The Bahamas mean different things to different people - quite understandable when you discover the chain consists of more than 700-islands scattered across 100,000 square miles of Atlantic Ocean. And whilst the swaying palms, curving beaches and turquoise waters are everywhere you look, if you’re really seeking a laid-back lifestyle and only the occasional footprint in the sand, head for one of the ‘Out Islands’ like Great Exuma or a private island like Kamalame Cay.

On the former you’ll discover breathtaking blue bays and a first-class Four Seasons Resort, whilst on the latter you’ll find three-miles of beach, not to mention some of the finest bone fishing, snorkelling and scuba-diving in the tropics.

Far more 21st-century is Paradise Island and, whilst it is quite possible to get away from it all at the One&Only Ocean Club, it could be considered a missed opportunity if you don’t at least pay lip service to the designer shops, glittering casinos and 27 restaurants of the nearby Atlantis Hotel. Duty-free Nassau is also just a brief taxi ride away and if few traces of the authentic Bahamian lifestyle remain here, there is an energy and hard-edged glamour about the place that 007 would find quite to his liking.

To experience different aspects of The Bahamas, consider combining the excitement of Paradise Island with the tranquillity of Kamalame Cay or Great Exuma. It is also worth paying attention to the winter temperatures here – days often reach no higher than the early 70’s and nights can drop to around 60 degrees.

British Airways offer flights five times a week to Nassau from Heathrow and the journey time is approximately 10 hours. The onward flights to the smaller islands are quick and convenient - more details are given on the specific hotel pages.