5 idyllic island stays in the South Caribbean

This pocket of the Caribbean is all Castaway-style beaches and laidback stays. Pastel-coloured architecture is blended with consistently warm weather and oceans so clear you can count the fish. Escapism has never been so easy.

Willemstad, Curaçao

Willemstad is split into the two distinct quarters of Punda and Otrabanda, which basically translate to ‘city’ and ‘the other side’. The former is full of shops and restaurants, while the latter shows a more authentic and less touristy side of Willemstad. A few miles west of the city you’ll find long stretches of golden sand. Villa Tokara is just 100 metres from the sea, while Baoase Luxury Resort has a private beach.

Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten

A long curve of white sand is surrounded by the calm waters of the Caribbean sea; head down at sunset and you’ll witness a spectacular view of nearby Saba island peaking out of the horizon. This part of Sint Maarten is ideal for travellers on the lookout for nightlife, and it has a wide variety of restaurants and bars. The Simpson Bay Resort & Marina sits right on the shoreline and offers private villas with views over the bay. There are also three swim-up bars, so you can order a drink without leaving the water.

Oranjestad, Aruba

Aruba’s capital is the high-octane harbour city of Oranjestad. Cruise ships unload tourists eager to sample the town’s buzzing nightlife and explore the famous jewelry stores. If aquatic activities are more your thing, there are plenty of snorkeling, boat trips, parasailing and fishing available. For a beach retreat, check yourself into Aruba Surfside Marina, which features a tropical garden and rooms right on the sand.

Kralendijk, Bonaire St Eustatius and Saba

Bonaire’s capital of Kralendijk is packed with colour. Swirling turquoise waters change to a rosier shade as they wash up on Pink Beach, taking its colour from the crushed shells of millions of microscopic bright pink sea creatures called foraminifera. Head into town and the colourful theme continues, with many-hued houses lining the streets. Bridanda Apartments Bonaire offer studios and bungalows beside a palm-tree-filled tropical garden and outdoor pool. If you prefer a dip in the ocean, the beach can be reached in two minutes on foot.

Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba

Palm Beach is a diver’s dreamland, with the wreck of the torpedoed tanker ‘SS Pedernales’ a great choice for all abilities. Brisas Studio Apartments provides an excellent base for the beach itself, as well as the local shops, bars and restaurants. Aside from having the coolest name, Eagle Beach is also home to one of the most photographed fofoti trees, which cranes its neck towards the shimmering Caribbean sea. Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is located right on the chalky white sand and offers a free film night on the beach twice a week.