Sunlit Antillean Sojourn

Vibrant and welcoming, St. John’s is the colorful capital of Antigua where colonial charm meets island energy. Wander through lively streets lined with pastel-hued buildings, bustling markets, and duty-free shops offering local crafts and luxury goods. History comes alive at nearby Fort James and Fort Barrington, where panoramic views and echoes of the island’s past await. For golf enthusiasts, tee off at the scenic Cedar Valley Golf Club, where tropical breezes and lush fairways offer a picturesque challenge. Whether you’re exploring historic sites or savoring Caribbean flavors by the harbor, St. John’s captures the spirited heart of Antigua.

St. Barts, an island within the archipelago of the French West Indies, contains deep valleys, stunning beaches and verdant, formerly active volcanic hills. Within all this sits the capital city of Gustavia with a diverse cultural heritage on display through Swedish colonial and French Creole architecture most easily seen in its signature red-roofed buildings. The beaches are the main attraction, offering unspoiled coves such as Gouverneur and quiet scenes like Saline for more intimate beach days. For a more active adventure, do the Colombier hike that leads you to the perfect snorkeling spot. Savor the exquisite flavors of Cajun and Creole seafood and staples like conch gratin, minced beef and the island specialty – banana flambé.

The new capital for the island of Montserrat, Little Bay contains a rich, natural beauty. Most famous for the Soufriere Hills volcano, it’s on the rise once more as a must-visit Caribbean destination. Pique your curiosity at the volcano observatory, where you can gain insight into how scientists monitor its natural activity. Immerse yourself in indigenous and exotic plants at the National Trust Botanic Gardens, where you’ll learn about the traditions of using plants for medicinal purposes. Near the gardens, find the Runaway Ghaut, an essential geological feature of rainforest ecosystems. Legend has it that if you drink from it, you’re destined to return to Montserrat.

Of the eight islands of Îles des Saintes, part of the Guadeloupe archipelago, Terre-de-Haut is the largest and most cosmopolitan. Lush mountains and beaches with crystalline waters beckon you to relax amid paradise. Spend a day at Baie de Pompierre, a golden stretch protected by reefs where the local goats may even join as you sunbathe. Or try Pain de Sucre (Sugarloaf), a 53-meter-high basalt peninsula with snorkeling opportunities. Explore Fort Napoléon, where your inner historian will be delighted with a walk-through naval museum. Delight your palate with the local specialty, crêpe de poisson (fish crêpes) or a traditional coconut cake.

Tucked along Martinique’s southern coast, Le Marin is a picturesque harbor town that blends French-Caribbean charm with nautical elegance. Stroll through its lively marina, lined with cafés, boutiques, and creole-colored buildings, and soak in the island’s distinctive blend of French sophistication and Caribbean warmth. Explore the surrounding hills and scenic bays, or tee off at a nearby golf course with stunning tropical views. Whether you’re savoring freshly baked pastries at a local boulangerie or basking in the island sun, Le Marin offers a graceful gateway to the cultural richness and natural beauty of Martinique.

Sitting in the caldera of a dormant volcano and once the former capital of Saint Lucia, the village of Soufrière stuns with lush landscapes, rushing cascades and the ideal setting for a challenging hike. Bring your bathing suit as you make a trek to the “drive-in volcano” and visit the nearby Sulphur Springs for a relaxing dip. Glide through the jungle’s canopy on an open-air gondola on the equally adventurous aerial tram, marveling at the vegetation and keeping an eye out for chirping bananaquits. The island’s crowning jewel, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Pitons, can be found nearby as well.

Tucked within the heart of the Grenadines, Canouan is a hidden gem of understated glamour and barefoot luxury. With its serene beaches and crystalline waters, the island offers an atmosphere of refined indulgence. Spend your day lounging on powder-soft sand or snorkeling vibrant reefs teeming with marine life. Golf enthusiasts can tee off on the island’s crown jewel—an 18-hole championship course designed by Greg Norman, offering dramatic views and a challenging coastal layout. Whether you seek tranquility or sophistication, Canouan promises an escape defined by elegance and island charm.

The historic capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, contains centuries of colonial architecture that display the spread of the British Empire. The Barbados Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of many old buildings filled with the fascinating history of how the island grew into what it is today. Lying along the southwest coast of Carlisle Bay, it also offers beautiful and serene beach scenes with soft, white sand. And it’s an enticing destination with ancient shipwrecks to dive and explore near the coast, like the S.S. Stavronikita, one of the most popular dive sites in the entire Caribbean. A trip to Barbados is not complete without a sampling of the local rum at St. Nicholas Abbey, one of the oldest distilleries in the Caribbean.