White sails flit across the brilliantly bright horizon, clouds are fleeting and high, the sound of the sea soothing and sultry ? visitors to The British Islands are often hard pressed to rouse themselves from rum drinking and silky sand to snorkel silently past some of the world's best undersea scenery. The islands promise a way of life that is unhurried, sunny and resplendent. Whether you stay on the populated islands of Tortola and Virgin Gorda or escape to the comparative isolation of distant cays and secluded stretches of coral it is hard to stay stressed for long.

Social butterflies can take in boutiques and bustling nightlife at any number of beachside bars, stopping for the wild insanity at Tortola's full-moon party before recovering with an early morning swim. Gourmands can enjoy local delicacies fresh from the sea and, drink up, me ?earties, yo ho, some rum distilled a stone's throw away.

In the British Virgin Islands, it is hard not to find a good snorkeling spot, a spectacular place to strap on scuba gear or a stretch of sand not soft and welcoming. Virgin Gorda's Baths are so full of fish it will leave your head spinning and without proper sun block, your shoulders blush-red. Resort-anchored guests can easily explore all the hidden alcoves of these small islands, while those under sail can jibe wherever the wind and whimsy takes them. Embark on a schooner or catamaran for a day trip out of one of the larger marinas if you are berth and dingy-less but craving salt-spray.

Come to the British Virgin Islands braced for hard days of sunshine, seawater and slow, languid afternoon naps.

The British Virgin Islands are east of Puerto Rico, just north of The US Virgin Islands.