Pink Sands Resort
For beautiful beaches and reliable winter sun, you'll struggle to beat the Bahamas. If you're looking for a romantic break, visit Harbour Island. It's so romantic that even the sand is pink it's powdered coral from an offshore reef. And as there are only a few hotels, the beaches never feel crowded, which makes it popular with celebrities (Elle Macpherson and Uma Thurman both have homes on the island).
How they rate it
The Pink Sands Resort, which is situated on a 20-acre beachside estate, isn't simply beautiful, it's "sublime", says Sophie Wilson in The Daily Telegraph. The resort's interiors have been designed by Barbara Hulanicki, founder of iconic London fashion store Biba, giving it a "rock 'n' roll, upmarket bohemian" feel.
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The menu
A beachside breakfast at the hotel's Blue Bar "is a particular treat". Meanwhile, dinner on the veranda at the chic Coral Sands the sister hotel includes delicacies such as the popular fish dish, coconut-crusted mahi-mahi in green Thai curry sauce.
The cost
A one-bedroom garden view cottage costs from $600 a night. See www.pinksandsresort.com, or call 00 1 242 333 2030 for more.
Hope Town Harbour Lodge
The Abacos network of islands in the Bahamas is easily accessible and has a more relaxed atmosphere than its busier peers. The village of Hope Town on Elbow Cay is particularly "dozy", but has a "corker" of a beach, says The Sunday Times Travel Magazine.
How they rate it
The rooms in Harbour Lodge in Hope Town are decorated in "a tasteful tropical style". It also has a beach-front restaurant and pool, which are "perfect for sun-soaked afternoons, rum-laced Goombay Smash in hand".
The menu
For great food, visit On da Beach (00 1 242 366 0557) for freshly grilled mahi-mahi and ice-cold Kaliks (the local beer). Or for a special treat, hire a boat (£78 a day from Island Marine) and sail to Cracker P's for hot-smoked fish dip and tender stewed conch.
The cost
A double room at Harbour Lodge costs from £105. Visit www.hopetownlodge.com, or call 00 1 242 366 0095.
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