Treasure Islands

The smallest island in the world shared by two countries, St. Martin/St. Maarten is big on shopping. Whether you go Dutch in Philipsburg or prefer Marigot’s French touch, you’re always welcome.

Columbus thought this long flat island with its multitude of white sand coves looked like an undulating eel, so he named it Anguilla. The island has been a British colony/dependency since it was first settled in 1650. Recently, Anguilla has been discovered by the cognoscenti, who find the island’s small upscale resorts an ideal retreat to get away from it all. Try the haute cuisine at Malliouhana, or the Arabian Nights ambience of Pimms.

Once the hideaway for a Dutch pirate of the same name, Jost van Dyke welcomes visitors with first-rate hiking trails and the best beaches in the British Virgin Islands. Be sure to have a drink at the famous Foxy’s Tamarind Bar in Great harbour.

Soper’s Hole is where ‘laid back’ is a jealously cultivated way of life. Visit the nearby ruins of 17th century Dutch Fort Recovery. There are also several favourite ‘watering holes’, beloved by crews of visiting yachts, where the local gossip flows as freely as the rum.

The Captain will choose an anchorage with a lovely beach. BVI beaches are among the world’s most beautiful, and better yet, are endlessly varied.

St. Kitts’ was the first successful colony in the British West Indies. Indeed, when viewed from the top of Brimstone Hill, the “Gibraltar of the Caribbean” appears to dominate everything in the Southern Sea. Shop in colourful Basseterre, play golf and tour old plantation houses. For the adventuresome there’s a brisk hike through the rain forest.

St. Kitts’ was the first successful colony in the British West Indies. Indeed, when viewed from the top of Brimstone Hill, the “Gibraltar of the Caribbean” appears to dominate everything in the Southern Sea. Shop in colourful Basseterre, play golf and tour old plantation houses. For the adventuresome there’s a brisk hike through the rain forest.

In its elegant little capital of Gustavia, French joie de vivre is tempered by Swedish spic and span neatness. Diversions include duty-free shopping in exquisite boutiques, beautiful beaches, excellent dining and people-watching.

The smallest island in the world shared by two countries, St. Martin/St. Maarten is big on shopping. Whether you go Dutch in Philipsburg or prefer Marigot’s French touch, you’re always welcome.