonial charms with a vibe that has more rough edges than the endlessly upscale precincts to the south. The settlement was once dubbed 'Little Bristol' as, thanks to its maritime connection to that English town, many of the first settlers originated from there, and it still has a classic nautical vibe.

Since the main road was moved to the charmless bypass east, traffic is modest, so take time strolling to look up at the battered old wooden facades.

Bridgetown is the best place to enjoy genuine local food and genuine local prices. You can find cheap eats at any of the markets around town, which are generally open from 7am to late afternoon Monday to Saturday.