Yachting Escape 7-nights
Crystal Symphony

Marigot, the capital of the French side of St. Martin, is a classic Caribbean destination, with buildings adorned by ornate gingerbread and an engaging personality that combines bustling neighborhood with laid-back groove. Twice-weekly outdoor markets offer everything from homegrown produce to freshly caught fish, not to mention a chance to mingle and people watch. Pastry shops tempt passersby with alluring aromas, while luxury boutiques invite inquiries thanks to both their assortment of intriguing items and the duty-free status of the island. This being a Caribbean isle, naturally there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep sports enthusiasts happy, including diving, snorkeling, sailing, deep-sea fishing, kayaking and hiking.

The capital of St. Barthelemy, Gustavia is purely French. Though named after a Swedish king, Gustav III, and still retaining some of its Swedish influence, the small group of inhabitants are mostly young, very chic and very French.

The only coral island in the archipelago, Anegada is one of the British Virgin Islands and best known for its secluded beaches, extensive salt ponds, and nearly flat elevation which gave rise to the name Tierra Anegada, Spanish for “flooded land.”

Although sparsely populated, Anegada’s economy is based primarily on tourism, and secondly on commercial fishing. Visitors will find a number of rare or endangered species here: the Anegada rock iguana, Caribbean lobster, the loblolly tree, frangipani, feathery sea lavender and wild orchids.

Offshore, the 18-mile Horseshoe Reef is one of the world’s largest coral reefs, making navigation difficult and causing numerous shipwrecks over the years.

Finally, an island named for a female pirate! It has magnificent beaches and two small settlements. Whether you choose White Bay (on the west side of the island) or Great Harbor (south-central), Jost van Dyke offers just the right atmosphere for rest and relaxation.

Finally, an island named for a female pirate! It has magnificent beaches and two small settlements. Whether you choose White Bay (on the west side of the island) or Great Harbor (south-central), Jost van Dyke offers just the right atmosphere for rest and relaxation.

Finally, an island named for a female pirate! It has magnificent beaches and two small settlements. Whether you choose White Bay (on the west side of the island) or Great Harbor (south-central), Jost van Dyke offers just the right atmosphere for rest and relaxation.

The coastline of Virgin Gorda is famous for the hundreds of bays and inlets that fracture its coastline, creating a seemingly magical world of caves, pools and coves. Virgin Gorda is the third largest of the British Virgin Islands and is known as a haven for yachtsmen and holidaymakers, providing private, safe anchorages, and secluded beaches.

Christopher Columbus was responsible for the name of the isle, which means ‘Fat Virgin’, because its shape reminded him of a reclining woman with a distended stomach. The heavy belly is the island’s central high point, known as Gorda Peak, from which lush indigenous vegetation crisscrossed with numerous trails spreads down to the coast and the azure sea. Virgin Gorda, just less than nine square miles (23 sq km) in area, is still a virgin paradise in many respects, as land development is strictly controlled. The island’s resorts are luxurious and discreet, staffed almost entirely by local residents, and blending gently into the idyllic surroundings.

Virgin Gorda, like all the British Virgin Islands, has a number of idyllic beaches perfect for lounging and water sports, including Savannah Bay, Handsome Bay, and Big Trunk Bay. Devil’s Bay National Park also has its own secluded beach, only a 15-minute walk away. The beaches are all beautiful, but the star attraction on Virgin Gorda is the Baths on its southern shores, where a jumble of gigantic granite stones lie half submerged. The boulders have formed fascinating grottoes, tunnels, arches and pools: a playground for exploring and snorkeling. The fascinating rock formations were caused by volcanic activity thousands of years ago and today are the most visited natural wonder in the region.

The island’s main town, Spanish Town, presents an unhurried, laid-back atmosphere, where visitors can take their time browsing among a plentiful supply of shops offering souvenirs, beach-wear, fashion items and local arts and crafts. There are also numerous restaurants, most with catchy names like ‘Mad Dog’ and ‘Sip and Dip’, serving up the delicious local cuisine, including unsurpassed lobster feasts.

Located on the northern tip of Virgin Gorda and edged by Moskito Island, Colquhoun Reef Prickly Pear Island and Saba Rock to its north, this gorgeous harbor – officially named North Sound but commonly referred to as Gorda Sound – is internationally famous as one of the world’s greatest yachting destinations. Known for its beautiful beaches, the sheltered, calm waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding and more; but it’s the views of colorful villas nestled amidst beautiful green hills crowning a stunning palette of blue that are in a word: breathtaking.

Among the famous resorts tucked away here is the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, a sister club to the Aga Kahn’s world-famous yacht club of the same name in Porto Cervo, Sardinia. Designed purposefully for the world’s elite super- and mega-yachts, the club exclusively welcomes Crystal guests to enjoy its Azzurra Restaurant and Bar Aqua.

Situated in the gorgeous, unspoiled British Virgin Islands is the luxury retreat of Moskito Island. Acquired by Richard Branson in 2007, it lies just two miles away from the British billionaire’s other property, Necker Island. The 125-acre paradise is home to the Branson Estate, which features three villas designed to host a handful of VIP guests and family. In 2017, former U.S. president Barack Obama was spotted kitesurfing in the island’s turquoise waters. The retreat also features a stunning Recreation Area that can be reserved for enjoyment by yachters sailing around the islands. It features a pool, pool bar, beach house and dining pavilions.

An early published reference to the island used the name Musketa, possibly a variant spelling of the word “musket.” However, it is also rumored that the island owes its unusual name to the Moskito Indians, who traveled in the region centuries ago. What is known with certainty is that Branson intended Moskito to be “the most ecologically friendly” island in the world, and had plans drawn up to conserve terrestrial and marine bioresources and habitats. New salt ponds were created and young flamingos were moved from Necker to populate Moskito. There’s also a sanctuary for endangered ring-tailed lemurs.

Marigot Bay is one of St. Lucia’s most beautiful places. The bay is most easily reached by boat.