Like many travellers, I’ve long dreamed of visiting the Cinque Terre. Nestled against the rugged coastline of Italy, photographs of the pastel-coloured houses perched precariously close to the cliff-face are some of the most iconic visuals of Italy. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to experience it for myself on a stopover with Princess Cruises.

Our ship docked at 7 am and we needed to set sail at 9 pm, so our time in the Cinque Terre was somewhat limited. We were able to visit 2 villages, although if you had a few more hours you could visit the five villages. You can do so in a car, by train, or on an organised tour.

Although I had not cruised before, as soon as I read the itinerary for Princess Cruises seven-day Mediterranean tour, I was excited. Over one luxurious week, the itinerary visited some of the Mediterranean’s cultural and culinary hotspots, providing ample opportunity to experience many of the delights of the region. From sipping wine amongst the vineyards of Provence to looking out over the ocean from the Rock of Gibraltar, it was an incredibly rich and varied itinerary that I couldn’t wait to see. Certainly, I was not disappointed, and the cruise more than lived up to my expectations.

During my travels I have experienced many different styles of trips, however (until very recently) I had never been on a cruise. To be honest, although I had thought about it, I always had a number of concerns about going on a cruise – whether the other guests would be much older than me, if I’d get bored during the days at sea, and whether the restaurants and activities would be good quality.

Perched atop the hillside within the dense jungle of the Anse Chastanet property in Saint Lucia, Jade Mountain is nothing short of astonishing. Surrounded by jaw-dropping natural beauty and featuring architecture that takes every opportunity to highlight the mesmerising views and blend with its stunning surroundings, it is truly enchanting.

Radisson Aquatica Resort in Barbados was a bit of a shift in style for me, being slightly different from the ultra-luxury boutique style accommodation I usually go for. However, there was a good reason to step beyond my usual style – the Radisson Acquatica’s enviable views out over the beautiful water and sands of Carlisle Bay and the UNESCO listed Victorian Pier.

The stunning views and the laid-back charm of the hotel definitely won my heart and made it a great place to stay during our Barbados holiday.

Since opening, Sandals Grande St Lucian Resort has made quite the splash, becoming a hot destination for the rich and famous to stay on an exclusive and romantic retreat. It’s no wonder, with glorious rooms, suites and overwater bungalows, each set up to give the ultimate romantic Carribean escape.

You certainly don’t need to be Prince Harry to feel like royalty during your stay here, with its luxurious elegance, delicious dining options and spectacular beach.

Nestled amongst lush, tropical gardens and with a view out over sleek yachts in the marina, Marigot Bay Resort and Marina offers something slightly different in Saint Lucia.

The resort and beautiful tropical surroundings with warm hospitality captivated my heart during a recent vacation to Saint Lucia.