Half Moon Caye, Lighthouse Reef, Belize

If you’re as comfortable in a wetsuit as you are in your own skin, then Half Moon Caye on the south side of Lighthouse Reef, Belize, should be your next holiday destination. Nestled in the third atoll in the reef, Half Moon Caye is a scuba diver’s dream – with some of the most impressive coral forests and sea life in the tropics. While angelfish and butterflyfish weave their way through the crystal waters for the amusement of novice snorkelers, white tip sharks and eels mark their territory in the darker depths. Gotta love a bit of Jaws.

But not only is Half Moon Caye one of the top dive spots on the planet, it has some of the best unspoilt white sandy beaches ever. So once you’ve tired of watching the Nemos, pull off those flippers and dry out those pruney fingers on the soft, powdery shore – picture perfect for some cheesy holiday snaps. But if you’re looking for more culture, there’s a crumbling, rusty old red and white lighthouse (dating back to 1933) at one end of the beach, or if you’re into ornithology keep your eyes peeled for some red-footed boobies, too (ahem, that’s a type of rare bird).

WHEN: Half Moon Caye sees the sun all year round but Feb – May are the driest months.

WHAT TO PACK:
Take a dip in the deep blue in Tosco Del Fino’s dolphin print bikini, protect your lips with Clinique’s multi-purpose protection stick and smother your man in Lab Series Power Protector suncream.

the bag: Flea Bags White Canvas & Leather Tote, £355

the swimwear: Tosca Delfino Dolphin Print Bikini, £125

the products: Lab Series Power Protector for Men SPF 50, £38 and Clinique SPF 30 lip protection stick, £15.50

the playlist:
Ghostpoet – Survive It
Christoph Andersson – Metropol
Kormac – Wash My Hands
Two Door Cinema Club – I Can Talk

the read: Julian Barnes – The Sense of an Ending