It’s hard to imagine a more romantic destination than the tropical Caribbean, whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, an anniversary, or making lifetime memories as a new couple. With film-set backdrop of sugar-white sands and coconut palms, the only way romantic Caribbean getaways can be improved is by taking in the islands on a luxury sailing yacht.
A Caribbean sailing yacht charter dials the romance up high. Yachts offer a divine sense of privacy and escape, with candlelit meals on deck, a private chef on board, and a different breath-taking view to wake up to each morning. However, sailing yachts take the intimate atmosphere to the next level, offering exploration to secluded islands that motor yachts simply cannot reach.
You might start each day with a snorkel off the yacht, or swim ashore to a picture-perfect beach to relax in a hammock or take a walk together, leaving matching footsteps in the cool, soft sand. Spend a morning diving coral reefs or playing on the yacht’s water toys before heading ashore to explore colourful Caribbean towns and swim in rainforest waterfalls. The Caribbean is also known for its superb spa hotels and fine restaurants, so why not enjoy a long lunch by a clifftop infinity pool, followed by settling into a spa cabana for a blissful couple’s massage. Romantic Caribbean getaways offer so many adventures.
You’ll want to return to the yacht for sunset cocktails, watching the water turn every shade of fire and looking for the famous ‘green flash’ on the horizon. The next night, sample a luxury beach barbeque on a deserted white sandbar, watching the moon and stars come out across the sky and paint the sea a glit silver. With a dedicated crew on board tending to your every need, booking one of the many incredible Caribbean sailing yachts for charter means ultimate relaxation every day and evening.
Here are five exquisitely romantic Caribbean destinations for lovebirds.
Romantic Caribbean Getaways
1. St Lucia, Windward Islands
Nobody ever forgets their first glimpse of the Pitons in Saint Lucia. The twin volcanic peaks rise sharply out of the turquoise sea, shadowing the deep jungle and sandy beaches of this glorious nature island. Soufriere Bay under the Pitons is one of the most magnificent yacht anchorages on earth, as your yacht rocks gently at anchor and you enjoy a long lazy lunch of seafood and Sancerre under the mighty backdrop of the Pitons. Watersports and coral reef dives abound for the active, as well as spectacular beaches and clifftop spa hotels for the indulgent.
2. Martinique, Windward Islands
Nearby Martinique is another dreamy destination for romantic Caribbean getaways. This French territory combines the boulangeries and boutiques of distant France with the tropical colour and life of the Caribbean, making it ideal for strolling the bustling markets before sitting down for a croissant and a coffee at a pavement café. The island’s jungle and volcano backdrop makes for an exciting couples holiday, ending the day with a rum cocktail in a colourful beach shack bar. Martinique is an easy cruise from St Lucia, meaning you can combine both of these gorgeous destinations on a Caribbean sailing yacht charter.
3. St Barts, Leeward Islands
If you love a bit of glamour, then there’s no better place than St Barts. This stunning island has become a jet-set paradise due to its glorious beaches and chic French-Caribbean vibe, and couples will find their own version of heaven as they stroll the bougainvillea-lined streets of Gustavia Harbour, eat in beachside restaurants under the palms, and browse the island’s haute couture boutiques. Whether you’re rubbing shoulders with celebrities at Nikki Beach or finding your own bit of seclusion at anchor in a beautiful cove, that famous St Barts charm is hard to beat.
4. Anguilla, Leeward Islands
In winter luxury sailing yachts drop anchor off of Anguilla, a coral atoll of blinding white sands surrounded by sunlit seas. This quiet paradise has become a celebrity hideaway – less showy than St Barts, but no less luxurious. Lovebirds will spend their days here swimming in the sapphire water, taking long walks on the powder-soft sand, and relaxing with a cocktail in one of the brightly-painted beach bars that line this dreamy shore. For a bit of pampering, the Four Seasons Spa is a standout, and if you can drag yourself away from the yacht’s gourmet experience, Veya Restaurant is an opportunity to dine in the leafy treetops.
5. St Kitts & Nevis
The twin islands of St Kitts and Nevis are unlike any other destination in this list (although easily combined with St Barts or Anguilla on a yacht charter). Long ignored by the yachting set, these lush volcanic islands have gained notoriety in the past few years, as sailing yacht charters discover the island’s extraordinary mix of cloud forests and chattering monkeys, luxury plantation hotels and British colonial history. Whether you’re diving the reefs, relaxing on the beaches, or exploring the rainforest and old British forts, St Kitts & Nevis offer romantic Caribbean getaways with a difference.