Explore the oldest US city for a dose of Caribbean history, slice of Spanish culture and twist of American dream. Roam historic Old San Juan alleyways to glimpse centuries-old forts and colourful colonial buildings. Learn how to move, as locals sashay out the salsa to rhythmic reggae beats. Shop the boho streets or glamorous boutiques for artisan goods, decadent designers and hand-rolled cigars. Experience world-class surfing, explore a tropical rainforest, attend a private rum cocktail tasting and polish off empanadas. Then retire to one of the beautiful beaches to soak up crystal clear waters and, perhaps, one last rum cocktail.

Mingle amongst other discerning guests on this French isle that exudes relaxed glamour. Wander along secluded beaches, harbourside Creole huts, drop into bohemian bars and snorkel gently through warm turquoise waters. Visit La Tourmente, the peaceful salt ponds and admire uninterrupted views on a local boat trip. And as you sip your second (or third) glass of champagne to the lull of the gentle waves, it might be time to learn the French for “paradise found”.

Embrace Martinique’s natural joie de vivre. Volcanic in origin, Gallic in heritage and Creole at heart; explore old sugar plantations, premium rum distilleries, cocoa farms and St Pierre ruins at the foothills of the still smouldering Mont Pelée. Chase the Saut du Gendarme waterfall, explore the 10 million-year-old Caravelle peninsula, roam northern beach dusky sands and visit Le Carbet made famous by the artist Gauguin. And as you slow down to contemplate the sweet concoction of the national punch, you’ll understand why the Creole and French blend makes Martinique so magical.

Gently breeze into the vibrant capital of Barbados. Steeped in fascinating history, with architecture to match, uncover the wonderfully laid-back West Indian ambiance. Embrace the slow Bajan rhythm of this welcoming island; surf, snorkel and try spotting turtles in balmy azure waters. Explore subterranean Harrison’s Cave, Jacobean St Nicholas Abbey and zipline high above bountiful tropical flora. Then return to restore on pastel pink sands at palm-studded beaches, where you’ll discover cocktail hour is endless, and measures of rum are copious.

Portal to the brilliant diversity of the Brazilian Amazon, the small city of Macapá – on the northern banks of the Amazon, at the mouth of the Atlantic – is considered the capital of the middle of the world. Place one foot in each hemisphere at the Marco Zero do Equador, a sundial that marks the equatorial line running through town, and head to Brazil’s largest fort, built in 1782, to understand Macapá’s past. As darkness falls, tune into the nocturnal jungle soundtrack, summoning a singular and seductive sense of place.

The beating heart of the Brazilian rainforest. This bustling frontier town emanates a verdigris grandeur, a throwback to the rubber boom gone by, illustrated best by the Belle Epoque opera house, with its marble halls and 198 Murano glass chandeliers. Drift away to the Philharmonic strains of Verdi or Mozart under frescoed ceilings in the midst of the steamy jungle. Outside, the inky Rio Negro meets but doesn’t merge with the more muddied Rio Solimoes, and pink dolphins, manatees and river otters ply the wide and winding waterways, the banks and jungle trails scattered with waterfalls, wild orchids, spider monkeys and jaguars.

The beating heart of the Brazilian rainforest. This bustling frontier town emanates a verdigris grandeur, a throwback to the rubber boom gone by, illustrated best by the Belle Epoque opera house, with its marble halls and 198 Murano glass chandeliers. Drift away to the Philharmonic strains of Verdi or Mozart under frescoed ceilings in the midst of the steamy jungle. Outside, the inky Rio Negro meets but doesn’t merge with the more muddied Rio Solimoes, and pink dolphins, manatees and river otters ply the wide and winding waterways, the banks and jungle trails scattered with waterfalls, wild orchids, spider monkeys and jaguars.