If you had to wash up on any Caribbean island, the emerald-lined, white-sanded and turquoise-watered shores of this island archipelago would be an inspired choice.

Off the north-west coast of Colombia (a 2-hour flight from Bogota) and lying to the east of Nicaragua are the three islands of San Andres (the largest), Providencia (a 20-minute flight from San Andres) and Santa Catalina (connected to Providencia by a pretty painted bridge).

What they all have in common is being a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve with hectares of unspoilt coral reefs, acres of pristine paradise-postcard beaches, a rich heritage of naval encounters, pirates and colonial history, and palm trees that sway to the sounds of gentle surf and reggae.