‘Pioneering’ and ‘ground-breaking’ are two words not normally associated with the Caribbean, but after a fairly quiet five years, there’s definitely a buzz about the islands this autumn, with the launch of one super-prime development and one island enjoying the fruits of improved infrastructure.

First is The Villas at Beachlands, Barbados, a collection of just four villas set right on what is probably the most opulent stretch of beach in the Caribbean: the world-famous 'Platinum Coast'. Beachlands lies conveniently between all the action at Holetown, with its designer stores and restaurants, and the prestigious Sandy Lane hotel.The villas are priced at US$28m and are focussed around the soaring open-plan Great Room with panoramic views over the Caribbean Sea.

This stretch of coastline ticks all the classic Caribbean boxes, with its golden beaches, palm trees and rum shacks. Just as importantly, the island is also stable, both politically and economically, and between restaurants like The Cliff and Daphne’s, the polo season at Apes Hill and other events such as Holder's Festival, there’s enough activity to easily fill up a winter here.

Antigua is another island to watch this winter. Having been off the radar of most top-end travellers and buyers for about 10 years, Antigua has pulled through and upped its game.This is due in no small measure to the government proving adept at attracting inward investment and introducing a Citizenship by Investment programme open to anyone spending at least US$400,000 in approved real estate.

But the story doesn’t end there. Last year, the new international airport terminal opened and with it the ability to process more passengers as well as attracting new services from JFK and Milan, among others. Access is obviously a critical point for buyers in the Caribbean and with the new terminal, Antigua is now the largest gateway to the eastern Caribbean.

Pearns Point, a low-rise hotel, apartment and cottage development on a peninsula by Jolly Harbour, is setting a new benchmark for residential propert in Antigua. Plots of up to two acres are available for custom homes with Ondine de Rothschild among those who have already purchased.