Better it: Aruba

With white sands, turquoise seas and tropical temperatures, who wouldn't want to go to the Caribbean? But it's bye-bye Barbados - the coolest place to chill these days is the island of Aruba, as Fabulous picture editor Leonie Morse found out.

Only 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela, the dinky island of Aruba is just 20 miles long by six miles wide. American celebs can't keep away: Mary J Blige will be playing at the Soul Beach Music Festival (26-31 May) and next month Tom Cruise will be dropping by for the island's first International Film Festival (4-10 June). Now, thanks to direct UK flights from Gatwick and Manchester, the Brits are on their way!