A trio of islands under US sovereignty, the US Virgin Islands (USVI) are part of the greater Virgin Islands archipelago. They maintain a fairly constant climate, with daily temperatures hovering around a balmy 27 degrees Celcius, and are known for their exquisite beaches and laid-back West Indian culture (reggae and rum both high on the list of national passions). The USVI consist of St Thomas, St Croix and St John islands, each with their own charms. If you’re looking for luxury and creature comforts head to St Thomas, with its elegant marina, upscale resorts and high-end boutiques; while if nature’s your game, St John’s stunning beaches and 7000 acres of parks and gardens will appeal. The quietest and least visited of the three, St Croix is also the most traditional, with old-style rum distilleries and sugar cane plantations reflecting an era not quite gone by.