On the barrier island of Sanibel off the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa is a unique tropical island destination with miles of shell-strewn beaches. Voted best full-service resort eight years in a row. Amenities include five restaurants, tennis, pickleball, pools, children’s activities, and more. Guests select from spacious, fully-equipped condominium accommodations in various sizes, complete with a kitchen, living room, and dining area. Watch the video to see more of the beautiful Sundial Beach Resort & Spa.

Book your next dream vacation at https://sundialresort.com/.

The post Sundial Beach Resort and Spa appeared first on Islands.

When Richard Hokin arrived on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands 30 hours after Hurricane Irma passed on September 6, 2017, he wasn’t particularly shocked. He fully expected that his Bitter End Yacht Club had been destroyed. After all, the BVI island had endured a Category 5 storm with relentless 180 mph winds—and a storm surge that wiped out anything the gusts had spared. 

He was correct: What was essentially a pile of rubble greeted him where the resort, which had been in his family for 44 years, once stood. There was one surprising thing though. The oldest fleet member was missing. What had happened to the faithful boat that predated his family’s ownership of Bitter End, the one that was integral to its development in the early days and still loyally served the resort? Where was Reef Sampler? 

“The fact that the boat had disappeared was kind of mysterious because some of her superstructure had washed up on Prickly Pear Island, which is right next to us. But there was no sign of the boat,” Hokin says.

When Irma hit, Reef Sampler was approaching its 50th birthday. In need of a platform for fishing, diving, exploring and picnicking, the Hokin family commissioned the 34-foot downeast fiberglass hull from Webber’s Cove in Blue Hill, Maine, to be finished at Essex Boat Works in Connecticut. Named for the family’s favorite pastime in the vibrant Virgin Islands waters, Reef Sampler was delivered in 1969.

“She started out as our family’s just-messing-around boat in St. Thomas and eventually became the workhorse for Bitter End,” Hokin says. “She hauled most of the building materials from St. Thomas up to North Sound in the early days when we were just starting to remodel and expand, and then she was our principal source of fun there. We’d take off and go over to Anegada for the day and go diving or go out fishing. Our life really centered around the boat.”

Reef Sampler rode out Irma holding on to the heftiest mooring. As it turned out, it never let go. In early 2018, the UK Hydrographic Office, conducting its first BVI survey in nearly a century, discovered an anomaly in its soundings. Further investigation by Sunchaser Scuba revealed Reef Sampler’s hull, sitting neatly upright on the bottom of North Sound, still tied to the sunken mooring.

Abandoning the boat in this watery grave was never an option. “Next to me, she’s the oldest member of the Bitter End crew,” Hokin says as he readies for his 82nd birthday. “I wasn’t going to walk away from her—we’ve been together for over 50 years. How do you walk away from someone or something that’s been important to your life? And not just to my life but to the whole Bitter End lifestyle, which is what defines us.”

Using air bags, it was floated and dragged onto the beach. Then, Hokin had an idea.

“I have always had a bee in my bonnet about a beach bar—and that a boat would make a really cool beach bar. This was the opportunity. We’re starting from scratch [rebuilding Bitter End]. We had the boat, and the boat was integral to Bitter End’s story. I figured she’s worked hard for us for close to 50 years; let’s give her a place where she doesn’t have to work so hard and everybody can enjoy her.”

Now, Reef Sampler, freshly varnished and painted in its original hue, has pride of place on Marina Beach at Bitter End 2.0. On its foredeck is a navigation table with seating for 8; along its sheerline aft, there’s a bar for resting a drink; and within its cockpit is a fully equipped bar for serving. Above it floats tent fabric, shading patrons and protecting the boat from the weather.

It’s one of the new additions to the revived property. For the quiet reopening over the past holidays, everything a sailor needs was up and running, including the Quarterdeck Club with a panoramic second-floor lounge, the Watersports Shack, The Buoy Room a salty sailor’s bar , and an expanded provisioning market that also offers prepared foods and a full wine-and-spirits shop. Opening soon are two shore accommodations called Marina Lofts, which extend alluringly over the water, and two more restaurants will be ready to serve by spring. 

Re-imagined to be more closely aligned with Mother Nature, the new resort is both different and the same. “We knew we weren’t going to build an exact replica, but we’ve tried really hard to employ the character, vibe and lifestyle that define the place,” Hokin says. Nothing encapsulates this spirit better than a beach-bar boat that started life as a vehicle for just messing around on the water. 

It’s not the only physical reminder of the past. The major docks survived the storm, and bits of memorabilia salvaged from the debris are displayed among the new buildings—but Reef Sampler is perhaps its most evocative.

“I think a boat is pretty close to a living entity. After 70 years of messing around in boats, I’m absolutely sure boats have lives because they’ve treated me well at times and also have had a few tantrums,” Hokin says with a smile.

To learn more about the re-opening of Bitter End Yacht Club and stay up to date on new updates, visit beyc.com. To see more footage from Bitter End Yacht Club, follow them on YouTube.

The post A New Beginning for Bitter End appeared first on Islands.

When it comes to a weekend getaway to the coast or a quick, well-deserved vacation to your favorite big city boutique hotel, there’s nothing better than a classic road trip. The key, of course, is knowing how to pack for those longer drives, because even when you travel with your favorite people, things can get a little boring after an hour of your best friend’s Spotlight DJ skills or all those true crime podcasts your significant other swears you’ll love.

So, what exactly should you pack for a road trip? Let’s focus on the basics: comfort, entertainment, cleanliness, efficiency, and power. Check those boxes and you’ll be all smiles as you watch each mile marker pass, but if you still don’t know where to start, here’s the gear that will give you a head start.

Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

There was a time when family road trips meant everyone would cram into a car with the pillows from their beds, but we’re very fortunate that head and neck comfort has come a long way in the last 20 years. Case in point: the Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow, which does everything your favorite queen-sized pillow can do, but in a far more convenient size and shape.

If you need a little neck support or you simply want to smush your face against the window and sleep the whole ride, this pillow will do the trick. Best of all, you can even bring it inside and use it in the hotel bed when you’re undoubtedly disappointed by the sad, flimsy excuses for pillows.

TREBLAB Z2 Bluetooth 5.0 Noise-Cancelling Headphones

There’s nothing wrong with wanting a little break from casual banter, the license plate game, and those aforementioned podcasts. You’re not being rude if you’d prefer to listen to your own collection of bangers, but you should choose a set of headphones that does as great a job keeping the noise in your ears as it does keeping the rest of the noise out.

The TREBLAB Z2 Bluetooth 5.0 Noise-Cancelling Headphones excel at that, but this set also scores huge points with its powerful battery that lasts far longer than other brands. That goes a long way when you’re traveling a long way, and your ride or die partners will appreciate that they can’t hear you listening to the all-90s station for seven hours.

Collapsible Car Trash Bin

This one is really straightforward. Don’t be that passenger who uses a fast food bag as the road trip’s official trash can. Or, if you’re a lone traveler, treat your car properly and invest in the Collapsible Car Trash Bin to keep clutter-free and keep the floor from turning into an Arby’s and Wendy’s wrapper wasteland. That’s how we get ants, people.

Genius Pack Supercharged Carry On

Every traveler should own a piece of luggage that’s good for any occasion. The kind of bag that goes from the trunk to the overhead compartment and has space for everything, keeping it all organized and in place. It doesn’t matter if you’re flying to Hawaii or driving to your favorite spot in Hilton Head, a high-quality bag should do it all. And it’s an added bonus if it’s compact enough that it doesn’t take up your precious closet space.

The Genius Pack Supercharged Carry On fits that bill and then some, because with this one durability meets style, because it’s built to last and it’ll match just about any backpack you will bring along. What really puts it over the top, though, is the pair of external USB ports that will help keep your crucial devices charged in the car or airport gate.

Chargeworx 20,000mAh Power Bank

Of course, if we’re talking about driving, it’s probably difficult to run your USB cable all the way to the trunk to keep your phone and tablet juiced while you stream every episode of Loki, so we always insist that the most important item you can ever own is a portable battery charger. After all, if your phone is dead, how are you going to post your selfies to Instagram and make everyone jealous?

The Chargeworx 20,000mAh Power Bank can breathe life back into your devices in a matter of minutes and can provide them with up to 120 hours of extra juice when you’re nowhere near an outlet. And it offers two USB charging ports so you can share and be declared the MVP of the road trip.

The post The Most Important Gear for Your Next Road Trip appeared first on Islands.

6. You can experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica right from the grounds of the adults-only Occidental Papagayo.

Since the beginning of the century, the Gulf of Papagayo has been considered the jewel of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Nestled where the tropical forests meet the golden sand beach, this resort blends in perfectly with the lush, natural surroundings. Guests can take advantage of the perks of all-inclusive dining-and-drinking program while also enjoying the services of a concierge to book tours to see the best of the local natural attractions, from whitewater rafting to day tours that include zip-lining and hot-springs visits. A bonus: Bird- and animal-watching tours are part of the resort’s all-inclusive program.

5. Barceló Ixtapa is set on the choicest stretch of El Palmar Beach.

Head to Zihuatanejo on Mexico’s west coast, just north of Acapulco, for caramel-colored beaches set against the turquoise Pacific. The Barceló Ixtapa resort enjoys the middle of this beach and crescent-shaped bay, with ample chaise seating at the ocean’s edge. Plus, the main pool overlooks the ocean, and sits just steps from the water, so you don’t have to choose between ocean or pool for your day of water fun.

4. Every room in Occidental Nuevo Vallarta’s new tower features breathtaking bay views.

This AAA Three Diamond Award resort set on Mexico’s west coast just unveiled an all-new seven-story tower with 92 rooms, all with views of the Bay of Banderas. Inside, the modern decor blends elemental design with clean lines and an elegant aesthetic. Each room opens to a private balcony, perfect for an intimate moment of enjoying the sunset with a cocktail.

This new addition further adds to the five-star property’s offerings—from room service to three swimming pools—all of which have earned the hotel Trip Advisor’s 2019 Certificate of Excellence.

3. The spa is a life-changing experience.

It’s called the U Spa for a reason: Treatments are tailored to each guest’s preferences, from the music playing during a treatment to the aromatherapy oils used in massages.

At the Barceló Maya Grand Resort, a recent $6 million renovation saw the completion of 26 treatment rooms in a 33,000-square-foot area dedicated to wellness. The menu of offerings includes hot stone, sports and mom-to-be massages, as well as flotation therapy, deep-pore-cleansing facials and treatments, and much more, customized for individuals or couples.

Plus, a dedicated kids spa offers younger guests manicures and pedicures, as well as “princess” and “superhero” hairstyling.

Perhaps best of all is the spa’s hydrotherapy circuit, included with every stay in a premium room or added on for a small fee. This circuit—with saunas, steam rooms, hot and cold pools, an ice fountain and an outdoor pool—is meant to create a deeper sense of relaxation, as well as give the benefits of a stronger immune system, decreased stress, enhanced mental focus and deeper sleep.

2. We love the endless activity options at the Occidental Caribe.

There’s nothing better than an all-inclusive with unlimited activity choices. Take the Occidental Caribe, located in Punta Cana. Sporty guests can enjoy endless activities, from aerobics to volleyball in the pool and on the beach, basketball and water polo. A tennis court with lighting stays open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Kayaking trips, table tennis and even trapeze exercises are also available. Or take on the climbing wall for guests over 13 years old (open from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. only).

Those who love the sea and watersports can try sailing and diving lessons (charge applies). No experience is necessary for either: The staff offers instruction for a fun, confidence-boosting session. Just a few minutes away by car, guests can opt to play at various golf courses, including the 18 holes at the magnificent golf course by P.B. Dye at The Lake, which belongs to the Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort.

1. The adults-only Barceló Maya Riviera redefines luxury and exclusivity.

The new adults-only Barceló Maya Riviera, which opened in December 2019, gives you that next-level luxury: All 850 rooms are spacious suites or junior suites with either a super-king-size bed, spanning 10 feet across, or two double beds—all with a daybed in the living area for more room to spread out. The resort also offers swim-up suites, where the terrace of your room opens directly to your private section of the pool.

This resort also sets a new standard when it comes to the beach. Spaced-out rows of paired sun-lounger chairs spread across the entire palm-lined golden sand, so there’s never a shortage.

We also love that when it comes to dining, this property gives you the best of both worlds: You have access to all 27 restaurants spread among the six properties in the Barceló Maya Grand Resort—including the very popular Rodizio, a Brazilian restaurant in the Barceló Maya Palace—and you also enjoy exclusive access to the restaurants at your resort. In other words, you can explore the compound, but the Barceló Maya Riviera is private to its own guests.

The post Six Things We Love About Barceló Hotel Group appeared first on Islands.

For every type of traveler, there’s a resort somewhere in the world ready to cater to your needs. Now more than ever, this is true for Marriott International, which has welcomed a variety of properties into its portfolio since merging with Starwood.

In fact, Marriott International now offers accommodations (more than 7,000) in beloved destinations all over the world for so many types of travelers, and you might not even be aware of them, especially how booking through Marriott International and joining the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program can make your vacations-of-a-lifetime even better, before you even embark.

Here is just a sampling of travelers who can benefit from Marriott Bonvoy and the convenience (and savings) offered by booking directly through Marriott International.

Beach Bums

You’re a simple leisure traveler and you only need one thing to be happy: A beautiful beach. Maybe you’re looking for a combination of relaxation and adventure on the water, so take a water taxi to the private island at Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, where you can also mingle with Aruba’s biggest stars—the pink flamingos.

If you’d like to squeeze in a round of golf between naps in a cabana, the Royal at Atlantis has clubs and shoes ready for your tee time. If all you care about is a great meal following a day spent snoozing on the sand, then the new AC Hotel Kingston’s AC Lounge will provide delicious tapas and creative cocktails.

Solo Adventurer

You’re a brave, bold, adventurous traveler and ready to take on the world—in some cases, literally. Dipping your toes in the ocean offers you no thrills, so your heart is set on visiting captivating jungles or riding the waves of the world’s most popular surf locations, all while catching selfies that’ll make your friends and family incredibly jealous. Costa Rica’s Santa Rosa National Park and Miravalles Volcano are a stone’s throw from El Mangroove, an Autograph Collection property, while Le Méridien Bangkok drops you in the heart of Thailand, where tall-ship tours will show you islands you’ve only dreamed of.

Or surround yourself with the awesomeness of Oahu by grabbing a room at the Ko Olina Beach Club, where guests are just a few miles from epic hiking and biking trails, as well as world-class surfing.

Families with Various Tastes

We know how hard it is to plan a family vacation, especially with children of varying ages, because everyone expects something different. From Florida’s Captiva Island to California’s Coronado Island Resort & Spa, Marriott International offers more than 800 family-friendly travel hotels and resorts with enough amenities to please everyone, from your energized toddler, to parents who would love just an hour to themselves for a quick spa retreat, a round of golf, or just pure, blissful silence.

Bucket-Listers

You’ve spent years, maybe even decades, staring at the same photos of overwater bungalows until you just couldn’t take it anymore. Your lone travel dream has always been to visit Fiji and spend your nights in a lagoon villa, or maybe you’re fine with a beachfront bure. Whatever the accommodation, there’s a property in Fiji that will fit your needs and budget. For bungalows, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay can fulfill your dream.

Bringing the entire family? Sheraton Denarau Villas has more spacious accommodations. Look out over the beach from your own private patio at the Sheraton Fiji Resort, or kick up the romance by choosing a spa hotel like an adults-only spa studio suite at the Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa.

Newlyweds and Hopeless Romantics

A perfect honeymoon is all about the little things that couples hotels offer that make us forget everyone else in the world. A classic Hawaiian honeymoon awaits in a romantic villa at Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u, or head right from your reception to a week of pampering in Palm Springs, where Triada Palm Springs is set against the San Jacinto Mountains and offers a variety of massage services at Studio M. Your dog is even welcome at the pet-friendly Triada Palm Springs, an Autograph Collection, just in case little Fluffers McScrunchyface was your ring bearer.

Better yet, choose a romantic vacation getaway to a destination you’ve never imagined, such as Mauritius, where the Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa mixes modern elegance and serenity with spectacular accents derived from local elements, all while directing your attention to the stunning body of water from which the resort takes its name. Or, for absolute seclusion, target Thailand’s Nai Yang Beach and check in to the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, where the lagoon pool offers a front-row seat to the sunset of a lifetime. Your lifetime, together.

Marriot Bonvoy offers you an extraordinary portfolio of 30 brands, endless experiences and world-class rewards. To book your next adventure or to learn more, visit marriott.com.

The post Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Rewards Program Reaches Farther than Ever appeared first on Islands.

Here are five reasons to make this Western Caribbean retreat your next vacation destination:

1. It’s perfectly situated on picturesque Ambergris Caye.

The largest of some 200 islets dotting Belize’s coastline, Ambergris Caye is the ultimate tropical home base for taking in the sea and exploring the lush mainland. Having grown from a coconut and fishing village to a world-class tourist destination, the island is secluded enough to feel like you’re really getting away, but with lively nightlife and plenty to do so you’ll never get bored, especially in the bustling town of San Pedro, home of SunBreeze Hotel & SunBreeze Suites

2. It’s bordered by ultra-fun snorkeling sites.

With so much excitement underwater, you might need more than a few dives per day to see it all. Thankfully, there are several marine reserves that are perfect for exploring the marine life! There are beautiful marine reserve, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a 4,448-acre marine park full of healthy corals, sea grass beds and mangrove forests. One of the most thrilling snorkeling spots in the reserve is Shark Ray Alley, where visitors can swim among schools of nurse sharks and southern stingrays.

3. SunBreeze Hotel and SunBreeze Suites – An unbelievable getaway!

SunBreeze Hotel & SunBreeze Suites – Are perfect dive vacation getaways located within a stroll of the quaint town of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. SunBreeze Suites’ each one-bedroom oceanfront suite comes with a private balcony overlooking the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, where you can watch the sunrise or soak in the nightly sea breeze. Or enjoy the Caribbean air at the resort’s alfresco Jambel Jerk Pit Restaurant & Bar, which uses carefully selected spices to serve up a delectable blend of traditional Belizean and Jamaican cuisines. Enjoy serenity with comfort at SunBreeze Hotel. 43 conventional hotel rooms with all the first class commodities, oceanfront restaurant and bar offering sushi nights and Caribbean nights. Relax in one of the hotels under the sky seating areas, or simply be mesmerized by the beauty of the Caribbean Sea whilst enjoying sunbathing at the pool deck.

4. The surrounding waters are a diver’s delight.

Ambergris Caye is well-known for its proximity to the 190-mile-long Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. With Ambergris Divers conveniently located onsite at SunBreeze Hotel and just a short walk will get you from your bed to the dive boat to explore it all. Countless dive sites encircle the island, complete with spectacular coral formations, tunnels, swim-throughs and caverns, plus a host of critters from lobsters and spotted moray eels to loggerhead turtles and Caribbean reef sharks. Take advantage of the current summer dive deal: sunbreeze.net/packages. In addition to local reef diving, Ambergris Divers offers offshore diving to Belize’s iconic Atolls: Blue Hole, Glover’s Reef and Turneffe Islands.

5. Taking the adventure of a lifetime has never been easier.

The diverse landscape of mainland Belize easily lends itself to unforgettable experiences for history buffs, nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re interested in hiking or zip-lining through the jungle, tubing in underground caves, sailing a catamaran on the Caribbean Sea, or visiting incredible Mayan ruins, SunBreeze Hotel & SunBreeze Suites can arrange your tour right from the resort with one of its Adventure Packages. Leaving the logistics to them, your only worry will be how to fit every bit of fun into your schedule before vacation’s end.

You can reach Ambergris Caye by a 90-minute ferry ride or 20-minute flight from Belize’s mainland. To book your next Caribbean getaway, visit sunbreeze.net or sunbreezesuites.com or email sunbreeze@btl.net. Follow us on social media @sunbreezebelize.

The post 5 Reasons Your Next Vacation Should Be at Belize’s SunBreeze Hotel appeared first on Islands.

Wakatobi delivers everything a traveler expects in an Indonesian getaway without the one thing you won’t miss: crowds.

This private-island resort, just a two-and-a-half hour plane ride east of Bali, fronts a magnificent coral reef at its doorstep, and is home to just 25 bungalows and four villas. In other-words, it’s as private as it gets without buying your own island. Off the grid, yes—but Wakatobi’s attention to amenities and level of service provide so much extravagance that you get the best of both worlds: a natural island escape and a high-end getaway with unlimited pampering, especially for villa guests.

Wakatobi offers four villas, two with two full bedrooms and a private pool, and two one-bedroom models. As if luxuriating in your own secluded retreat weren’t heaven enough, each of the villas comes with butler service. Should you wish for a watermelon mojito or club soda and lime while sunbathing on your own stretch of sand, your butler will bring it to you. Guests of the villas also enjoy the services of a private snorkel or dive guide. This same guide is available to you throughout the entire trip, anytime you wish to scuba dive or snorkel. Your guide will lead you on a swim overtop the resort’s famed House Reef or on boat trips to nearby reefs, all the while pointing out unique fish and critters to help you make the most of your in-water time.

All guests of the resort with dive or snorkeling in their packages can partake in guided snorkel / dive trips from one the resort’s large boats. Every day, the crew brings guests to one of 40 named sites. Plus, all guests can enjoy unlimited snorkeling from shore on the house reef, one of the most renowned in the world for its clownfish, cuttlefish—cousins of the reef squid—schools of bright-pink and orange anthias fish, hard and soft corals in a rainbow of colors, as well as sea turtles, the occasional passing eagle rays and more.

What’s exceptional about the House Reef is that Wakatobi offers a service that few other resorts do. It’s a one-way boat-taxi service that will drop you at the far—or near—edge of the reef, allowing you to snorkel as much as you like, then meander your way back to the beach or the resort’s jetty. Easy.

For both snorkelers and divers, one of the reasons Wakatobi remains a top favorite resort is its seclusion. Situated within the famed ‘Coral Triangle,’ the resort is located in the Wakatobi Marine Reserve, the third-largest marine park in the country. Here, guests of the resort will typically see no other snorkelers/divers for many miles. That means unfettered access to pristine reefs where 500 species of reef-building corals crowd one another, creating habitat for an abundance of macro life, from nudibranchs to robust ghost pipefish. Moreover, the area is home to more than 2,000 fish species, including the exotic mandarinfish with its electric-cobalt coloring, and 15 species of frogfish.

When the day ends on Wakatobi, the colors keep going. On this tiny isle, sunsets—with their wispy bands of pastel pink and fuchsia—are the kind you settle in for. The best perch for taking in the show is the Jetty Bar, where drinks are served at the end of a long dock just a few feet above the waterline. There’s no better place to sip a Wakatobi mai tai or an icy cold beer while snapping sunset photos, relaxing as the pinks fade to black, and a canopy of stars claims the horizon stage. Come day’s end, you’ll also want to take time to plan your next day’s adventure, be it snorkeling or diving, or taking advantage of everything else offered at Wakatobi.

Such as the Wakatobi Spa. Here, treatments include body scrubs, Balinese massage and pedicures, all with products incorporating numerous botanical essences and the resort’s custom spa oil blends, which can be created based on a guest’s desired treatment.

Guests seeking active pastimes can paddleboard, kayak, kitesurf, or walk the Onemobaa nature trail and spy on local birds as well as monitor lizards. Trips to nearby island villages are also offered, allowing guests the chance to experience a bit of local life, including customs and traditions.

Another unique opportunity is a picnic on a private portion of the beach. Resort staff pack a high-end picnic—with sparkling wine and a wide variety of treats—for you to enjoy while playing castaway. For an afternoon, you and yours can enjoy the utmost in seclusion before returning to the resort. Here, you just might realize that as much as the fantasy of your own island sounds incredible, it’s much more satisfying to visit an island that includes the services of snorkel and dive guides, chefs, massage therapists, bartenders, and ecology experts—who, together, create the one-of-a-kind luxury island retreat that is Wakatobi.

To book your next getaway to Wakatobi, visit wakatobi.com. Click here for a quick inquiry.

The post Escape to Relaxed Luxury in Wakatobi appeared first on Islands.

Today, St. Barths is widely regarded as one of the most exclusive and luxurious islands in the world.

To get there, public ferries are available daily from St. Martin, and flights are available from various other Caribbean islands. However, if you really want to arrive in style, you need to do so aboard a yacht.

Gustavia Harbour, the main port on the island, is world-renowned for its yachting scene, with the world’s rich-and-famous converging on the island aboard multimillion-dollar mega-yachts. If this is out of your price range, you can get there aboard a private 3- or 4-cabin-yacht through charter companies such as The Moorings.

Pick up your yacht, complete with a professional captain and perhaps a chef if you please, in St. Martin for a week-long-charter and a 3-hour sail will take you directly to Gustavia, the capital city of St. Barths. Easily walkable, this quaint town is immaculately clean and features upscale shopping and dining unique among this region of the Caribbean. In the winter months, a celebrity sighting or two is nearly a guarantee.

From Gustavia, grab a taxi the next day to explore the island’s many beaches, which are among the most pristine and remote in the world. Anse du Colombier, Anse du Gouverneur, Shell Beach, Lorient Beach, and Flamands Beach all await with an exclusive, tranquil feel not found in more touristy Caribbean destinations.

Once you have explored the island of St. Barths, stop by Ile Fourche on your way back to St. Martin. A quiet uninhabited islet only accessible by boat, it makes one feel as though you are truly at the edge of the world. For the more adventurous, climb the hillside for some of the most dramatic scenery around.

St. Barths beckons travelers from all over the world, and to many it may seem unaffordable or simply out of reach. But for savvy travelers, a yacht charter vacation can unlock destinations and experiences that would otherwise be reserved for only the world’s most wealthy travelers. Remember, “A tourist remains an outsider throughout his visit; but a sailor is part of the local scene from the moment he arrives.” – Anne Davison.

To learn more about realizing your own unforgettable yacht charter vacation in the world’s most exquisite destinations, visit moorings.com.

The post How to Experience St. Barths in Style appeared first on Islands.

And don’t forget underwater adventures. Snorkeling is a great way to enjoy face-to-face encounters with sea turtles, dolphins and schools of fish, as well as reefs and shipwrecks. Donning the gear is easy and takes just seconds. What’s more, snorkeling is the quietest way to spend time alongside marine life. Animals don’t get spooked by bubbles and sounds, as they do with scuba. In many cases, wildlife tends to be curious enough to approach snorkelers for a closer look.

Because you never know when you might be driving a coast in Hawaii and spot manta rays jumping from the water, or on a dayboat in the Bahamas with crystal-clear water and reefs awash in bright colors. Gear in hand, you can take advantage of any experience that presents itself. This is why we’re in favor of owning—not renting—snorkel gear. Here are five reasons why you should consider buying your own gear to bring on your next island vacation.

Proper Fit

Owning gear means never missing a moment wasting time fiddling with mask straps or adjusting the fit of the snorkel. With your own gear, the fit is already dialed in—perfect every time. Owning gear also means never worrying about masks that are too loose or too tight on your face, causing a leak that dribbles water inside. Too often, rental facilities offer just one style of mask, which might not fit properly.

Less Wear and Tear

Moreover, with your own gear, you always know it’s in good condition, especially if you take a moment and rinse it with fresh water after each ocean dip, whereas rental gear may not have been rinsed. Rental gear is likely used way more often than personal gear, and often shows more wear and tear.

Better Visibility

The ReefTourer X-Plore mask is a favorite among frequent travelers for its low-profile design—in other words, it’s a more streamlined fit in the water. Plus, it’s not bulky, taking up very little room in your suitcase or carry-on. The wide field of view allows you to see more of what’s happening underwater, so you won’t miss out when a turtle approaches from your side. The smooth silicone skirt makes for a fit so comfortable that you’d forget you’re wearing a mask in the water if it weren’t for all the marine life you’re seeing.

Included in the set is a premium-design snorkel, designed with 10 dimples on the side, allowing you to adjust and easily remember the setting where the mask attaches to the snorkel. The whole set comes in a mesh bag and is easy to transport on any adventure or outing.

You Can Find the Right Gear for Beginners

For those who are hesitant to be face-first in the water, or for families traveling with little ones, ReefTourer makes an underwater-viewing snorkel bucket, which bridges the gap between the surface and the reefs. Swimmers hold the snorkel bucket at the surface of the water as they swim overtop reefs and more, enjoying a window into everything below. The bucket pairs well with the snorkeling float, allowing swimmers to stay on the surface with little to no effort while staying a part of the action underwater.

Snorkel Gear is Personal

When you bring your own gear on vacation, you’ll know you’re the only person who has worn it. You can be confident that no one else has breathed through the snorkel or used, ahem, questionable tactics to defog the mask.

Get Your Snorkeling Gear Online!

The post 5 Reasons Why You Should Purchase Your Own Snorkel Gear appeared first on Islands.

Tahiti—The very word itself conjures images of lush green hillsides, calm turquoise lagoons and over-water bungalows. It is easily one of the most exotic and sought-after vacation destinations anywhere in the world, and with good reason. So for those that have this French Polynesian paradise on their travel radar, here is everything you need to know to bring your very own Tahiti adventure to life in the best way possible…

The Society Islands of French Polynesia, of which Tahiti is the largest, were unknown to western civilization until the 1760’s. They are some of the most remote islands in the world, renowned for their beauty and culture, and home to a native population of expert seafaring Polynesians.

Spend Your Vacation Days Wisely

What better way to explore everything these islands have to offer than to discover them by boat, at your own pace, on your own schedule, and in the company of those you care about most? Yacht charter companies like The Moorings make this kind of tailor-made travel experience possible by offering private sailing yachts staffed with a professional skipper and all-inclusive Crewed yachts that come with a licensed captain and a personal gourmet chef. You and your loved ones can select the exact yacht and charter option that suits your needs and vacation style.

How to Get There

For North-Americans, a mere 8-hour flight from Los Angeles will transport you to the main island of Tahiti, and a short puddle-jump later you will arrive in Raiatea, where The Moorings marina in French Polynesia is located. Once on board your own private yacht, you embark on a personalized itinerary and are free to explore these wild and exotic islands, each with its own unique flair.

Top Places to Visit in French Polynesia

From the starting point of your picture-perfect cruising vacation, there are four main islands within easy reach:

Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands, behind Tahiti, and is the administrative center of the region. Famous for its vanilla plantations, it is an excellent place to explore on-land and immerse yourself in local culture.

Taha’a is an underwater paradise, featuring coral gardens unlike anything you’ve ever laid eyes on. On the northwest side of the island, there is a narrow, shallow channel with a gentle current that will carry you effortlessly across the pristine reef below, which is home to thousands of tropical fish. When you are done gliding through this natural wonder, simply walk back to the beginning to enjoy it over and over again!

Bora Bora is the most well-known Society Island, with its iconic bungalows hovering above the sea and majestic views of Mt. Otemanu clearly visible for miles in any direction. Upon mooring in Point Raititi, you can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters with manta rays, stingrays, and friendly reef sharks. Plus, plan to visit a local pearl farm, where you can dive for a hand-picked oyster shell and take home a precious black pearl of your own.

Huahine is located about 20 miles east of Raiatea. Here, natural beauty reigns supreme, as the island of Huahine is less populated and less-traveled than its Polynesian neighbors. It is a fantastic stop for any Tahiti sailing itinerary with fabulous snorkeling conditions and secluded anchorages ideal for sun-soaked relaxation.

To see a detailed, 7-Day Tahiti sailing itinerary, and to learn more about realizing your own unforgettable yacht charter vacation in the world’s most exquisite destinations, visit moorings.com.

The post The Best Way to Vacation in Tahiti appeared first on Islands.