An insider’s guide to three of the best luxury resorts to welcome in 2019
While the island of St Barts may be the place to see and be seen on a yacht come December 31st, for many, the attraction of a superyacht charter is escaping the crowds and discovering secluded anchorages and hidden bays only accessible by water. The Caribbean is overflowing with hidden gems to discover, yet as you travel south down the archipelago, the Windward Island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has to be our favourite. A country comprising 32 islands (only nine of which are inhabited), offers a magical blend of exclusive luxury and exotic beauty. If you’re looking for a different celebration this New Year’s Eve, a Windward Islands yacht charter should not to be overlooked.
MUSTIQUE
Privately-owned Mustique in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has long been a favourite destination for royalty and celebrities alike. Over the years its New Year’s Eve parties have attained legendary status. This year’s theme is Club Tropicana where guests are invited to take a trip back 50 years to the Cuban Revolution and celebrate the overthrowing of Fulgencio Batista on January 1, 1959. We can’t tell you too much more, as the island’s motto is “what happens on Mustique, stays on Mustique,” but it’s sure to be an evening to remember on the Cotton House Lawn.
BEQUIA
Bequia is Mustique’s less flashy, more natural neighbour and for many, that’s exactly the appeal. There are no big resorts here, just plenty of places to drop anchor for an afternoon of snorkelling followed by a game of beach cricket and a barbeque. For a touch of colonial charm, the Bequia Plantation Hotel occupies the water’s edge at the southern end of Admiralty Bay and a live band, DJ and local favourites such as St. Vincent Shrimp Salsa, Jerk Chicken and Calypso Rice are on the festive menu!
CANOUAN ISLAND
Another of Saint Vincent and the Grenadine’s private islands (once known as Trump island, however, the American head of state no longer has any business interests here), Canouan is an exclusive corner of the Caribbean that is a secret to all but a select jet-set crowd. Along sheltered stretches of white sandy beaches, the five-star Pink Sands Mandarin Oriental Hotel can be found. As the island’s premier attraction, this ultra-stylish hideaway will celebrate the arrival of 2019 with New Year’s Eve celebrations including a sumptuous gala dinner where delicious slow crab, Beluga caviar, roasted lobster, Wagyu and foie gras are on the menu, followed by a dazzling firework display.
A WINDWARD ISLANDS YACHT CHARTER TO REMEMBER
The Caribbean is made for sailing and a charter on board the 52m S/Y PRANA evokes a sense of timeless romance, yet with all modern luxuries. With the capacity to accommodate ten guests in five well-appointed staterooms, she is the ideal choice for New Year’s Eve charters with family and close friends as you cruise the idyllic setting that is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The 52m sailing yacht for charter was launched in 2006 as a joint project between Alloy Yachts and Dubois Naval Architects and has earned a reputation as a modern classic. Onboard, you’ll enjoy special features such as a Jacuzzi and gym, while her selection of water toys includes kayaks, paddle boards and inflatables.
