I've visited all 27 Caribbean islands and am a travel expert. Here's the definitive guide on which to go to, the best bargains... and the ones to avoid like the plague

The first night I ever spent in the Caribbean, 25 years ago, was in a small beach resort in Jamaica with my wife and two young children. OLD SCHOOL NEVIS In the 16 years I’ve been visiting, Nevis has barely changed and is still home to characterful, family-run hotels lost in the hills For a sense of how the Caribbean was before the mega-cruise ships and 600-room all-inclusive resorts moved in, jump on a flight to St Kitts then take the short boat transfer across to its quieter sister isle. AUTHENTIC GRENADA In Grenada base yourself beside the two miles of well-maintained sands at Grand Anse Beach If you like to explore by hire car or excursions choose this safe and scenic ‘Spice Island’. BOOK IT: Seven nights at Spice Island Beach Resort from £5,440pp all-inclusive, including Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow on March 4 and transfers. NASSAU Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world and home to the monster resort complexes Baha Mar The Bahamas is a dreamy sprinkling of some 700 islands well worth visiting – but don’t waste precious holiday time in this international gateway on New Providence.