A true gem of the Caribbean, St. Barts offers a taste of the Riviera amidst tropical splendour. Here, you will find pristine sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and verdant rolling hills, along with vibrant beachside bistros, chic boutiques, and high-end restaurants. Blessed with numerous exceptional beaches, our two favourites are Colombier Beach, an idyllic, secluded stretch of sand accessible only by boat or a hike, and Gouverneur Beach, a heavenly spot with crystal-clear waters and powdery sand that feels like a private retreat. When it comes to fine dining, our must-visit restaurants include L'Isola, which serves authentic Italian fare in a seductive setting that inspires romance; Bonito St. Barth, celebrated for its French-Latin fusion cuisine and panoramic views of picturesque Gustavia Harbor; and Sand Bar, the culinary heart of the iconic Eden Rock resort, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Renowned for its 365 pristine beaches and reef-rich waters, Antigua offers a beach for every mood and activity, whether it's snorkelling or basking in the sun on a secluded cove. It’s no accident that one of the world's best beaches, a crescent-shaped slice of paradise with powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters aptly named Half Moon Bay, can be found here. But that's not the only reason we love the island; Antigua is also home to one of the Caribbean’s most fascinating cultures, boasting historical landmarks such as Nelson’s Dockyard, a beautifully restored maritime district that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Culinary pleasures also abound; our favourite restaurants include Le Bistro, the island’s first authentic French restaurant with a fine wine list that hits all the right spots, and Sheer Rocks, celebrated as much for its tapas and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine as for its scenic location perched atop a rocky cliff.

Consisting of four main islands and over 50 cays and islets, the British Virgin Islands is a volcanic archipelago boasting some of the best sailing waters in the world, replete with picturesque anchorages like The Baths on Virgin Gorda where granite boulders create mesmerizing sea pools and grottoes, and quintessential Caribbean beaches like White Bay, home to the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, where the original Painkiller cocktail was concocted – a setting in other words that you can best explore on a yacht. From Tortola's hiking trails to Jost Van Dyke's thriving nightlife scene, we love this destination because it offers a unique blend of luxury, adventure, and natural splendour, not to mention plenty of gastronomic pleasures. Examples of the latter include Cocomaya, a beachfront restaurant in Virgin Gorda that fuses South East Asian, Latin American and Caribbean flavous in a chic Balinese setting, and Saba Rock which is located on its own private island and serves fresh-off-the-hook seafood.

Combining pristine, powdery beaches and mesmerizing turquoise waters with one of the most extensive coral reef systems in the world, Turks & Caicos is a premier spot for beach lovers and diving enthusiasts alike. From unwinding on the several-kilometers-long Grace Bay, often hailed as one of the world's best beaches, to exploring the archipelago’s spectacular marine environment, to whale watching off Salt Cay (January to March), there is much to love about the islands, including the genuine laid-back atmosphere. For some gastronomic delights, head to Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar at the Grace Bay Club, an open-air restaurant with phenomenal sunset views serving New Caribbean cuisine, and Da Conch Shack, a pastel-hued beach shack that is famous for its conch-based dishes, fished fresh out of the shallows and broiled, spiced, cracked, or fried to absolute perfection.

If these tropical destinations sound appealing, then keep in mind that now is the perfect time to book your winter getaway. The best time to visit the Caribbean is from December to April, when plenty of sunshine and clear skies are paired with moderate temperatures ranging comfortably between 24 to 29 degrees Celsius (mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit). A trailblazer in the charter yacht industry, IYC recently launched RESERVE, a novel functionality for the industry that makes booking a charter yacht much easier. On IYC.COM you can now check yacht availability in real time and directly reserve the yacht of your choice. With the largest superyacht fleet at your disposal, you will be spoiled for choice.

Take ELA, for example, a truly striking yacht that stands out for its chic plumb bow and sleek profile, as much as for its elegant interiors and incredible array of amenities. Built in 2021 by the esteemed boat builder Heesen, this 49.8m yacht accommodates 12 guests in six cabins and boasts a dedicated gym with an adjacent sauna, an on-deck jacuzzi, and an al fresco cinema, plus a cornucopia of water toys sparking excitement and conviviality. Warm Canaletto walnut, trimmed with dark-tinted walnut, dominates the modern interiors by Cristiano Gatto Design, imbuing the spaces with mid-century vibes. Meanwhile, organic-shaped furnishings by Italian brands like Zanotta and B&B Italia add a cool, contemporary sheen.

Accommodating ten guests in five cabins, the 37m KOJU is smaller in size but equally impressive – a paradigm of nautical minimalism, it was recognised as best in its class in the 2022 World Superyacht Awards. Built in 2022 by Benetti, one of Europe's oldest luxury yacht builders, and featuring interiors by the renowned Italian multidisciplinary architecture practice Lazzarini Pickering Architetti, KOJU draws inspiration from the Italian shipyard’s glamorous ‘navettas’ of the 1960s, combining classical elegance with modern-day requirements. Large floor-to-ceiling windows, ultra-clean shapes, and meticulous detailing, such as portlight-shaped lighting fixtures, channel the elegance of classic motor yachts through a contemporary lens. Visible structural frames, intentionally designed to resemble whale bones, add a playful dimension to the interiors. Featuring a 'Hamptons style' water-level beach club, a spacious lounge area with a pool, and an observation deck where al fresco meals can be savored, the yacht’s outdoor spaces are just as inviting.

If you really want to be wowed, then LOON 221 is for you. As one of Instagram's most famous charter yachts, this 68-meter-long vessel truly has it all. Following a thorough refit in 2020, she now boasts bright and modern interiors by Amsterdam-based Studio Linse, expansive exterior spaces, and a dedicated crew of 19 catering to your every need. The seven-cabin layout accommodates 12 guests and includes a master suite with a unique dual-level design, complete with a private terrace, as well as a VIP cabin conveniently located on the upper deck. These are complemented by amenities like a swimming pool, beach club, dedicated gym, sauna, and massage room that rival those of a five-star hotel, while gourmet meals tailored to your personal tastes even exceed them. Two brand new tenders, plus every kind of water toy you may want, from water skis, jet skis, and sea bobs, to paddleboards, kayaks, and inflatables, ensure that excitement always runs high. Coupled with the opportunity to explore multiple exotic destinations at your own pace, all while enveloped in unmatched luxury, this is the ultimate dream vacation. Can you blame us for daydreaming about it?