Why limit yourself to a single Caribbean destination? These duo-island itineraries let you double up on the fun and adventure.
By: Susan Moynihan
If You Have One Week:
Island hopping has long been a tradition in the Virgin Islands, from the 18th-century’s golden age of piracy (Blackbeard, Bluebeard and Captain Morgan all plied these waters) to today, when charter yachts bar-hop from isle to isle. This itinerary takes you from the British Virgin Islands to American’s own slice of the Caribbean dream.
Start on Peter Island
Set on a private island just across the bay from Road Town, Tortola, Peter Island spans 1,800 acres—and a maximum of 130 guests means a lot of places to be alone. The best digs are the beachfront Junior Suites, which come with king-sizebeds, oversize Jacuzzi bathtubs and wide patios overlooking the sea. Most of the action centers on Deadman’s Beach, a mile-long stretch dotted with tiki huts that’s home to the watersports center (sailing, scuba, kayaking and paddle-boarding) and a beach-bar restaurant.
For something more private, enjoy your personal slice of sand for the day. Reserve Honeymoon Beach and staffers will drop you off in the morning with a picnic, chairs and towels, then return that afternoon to pick you up. Tradewinds at the marina is a popular stop for island-hopping yachts, especially for Saturday night’s Seafood Gala dinner. Book a land-and-sea package that combines your stay with two nights aboard a 41-foot sailboat (room rates start at $400 a night; peterisland.com).
Photo courtesy of Caneel Bay Resort
Hop to St. John
There’s regular ferry service from Tortola to St. Thomas, but we suggest you get off one stop early, at the more intimate island of St. John. From here, a 15-minute private launch takes you to Caneel Bay, St. John’s premier resort. Set on its own peninsula adjacent to Virgin Islands National Park, this classic beach resort takes advantage of one of the Caribbean’s prettiest settings, with seven beaches and walking trails that wind through the landscape. It’s big, so choose your room based on what you want to be near: oceanview near the tennis courts, fitness center and pool; beachfront on main Caneel Beach near the lobby and watersports area; or secluded on one of the quieter beaches like Scott or Paradise Beach.
There are five restaurants and a variety of meal plans to keep budgeting easy. For a unique souvenir, spend a session with Caneel’s onsite artist-in-residence, who will provide the materials and instruction while you make the masterpiece. Don’t miss an outing to the charming town of Cruz Bay, home to cute shops and friendly beach bars worthy of a Kenny Chesney song—the avowed U.S.V.I. fan has a home on the island (room rates start at $459 a night; caneelbay.com).
