The Leeward Islands: Ideal Destinations for a Luxury Yacht Charter

A luxury yacht charter in the Leeward Islands delivers guests an unrivalled experience remarkable for vistas of volcanoes, tropical landscapes, pristine palm-lined beaches and azure waters teeming with marine life, and a zesty blend of French, Dutch and British cultural and culinary experiences.

Your Captain and crew will have local knowledge of the main sights of interest and share with you the idyllic Caribbean sojourn, revealing hidden gems and intriguing local cultures and customs, all tailored to suit how you wish to enjoy your luxury charter yacht experience.

While not all the islands are accepting guests at the moment due to COVID-19 travel restrictions the following islands can still be visited. It is however a changing situation and we strongly recommend you confirm the exact requirements of your chosen destination prior to booking. 

ST MARTIN (ST MAARTEN)

St Martin is an island divided in two halves: the northern half belongs to the French and the southern half belongs to the Dutch and forms part of the Netherlands Antilles, and more than 120 nationalities. St Martin has something for everyone, whether you're into watersports, diving, sunbathing, golf or deep-sea fishing, the tropical climate and dependable trade winds provide ideal conditions for all types of leisure pursuits all year round.

While the capital of St Marteen, Philipsburg, offers the rambunctious lifestyle of casinos and ‘fast-ish’ living, St Martin’s colourful capital, Marigot, presents the alternative: an easy-going and elegant lifestyle with sidewalk cafes, beguiling bars, modish dining and excellent duty-free shopping.

ST BARTS

Saint Barthélemy, known as St Barts, embodies a seductive blend of European sophistication, natural beauty, and relaxed island charm.

Considered the Caribbean's most sophisticated island, it attracts the jet-set, many of whom have palatial residences nestled among the manicured gardens or yachts bobbing at the marina, yet St Barts retains myriad charms for visitors of all persuasions. It's a popular inclusion in any yacht charter itinerary in the Leeward Islands and the home to the very famous St Barts Bucket Yacht Regatta.

This French-speaking island is renowned for its powder sand beaches, chic hotels, designer boutiques and high-end dining, but there are plenty of activities to suit people seeking a gentler, less flashy experience.

The best beaches include Anse des Flamands, for the scenery, Baie de St-Jean, for the beachside dining, and Anse de Grand Cul-de-Sac, for watersports. The capital city, Gustavia is a treasure trove of boutique shopping and bistros, as well as its elegant, star-studded nightlife. On the opposite side of the island, St Jean is a small slice of St Tropez-style boutiques and bars that operate at a less hectic pace. Not far from St Jean, the charming village of Lorient is the site of the island's first French settlement. Today's visitors will find here a fantastic surf beach.

ANGUILLA

The most northerly island of the Leeward group, Anguilla is everyone's dream of a tropical island: white sandy beaches, crystalline waters, tranquil bays fringed with palm trees and fanned by soothing breezes.

Just as the beach defines Anguilla, beach restaurants epitomise its dining. If you like sophisticated cuisine served in relaxed, open-air settings, this is the ideal place to enjoy "liming", as the locals refer to their favourite pastime of spending the time engaged in relaxing, enjoying the scenery and superb food, washed down with rum punch.

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

The largest of the British Leeward Islands, Antigua boasts an amazing 365 beaches – one for each day of the year. Most of the beaches are located inside the protected waters of the island's Caribbean side, such as Curtain Bluff, Rendezvous Bay, Windwood Beach and Mamora Bay, home of the world famous St James Club.

The main sights not to miss in Antigua are St John's, Sandy Cove in Nonsuch Bay, Nelson's Dockyard at English Harbour, the spectacular views from the famous lookout at Shirley Heights, Falmouth Harbour, Darkwood Beach, the wild and remote Devil's Bridge on the north eastern point and Half Moon Bay, considered one of the island's most beautiful beaches.

Barbuda is a natural paradise, with thriving wilderness and flora and fauna like no other island, and part of a three-island state along with Antigua and Redonda. On Barbuda you will find a small village community and central capital of Codrington village on a large island that is virtually untouched by tourism. It is world renowned for its beaches which are natural, many miles long, some glimmering with pink sand.

Barbuda has the deep blue Atlantic on one side with wild beaches full of driftwood and shells, and the Caribbean Sea on the other, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and watersports, and abounding in turtles, rays, barracuda and tropical fish.

For further up-to-date information about the Caribbean and the crewed luxury motor and sailing yachts available there for charter contact us. We can help you have the vacation of your dreams even during these challenging times.  

Ask your Luxury Charter Group charter specialist to plan your next charter vacation in the Leeward Islands.