Caribbean: Curacao, Aruba & Dominican Republic

Trade the glittering resorts, bustling promenades and city centres of other Caribbean ports for the refreshingly untamed landscapes of the Pedernales Province. Situated in the southwestern corner of the Dominican Republic near the border of Haiti, Cabo Rojo in this region is a nature lover's dream destination. Travel from the unspoiled beaches, lagoons and mangrove forests dotting the coastline to dramatic mountains and hidden caverns beckoning you inland. Whether you wish to hike, snorkel, kayak, bird watch or sunbathe, finding your slice of paradise in the Pedernales Province is a breeze.

Incredibly white sands and cobalt blue seas make the small island of Aruba a popular destination. In the bustling freeport town of Oranjestad, sherbet-coloured Dutch colonial buildings, draped in bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus are simply picturesque. Small, but informative museums relate the island's history.

Walk around this quaint harbour town and you'll think you've travelled back in time to Old Amsterdam. Admire the colourful Dutch architecture and take advantage of the excellent shopping. Relax on 17-century veranda with a drink made with the famous Curaçao liqueur.

With an area of only 37 square miles, the island of St. Maarten is the smallest landmass in the world to be divided between two governments. The southern Dutch half offers casinos, duty-free shopping and island culture. The French half is all subdued sophistication.

The town of Charlotte Amalie has one of the most breathtaking harbours in the world. Once home to pirates of long ago, today visitors find treasures of a different kind, for now beautiful beaches and bountiful duty-free shopping are truly its claim to fame.

Discovered by Christopher Columbus himself in 1493, this exotic, peaceful island is home to both towering mahogany trees and white-sand beaches. The region offers a challenging hike that extends 1,780 feet up Sage Mountain. A great spot for great birdwatching and breathtaking views of Tortola and neighbouring islands.

Puerto Plata (or officially known as San Felipe de Puerto Plata) is the ninth largest city in the Dominican Republic and the capital of the province of Puerto Plata. For spectacular city views, take a ride up the Pico Isabel de Torres mountain which stands over 2,600 feet high. History buff? Visit Fortaleza San Felipe, which was built in the 16th century and served as a prison under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Or head to the Amber Museum, a museum filled with a unique collection of valuable Dominican amber which is semiprecious tree sap that has hardened for millions of years capturing many fossils of plant and insect life.

Miami's amazing medley of cultures and flashy urban settings makes it a scene to be seen. Visit the trendy Art Deco district of South Beach, Calle Ocho in Little Havana, the super-upscale neighbourhoods of Coconut Grove and Coral Gables and the unique ecosystem of the Everglades. Looking for a cruise from Miami? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.