Leeward Islands

St Martin (French) or Sint Maarten (Dutch) has been divided between the two nations since 1648. The Dutch side is known for its festive nightlife, casinos and duty-free shopping, and the French side for its stylish cosmopolitan boutiques and gourmet Caribbean cuisine. Spend the morning around the island of Tintamarre on the east coast for some great swimming, or Colombier beach, which is only accessible by foot or boat. For the more adventurous, a shark dive off the Dutch side of the island is an exciting option.

Together with Barbuda, Anguilla offers the most impressive beaches in the Leeward’s and has remained relatively untouched by tourism development over the years. The island offers over 30 powdery white beaches, world-class restaurants and exclusive resorts. Sail to Crocus Bay to picnic in one of the secluded beaches before cooling off in the crystal-clear waters of Scrub Bay. Do not miss a visit to deserted Sandy Cay; a postcard sand bank with a small shack only open during the day.

French-owned St Barthelemy is renowned as the chic St Tropez of the Caribbean and is the place to be seen. It has an excellent selection of French restaurants and nightlife, chic boutiques and pristine beaches. Why not rent a mini moke and explore the scenic interior of the island before enjoying cocktails under the stars at the mythical “le Ti St Barth” or “La Plage”?

If you are interested in scuba diving, Saba’s natural beauty extends well below the waterline. It trickles into a vibrant marine environment with lava tunnels, sheer walls and an abundance of tropical fish, rays and turtles. With no beaches, hotels, or ports, you’ll feel as though you have stepped back in time to the first explorers of this magical untouched island also known as “The Unspoiled Queen”.

The intoxicating natural beauty, white sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters of St Kitts will not fail to seduce you. More than a quarter of this beautiful island has been set aside as a national park with an expanding rainforest, so be sure to drive or hike though the Valley of Giants for beautiful scenic views. In the past its valuable sugar trade and strategic location lead to its luxurious development. Take a hike through the Valley of Giants, zip-line over the rainforest or visit Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you prefer to sunbathe on-board, anchor off White House Bay in the south of the island and cool off with a swim with turtles in the bay.

This 36-square-mile island paradise is separated from St Kitts by a shallow two-mile channel known as the Narrows. From the top of the 3,232-foot Nevis Peak to the depths of the turquoise surrounding waters, there is a world of flora and fauna to be explored. Nevis has some fantastic dive sites, or why not play a round of golf on the world-famous Robert Trent Jones 18-hole course?

With its international airport, Antigua is one of the Caribbean’s leading destinations, and a great place to commence your cruise. Embark in Antigua’s famous English Harbour and head for Carlisle Bay for a relaxing lunch, before swimming off the palm-tree-lined pristine white beach. Visit Green Island, offering great snorkelling and secluded beaches. There’s also Deep Bay, home to the Andes shipwreck since 1914, which is teeming with marine life and easily accessible to snorkellers and divers. Be sure to watch the spectacular sunset at Shirley’s Heights on a Sunday evening, while enjoying the rhythms of the steel band and fresh lobster at Harmony Hall, a former sugar mill estate that is now one of the island’s best restaurants.

Discover the “Island of Flowers” from your superyacht and experience the paradise of Martinique. From the main base in Le Marin, you can explore the many lush rainforests and historic plantations. The sheltered waters are a dream for divers and snorkellers, where they can discover colourful fish as well as wrecks off the coast of St. Pierre. Martinique’s blend of French and Creole culture makes it a fascinating tourist destination. Visit the rum distilleries, sugar plantations and seaside villages. Island hop and find secluded coves, hot springs and exotic flowers and fruits everywhere.