Escape the cold this winter on a luxury yacht charter somewhere warm and exotic. Three of the most fabulous winter destinations are Antigua, the Seychelles and Thailand. Let’s look at what makes them so special.
Three must-visit winter sun destinations for 2021
Caribbean sun: Antigua
Friendly and relaxed Antigua, one of the Carribean’s beautiful Leeward Islands, boasts an old-world charm, stunning beaches and, with its coral reefs and shipwrecks, some fantastic diving.
The island’s colonial heritage is evident in the vibrant capital of St John’s, with its colorful cottages and the distinctive 19th century St John’s Cathedral. Discover this history at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, before heading out for some serious retail therapy: try Heritage Quay for duty-free shopping or browse the lively weekend market for unique local finds.
South of the island, at English Harbor, the well-preserved 18th century Nelson’s Dockyard was once the base for Admiral Nelson’s fleet in the Caribbean, but is today home to a museum, glitzy yachts, bars and restaurants, and is well worth a visit.
It’s also around English Harbor that you’ll find some of the best snorkeling and diving, with well-preserved coral reefs, walls and shipwrecks. From the sheltered anchorage of Nonsuch Bay, sail across to Green Island, with its pristine beaches and gin-clear water, to spend a day blissfully soaking up the sun.
Paradise on earth: The Seychelles
The Seychelles archipelago offers legendary beauty and a slower pace of life, and with many of its outer islands only accessible by yacht, is perfect to explore by charter.
Only three main islands are inhabited: Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Mahé is home to the capital Victoria, where you can soak up the rich Creole culture and visit the vibrant Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, which sells locally-produced crafts and pearl jewellery, as well as fresh produce, flowers and Seychellois delicacies.
Tour the city’s Natural History Museum or National Botanical Gardens before taking a hike through the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park.
On Praslin Island, explore the Vallée de Mai, a palm-studded park and prehistoric forest. On sleepy La Digue, discover some of the Seychelles’ most breathtaking beaches, such as Anse Source d’Argent, where powdery sand and crystal-clear water are backed by imposing granite boulders and lush vegetation.
Land of a thousand smiles: Thailand
Fascinating Thailand, with its rich cultural heritage, lush tropical wildlife and stunning islands makes for an unforgettable winter yacht charter, embarking at the popular island paradise of Phuket.
Head north to explore the Andaman Sea islands, and enjoy the white-sand beach at Koh Miang and diving at Koh Bon with manta rays, local leopard sharks and rare purple fire goby.
Venture into the protected waters of Phangnga National Park and visit the fascinating floating muslim village of Koh Panyi. At Koh Khai Nok, hike in lush forests and mysterious tunnels through vast rocky cliffs.
In Krabi Province, drop anchor near Ban-Bor Thor village to kayak through mangroves and limestone sea caves to admire ten extraordinary historical cave painting sites. On the Racha Islands, enjoy pristine beaches, coconut plantations and more fantastic diving and snorkeling.
