Nevis

One visit to Nevis and you'll be smitten forever. You'll fall for its sleepy charm, beautiful lush landscapes, unspoilt scenery and hassle-free attitude.

It's how the Caribbean used to be; afternoon tea on the verandah, turtles swimming onto your deserted beach and wild green monkeys causing havoc on the golf course.

Yet five-star amenities and luxurious accommodation lie within a lovingly-restored plantation house.

Flying time: 8hrs 30 minutes to Antigua, then onward flight of 40 minutes.

Time difference: GMT -4hrs.

Getting there: Direct services operate to Antigua with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, with onward flights to Nevis on Liat or on shared or private charters.

Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar, which is tied to the US Dollar.

Vaccinations: Precautions for tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria and hepatitis A are recommended - please contact your doctor for up-to-date information.

Visas: British passport holders do not require a visa. All other nationals please check visa requirements with the embassy.

Best time time to visit: Hot and tropical climate tempered by trade winds throughout most of the year. The driest period is from January to April and there is increased rainfall in summer and towards the end of the year. Like the other Leeward Islands, Antigua can be affected by hurricanes, which are most likely to develop between June and November.