Turks and Caicos Islands; oddly named, a little misshapen and often covered with cactus and thorny acacia trees, this archipelago is the often-neglected stepsister to the neighbouring Bahamas. But this is the Caribbean, so this British crown colony still has many charms. Several islands are fringed with exquisite beaches and for divers there are several hundred miles of coral reef that make it a hot destination.

Best time to visit

April to July (avoid sweltering August to November).

Essential experiences

Bonefishing at Sapodilla or on South Caicos; dodging the resort crowds at Providenciales; lazing on incredible beaches or picnicking with iguanas and flamingos on West Caicos; hiking the well-designed paths of Middle Caicos; exploring the underground caverns of Conch Bar Caves National Park; windsurfing off Grand Turk and shaking up the Salt Cay.

In a few words, the Turks and Caicos Islands are

Shady expats living off 'investments' or involved in 'exports', lavish resorts, cocktails sipped in casinos, excellent bird-watching, terrific year-round tans and excellent diving.

Did you know?

The Turks and Caicos (like the Bahamas) lie outside the Caribbean Sea; they are washed on the north and east by the Atlantic and on the south and west by the Gulf Stream.