Curving out from Mexico, passing below Florida and then whipping back round towards Venezuela, thousands of islands – big and small – form a succession enclosing the Caribbean Sea between Central America on the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Over the years, the different islands have been subject to colonisation from different nations, each imparting their own cultural colour to that of the native society. The result is a group of islands, related through proximity, landscapes and climate, but contrasted by a whole spectrum of cultures, rule and political situations.
 
Economy: The Caribbean islands cover a whole spectrum of wealth, from well-heeled to dirt poor, with the Cayman Islands a tax haven and Haiti one of the world's poorest countries. Traditionally, many of the islands were dependent upon agriculture, with crops such as sugar and fruit. Tourism is now potentially a larger money generator, so most of the islands are making great efforts to attract internationl visitors and seond home owners. A good deal of the Caribbean island's currencies are pegged to the US economy 2:1, therefore US dollars are widely accepted. 
 
Climate: The Caribbean islands are situated just below the tropic of cancer, enjoying warm temerpatures year round. Winters are cooler, though still typically in the mid 20s and drier, whilst summer is hotter and often more humid. The hurricane season runs from late May until October, and threatens most of the Caribbean islands.

Accessibility: Larger and more developed islands, like Barbados, are very easy to reach, and air fares have also become cheaper in recent years - a key point for home seekers. Multiple airlines fly direct to these destinations from the UK, taking between eight and nine hours. To reach the more remote islands you can catch connecting flights to the smaller airports. A few of the islands are currently revamping their airports for better accessibility.

Tourism: The recent Cricket World Cup was a great boost for the region, and the Pirates of the Caribbean films have highlighted the natural beauty of the area. Tourism levels vary by island, although a report from the World Travel and Tourism Council states that tourism currently accounts for 14.8 per cent of total GDP in the Caribbean and this is expected to increase by almost two percentage points – to 16.5 per cent – by 2014.

Property Market:  The property market is well established on some islands, including Barbados and Antigua. Other countries' markets are still fairly immature but rapidly growing, whilst some remain stagnant. In the Dominican Republic, for example, property prices are reported to be rising by as much as 15 per cent per annum; however, in Barbados prices are already very high with litte room for growth. Research the trends of specific islands to get the full picture.

Grenada
Comprising tropical rainforest and protected bays and beaches, Grenada has a truly beautiful landscape. Although there is an international airport and ferry port, the island is currently underdeveloped and there are reported shortages in tourist accommodation.
 
Resort: Bacolet Bay Resort and Spa
The development will contain a hotel and spa, plus restaurants and bars amidst tropial gardens, and, on the doorstep, 200 metres of white sand beach.

Professional's opinion:
Emma Holifield of Property Frontiers 
"Bacolet Bay Resort and Spa boasts a prime location on Grenada's south coast and an unspoiled secluded setting within striking distance of all attractions and amenities. Chic hotel cottages, luxury private villas and delux two-bedroom apartments will be tiered into the hillside to stunning mountain and ocean views. To ensure that ultimate privacy and tranquillity is preserved, the development will be low density, with an average of only 4.3 properties per acre."

Prices: From $300,000 (approx £150,500 )
Accessibility: The resort is around 20 minutes from, the capital, St Georges
 
The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is one of the larger islands in the Caribbean. The government is  currently spending money on beaches, roads and power systems to increase tourist numbers and investment. 

Resort: Punta Perla
A mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and villas are on offer. The resort includes three signature golf courses, a marina and equestrian centre.
 
Professional opinion:
Pauline Scrace from International Horizons
"My favourite investment spot in the Caribbean is the Dominican Republic, and my favourite development is Punta Perla becuase of the 8 per cent guaranteed rental for five years. The resort has been recognised through four International Property Awards including the 'Best Property Caribbean Award'."

Prices: From £123,724 
Accessibility: Flights from all over the UK fly direct to Puerto Plata airport in the north and Santo Domingo airport in the south.

St Vincent & The Grenadines
Made up of around 18 small islands, which tend to be lush and mountainous, St Vincent and the Grenadines offers plenty of secluded beaches and areas of natural beauty to discover.

Resort: Adams Bay Resort
Located on the island of Bequai, Adams Bay incorporates a range of properties including traditional Caribbean 'Gingerbread' beach cottages positioned privately behind white picket fences and villas with elevated ocean views, alongside a stunning beach. The Beach Club features an a la carte restaurant, ocean-front pools, children's play areas and a club.

Professional opinion:
Andrew Sparrow, Sales and Marketing Director SANDS' Adams Bay
"I would describe the investment opportunity in Bequai as unrivalled. There are not many Caribbean islands where you can purchase a five-star luxury product only a few yards from a white sand beach and aqua blue ocean for under $650 a square foot. The island can only be described at the moment as a well-kept secret that offers the ultimate beach and relaxation location."

Prices: Two- and three- bedroom beach
cottages  are now available for $704,000
Accessibility: Bequia can be reached by air from North America and Europe through six major gateways: Barbados, Grenada, Martinique, St Lucia, Puerto Rico and Trinidad. Bequia is a short 25–30-minute flight from most of these hubs. Adams Bay resort is situated close to the airport.

Isla Margarita
Isla Margarita is the largest of three islands comprising the state of Neuva Esparta off the Caribbean coast of Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has invested heavily in tourism and infrastructure, and a number of luxury hotels and resorts are being built on the island.

Resort: Musipan Last Wind
This five-star development of one, two or threebedroom  villas has been re-designed in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism on Margarita Island. The resort is strategically positioned to take advantage of the popular Musipan Leisure Park.

Professional opinion:
Peter Veitch of Investa Properties
"Musipan Last Wind is great for people looking for a dream home in the sun or an investment with tremendous capital growth and rental income potential at a fraction of the price in more developed Caribbean islands."

Prices: From £69,950
Accessibility: There are direct flights from  the UK or visitors can fly into Caracas and catch an internal 35-minute flight to the island.

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Article published July 2007