The island chain known as the West Indies is located in the southern Caribbean--south of the Virgin Islands and north of Venezuela. Each island has its own unique history, style and charm. Some of the better-known islands have become favorite vacation spots for tourists, world travelers and celebrities. Some of the lesser-known islands host the most secluded beaches and resorts imaginable.
The West Indies balances old-world charm with new-world commerce. It's one of the few places where you can take a tour of an old sugar-plantation home and pay for it afterward with American Express!
Most of the islands offer a slower pace, and the fanciest hotels often don't even have TV sets, so it's the perfect place to relax, enjoy the sunshine or read a book. But for the more active crowd, there are plenty of water sports and nightclubs!