The Telegraph Worlds Best Places to Live

Edited highlights of article published
on 28th September 2010 in the Telegraph Weekly World Edition:

Pearls of the Caribbean
Property expert Saundra Satterlee explores
the enticing islands of the Caribbean.

Barbados can be expensive, but there are bargains to be found. The Caribbean is the most culturally and linguistically diverse cluster of islands in the world. Echoes of past conquests and settlements by powers including Britain, France, Netherlands, Spain and the US remain, but colonial rivalry and slavery are long gone. Nowadays, the region is more about palm-fringed beaches, golden sands, turquoise seas and rum-cocktail sunsets.

Forming an arc from the north-western tip of Cuba to Venezuela, the area has a rich topographical landscape, ranging from volcanic islands to coral atolls. Luxuriant vegetation flourishes across most islands, notably mango, white cedar, cashew and banana trees. Today, visitors include Richard Branson and Jude Law. There are many high-end properties for sale, and more affordable homes. Here is an island-hopping glimpse of Barbados and other less-discovered destinations.

BARBADOS
A more established island with rolling hills, polo, golf and pockets of mahogany forest. From rugged to tranquil shores, Barbados is known as an expensive destination, but there are property bargains even

BEQUIA, ST VINCENTS & THE GRENADINES
Off the beaten track from the archipelago’s elite, you can purchase for $850,000 two independent villas with a shared driveway, with six bedrooms in total (www.thegrenadinescollection.com).