They're green and lush, with rain forests and tropical flower gardens. They have unspoiled and uncrowded beaches for safe swimming, and they're great vacation spots for divers and snorkelers. Their two historic capital towns, colonial settlements built by the British, are among the prettiest and best-conserved in the Leeward Islands group. Both islands have plantation houses and 18th century forts. Both have an enormous respect for their common Caribbean heritage and put a special emphasis on offering the highest standards of hospitality and service.

But although they form one country, the islands have quite different characters. At 68 square miles, St Kitts is the larger of the two and offers most of the opportunities for sports, nightlife and entertainment. The year is packed with music and arts festivals, pageants, carnivals and sporting events. The island's 18-hole golf course is bounded by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and has ponds and palm trees. The 36 square mile Nevis, too, has plenty to keep sportsmen and women busy - its 18-hole championship course, often voted the Caribbean's best.