The Cricket World Cup? I thought that had finished…

Just listing some of the island nations that make up the West Indies is likely to make the average beach-junkie or sun seeker get itchy feet.

St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago. Grenada, Guyana and Barbados are some of the 28 territories spread over 7,000 islands located to the north and west of South America and, without fail, they all promise white beaches and turquoise alongside unspoilt rainforests and a laid-back lifestyle.

In addition to this textbook idea of paradise, the region is also hosting the world's third-largest sporting event for the next fortnight, undoubtedly to the annoyance of many brides currently on their honeymoon there.

Though England have long since been eliminated from the competition, as have the multi-national West Indies team, this simply means that the quality on cricket on offer over the competition's last stages is of a quality befitting the breath-taking scenery, as well as justifying a ten-hour flight.

While the ticket pricing fiasco has priced out the locals and led to half-empty stadiums at best for the majority of the World Cup games, tourists will have no problems in obtaining a ticket, including for the final on April 28th.

Yet however cricket-obsessed they may be, it would be sinful for a visitor to neglect the permanent attractions of the West Indies.

For the best of the region, travellers should look to get away from the larger, more popular destinations, such as Jamaica or Barbados, and onto one of the lesser-known nations, hardly a big ask when one-way island-hopping flights cost around £40 per person.

Currently celebrating its 25th year of independence from British rule, Antigua and Barbuda offers the best of the Caribbean, but without the crowds.

On the smaller island of Barbuda, private beaches are virtually unheard of, allowing visitors to lay down their towels on whichever patch of white sand they desire, or snorkel freely in any of the numerous coral reefs, safe in the knowledge that they will probably not see another soul all day.

Likewise, Guyana is yet to "benefit" from hotel developments and package holidays, with its lush rainforests giving the more adventurous travellers as much chance of spotting a rare Jaguar or Macaw as a drunken member of the Barmy Army.

For a small fee local guides can take tourists through the forests, pointing out the local flowers and animals and giving an insight into local life, with the majority of such activities now working within strict guidelines aimed at sustaining the local environment.

There is no escaping the fact, however, that, for the rest of the month at least, the West Indies is one large party.

Beach-side bars can always be relied upon for a good night- just ask the England cricket team - with the region's famous rum plentiful and relatively cheap,

As well as numerous Calypso and Reggae bars and clubs, Bridgetown in Barbados also boasts world-class restaurants alongside street barbecues cooking freshly-caught fish, perfect for those looking to get a real taste of the Caribbean while not hurting their wallet.