IN SEARCH OF PASSION
Romantic sailing destinations
Whether you are planning your hon e ymoon, a surprise for your special someone, or any other romantic getaway, nothing says romance like secluded beaches, golden sunsets, champagne, and a private yacht under your feet. Let us whisk you away to five passionate places that will surely impress the object of your affection.
Tobago Cays – Does the dream of a stirring sail on a lively cobalt sea get your blood running? Set course on an invigorating reach from St. Vincent, then pick up a mooring inside Horseshoe Reef: a crescent of white foam separating your little piece of paradise from the roaring Atlantic. Calm and protected, you swim with turtles and rays, and loll on deck blissfully while Boat Boys in colorful dinghies deliver drinks and provisions. Rest up: it’s a bracing sail back to St. Vincent, where an island of exploration awaits.
Abacos – Surprise your loved one with a stress-free getaway to the Abacos. These northernmost islands of the Bahamas archipelago are just an hour from Florida’s east coast; perfect if a long weekend is all you can squeeze in. Cruise the scattered slender isles abreast Marsh Harbor and enjoy romantic strolls on endless white sandy beaches. Venture to Hope Town, a charming island settlement where you can rent bikes to explore the windswept turf by day, the bars and restaurants at night.
British Virgin Islands – The BVI is party central! Don’t come here for solitude; but if you want to meet new friends and enjoy the camaraderie of other sailors from around the world, this postcardlike setting is the place. Despite hurricane damage, the BVI is up and running and as beautiful as ever. Famed bars have been rebuilt, and the nightlife grand. Dance yourselves into a lather at Foxy’s (or any of a dozen iconic beach bars) and zip back to the boat for a moonlight skinny dip in the balmy waters. We won’t tell.
French Polynesia – Fragrant breezes that caress your skin. Juicy ripe fruits that run down your chin. The pulsating beat of the lively music. Coral reefs sprinkled with a confetti of fish. French Polynesia engages every one of your senses, as you paddle, hike, dive and explore the bounty of one exotic island after another. Evoke the ancient Polynesian voyagers, with the wind and the stars as your guide. Get into the rhythm of the tropics, in Tonga or Tahiti.
Grenada – Your bonding break soars to new heights in Grenada: the adventure island. Swim in tepid seas in the morning and rinse off in a cool waterfall in the afternoon. All told, this lush 134-square-mile island offers a ridiculous amount of opportunities for togetherness: sail, swim, hike, bike, fish, kayak, river tube, play golf, cricket and tennis. You can even snorkel or dive on an underwater sculpture garden.
What to do with that hearty appetite you’ve worked up? Well it is the Spice Island, so belly up. This Garden of Eden hosts a bounty of fruits, vegetables and spices, which local restaurateurs aren’t shy about using. www.moorings.com