Leeward Islands
Bahamas & CaribbeanThe beauty of the Leeward Islands is legendary. Every island in this exotic chain enchants visitors with its unbelievable turquoise waters, sparkling sands and gentle waves, washing away the real world with every minute spent on these magical oases. Far from ordinary, most of the Leeward Islands are volcanic, while some are born from immense coral beds.
Named for the prevailing northerly winds that caress their shores, the Leeward Islands consist of the tropical delights that are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, Montserrat, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saba and Saint Barthélemy.
An eclectic and enterprising sailing experience, cruising the Leeward Islands does not fail to disappoint in the quest for rugged landscape, otherworldly beaches and warm, welcoming locals.
Yachting Events
The Leeward Islands are a genuine hub of yachting. Each year, passionate sailors travel from every corner of the globe to compete in a plethora of events in the cerulean seas of the Leeward Islands. From the acclaimed St Barth’s Bucket Regatta to Antigua Sailing Week, there is rarely a quiet moment in the yachting calendar of these vibrant isles.
World-Class Marinas
This popular yachting destination attracts visitors from all over the world year after year, looking to sample a taste of island paradise. And with a strong yachting culture comes world-class marinas, for which any traveller by boat is spoilt for choice in the Leeward Islands. From Antigua’s charming Nelson’s Dockyard Marina to the picture-perfect Port de Plaisance in Sint Maarten, the Leeward Islands are a treasure trove of world-class superyachting facilities with a strong maritime culture to match. The heavenly marinas of the Leeward Islands are of course accompanied by first rate dining and shopping, both of local crafts and the most in-demand designer brands.
Luxury Resorts
Of course, not far from any world-class marina there will be a plentiful supply of luxury resorts, beach clubs and hotels, and the Leeward Islands boast some of the most exquisite resorts in the world. From 5 star Carlisle Bay in Antigua the sumptuous Four Seasons Nevis, there is no shortage of acclaimed resorts to relax, unwind and pamper in the luxurious Leeward Isles. Enjoy a massage with a view and the finest in Caribbean cuisine at your pick of luxurious Leeward resorts, undoubtedly the most refined way to enjoy these stunning islands.
Volcanic Islands
The volcanic formations of the Leeward Islands lend deftly to the character of these picturesque islands. The rugged formations have given way to vast acres of lush, verdant jungle, making for a remote backdrop to the inhabited towns and brimming with incredible wildlife. Most famous of all is Nevis Peak, a potentially active volcano at the centre of the island of Nevik is Saint Kitts and Nevis. Although the volcano has not erupted since prehistoric times, there remain active baths and hot springs on the coastal slopes of the island.
Indeed the volcanic formations of these island groups have given rise to some truly astonishing natural wonders, quite unlike anywhere else in the world. One must-see is The Baths national park in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. Here, a group of boulders and rocks were thrown together by volcanic eruptions over 100 million years ago - the ethereal pools of warm water which have formed around them are an absolute must-see for any geology aficionado.