A consortium of 3 bite-sized islands containing countless blue water lagoons backed by stunning surrounds, the country presents a beguiling mish-mash of Arabic and European languages, architecture, cuisine and traditions – the legacy of having been alternately raided, invaded, or occupied by virtually every Western power to have attained conquering capacities over the past 2,000 years. Little wonder then that the locals are so versed in sharing their island’s spoils with the latest foreign hordes to reach their shores.