December 2015 - ExecutivEscapes - Caribbean Charter Yachts

Virgin Island Sample Itinerary

by leo Lynne | Dec 24, 2015 | Virgin Islands Itinerary Details

Day One: A quick taxi ride from the airport to American Yacht Harbor, St. Thomas to board your yacht and meet your crew. Once you acquaint yourself, you will jump into a refreshing cocktail and either light snacks or full meal, depending on your preference. Once everyone is comfortable, head the yacht over to Leinster Bay , St. John, where you can swim with the turtles at Water Lemon Cay, tour the ruins of the Annaberg Plantation or just lounge out and start soaking in the Caribbean sun (and some of those cocktails). Your chef will be making a spectacular first night meal as you watch the sun slide ever so gently into the horizon. Day Two: Visit the West End on Tortola, the capital of the British Virgin Islands. After your crew clears customs you can meander into art galleries, Pusser’s Rum Shop, and other island outposts, or just head out for some spirited sailing towards your next port of call, the island of Jost Van Dyke. ‘’Jost’’ (pronounced Yost) is the ‘party island’ of the BVI. A quick stop to visit with the legendary Foxy and share a Firewater at his bar and grill, then around the corner you go to White Bay. This Caribbean gem has beach bars set only a few yards from the water and includes The Soggy Dollar Bar where you may just want to try their famous cocktail called the Painkiller. The turquoise water here is mesmerizing and the sand is as fine as powder. If you’re still in the mood, you might want to motor a few minutes further East and...

Bahamas Guide

by leo Lynne | Dec 23, 2015 | Bahamas guide

NORTHERN BAHAMAS THE ABACOS The residents of this chain of more than 100 islands know that there’s another world out there, but don’t necessarily care to abandon theirs, which is a little more traditional, slow-paced, and out of the way than most alternatives. Here you’ll feel content in an uncrowded environment, yet still have access to whatever level of accommodations and services you desire. Ecotourism is popular, and aficionados have revitalized exploration of Abacos’ Caribbean pine forests, which are home to wild boar, wild horses, the rare Abaco parrot, and myriad other bird and plant life. Hiking and biking through these forests and along abandoned beaches at the forest’s edges are popular activities. Sea kayaking in pristine protected areas also provides a rewarding sense of adventure, and more conventional activities such as golf, tennis, and beach volleyball are available, too. But if you don’t feel like doing anything at all, that’s also a highly rated activity.Of course, this is the Bahamas, so you shouldn’t neglect activities happening in one of its most magnificent assets—the water. Snorkeling and diving have long been staple activities for visitors. Abaconians are proud of their marine environment and have worked with the government to protect some of the more vibrant reefs. The islands’ calm, naturally protected waters, long admired for their beauty, have also helped the area become the Bahamas’ sailing capital. Man-O-War Cay remains the Bahamas’ boatbuilding center; its residents turn out traditionally crafted wood dinghies as well as high-tech fiberglass craft. The Abacos play host annually to internationally famous regattas and to a half-dozen game-fish tournaments. From island-long stretches to strips as...

by leo Lynne | Dec 22, 2015 | Grenada Guide

GRENADA Trimmed with 45 beaches and countless secluded coves, Grenada’s popularity has grown as travelers increasingly seek exotic, friendly vacation destinations. Crisscrossed by nature trails and dotted with fragrant spice plantations, Grenada is home to one of the Caribbean’s most picturesque capital cities and one of the region’s finest beaches, Grand Anse. CARRIACOU Carriacou, the land of many reefs, is a hilly island with neither lakes nor rivers, so its drinking water comes from rainwater caught in cisterns. It gets quite arid during the dry season (January through May). Nevertheless, pigeon peas, corn, and fruit are grown here, and the climate seems to suit the mahogany trees used for furniture making and the white cedar that’s critical to the island’s famed boatbuilding industry. Hillsborough is Carriacou’s main town. Just offshore, Sandy Island is a tiny spit of land and one of the nicest beaches around. Rolling hills cut a wide swath through the middle of Carriacou, from Gun Point in the north to Tyrell Bay in the south. Despite its tiny size, Carriacou has several distinct cultures. Hillsborough is decidedly English; the southern region, around L’Esterre, reflects French roots; and the northern town of Windward has Scottish ties. African culture, though, is the overarching influence. PETITE MARTINIQUE Ten minutes north of Carriacou by boat lies the tiny residential island of Petite Martinique. There’s a guesthouse or two but no tourist facilities or attractions—just peace and quiet. Meander along the beachfront and watch boatbuilders at work. If by chance there’s a boat launching, sailboat race, traditional wedding, holiday, or festival taking place while you’re there, you’re in for a treat....