Unspoilt paradise islands - Nevis

2) Nevis

Where: Eastern Caribbean Sea

See: The Nevisian Heritage Village is an attempt to recreate what local homes would have been like in the olden days before TVs and mobile phones, but it's during the annual Culturama festival that it really springs to life. The grounds host massive feasts, musical performances and dancing displays: essentially one big party in a great garden setting.

Do: A big dormant volcano dominates Nevis, and it is surrounded by pretty thick jungle. The island is 40% rainforest, and it's great for walking in – especially when you come across the monkeys. Routes are not well marked, so it's best to go with a guide. Top To Bottom (www.walknevis.com) organises a variety of jungle walks, some concentrating on the local nature and how to smash coconuts, others more concerned with getting right to the top of the peak. Whatever the choice, Jim – the man who runs the tours – is a mine of information. He'll have you doing everything from mongoose-spotting to tasting exotic fruits.

Hang out: Pinney's Beach on the Caribbean side of the island is where most of the action is, partly due to the quality of the sands and partly due to the proximity of the massive Four Seasons resort. Of the beach bars, Sunshine's is the longest standing and most popular, largely because of the highly potent ‘Killer Bee' rum punches dished out. Don't be surprised to see staff nonchalantly carrying freshly-caught lobsters back into the kitchen either.

Stay: The Nisbet Plantation is right on the beach, but has old-style elegance and heritage. The evening meals in the Great House are a treasure, while the villas and rooms are enormously spacious. Get up early and it's possible to watch staff shimmying up the palm trees to cut down the coconuts; get up a little later, and it's all about lounging in the hammocks on the beach. A seven night stay at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club costs from £979 (including flights from Gatwick, transfers, breakfast and dinner) per person when booked through Letsgo2 (www.caribbean.letsgo2.com/st-kitts-and-nevis or 0871 208 0093).

More information: www.nevisisland.com

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