St Kitts & Nevis, also known as the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, is located in the Leeward Islands. A pair of dreamy tropical islands around a third of the way between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago, the tiny federation is the smallest nation in the Western Hemisphere and one of the most laidback.

Settled by Sir Thomas Warner in 1623 and the French shortly afterwards, St Kitts & Nevis changed hands several times until the Treaty of Paris brought it under British control. An associated state of Great Britain until 1967, the islands formed the first British colony in the West Indies.

A unitary island nation in the Caribbean, the economy of Saint Kitts & Nevis is reliant on both agriculture and tourism and visiting it feels like stepping back in time. The combined permanent population of the two islands, both of volcanic origin, is just over 40,000 people and they cover an area of just over 260 sq km.

The most important experience in St Kitts is relaxing; sitting beneath a palm tree or lying in a hammock on stunning tropical beaches, as clear waves lap the shore. However, for those seeking more physical activity, treks in the mountain rainforests, mountain biking, windsurfing and fishing can all be arranged.

The capital of St Kitts, Basseterre, is small and charming, full of unique shops, waving palms and some delightful buildings. The octagonal Circus offers access to some excellent shopping streets, lined with duty free stores and boutiques.

Basseterre also has some lovely art galleries, picturesque Georgian architecture and the beautiful central Independence Square. The gardens, the National Museum and the waterfront pier, Port Zante, are all worth a wander around.

Away from the capital, the Bath Springs are St Kitts world famous hot springs and the reason for its popularity with rich 19th century travellers. The 38-acre fortress, Brimstone Hill, is a Unesco world heritage site and national park, while Old Road, the site of the first British settlement, also has archaeological evidence of the original native Caribs.

Accommodation on St Kitts is often quirky and basic, with a number of 18th-century sugar plantation inns turned into hotels. Restaurants are generally of a good standard and very romantic, offering charming candlelit views from their terraces.

Getting to St Kitts is relatively difficult and pricey and flying from the US is the only option available outside the Caribbean. Once there a visit can be relatively cheap, with luxury options available, and a number of cruises also visit the islands. Getting around by car or bus on the islands is easy.

The best time to visit St Kitts & Nevis is during the drier months of February to May, though they remain warm and pleasant all year round.