Guadeloupe Voiles Bleues Villas

Green Guadeloupe: A Travel Guide to the Caribbean’s Lesser-Known Gem

In the French Antilles, real luxury lies in natural beauty.

By Eve Thomas

For some tropical vacation destinations, the dream is to find that one perfect spot, that dream beach or green valley where reality looks as good as the brochure. In Guadeloupe, that dream becomes reality around every corner.

The French overseas territory is an archipelago with two main sections shaped like a butterfly. I start my visit on leafy, mountainous Basse-Terre, which attracts outdoorsy types who want nature hikes or exciting sports like mountain biking and diving. On our first morning, we head to Guadeloupe National Park, a tropical rainforest that’s home to myriad ferns, orchids, and several houseplants I recognise from my own home, only here they’re enormous and thriving. As we amble along the cobblestone walkway (a bit slippery in spots, but not too challenging, and notably absent of any scary fauna) we greet hikers forging further ahead, all the way up to the active volcano La Soufrière.

In search of a more lowkey experience, we head to the Deshaies Botanical Garden for lunch. With a table overlooking some wading pink flamingos, we dine on classic local delicacies: grilled mahi mahi, Indian-inspired Colombo chicken, and accras (salt cod fritters), plus some planter’s punch and an impressive French wine list. Refreshingly, all the fruit on our plates (pineapple, melon, bananas) is locally grown. Not always a given, in the Caribbean.

salt cod fritters Guadeloupe
Waterfall Guadeloupe National Park

Alongside aviaries of parrots and some mischievous miniature goats, the highlight of the garden may be the sheer number of wild hummingbirds enjoying the blossom buffet. Despite seeing dozens, each one feels special, to me and to the birders who wander by, binoculars at the ready.

After lunch, we head to the coast to experience the national park’s watery side: a marine reserve. On a boat tour of the mangroves, we learn about how essential they are to the whole ecosystem, their roots protecting young fish from predators, and the islands themselves against natural disasters. Another little paradise is revealed as we drop anchor by a sandbar, high enough for us to stand in the water, a cup of rum punch or guava juice in hand. And beneath the sea, snorkel affixed, I find an underwater paradise full of angelfish and sea turtles.

A few days later, we move to Grande-Terre island. Flat, more populated, and brimming with golden beaches, it draws tourists in search of bigger hotels and bustling nightlife. Still in search of natural beauty, we wend our way along the coast, finding oases wherever we look. All beaches are public, and parking is quite “casual,” making it easy to stop on a whim. We pause for fresh coconut water one minute, then a swim in a hidden alcove the next. An unassuming roadside gallery, Kreol West Indies, turns out to be a revelation of Guadeloupe history and modern art.

When we check into a chic Les Voiles Bleues villa, the modern design and private chef dinner set a polished tone, but it’s the nightly frog song that becomes the most memorable amenity. When we visit five-star hotel La Toubana for lunch, the lobster tagliatelle and Sisley spa may be showstoppers, but it’s the sea view beyond the infinity pool that really takes my breath away. I know by now that, in Guadeloupe, luxury doesn’t just lie in the architecture or the menu. It is all around you: in the land, in the details, in the secret spots and natural beauty. You just need to know where to look.

Guadeloupe

The List: Guadeloupe

STAY: At Les Voiles Bleues, guests settle into architect-designed villas that balance privacy and proximity to the coast, making it easy to slip between poolside calm and nearby beaches.

EAT: Sugarcane chicken and ginger-fried bream at Jangal Kafé; lobster pasta at La Toubana Hôtel & Spa; waterside accras and Planter’s punch at Le Kanaoa.

DO: Take the ferry to Terre-de-Haut and explore on foot, including historic Fort Napoléon, home to a garden full of iguanas and sweeping panoramic views.

DRINK: The best French wine list in the country at 619 Restaurant; a flight of rum against the sugarcane fields at Longueteau Distillery.

BRING BACK: A box of “Torment d’amour” pastries from Les Saintes Islands (first made by sailors’ wives to welcome them home); a piece of original art or an antique print from Kreol West Indies gallery and museum.

Royalton Resort Antigua

Three Destinations, One Elevated Standard at Royalton

For travellers who expect more than just a beautiful setting, Royalton Hotels & Resorts continues to redefine luxury all-inclusive experiences across the Caribbean and Mexico. With design-forward resorts, elevated culinary offerings, and a signature focus on personalization, Royalton presents three standout destinations that speak to different styles of indulgence—without compromising on sophistication.

Curated experiences in Antigua

Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort brings a bold energy to one of the Caribbean’s most breathtaking islands. Set against Antigua’s turquoise waters, this vibrant adults-only retreat blends social luxury with effortless elegance, enhanced by distinctive overwater suites and the resort’s signature overwater restaurant, Pescari. Designed for travellers who appreciate stylish spaces and curated experiences, Royalton CHIC Antigua is where beachfront days seamlessly transition into chic evenings. From elevated mixology to immersive entertainment, the resort embodies its philosophy of “Party Your Way”—allowing guests to define their own rhythm, whether that’s a sunset toast, a lively rooftop moment, or an intimate culinary experience above the water under the stars.

Royalton Resort Grenada
Royalton Resort Antigua

Refined island living in Grenada

Royalton Grenada, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort offers a refined sanctuary rooted in natural beauty and understated luxury. Perfectly positioned on the island’s lush southern coast, this resort delivers a serene escape for couples, families, and multigenerational travellers alike. The design reflects Grenada’s organic elegance, pairing contemporary architecture with panoramic ocean views. Guests are invited to slow down and reconnect—through thoughtfully curated dining, tranquil spa experiences, and Royalton’s signature personalized service. It’s a destination that celebrates authenticity while maintaining the brand’s modern, upscale sensibility.

Royalton Resort Cancun
Royalton Resort Cancun

Reimagined luxury in Riviera Cancun

Meanwhile, Royalton Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino, stands as a flagship expression of Royalton’s versatility and scale—now fully renovated and reimagined to deliver a dynamic luxury experience in one of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations. Ideal for families, groups, and discerning travellers seeking variety, the resort seamlessly blends high-energy entertainment with moments of calm and exclusivity. With expansive pools, world-class dining, and dedicated spaces designed for every type of traveler, Royalton Riviera Cancun offers a vibrant yet polished take on the all-inclusive concept, anchored by the brand’s commitment to innovation and comfort.

Together, these three resorts illustrate Royalton Hotels & Resorts’ ability to adapt luxury to different lifestyles and destinations—whether it’s adults-only sophistication in Antigua, tranquil elegance in Grenada, or dynamic beachfront living in Cancun. For travellers and travel advisors alike, Royalton continues to offer not just destinations, but distinct experiences, each elevated, intentional, and unmistakably Royalton.

Looking ahead, Royalton Hotels & Resorts continues to shape its future with intention. The opening of Royalton Vessence Barbados on June 1st introduces a new expression of refined, experience-driven travel, while the addition of Paraíso de la Bonita, A Luxury Collection Resort, marks a meaningful evolution of the brand’s luxury portfolio.

Book your luxury escape with Sunwing at Royalton Hotels & Resorts today.

Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club

Checking In: Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club

On an island known for its quiet charm, this luxury resort in Anguilla proves that scale and serenity can coexist.

It’s admittedly a bit of a journey to get to Anguilla from Canada, but that’s part of the appeal. Most visitors arrive via neighbouring St. Martin, whose international airport serves as the main gateway, followed by a short ferry ride, rum punch in hand, across impossibly blue water. Pulling up to Anguilla’s modest port feels like arriving on a private island. There’s no mega cruise ship looming offshore, no all-inclusive wristband in sight. Anguilla has long embraced a simple-pleasures sensibility. After all, the island only received electricity in the mid-1970s.

While the vibe remains laid-back, the hospitality scene has evolved. Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is one of the island’s crown jewels, and certainly one of its most expansive. With 178 suites, villas and guestrooms spread across 300 acres, the resort is home to Anguilla’s only golf course, water park and open-air amphitheatre. Its scale is evident from the moment we arrive beneath the palm-lined circular driveway and step toward the whitewashed façade. Inside, a live jazz band plays near the lobby bar as linen-clad guests drift past en route to dinner.

Tokyo Bay Restaurant Aurora Anguilla Resort
Tokyo Bay Restaurant Aurora Anguilla Resort

Our table is at Tokyo Bay, a lively Japanese restaurant that would feel equally at home in Manhattan or Las Vegas (and often draws the same A-list patrons). Executive Chef Joe Richardson sends out a steady parade of dishes: short rib gyoza, bluefin tuna ceviche, grilled king salmon, chicken yakitori, pork belly and soft-shell crab rolls. 

The following morning, we tour Aurora’s hydroponic farm, where rows of lettuce and herbs—some of which appeared on our plates the night before—are harvested daily for use across the resort’s kitchens and cocktail bars. From the upscale D. Richards steakhouse to the more casual Sole di Mare, the culinary program feels considered rather than excessive. There’s a welcome absence of sprawling all-day buffets. Instead, dining here leans toward quality over quantity, with polished plates served just steps from the sand.

The resort is divided into two distinct areas. Merrywing Bay, anchored by a contemporary tower next to the pickleball courts, water park and golf course, tends to attract families and more active travellers. Where I’m staying, along Rendezvous Bay, lower whitewashed buildings house spacious seafront suites in a quieter, more beach-centric setting. Though the property is sizable, it rarely feels crowded. I often have the shoreline nearly to myself, and there’s never a shortage of daybeds by the pool. A polite ask is all it takes to set sail on the resort’s catamaran for an hour-long loop of the bay, with the option to stop for snorkelling.

That sense of exclusivity extends beyond the resort. As Kohn Richardson of the Anguilla Tourist Board puts it, “There’s an understanding among us that we want to preserve the peace. We want to keep the romance of Anguilla being a small island. If there are more than 30 people on the beach, it’s too much.”

At Aurora, that philosophy translates into a blissful balance: the amenities of a large-scale resort paired with the small island feeling that defines the entire destination.

It’s in the Details
Aurora’s onsite Sorana Spa offers a full menu of treatments, from seaweed wraps to beach-stone massages, making it easy to shift into relaxation mode.

On the Menu
From passionfruit mousse to strawberry-pistachio financiers and Paris-Brest, the pastries at the two resort cafés rival those of a top-tier European patisserie.

Room to Book
An Oceanfront Deluxe Suite, complete with a living area and private balcony. Multi-room villas and estate homes are ideal for group getaways.

What to Do Nearby
Book a sunset paddle with Liquid Glow in a clear kayak to spot fish and sea turtles at Crocus Bay. Later, enjoy live music at Dune Preserve, the beach bar owned by Anguillan reggae star Bankie Banx, just steps from the Rendezvous Bay side of the resort.

Havana Cuba

Discover Timeless Havana with WestJet Vacations

In Cuba's capital, colonial grandeur meets contemporary sophistication—and new direct flights from Toronto make this cultural treasure more accessible than ever.

Royalton hotel Havana
Hemingway House Havana
Hemingway House Havana
Ernest Hemingway House

With its baroque facades, vintage Cadillacs, and the infectious rhythm of salsa spilling from every doorway, Havana feels like stepping into a living museum where time moves to its own beat. This UNESCO World Heritage city offers an intoxicating blend of revolutionary history, architectural splendour, and refined experiences that few Caribbean destinations can match.

This season, WestJet Vacations makes Cuba’s crown jewel more convenient to reach with new direct flights from Toronto, opening the door to one of the Caribbean’s most culturally rich destinations.

Where Time Stands Beautifully Still

Havana’s magnetism lies in its remarkable preservation of five centuries of architectural evolution. In Old Havana, cobblestone streets wind past restored colonial palaces, now housing boutique hotels and world-class restaurants. The Gran Teatro de La Habana hosts world-renowned ballet performances, while the newly renovated Capitolio building stands as testament to the city’s renewed commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

Sophisticated Comfort Redefined

Cuba’s hospitality landscape has evolved dramatically, with historic properties now offering convenient modern-day amenities. Boutique hotels occupy colonial mansions, like the Mystique Habana by Royalton, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers impressive views in the city’s historic center. For a more modern experience in the historic city centre, stay at Royalton Habana, featuring five on-site restaurants and an infinity pool overlooking the sea.

Authentic Encounters Await

For sophisticated travellers seeking authentic cultural engagement, Havana delivers experiences that go far beyond typical tourist attractions. Private tours of Ernest Hemingway’s preserved estate offer insights into the Nobel laureate’s Cuban years, while exclusive access to recording studios provides encounters with musicians carrying forward Cuba’s legendary musical traditions.

The Perfect Escape

What sets Havana apart isn’t just its undeniable charm or its cultural richness, but the way refinement and authenticity intertwine seamlessly. Here, mornings might begin with expertly crafted café cubano on a private terrace overlooking the harbour, followed by guided explorations of architectural gems, and evenings that flow naturally from sophisticated dining to impromptu salsa sessions in atmospheric jazz clubs.

In Havana, premium experiences aren’t about opulence—they’re about access to moments that money can’t typically buy, delivered with the warmth and artistry that defines Cuban hospitality.

Discover this remarkable destination with a flight and hotel package from WestJet Vacations.

Hotel Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo

Checking In: Hotel Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

From overwater bungalows to beachside lobster lunches, this is Cuba done differently.

By Mitch McClung

Arriving in the dark might not seem ideal, but it’s actually the best way to experience Hotel Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo. When you wake up, sunlight streams through the windows and the ocean shimmers just outside your door. The resort is only a short drive from the airport, yet it feels tucked away from the rest of Cuba—quieter, calmer, and intentionally different. Instead of the usual resort soundtrack of mariachis and cocktails by the dozen, guests are greeted by the sound of a grand piano in the lobby.

Playa Luxury aims to redefine what a high-end Cuban stay can be. Its six over-water bungalows are among the only ones in the country, surrounded by nothing but sea and sky. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the space with light while keeping it private from the curious boardwalk passersby. Inside, the design is simple and soothing: natural wood tones, linen bedding, and a spa-like bathroom with a soaking tub overlooking the ocean. Sunset baths quickly become part of the routine.

Hotel Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo

Each bungalow opens onto a private deck with an infinity pool, lounge chairs and a shaded cabana. It’s easy to spend the day there, swimming, reading, or just watching the waves. But it’s worth following the winding wooden walkway to Playa Pica Beach, a stretch of white sand framed by volcanic rock and gentle surf. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and proof that Cuba still has plenty of surprises.

Dining is another highlight. Lunch might be lobster grilled over coals and served with fresh fruit, or a casual burger and fries with a beach view. The four restaurants focus on fresh ingredients and flavourful simplicity, showcasing Cuba’s produce in a modern way.

Guests can (and should) explore beyond the resort. Take a jeep ride through the jungle, sail along the coast to snorkel with tropical fish, or stop at a sandbar for drinks in the shallow water. If you’d rather stay dry, the ocean is clear enough to watch from the deck.

On departure day, sip a final coffee on your terrace while your luggage makes its way to the lobby. Playa Luxury’s private airport transfer arrives right on time, but the feeling of serenity lasts long after you leave.

It’s in the Details: Bath salts, bamboo robes and refillable carafes of coconut water make each bungalow feel like a private spa suite.

On the Menu: Don’t miss the lobster grilled over coals and served with tropical fruit salsa and a cold mojito by the beach.

Room to Book: One of the six over-water bungalows with a soaking tub, private infinity pool and panoramic ocean views.

What to Do Nearby: Book a catamaran trip to snorkel the reef and stop at a sandbar for a drink in the shallow water.

 

Escape Winter With These New Canadian Sun Routes

New direct flights are expanding winter escape options across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.

As winter settles in, Canadian travellers have more reasons than ever to look south. Over the past few months — and with a few more routes launching imminently — airlines have rolled out a wave of new sun destinations from Canadian airports, expanding nonstop access to beach favourites, cultural capitals and resort regions across Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.

This winter’s flight network that goes well beyond the usual snowbird routes, with new options departing not just from Toronto and Montreal, but from cities like Ottawa and Halifax as well.

Porter Airlines Brings Sun Flying to Ottawa and Toronto

Porter Airlines has made one of the most notable moves this season, launching a slate of new winter sun routes that significantly expand leisure travel options from Eastern Canada.

From Ottawa, travellers now have direct access to several warm-weather destinations that previously required connections. New nonstop flights link the capital to Nassau and Grand Cayman in the Caribbean, as well as Cancún and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico and Liberia in Costa Rica — a gateway to the country’s Pacific beaches and national parks.

Porter has also added similar sun routes from Toronto Pearson, offering nonstop service to the same mix of Caribbean and Mexican destinations, along with Costa Rica. For travellers accustomed to long layovers or indirect routings, these flights represent a meaningful upgrade in convenience — particularly for winter getaways and family travel.

WestJet Expands Access to the Caribbean and Beyond

WestJet is also leaning into winter sun demand with new seasonal routes that broaden access to the Caribbean and Latin America. A new nonstop flight from Toronto to Havana opens the door to Cuba’s capital, pairing culture, history and nearby beach escapes in a single destination.

Out west, WestJet has expanded its Latin American footprint with new seasonal service from Calgary to destinations in Mexico and Central America, reinforcing the city’s role as a major western gateway for sun travel. These additions complement the airline’s already extensive winter schedule and reflect continued interest in destinations that offer more than just beach time.

Air Canada Grows Its Winter Sun Network

Air Canada has rounded out the season with a broad expansion of its winter schedule, adding new and seasonal routes across the Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America. Canadian travellers now have direct access to destinations such as Martinique, Jamaica and the Bahamas from a wider range of departure cities, along with new links to South American hubs and cultural centres.

This expanded network reflects a growing appetite for longer, experience-driven winter trips — whether that means pairing beaches with food and culture, or exploring destinations that feel less familiar than the classic all-inclusive circuit.

What This Means for Your Winter Travel

These new routes signal a shift in how Canadians travel south for the winter. More nonstop flights reduce travel time and friction, while a broader mix of destinations makes it easier to tailor trips around personal interests — from surf and wellness in Costa Rica to culture-forward city breaks in the Caribbean.

Maybe most notably, travellers departing from cities beyond Canada’s largest hubs now have better access to winter sun than ever before. For anyone looking to trade snow boots for sandals this season, the options have never looked brighter.

The Hottest New Caribbean Resort Openings to Watch This Season

The Caribbean continues to expand its luxury portfolio with an impressive lineup of brand-new properties that deserve a place on your radar. These four resorts are among the season’s most coveted debuts — each offering irresistible inspiration to start planning your next escape.

Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort and Spa, Dominican Republic

Since its August 2025 debut, this adults-only escape has been one of the Dominican Republic’s most buzzed-about openings. Its 500 rooms start at a generous 592 square feet, with the showstoppers being the beachfront suites, where your private terrace leads straight to the sand. Expansive infinity pools seem to spill into the Punta Cana coastline, while 11 distinct restaurants keep every craving satisfied. Add in a full-service spa and a serene, grown-ups-only vibe, and you’ve got a sophisticated sanctuary made for unwinding in style.

Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

Since opening in February 2025, this property has made history as Cuba’s first resort featuring overwater villas. The adults-only sanctuary on Playa Pilar showcases 252 meticulously appointed rooms, including six overwater villas with private infinity pools suspended above crystal-clear waters. The 24-hour butler service and personalized concierge attention reflect a commitment to service excellence, while four restaurants and exclusive beach areas create an intimate luxury experience in Cuba. Managed by Gaviota, the resort marks an exciting new chapter in Cuban hospitality.

Princess Senses The Mangrove, Jamaica

This spectacular resort, which opened in September 2024, has quickly become a crown jewel of Jamaica’s luxury scene. Part of a larger complex with Princess Grand Jamaica next door, the resort encompasses 401 oceanview suites and 14 overwater villas with private infinity pools. The impressive 19,376-square-foot spa complex and six pools create an environment where wellness and indulgence converge beautifully. Guests enjoy access to 14 restaurants and 15 bars across both Princess Senses The Mangrove and the adjacent Princess Grand Jamaica, ensuring endless culinary options, while exclusive Platinum Club room categories elevate the experience through dedicated butler attention and VIP amenities and services.

Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Set to welcome its first guests by year’s end, this 500-room adults-only resort brings a refreshingly modern spin to Caribbean luxury. Embracing a “flexibility over formality” ethos, it caters to travellers who value authentic experiences and laid-back sophistication. Four pools — plus swim-out suites — pair with five specialty restaurants and a speakeasy-style jazz club, while activities like paddleboard yoga, kite-making workshops, and tours of the resort’s eco-garden blend indulgence with a genuine sense of place.

These standout openings reflect the Caribbean’s ongoing evolution as a premier luxury destination, each delivering fresh experiences, world-class dining, and exceptional amenities. With Sunwing Vacations, getting there is effortless thanks to all-inclusive packages from major Canadian gateways, complete with flights, transfers, and every detail handled for a seamless escape.

Colony Club Returns: A Fresh Chapter for a Barbados Classic

Along the platinum sands of Barbados’ celebrated west coast, one of the island’s most beloved resorts is preparing to welcome guests once more. On September 1, 2025, Colony Club — now part of Marriott Bonvoy’s The Luxury Collection — will reopen after a thoughtful renovation, blending its signature colonial charm with a modern sense of sophistication.

Long a favourite for travellers seeking understated elegance, the reimagined Colony Club offers an updated vision of Caribbean luxury. Guest rooms and suites have been redesigned with bespoke furnishings, ocean-hued palettes and a breezy, contemporary feel, while the resort’s tropical gardens, lagoon-style pools and beachfront setting remain as captivating as ever.

New culinary experiences celebrate the island’s vibrant flavours, with menus built around locally sourced ingredients and Caribbean traditions. A revitalised spa and wellness program brings beachfront yoga, holistic treatments and serene garden spaces for quiet reflection, while enhanced pool areas create an even more inviting backdrop for leisurely afternoons.

For those eager to explore beyond the resort, Colony Club offers easy access to Barbados’ most alluring experiences — from sailing and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters to curated cultural and epicurean excursions.

Whether returning or discovering it for the first time, guests will find the Colony Club more beautiful than ever — a place where timeless elegance meets the easy rhythm of island life. Reservations are now open for stays from September 1, 2025.

St. Kitts & Nevis introduces mandatory electronic travel authorization

The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has launched a new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, effective May 26, 2025.

This innovative digital system will modernize the way visitors enter our beautiful twin-island nation, ensuring a seamless, efficient, and secure travel experience.

Additionally, the eTA will help Saint Kitts and Nevis remain an open and welcoming destination while ensuring safer borders, reinforcing security for both citizens and visitors.

How to apply for an eTA

Every visitor must present an approved eTA before departing their country of origin and on arrival in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The mobile app, St. Kitts and Nevis e-Border, is the fastest and most convenient way to complete the eTA. It can be downloaded on Android and iOS devices from May 26, 2025.

If you cannot use the app, you can complete your eTA at www.knatravelform.kn. The eTA can be completed within five minutes and will streamline processes on arrival, delivering an unparalleled visitor experience.

The process involves:

  • Filling out a secure online application
  • Providing basic travel details and required documentation
  • Receiving approval electronically before travel

The system is available in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for visitors worldwide.

The eTA application can be submitted up to 90 days before travel. When applying, travellers will be subject to a discounted US $8.50 service charge until Sept. 1, 2025, when the standard service charge of US $17 will take effect. The eTA will be valid for 90 days or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner.

Visitors who use the mobile app to apply will qualify for Fast-Track Arrival, using a non-stop Facial Biometric Corridor (available from June 2, 2025).

Discover the spirit of Antigua on a luxury catamaran

For travellers craving immersive and adventurous exploration on their next beach vacation, TradeWinds’ curated sailing itineraries in Antigua offer a novel way to access the island’s beauty.

Rather than being limited to a single location, guests aboard a TradeWinds luxury catamaran experience Antigua from the sea, visiting the sandy beaches of the west side, shallow reefs teeming with sea life on the north, and deep blue waters ideal for fishing along the south and east coasts—all without the hassle of unpacking or planning logistics.

Each day aboard a TradeWinds yacht brings a new anchorage, complemented by excursions on land and below the surface: guided hikes to panoramic viewpoints like Shirley Heights for an epic Caribbean sunset, snorkeling and diving over vibrant reefs, behind-the-scenes tastings at a local gin distillery, and a stroll through historic Nelson’s Dockyard. Guests return to a floating base outfitted for comfort—well-appointed private cabins with en suite baths, chef-prepared meals, and the easy rhythm of a small group led by an experienced crew.

What it's like on board

You wake to coffee and a spread of fresh fruit and baked goods on the aft deck, the water calm around you as the crew preps for departure.

As the sails go up, you relax on the comfy lounges on the foredeck, watching the coastline recede. A bit later, the anchor drops in Deep Bay where you slip on a mask and fins and swim out to explore the wreck of the Andes, a 120-year-old steamer that caught fire here en route to Peru. Back onboard, lunch is served—grilled fish, bright salads, cold rosé.

The afternoon unfolds slowly: a leisurely walk along the beach, a try at paddleboarding in the shallows, maybe a nap in the shade. As the sun drops lower, you hike up to Fort Barrington. From the top, the view opens wide—Antigua, Redonda, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis in the distance. You head back just in time for dinner and drinks under the stars.

An effortless way to travel

With room for just 10 guests across five cabins, TradeWinds yachts offer a rare blend of privacy and camaraderie. Cabins feature queen beds and en-suite baths. The flybridge and aft cockpit feature plenty of space to hang, while the aft platform is ideal for lounging or plunging into the sea.

Your luxurious floating home moves with you, bringing you to lesser-known beaches and bays with minimal footprint and maximum ease.

Travellers conscious of their eco footprint will want to book their Antigua sailing adventure aboard Ohana, one of four electric-powered yachts in TradeWinds’ fleet. Across all TradeWinds vessels, crews use non-toxic cleaning supplies and avoid single use plastics. Locally sourced, low-impact menus are part of a broader commitment to sustainability and community support.

A TradeWinds’ seven-night sailings in Antigua start from $7,700 per cabin. This rate includes meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage, and daily excursions. TradeWinds fleet of more than 40 catamaran yachts operation in the Caribbean, Europe, the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.  Learn more about TradeWinds Experience at www.trade-winds.com