Cap Maison, which is in the north, so less prone to rainstorms than the mountainous south, is one of the Caribbean’s hottest hotels. Set on a pretty private cove, it has a champagne zip wire between bar and beach, so you don’t even have to stir for sundowners. Harlequin Holidays (0845 277 3397, harlequinholidays.com) has a week from £1,645pp, full-board, throughout July and August, including a complimentary room upgrade, two spa treatments, £300 worth of drinks credits and three days’ car hire, adding up to a discount of £1,250pp.

Antigua

The minimalist Carlisle Bay showed Caribbean designers there was an alternative to fit-inducing florals and garish gold taps. Fortunately, the resort is cool in every sense. Tradewinds ensure it doesn’t get stiflingly humid in July and August, and its backdrop of rolling hills protects its beautiful bay from much of the rain. To make it even more attractive, it’s offering free board to guests and £300 worth of drinks credit per couple.

Abercrombie & Kent (0845 618 2200, www.abercrombiekent.co.uk) has a week from £1,995pp — a 33% reduction on the usual low-season price — and, as under-15s can stay for free and you can receive a 50% discount on a second suite, there’s no need to offload the offspring on reluctant grandparents.

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The Grenadines

This string of islands provided the spectacular backdrop for the Pirates of the Caribbean films. Raffles Canouan is the archipelago’s Oscar-winner in terms of resorts, protected from the worst excesses of the weather by cooling tradewinds and one of the world’s largest coral reefs.

Throughout July and August, Elegant Resorts (01244 897505, elegantresorts.co.uk) has a week from £1,602pp, B&B, for a family of four, including 10 free hours in the kids’ club — a saving of up to £1,250pp.

Jamaica

Lots of islands have great beaches and fascinating rainforests, but Jamaica also has a vibrant, accessible culture, something many of its neighbours lack. It was hit by Hurricane Ivan in September 2004, but in July and August, there’s usually eight hours of sunshine a day and just the occasional downpour, with temperatures at 28C.

Half Moon is a classic Jamaican hotel, spread over a mile and a half of Montego Bay. It’s offering 14 nights for the price of seven through ITC Classics (01244 355527, itcclassics.co.uk) until September 30. A fortnight now costs £1,322pp, room-only, a saving of £799pp.

Turks and Caicos

July and August are a great time to visit, with temperatures in the late twenties and less chance of rain than on many islands further south. The swankiest place to stay is Amanyara, which has imported stunning Asian styling, perfectly complemented by outstanding service. Exsus (020 7337 9000, exsus.com) has a week from £3,865pp, full-board — still far from cheap, but a £900pp saving on the usual price.

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