Saint Martin to Antigua
6 days in the Leeward Islands
The Leeward Islands – Anguilla, Saba, Sint Eustatius, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda – are a natural mosaic that for centuries has tugged mightily at the hearts of explorers, buccaneers, traders and boaters. On this string of islands stretching south in an arc east of Puerto Rico, dreamy white-sand beaches are flanked by crooked palms and surrounded by turquoise waters.
Most famously known for the too-close-for-comfort plane landings that you can spot at Maho Beach; Saint-Martin is a tropical playground for the world’s elite, often arriving on their luxury yachts. Split into two nations—St Maaten and Sint Maarteen—this island offers 37 pristine, white-sand beaches to explore; ideal for a private yacht charter. Enjoy chic waterfront cocktails at Kkô Beach Bar & Restaurant, relish in creative and modern cuisine by one of the island’s best chefs at Le Pressoir, and while away an afternoon of booze and burgers at the trendy Blue Bitch Bar.
A tropical paradise split into two nations is an exquisite destination that attracts the world’s elite on their luxury yachts. The island offers 37 breathtaking white-sand beaches, perfect for a private yacht charter. Experience the thrill of watching planes land too close for comfort at Maho Beach, sip on chic waterfront cocktails at Kko Beach Bar & Restaurant, indulge in creative and modern cuisine by the island’s top chefs at Le Pressoir, and unwind with an afternoon of wine and cocktails at the trendy Sint Rose Beach Bar.
Anguilla offers a mix of everything. Right from the very first minute you anchor at this Caribbean island, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice. Soft sands and clear blue waters will lure you from your yacht and offer the perfect conditions for you to soak up the sunshine. Located on the western end of the islands, Meads Bay is one of the most popular beaches for travellers, loved for its silky-smooth sand, aquamarine waters and simply gorgeous views. Beyond the plethora of beaches, you’ll also be treated to a good number of restaurants across the island. For a simply unforgettable dinner to celebrate a wondrous day, make a reservation at Veya, an acclaimed restaurant that serves internal cuisine in a treehouse-style setting. From here, you can head on over to Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve to end the day with some funky reggae beats.
Anguilla offers 12 miles of powdery white sanded beaches with calm, transparent waters. Distinctive characteristics of this island include rock and coral formations as well as picturesque tropical plants. Here you can find many offshore cays and secluded beaches to enjoy private picnics ashore or one of the local sand cay restaurants. Sport fishing lovers will find the warm and calm waters plentiful of large fish. Anguilla is surrounded by a fringe of coral reefs and cays, making it a number one destination for snorkelling and diving.
Saint Barths is the smallest island of the French West Indies offering the beautiful island feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle where you can live life at natures pace. Swim with turtles, dive from cliffs, surf the turquoise waves, put your yacht on anchor and enjoy the surrounding picturesque scenery.
This little island in the French West Indies will provide you with a tranquil island getaway away from the hectic city life. Visit the gorgeous Anse de Colombier beach while on your yacht charter in St. Barts; it is only reachable by boat and offers breathtaking views and a tranquil ambiance. Also, you have to visit Gustavia’s picturesque capital, which offers a variety of regional stores, eateries, and bars. The Grand Fond natural pools and the ancient Fort Karl, which provides an insight into the island’s colonial past, are two more places you should definitely explore. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and unwind and relax on this gorgeous island haven, where life moves at a slower pace,
St Barths is another French speaking Caribbean island known for its alluring ambience and simply flawless beaches. With no direct flights from the United States, the best way to reach this little slice of Paris-meets-island paradise is in the comfort of your private yacht. As you sail into the bay, you’ll be greeted by the hilly, red-roofed island and you’ll instantly see what makes it such a coveted getaway. After a stroll along the golden sands, you’ll want to make your way to Gustavia for a morning spent exploring the charming cobbled laneways and discovering the 17th century forts. While it’s a destination for boutique shopping and bespoke designer labels during the day, this region transforms into an after-hours wonderland when the sun goes down. When the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll want to join fellow travellers in sipping negorinis and snacking on fresh seafood until well into the night. From here, the best venue for a late-night adventure is the premium Le Ti St-Barth bar.
Experience the stunning natural beauty of Saint Kitts on a yacht charter, with lush emerald rainforests, rugged mountains, and black sand beaches. Relax in the sunshine at Frigate Bay, swimming in the clear waters and enjoying a refreshing mojito at Vibes Beach Bar. For the adventurous, take a hike up to Brimstone Hill Fortress or catch the sunrise atop Mount Liamuiga. With so much to see and do, Saint Kitts is the perfect destination for a memorable yacht charter experience.
Montserrat is one of the Caribbean’s most dramatic islands, recognised for its soaring peaks and rainforest-covered hillside. As you sail closer to the island, take in the awe-inspiring view that is the kilometre-tall active Soufriere Hills Volcano. While just looking at the natural wonder from the shores is undoubtedly impressive, you can find even more mesmerising views at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. Here, the expansive viewing deck opens to unveil incredible vistas of the volcano against the backdrop of glistening blue Caribbean waters. Any nature lovers or keen walkers will be delighted by the many trails that snake through the island, including The Cot Trail and the Katy Hill Trail.
Known as the “Emerald Island of the Caribbean”, Montserrat is a fascinating island with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant community. In addition to its volcanic peaks and lush rainforests, Montserrat is one of the Caribbean’s most dramatic islands having endured the devastating eruptions of the Soufrière Hills Volcano in the late 1990s. Today, the slow pace of life, welcoming locals, amazing hiking and birdwatching, and peaceful atmosphere of the old Caribbean are a big drawcard for visitors. You can visit Montserrat Volcano Observatory, where the large observation deck provides breathtaking panoramas of the mountain against the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. The Cot Trail and the Katy Hill Trail are two of the most popular hiking routes on the island, but there are many others to explore.
Last, but most certainly not least, be sure to make a stop at Antigua. As one of the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2021 destinations, it’s a beautiful island simply begging to be explored. The landscape brings together English elegance with relaxed Caribbean vibes to present an experience like no other. Turn back back with a visit to the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, where you’ll get an immersive insight into the story behind this beautiful location. For something a little more tropical, you can spend endless hours lazing on the soft sands of Darkwood Beach, body surfing in Half Moon Bay or strolling along the shores of Pigeon Beach – and you’ll still want to come back for more. Catherine’s Cafe Plage offers a great shaded respite to retreat after a big morning of exploring and you’ll be treated to incredible views of the blue water while you indulge in your meal.
As one of Lonely Planet’s Best Travel destinations, Antigua is a must-do. The landscape brings together English elegance with relaxed Caribbean vibes to present an experience like no other. Travel back in time with a visit to the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, where you’ll get an immersive insight into the story behind this beautiful location. For something a little more tropical, you can spend endless hours lazing on the soft sands of Darkwood Beach, body surfing in Half Moon Bay or strolling along the shores of Pigeon Beach – and you’ll still want to come back for more. Catherine’s Cafe Plage offers a great shaded respite to retreat after a big morning of exploring and you’ll be treated to incredible views of the turquoise-blue water while you indulge in your meal.
