I first blogged about The Ritz Carlton’s venture into yachting back in 2018! I am very excited to share details of their 7-day Caribbean experience in March of 2023!
Let me know if you would like pricing from your home airport!
You set sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico for a seven-night yachting journey through the diverse islands of the Lesser Antilles. White sands and crystalline waters welcome you to the shores of Tortola and Martinique, while the islands’ mountainous interiors invite you inland for scenic hiking. Take in the view of the rainforest from above the treetops on a zip-line adventure in Dominica, and admire the underwater vistas of vibrant coral and butterflyfish off the coast of Terre-de-Haut. Along the way, enjoy time to relax with a cocktail on your private terrace aboard Evrima as you sail past the ever-changing seascapes to your next island paradise.
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is an intriguing blend of the old and the new. Founded in 1521, the city was a key port in the Spanish colonial empire, as evidenced by El Morro, the huge fortress that guards the harbor. Behind thick stone walls, Old San Juan retains its original character of blue cobblestone streets, elegant plazas and brightly colored heritage architecture. This lively center is the city’s – and island’s – cultural hub for museums, music, dining and more. The nearby Santurce district has emerged as the city’s hippest, with unique shops, cutting-edge restaurants and trendy nightlife. Just minutes from the heart of San Juan are the iconic beaches of the Condado and Isla Verde, whose stretches of palm-fringed sands are lapped by the azure waves of the Atlantic.
Stunning beaches, cerulean seas, colorful coral reefs and the Caribbean’s largest wildlife preserve: incredible tropical nature is the essence of Vieques, a small island less than 10 miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico. For decades most of the island was controlled by the U.S. Navy, whose former holdings – some 70 percent of the land – became the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge after the military withdrew in 2003. The refuge features Vieques’ best beaches, acres of forest, and coastal habitats that encompass mangroves, reefs, sea grass beds, lagoons and open waters, as well as bioluminescent bays that make for a spectacular experience after dark. The refuge shelters a diverse array of wildlife, including nearly 200 species of resident and migratory birds and four types of sea turtles. On the south coast, the fishing village of Esperanza is the island’s main hub, where life continues to follow traditional rhythms.
Tortola is at the heart of the British Virgin Island’s world-renowned sailing culture. Long, narrow and just over 21 square miles in area, the largest island of the BVI boasts a quintessentially Caribbean coastline of secluded white sand beaches, hidden coves and great natural anchorages. Inside a horseshoe-shaped harbor, the BVI capital of Road Town is the friendly, laid-back center for commerce, dining on fresh seafood and exploring nearby islets, tiny cays, reefs and dive sites. The 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum, VI Folk Museum, and Old Government House Museum showcase local history and culture in Road Town. Within Tortola’s mountainous interior, Sage Mountain delivers the best views from 1,714 feet, the highest point in the Virgin Islands archipelago.
As you sail for Guadeloupe, Evrima will be your haven for the day. Indulge in a rejuvenating massage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, sip a craft cocktail on the Marina Terrace overlooking the sea, and take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool.
Les Saintes are a volcanic archipelago of two islands and seven uninhabited islets surrounded by thriving coral reefs and clear seas. Small at just over two square miles, Terre-de-Haut is the most developed of the group, thanks to an anchorage-rich coastline of scenic bays, natural harbors, quiet beaches and charmingly picturesque villages. The ambience is decidedly low-key, and days are devoted to beachgoing, hiking, snorkeling and diving. The island, too hilly and arid for agriculture, boasts longstanding maritime traditions and a rich Norman-Breton heritage dating to the first French settlers. The main town of Bourg des Saintes is home to cafés, bistros, the historic church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption and Fort Napoleon. Built on the ruins of Fort Louis, the 19th-century garrison was used as a prison and today houses a cultural history museum with a botanical garden and the best views of Les Saintes.
Mother Nature was especially gracious when she created the ‘Nature Island’ of Dominica. Life here is less about pool parties and more about throwing yourself into an eco-adventure at one of the island’s many natural attractions, like its Boiling Lake or Champagne Reef. Sitting on Prince Rupert Bay, Portsmouth is the island’s second-largest town and a great base for visiting Cabrits National Park or Indian River. Learn all about the island’s colonial-era history at the mighty 18th century Fort Shirley at Cabrits National Park, or take a tranquil boat ride along the shady, mangrove-lined Indian River. For some quality beach time, head north to the Lagoon area, where you’ll find a wide yellow sand beach and a selection of funky restaurants and bars to enjoy dinner in.
The island of Martinique provides a little slice of French sophistication in the crystal-clear Caribbean. Sail into Les Anses-d’Arlet, a charming string of villages framed by lush green hills and some of the island’s best beaches. Soak in the rich history at the Fort Saint-Louis or the Saint-Louis Cathédrale. Pull up a chair and watch the colorful boats bob in the bay as you dine on a delicious blend of French and Creole-inspired cuisine. Wash it all down with some of the best rum on Earth— Martinique’s rums are the only ones in the world to carry the prestigious Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designation.
Barbados is a sophisticated tropical beauty steeped in English heritage and enlivened by the warm Bajan culture. In the capital of Bridgetown, the well-preserved Old Town and historic Garrison district represent an impressive British legacy designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island’s lush interior is largely covered in forest and fields of sugar cane, a source of prized rums and great colonial fortunes. Attractions include restored great houses, a wildlife preserve, the underground formations of Harrison’s Cave, first-rate golfing and some 60 beaches of incredible variety. To the west are white sands and gentle azure waters. The south is the center for both nightlife and reef snorkeling, while the high cliffs of the southeast form a stunning backdrop for windsurfing. The windswept east coast, with its pounding Atlantic surf, is Barbados at its most rugged and wild.
Here is the sailing map:
Here is the schedule:
If you are interested in this yacht experience, or other similar experiences, let’s chat CLICK HERE to set up an appointment
