The Caribbean is a paradise known for serenity, with miles of deserted beaches and magnificent coves. But many of the islands also offer exhilarating excursions, vibrant nightlife, designer shopping and phenomenal gourmet restaurants. Here Sharon Bahmer, Caribbean and USA Charter Director, reveals a few of her favorite destinations that seem to have it all.

œOne of my favorite islands is St. Lucia. A luxury yacht charter itinerary that goes to St. Lucia and the Martinique area allows you to experience different cultures and savor different flavors. Martinique is one of the most romantic islands in the Caribbean, with a distinctly French flavor, a selection of excellent restaurants, and exciting nightlife. St. Lucia is quite spectacular with a lot to do – you can visit the waterfalls, zip-wire through the rainforest, go mountain-biking, hiking and more. It’s a fabulous place to explore if you want to do a land excursion.

Grenada, the most southerly of the Windward Islands, is also a spectacular destination, similar to St. Lucia. Grenada is the ˜Spice Isle’ and you can go ashore and experience where nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon and cocoa come from and how spices are harvested and used. There are plenty of invigorating adventures exploring the rainforest and waterfalls, archeological sites and historic plantations. Grenada is an enchanting island with a centuries old history, culture and traditions that infuse the island with exotic charm.

You can cruise from St. Vincent through the Grenadines and end up in Grenada, so on a ten or fourteen-day charter you’ve only got one leg rather than a loop that necessarily repeats some of the places. Grenada has upscale Port Louis Marina for the megayachts and you can fly straight out of Grenada to New York with no connecting flights.

The best locations for adults-only luxury yacht cruising are St. Maarten and St. Barths because of the really fun nightclubs, upscale restaurants and evening entertainment available on these islands. St. Maarten is half Dutch and half French and offers a charismatic potpourri of history, culture and cuisine. St. Barths was settled by the French and has long been a favorite destination for luxury superyachts, lured as much by the island’s natural beauty as by the delightful restaurants, designer boutiques and colonial architecture.

There are numerous onshore amenities on all of these islands that are not necessarily public knowledge. For example, if luxury yacht charter guests are avid golfers, adore spa treatments, or relish a cooking lesson with a Michelin Star Chef, megayacht Captains always have an œin because they work with the locals, they tip them and have established an excellent rapport. Therefore it is possible to obtain reservations for properties, activities and events that are generally open only to registered guests.

These islands represent only a few of the plethora of luxury yacht charter destinations in the Caribbean. What is most important for clients to know is that we’re here to assist them in finding the perfect yacht, the perfect crew, and designing the perfect itinerary.”

Boatbookings website has numerous informative about charter in the Caribbean. Here are some suggestions:  The Windward Islands Yacht Charter,  St Barts St Barths St Barthelemy and Gustavia Yacht Charter Overview, St Martin/St Maarten