Just the name conjures up visions of blue skies, white beaches and swaying palms, where the smiles of the people are as warm as the winds and the sounds of steel bands, calypso and reggae provide live's rhythm.

Whether you want to island-hop by boat or plane or stay put where you first land and soak it all up lazy-like, the choice is yours. Cruise lines are finding a ready market of golfing tourists eager to combine a programme of on-board professional golf clinics with the leisurely life of cruising in between visiting the many islands that now boast good challenging golf courses, perfect for competitive and holiday golf.

Most probably the best known holiday destination in the Caribbean, Jamaica, has hosted some top professional golfing events, many of which have been held at the prestigious Half Moon Golf Resort.

The Cayman Islands is another golfing destination where the Links at SafeHaven (renamed North Sound Club) provides world class golf with a 6525 yard, par 71 course conveniently located off Seven Mile Beach, only five miles from George Town. Further down south where the string of Leeward and Windward Islands hang out like a necklace the Virgin Islands can be found and Barbados where Royal Westmoreland golf course presents a very beautiful challenge. The whole area is captivating. Many an author has lived off his wanderings through these islands, bumping into the many characters who have visited and never managed to get away from their charm.

Whether you visit them by air or drop in briefly by sea - a golfing holiday anywhere throughout this area is well worth taking. But do take care, with soft breezes you can easily misjudge the strength of the sun and a touch of sunstroke can ruin your holiday.

The Royal Westmoreland golf course, Barbados

Apart from golf there are so many other pastimes available. Of course snorkelling and all sea sports play a very big part in popularizing the area and are well worth attempting with the professional instructors who are always on hand to see you come to no harm. The gourmet can eat practically in any language as the range of restaurants takes in everything from delicious local seafood to French, English, Italian, Chinese and Mexican cuisine, while beach barbecues can be enjoyed throughout the year in balmy nights complete with dramatic sunsets.

End

For further information, please click on individual islands in the navigation list