Grenadines & Les Saintes

A castaway utopia where daily concerns drift away on gentle trade winds, Bequia’s signature fusion of bohemian chic and Caribbean soul lures artists in quest of inspiration, sailors seeking pristine seas, and travelers drawn to undisturbed nature. In vibrant Port Elizabeth, mouthwatering lobster shacks share the scene with trending galleries and marine modelmaker shops. In remote coves, yachts bob in translucent water and iced rums bobble in sun-warmed hands. Up in the hills, villas melt into the landscape and sunsets showcase jaw-dropping archipelago views. There, time stands still along blissful strands as turtles gather, Mount Peggy stands guard over the heights. And all feels very right with the world.

Enchantingly remote, a clutch of gorgeous islets off of Guadeloupe form a bay revered as one of the three most beautiful on Earth. First christened as Los Santos, they're known as Les Saintes today, decidedly enchanting to explore. Terre-de-Haut is something of a mini-Rio with its ‘Sugarloaf’ rivaling Brazil’s for scenic drama, its charming streets ripe for rambling, and its commanding views from Fort Napoléon. It is a place to immerse in botanical beauty or slip into translucent waters for a snorkeling session par excellence. And across a small strait waits Terre-de-Bas, a magical haven for the eco-curious. While here, don’t miss tasting the islets’ famous tourments d’amour guava pastries, and donning a basket-topped Salako fisherman’s hat.
 

Legend has it that in 1648, the French and the Dutch divided the island now known as Saint Martin and Sint Maarten, by scurrying off in opposite directions from a central point, claiming terrain as they walked. Spend a delightful day surveying the result as you explore Marigot, capital of the northern French half, brimming with colonial houses and bustling markets offering Creole charm and irresistible codfish fritters. Make your way up to the ruins of Fort Louis for majestic bay views and a peek at Anguilla out on the horizon. Further north, the tiny, traditional lolo restaurants of Grand Case dish out authentic fare and convivial spirit. While down on the Dutch side, casinos and duty-free bring a different kind of vibrancy to the island spirit, as do the white sands and lazy turquoise waves of Mullet Bay.