Need some tropical beauty in your life this year? One of the best spots on Earth to get your fix lies in a dreamy sea between North and South America, so if you want to experience the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, the following three destinations won’t fail to please…

1) St. Bart’s

Being one of France’s more desirable overseas territories, St. Bart’s is the ruggedly beautiful diamond in the crown of the French West Indies, with stunning cliffs providing the backdrop for its atmospheric beaches in its many sheltered coves.

While there is all manner of water sports offered here for those looking for a thrill, the one activity that is sure to delight everyone are the submarine rides that allow non-divers to access the aquatic treasures found beneath the waves off this gorgeous island.

For those looking for some badly needed privacy from troublesome strangers that can otherwise ruin a luxury hotel stay, there are private St. Barts vacation villa rentals all over the island where you can enjoy the comforts of home without having to deal with irritating neighbors.

2) Anguilla

Not to be confused with Antigua, a Caribbean island further to the south along the Leeward island chain, Anguilla’s lack of household recognition does not mean that it lacks in the beach department. In fact, it has a number of gems that are lacking in the massive crowds that are typically found on more popular isles nearby.

When you aren’t content to recline back in your sun lounger, coral reefs that teem with life can be casually snorkeled off shore, and with the abundance of five star luxury resorts on the island, quality dining is a sport that you’ll love indulging in during your stay – be sure to book a table at Michel Rostant at the Malliouhana, an establishment which has a 100/100 rating from Conde Nast Traveler as one of its claims to fame.

3) Turks and Caicos

Located just north of the island of Hispaniola (where the Dominican Republic and Haiti are found), the Turks and Caicos are perhaps one of the least known of the Caribbean islands, mainly due to their small size and population. This has insulated them from development for mass tourism, allowing smaller scale luxury resorts to crop up instead.

Provo Golf Course is highly regarded in duffer circles, and those that have always wanted to swim with sea turtles may have the chance to here, as these docile creatures are often found in the waters just off this archipelago by snorkelers.