Compact but immersive, these curated itineraries explore the volcanic grottoes, Hemingway’s haunts and the untouched beauty of lush national parks.
Compact but immersive, these curated itineraries explore the volcanic grottoes, Hemingway’s haunts and the untouched beauty of lush national parks.
A long weekend of sun and sand with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the perfect tonic for life’s stresses. Island hop from San Juan to Virgin Gorda to Bimini and beyond on three-night Caribbean journeys. These shorter itineraries allow you to relax and unwind in utter comfort onboard while immersing yourself in magnificent nature and local culture on shore.
San Juan, Virgin Gorda, St. Barths: Volcanic wonders and French allure
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s superyacht, the 224-suite Ilma, is a dreamy home away from home for a roundtrip San Juan sailing. From your terrace, you can take in the views of one of the Caribbean’s most dramatic stretches of shoreline as the yacht approaches its first stop, Virgin Gorda in the B.V.I. Otherworldly geologic landscapes, quiet coves and sugary beaches are all part of this island’s appeal. Spend an afternoon discovering the underwater world with a snorkel master or swim the crystalline waters of Virgin Gorda’s most famous landmark, the Baths. These massive granite boulders were created by volcanic eruptions some 70 million years ago and now form tidal pools, arches and grottoes that demand exploration. After a serious dose of nature, unpack your designer swim trunks and bikinis for a change of scenery in St. Barths. The island’s irresistible blend of French sophistication and natural beauty make it the ultimate barefoot luxury escape. Spoil yourself with a day at the uber-chic Le Barthélemy Hotel or elegant Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth Resort. Shop the indie boutiques of Gustavia and Saint Jean or discover St. Barth’s wild side on a catamaran snorkel excursion in the Marine Park off the coast of beautiful Colombier Beach.
Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Bimini: A vivid mix of culture, cuisine and sunlit seas
Follow in the footsteps of Ernest “Papa” Hemingway as you island hop the author’s favorite tropical isles. Sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, call first in quirky Key West. The southernmost city in the continental U.S. captivates visitors with its eclectic culture and dynamic culinary scene, which delivers fresh seafood, Cuban fare and, of course, authentic key lime pie. Architecture aficionados will appreciate the mix of unique Keys conch houses and Victorian and Queen Anne gingerbread homes. Literary fans won’t want to miss a visit to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. And ocean enthusiasts should take to the azure waters with a snorkel, mask and fins. Your next stop is Bimini, a sports fisherman’s paradise. The angling adventures of Hemingway put this Bahamian outpost on the map in the 1930s. Fishing remains a major draw, but the island offers much more, including impressive snorkeling and diving amidst reef sharks and rays that frequent the wrecks of the SS Sapona and Pablo Escobar’s plane. When you disembark in Fort Lauderdale, save time for one final meal at a top table like Steak 954.
San Juan, Virgin Gorda, St. John: Unspoiled shores invite adventure and discovery
Island lovers won’t want to miss the rare opportunity to anchor along the pristine shores of two Virgin Islands that are largely protected by national parks. This three-night, roundtrip San Juan sailing aboard Ilma is a nature lover’s fantasy. After a stop in Virgin Gorda, onward to St. John, an early pioneer in Caribbean eco-tourism. The smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands, more than half of its 20 square miles are protected as national park land, created in 1956 from holdings donated by U.S. philanthropist and conservationist Laurance Rockefeller. Days here revolve around the beauty of unspoiled nature, with activities like hiking, swimming, snorkeling, sailing and picnicking on glorious white-sand beaches.
