/Cayman_Islands

Here is fun in the sun you can take all the way to the hundreds of banks in this offshore tax haven. Comprising three islands and a population just over 30,000, the Cayman Islands were recently the setting for the hit Tom Cruise film: The Firm.

Diving is big in the Caymans. In fact, treasure hunter and expert diver Herbert Humphreys is headquartered in the island capital of George Town.

The Caymans were "discovered" by Christopher Columbus in 1503 and settled by the British in 1655, they still retain much of the British heritage. They are a British Crown Colony complete with a Royal Governor who represents Britain's monarch as Head of State. For those arriving by cruise ship, there is a mini-bus tour that costs $20. One of the stops is called Hell and has a post office for mailing such messages as: "You told me to go to Hell and here I am." The hamlet of Hell sports "hellis" outcroppings of black rock.

For a more heavenly experience, visit the Turtle Farm, combination zoo/sanctuary/breeding farm for the endangered green sea turtle. Another popular attraction is Conch House, a cottage with 2,000 of these pink shells and resembling a gingerbread house lost in the tropics.

Other attractions include the two-storey Cayman Islands National Museum, the 3-year-old Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and the secluded beach at Rum Point.

For truly tasty dining, try grilled fresh-caught fish in a spicy Cayman Island gravy with rice and beans cooked in coconut milk.