We call on islands that are the bywords for high-society escapism. Our first elixir of ease, St. Barths, is one part Swedish, two parts French and three shots of sunset-to-sunrise glamour.
Yachts gleam in the harbour, boutiques sell Parisian fancies, and bonafide barefoot bars serve off-the-charts tranquillity. This is our playground until we bid adieu just before the clock strikes midnight so find a spot on the pink-sand Shell Beach to watch the splendid setting sun then crack open a ruby red lobster and a bottle of bubbly. With our head full of dreams, we call on St. Kitts, an island of wonders graciously preserved for all. Visit beautiful Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO park, or ascend through virgin rain forest to summit Mount Liamuiga’s and gaze down upon her dormant crater. More emerald peaks and placid shores continue on the Dominican Republic. An island floating in a realm of superlatives, she boasts four of the five highest peaks in the Caribbean, lush jungles carved by rivers and waterfalls, fertile lowlands that give way to the island’s 6,000 species of flora and 7,000 species of fauna. Shades of aquamarine, amethyst turning translucent opal, the colours of the sky, sea and sandy cays all are seemingly inseparable. This is the wonder of Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, our private island paradise that is ecologically and geographically achieves the impossible dream of being gloriously secluded on a paradisiacal island. Two miles of pristine sand stretch across eight idyllic beaches. Brilliant coral reefs and shell-crusted shipwrecks for endless snorkelling. The pop of champagne bottles signals that start of a special fireworks show with the lighthouse in LED glow.
From the languid to the active, we call on Miami Beach, where the stunning scenery of white Art Deco buildings stand as sentinels to the city’s decades-long love affair with glamour. Blindingly white beaches. A blazing hot nightlife. Mi amor, my love, my heart forever sings for this journey.
Explore the oldest US city for a dose of Caribbean history, slice of Spanish culture and twist of American dream. Roam historic Old San Juan alleyways to glimpse centuries-old forts and colourful colonial buildings. Learn how to move, as locals sashay out the salsa to rhythmic reggae beats. Shop the boho streets or glamorous boutiques for artisan goods, decadent designers and hand-rolled cigars. Experience world-class surfing, explore a tropical rainforest, attend a private rum cocktail tasting and polish off empanadas. Then retire to one of the beautiful beaches to soak up crystal clear waters and, perhaps, one last rum cocktail.
Day 2Gustavia
Mingle amongst other discerning guests on this French isle that exudes relaxed glamour. Wander along secluded beaches, harbourside Creole huts, drop into bohemian bars and snorkel gently through warm turquoise waters. Visit La Tourmente, the peaceful salt ponds and admire uninterrupted views on a local boat trip. And as you sip your second (or third) glass of champagne to the lull of the gentle waves, it might be time to learn the French for "paradise found".
Day 3Basseterre, Saint Kitts
Formed by volcanoes, St Kitts fertile soil is so rich it turns monkeys green. Trek through miles of rainforest amongst colourful wildlife to conquer the highest peak of Mount Liamuiga so you can peer into the mile-wide crater, or bravely descend to sniff the sulphur. Experience a train ride, sailing trip, cooking class, sky safari zip-line, or creative batik fabric workshops. Visit sugarcane plantations, the Narrows between St Kitts and Nevis and the UNESCO Brimstone Hill Fortress for spectacular views of neighbouring islands. You’ll find this special island small in size yet tall in standing, as well as big on charm.
Day 5Samaná
A heavenly haven of sun-dappled beaches wrapped in majestic mountains and immersed in lively Hispanic culture. Snorkel, sail, sunbathe, enrol in a local cooking class, or climb and hike through scenic trails in verdant mountains. Pick up some pace to head further offshore by speed boat or use a quad bike to explore little Latino towns, The Mangrove Forest and the caves of Los Haitises National Park. Then re-hydrate and re-vitalise with freshly cracked coconut water as you tumble into sugar-white sands stroked by crystal-clear waters.
Day 7Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Reserve
Wander into the reality of a serene Bahamian dream. Alluring, exclusive and eco-friendly, an escape to this island marine reserve is possibly the world’s most coveted invite. Slowly snorkel, gently paddle board or glide over aquamarine waters by boat. Wonder at marine life and nature in its natural habitat, visit the marina, lighthouse, lagoon and pastel-hued buildings. Recline for a beachside massage, settle into a lazy lunch, sip endless rum cocktails and sink into powdery white sands cooled by the soothing sways of palm leaves. If paradise was packaged, this island might be the finest gift.
Day 8Miami, Florida
Welcome to Miami and the sweep of South Beach - backdrop to every iconic Miami movie, and forefront of Latin American culture. Stroll through pastel-hued geometric buildings in the art deco district, to graffiti mural masterpieces at Wynwood Walls. Watch Latino life unfold in Little Havana - the heartbeat of this great city - where walk-up windows sell café cortadito, sweet sugarcane juice, hatuey beer and guava ice-cream. Watch passionate locals discuss politics, play dominoes and smoke cigars. Shimmy at a salsa class, shop designer boutiques and race marlin and sharks by speedboat. Then slow your pace to uncover rare and endangered species at the Everglades National Park outdoor oasis. You’ll find the Miami dream is real – and it’s not just Cuban heels that will give you a spring in your step.
Inaugural Caribbean Journey - British Isles, Creole Idylls and Miami Magic Itinerary
