There are plenty of educational holidays to choose from these days that teach you to cook, paint, play golf or even to fly. But to learn the art of relaxation, you really can't beat Barbados.

I'm not normally a fan of 'relaxing' holidays.

Yet somehow, from the moment we sipped our first rum punch on the wooden deck of the Colony Club hotel, gazing out over the Caribbean - every bit as blue as pictures in the brochures - it seemed simpler to do nothing at all.

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Admittedly the heat - and humidity - were key factors.

Barbados has an average temperature of 26C, which changes little through the year. January to June, the dry season, is most popular with European tourists escaping bad weather at home, so it's also the most expensive time.

Our days fell in to a comfortable pattern. After breakfast and a token conversation about how to spend the day, we'd have a stroll along the beach (all beaches in Barbados are open to the public), ogling houses of the rich and famous, imagining who the owners might be (Cliff Richard?

Anthony Bamford? Judi Dench?).

Then we'd bag a lounger for a morning of reading, swimming, snoozing and, if we felt energetic, a quick snorkel.

We didn't even have to move for a light spot of shopping - a stream of beach sellers work the beach, selling local crafts such as paintings, shell necklaces, wooden carvings and baskets woven from palm leaves.

The Colony Club, a former gentleman's club with 98 rooms and suites, is one of a small chain of luxury hotels in Barbados owned by Elegant Hotels, and its cool, airy interior makes it easy to wind down.

It's near Holetown on the island's Platinum Coast, where sandy white beaches meet the millpond-calm sea. Transfer from the airport takes about 50 minutes.

The diversity and quality of food in Barbados was a surprise - though perhaps not so strange given the island's popularity with the international jet-set. This is Michael Winner's holiday destination of choice - and some prices are certainly pitched at the super-rich too.

This part of the west coast seems to have the island's highest concentration of good restaurants, so if you fancy a change from hotel menus you can wander into Holetown, a mere 10 minutes away.

Further afield by taxi is Lone Star, an achingly hip converted petrol station and boutique hotel on the beach, with minimalist decor and eye-wateringly expensive seafood. It's apparently a big celebrity hangout, though they were hiding when we called in.

And so after seven days I’d spent my time lounging and swimming, snoozing and basking in the sun, working my way through a pile of books and eating fabulous food.

My idea of holiday hell - and I'm already planning the return trip.

TOP TIPS

There are many things to do in Barbados from just relaxing on the beach to surfing or playing golf.

* Barbados National Trust has an open house programme where you can visit some of the Islands loveliest homes and discover more about Barbados in a garden party atmosphere (Season from Jan- April)

* Barbados offer guided Hikes/Walks which take you through cane fields, gullies, tropical forest and costal communities (Season Jan-Dec)

* Garrison Savannah is horse racing venue located outside the capital Bridgetown and plays host to the Sandy Lane Gold Cup loved by locals and tourists alike - a group one race - takes place in the month March

* Holders Season March - Founded in 1993 established as the premier cultural event in the Caribbean, acclaimed nationally and Internationally - a season celebration of Opera, Music and Theatre -always plays to capacity and it high artistic standard draws audiences from around the world.

* Barbados Jazz festival (January)

* Excellent fine dining can be found around the Island

Phil Derbyshire travelled with Kuoni Travel, which offers seven night all-inclusive stays in Barbados. www.kuoni.co.uk