Caribbean is hot to trot | Beach Holidays | Travel | Express.co.uk

With blindingly white sand shelving gently into a jade sea, Antigua has superb beaches and a host of places to stay ranging from friendly inns, through lively all-inclusives to swanky super-luxury.

Once a base for the Royal Navy (definitely visit the atmospheric Nelson’s Dockyard), it is also a centre for sailing. But the way to explore is on the new beach-bar trail.

Trace your way around the island, from elegant restaurants on secluded coves to buzzing bars on lively strands, but be sure to end up in the southwest, where Turners and OJ’s, with its rustic wooden deck and fishing net decor, have the finest sunset view.

Antigua is definitely open for business, as seen before Christmas with the revamped UB40 classic Come Back Darling, filmed on the island.

Kenwood Travel (020 7749 9245/kenwoodtravel.co.uk) offers seven nights at the Starfish Jolly Beach Resort from £825 (two sharing), all inclusive. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick to Antigua. Resort transfers, £95 return. Antigua tourism: visitantiguabarbuda.com