When you picture the perfect Caribbean holiday, certain images inevitably spring to mind. Year-round golden sunshine, endless white beaches, sparkling turquoise seas, palm trees gently swaying in the breeze, the distant hum of soca music - and the only worry being what time you should start on the cocktails.

Undoubtedly the odd afternoon snooze in a hammock will be involved as well. And rum punch. Obviously.

What you probably don't imagine is tucking into a massive Curry Mile-style Indian buffet at 1pm on a boiling Wednesday lunchtime, piling plates with handmade samosas, aloo gobi, naan breads and fluffy rice - despite the 30 degree heat.

But that's the thing about St Kitts. It has everything you could possibly want from a Caribbean holiday. And things you didn't even know you wanted - like veg korma as a post-sunbathing snack.

St Kitts is packed with beautiful beaches

And while each Caribbean island has its own unique identity and rhythm - from the party capitals of Barbados and Jamaica to the laidback charm of Antigua and jaw-dropping natural beauty of St Lucia - St Kitts is no different.

Despite covering just 68 square miles, it is packed with beautiful beaches, lush tropical rainforest - framed by the dramatic volcanic peak of Mount Liamuiga - incredible scenery everywhere you look and a rich history to explore.

It also has lots of opportunities for nights out with the famous party strip at Frigate Bay, late-night beach bars and live music, a wide range of restaurants and plenty of places to enjoy the stunning sunset.

Add to that the annual carnival, music festival, and an inter-island swimming race where you can take on the 2.5 mile Narrows between Nevis and St Kitts, it's a wonder why the island has stayed off the radar of many tourists. But this 'hidden gem' of the Caribbean is definitely worth checking out.

A different view of the island

The Scenic Railway

There are many ways to get a taste of what St Kitts has to offer. But perhaps the most picturesque, and unique, is a trip on the Scenic Railway - the 'last railway in the West Indies'.

Finished in 1926, the railway used to transport sugar cane from the plantations around the island. But since the closure of the last sugar mill in 2005, it now transports tourists, looping leisurely on an 18 mile route around the coast as a guided commentary and the beautiful voices of an a cappella choir serenade you in time to the rolling sound of the carriages.

Th Scenic Railway

And while the double-decker train (with an open-air upstairs and air-conditioning downstairs), makes its way through towns, old plantations and tropical vegetation, with the beach on one side and the towering peak of Mount Liamuiga on the other, you'll also get to enjoy a glass or two of rum punch - and all without having to break into a sweat in that Caribbean sunshine.

If you want a more adrenaline-packed experience, then you can see the sights as you skim over the tree tops on a 1,350ft zip line. Run by Sky Safaris, there are five lines which will whizz you through the rainforest while giving you a spectacular view of the island, if you're brave enough to keep your eyes open, that is.

And if you prefer a vantage point on firmer footing, the best view on the island comes at the top of Timothy Hill where you can see where the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean meet - once known as 'the gateway to the Caribbean'- and take in a 360 degree view of the island.

A taste of history

There is so much to do in St Kitts, dreams of flopping on a golden beach for a week or two can quickly be forgotten. But no trip would be complete without experiencing the local culture and history.

Brimstone Hill Fortress

A day can easily be spent leisurely winding through the streets of the capital of Basseterre and learning about its colonial past. Located next to the port, there might always seem to be a monolithic cruise ship or two anchored at Port Zante, but it's easy to escape the crowds of day visitors and explore the narrow colourful streets, shops, restaurants, markets, churches and art gallery as well as the National Museum and Independence Square.

For those who want to find out more about the island's heritage then a trip to Brimstone Hill Fortress should be on your list. The military bastion - now a Unesco World Heritage Site and once dubbed 'the Gibraltar of the West Indies'- was built by slaves in 1690 to house British soldiers.

The Wingfield Estate

It was abandoned in 1825 but has since been restored and now has a museum featuring exhibits giving a detailed account of the the fort's history and what life was like for the soldiers and the slaves. And if you climb to the top of the fort, you'll also get an awe-inspiring view of the coast - and the neighbouring island of Sint Eustatius on clear days.

An afternoon should also be spent at the former sugar mill at Wingfield Estate. Unearthed by Englishman Maurice Widdowson, he has made it his work to ensure this important part of St Kitts history is preserved.

Caribelle Batik

Visitors are given a fascinating insight into the estate's past, as well as being able to see the restored mill, kiln, masonry, and parts of the aqueduct and an old rum distillery which have been excavated.

Nearby you can also wander around the acres of beautiful gardens of Romney Manor and visit Caribelle Batik - where you'll get to watch live demonstrations of the traditional hand-dyeing process and enjoy some shopping in the gift shop.

Off the beaten track

Hiking with Greg's Safaris

To escape the year-round heat - and have a bit of an adventure - you can delve deep into the rainforest on a 4x4 tour. Not only will you get to see the colourful vegetation up close and learn about the various plants and fauna, but there's also a chance you'll catch a glimpse of some of the local wildlife - from wild green monkeys and mongoose to birds and goats. And, as is typical in St Kitts, you can't go far without some local delicacies and rum punch, and even being deep in the rainforest doesn't stop that as guide Greg Pereira hosts the perfect picnic with views across the island.

For those with a head for heights you can also hike up the extinct volcano of Mount Liamuiga, although at 3,792ft it is definitely not for the faint-hearted (or the unfit).

If all that sounds like too much exertion for a holiday, don't panic. There are plenty of places to spend a few days lying on the golden sands, cocktail in hand and soaking up the sun.

And you can forget battling with the crowds to find a sun lounger, as unlike many Caribbean islands it's easy to find a beach that isn't packed with tourists. North Frigate Bay on the Atlantic side of the island and Banana Bay in the south are particularly stunning.

But for a more lively day at the beach then head to Cockleshell Bay where you can enjoy a variety of different watersports and grab a water taxi over to Nevis.

Dine like a Kittitian

As with everything in St Kitts, there is something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to the food - from vegetarian street food and beach barbecues to high-end dining and of course curry - all tastes are catered for.

For a laidback lunch then stop off at Ital Creations. This road side pop up-style cafe serves up vegan and vegetarian street food, all sourced from owner Judah Fari's eco farm just behind the cafe. You can indulge in vegan burgers, wraps, or a huge helping of quinoa with fresh vegetables and homemade sauce, and wash it down with a freshly made smoothie.

The food at Ital Creations

Or head to Reggae Beach bar and Grill for fresh salads, burgers, sandwiches and a local beer while soaking up the atmosphere. For a casual evening meal then the Sunset Cafe at Timothy Beach Resort offers a buffet-style restaurant serving up traditional Caribbean fayre, including rice and peas, jerked chicken and pulled pork, casseroles, fish and amazing pineapple fritters. After which it's just a short walk to the Dock for cocktails and live music.

For more refined dining then it has to be Spice Mill - but make sure you head there at the start of your holiday because no doubt you'll want to visit again before you go home. Set on the beach you can enjoy stunning views of Nevis and listen to the waves lapping on the shore as you sip on a pre-dinner cocktail before tucking into a menu bursting with fresh fish, seafood and fantastic vegetarian choices. Just make sure you don't leave without trying the Johnny Cakes.

Some of the food on offer

For a restaurant that is a hit with the locals as well as tourists then it has to be Marshalls. On any night you can guarantee there'll be more than one table celebrating a birthday, anniversary or family event, which is a recommendation in itself. Set around an elegantly lit pool with stunning ocean views, it manages to blend local ingredients with an international flavour, and the desserts are incredible.

And if you do fancy a curry - because who can go a week without one? - then it has to be Bombay Blues. Located at Frigate Bay North, this popular restaurant fuses authentic Indian cuisine with Caribbean hospitality and charm (and they do an all-you-can-eat buffet on a Sunday).

Where to stay

The view from Ocean Terrace Inn

The Caribbean is famed for it's all inclusive, huge resorts. But on St Kitts it's all about the authentic West Indies experience. And while there are a couple of big name hotels, there are also plenty of boutique hotels, converted plantation houses, beachfront villas and quaint resorts to fully immerse yourself in island life.

One of the best places to stay is the recently renovated Ocean Terrace Inn. Just a short drive from the airport and near to the capital of Bassetere, the boutique hotel delivers Caribbean charm and hospitality while providing state-of-the-art accommodation.

Ocean Terrace Inn

Set on a hillside with spectacular views over to Basseterre, the dock and Caribbean sea, the hotel is surrounded by colourful gardens weaving around a lagoon style pool. Each room is elegantly furnished with comfortable king or queen-size beds and private balconies or patios giving you another taste of that view.

But it's the personal touch that makes the hotel stand out. From a rum punch on arrival and friendly staff, to the free shuttle bus to the beach and that unsurpassed Caribbean welcome, it's very easy to make yourself at home.

And if you are in the need for more food, then you can't go wrong with the meals served at the on-site Verandah restaurant, where the head chef - who prides himself on sourcing sustainable ingredients - makes dishes up Caribbean-Asian fusion delights.

Going home...

Yu Lounge at St Kitts

Let's face it, nobody likes going home after a holiday, but in typical Kittitian fashion even that ordeal is made enjoyable. A new luxurious private airport lounge gives visitors the chance to relax and savour their last couple of hours on the island.

At the luxury private terminal Yu Lounge you can have a shower and freshen up, enjoy canapes and champagne as the concierge takes care of your luggage, and you catch the last rays of sun on the terrace before being escorted directly to the plane steps by car.

And if you really have to leave the beauty of St Kitts behind, that surely has to be the best way to do it.

FACT FILE

For more information about St. Kitts, visit www.stkittstourism.kn or follow St. Kitts on Facebook , Twitter and/or YouTube .

St. Kitts is served twice-weekly from London Gatwick on Saturday and Wednesday by British Airways scheduled flights with package prices as follows:

British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 4* Ocean Terrace Inn, from £1089 per person room only and £1679 per person half board, travelling on selected dates in May. Includes World Traveller return flights from London Gatwick and accommodation. Book by December 15.

For reservations visit ba.com or call 0344 493 0120.