Top Ten Spots in the Leeward Islands

Tomorrow we’ll be flying back to the UK to catch up with friends and family before we head off to Sydney in early January. If you’ve followed our journey over the last few weeks, I hope you’ve enjoyed both the highs and lows. Thanks for your comments via various media. I know a few people found parts rather upsetting, sorry about that, but sailing is an adventure and any adventure has some risk.

We’ve visited some incredible spots over here and fallen for these islands, especially as a December location. We’ll certainly be back. Below is a list of our favourites places. All are special in their own ways. 

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1. Low Bay Barbuda

Remote & peaceful. 11 miles of white sand. Crystal clear sea. Incredible night sky. Lobsters & turtles. If you drag your tender over the spit you can motor to Coddrington where the people, as all the locals we've met, are super friendly and generous spirits. A great place to celebrate Bill's 50th birthday.

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2. Green Island, Antigua

Beautiful tropical island that could have been where Robinson Crusoe was castaway. Great moorings.

​Note to travellers: Avoid cannibals and mutineers.

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3. Four Seasons, Anguilla. 

Priceless views over breaking waves and blue horizons. Great cocktail bar. Striking bold architecture. The guest house manager is the funniest guy ever and tells tales of writing lyrics with the Beatles who used to stay here.

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4. Carlisle Bay, Antigua. 

Spacious beach lounge and bar. Beautiful pool area. White sand raked at dawn - which we saw as we slept on loungers for the night to escape the southerly swells on board Baird.

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5. Admirals Inn, Antigua

Boutique Georgian hotel on English Harbour oozing with charm and unique views over the Antigua Yacht Show. Great service from Didier and Reggie et al. Massages by Mary. Infinity pool next to Boom Restaurant serving great Pina Coladas using dark rum rather than the classic white rum. Good to meet Christoph here to discuss the world of sharks and yacht broking. 

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6. Hermitage Bay, Antigua

​Luxury inclusive resort way beyond our budget. Charming, dark woods and crisp white linen everywhere. Challets tucked into moutainside and hidden between trees. 

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7. Curtain Bluff, Antigua.

​Lots of family activities with great tennis courts, Slightly ruined by the view of the crumbling old hotel alongside it.

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8. Coco Point, Barbuda. 

Princess Diana's favourite beach. Robert Deniro is investing $250 million to resurect the K-Club. Turtles. Crystal blue sea. Reefs, palm trees and white sand.

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9. Roy’s Place, Anguilla

Colourful, lively beach bar with a simple studio room above it. White sand & crystal clear water. Great breakfast. Good tunes. Thanks Lyn for organising the great reception for us and showing us around the island.

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10. Paparazzi, Antigua.

Authentic Italian restaurant that FedExs in fresh oysters from Maine. Unbelievably friendly, generous, hospitable owners, Diego & Cristina (thanks guys for your warm wecolme). And Bill - I did explore the Flower of Life and it's mathematically fascinating. 

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This is my last post of the trip. Our final thoughts - thankyou Festus, Thiery and the team from Dream Yacht Charter. You guys are great.