Lesser Antilles

Nestled between Mustique and Union Island, Canouan is a rare jewel in the Grenadines—just five kilometers of refined seclusion and natural beauty. Once a quiet island untouched by modernity, it has evolved gracefully into an exclusive retreat for those who seek true tranquility. Its achingly beautiful white sand beaches, including the serene shores of Godahl and Maho, edging the turquoise ocean protected by one of the Caribbean’s largest living reefs. A world-class golf course crowns Mount Royal, offering panoramic views over land and sea. Elegant villas and discreet ultra-luxury define the island’s resort life. Timeless and quietly stunning, Canouan is the Caribbean as few have seen it—whether relaxing on the shore or exploring its alluring landscapes, prepare to escape into your own Eden.

From a distance, they could easily be mistaken for a cluster of jewels in the crown of the Grenadine sun, set in liquid turquoise, shaded by coconut fronds, and ringed by shimmering white sand and spectacular coral reef gardens. Five small cays—Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Jamesby, and Petit Tabac—make up this dream archipelago, one of the most stunning anchorages in all the Caribbean. No roads or buildings intrude on this unspoiled scene, making it the natural location for filming scenes of Pirates of the Caribbean. But the brightest stars live beneath the waves, in underwater canyons that brim with marine life—imposing groupers, otherworldly boxfish, colorful surgeonfish, and troupes of sea turtles and rays often seen dancing majestically through the shallows in a silent ballet.

Tucked away on Saint Lucia's wild southwest coast, Sugar Beach feels like a secret whispered between the jungle and the sea. This secluded crescent of golden sand, framed by lush cliffs and open sky, invites a slower rhythm of life—one of stillness, salt air, and contemplative hours. But it’s the Pitons that steal the scene: Gros and Petit, rising like ancient stone sentinels from the deep, their volcanic silhouettes etched against the horizon. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they lend a sense of the mythic to even the quietest moments—paddleboarding at dawn, or watching the sun dissolve at golden hour. Little touched and rarely spoken of, Sugar Bay remains a sanctuary of raw beauty and quiet luxury, where nature takes the lead and the only soundtrack is wind through the palms. 

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.

On an azure horizon sit two lush islands—volcanic siblings divided by a narrow strait. On Saint Kitts, palm-lined trails ascend to breathtaking Mt. Liamuiga views. A historic railway evokes memories of the sugar plantations of old. In the capital, Basseterre, life is laid-back while the markets pulse with Creole flair. And tucked away on a peninsula, Christophe Harbour adds a splash of the contemporary to this rich natural canvas. An off-radar haven for those who know, it embraces hills, wild bays, and a modern marina where superyachts gather, rum-forward sunset cocktails are sipped at Salt Plage, and discreet extravagance prevails. Across The Narrows, Nevis's shyer charms are captured perfectly by secluded beaches and former plantations transformed into chic hotels and culinary meccas.

Legend has it that in 1648, the French and Dutch divided the island now known as Saint Martin/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 along Rue de la République 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 eateries of Grand Case dish out authentic fare and convivial spirit. While down on the Dutch side, casinos and duty-free emporia beckon, as do the white sands and lazy turquoise waves of Mullet Bay.