Although many of the Caribbean islands have warm year-round weather, the most popular time to visit is from December to April, offering a sunny escape from cold European winters. So we are now starting to see more private flight enquiries and bookings to the Caribbean region.
The geography of the Caribbean means that private charter flights are particularly convenient – reaching shorter island runways and as transfers between yacht charters or international airlines. Here are some of the most popular flights in the Caribbean by private jet
Anthony Lassman, founder of private member travel and lifestyle club, Nota Bene Global, is one of the travel industry’s foremost experts on the Caribbean region.
Here he gives us his insider tips for this Caribbean season, and why no two islands are the same:
WHEN DID YOU FIRST VISIT THE CARIBBEAN?
My first Caribbean experience was my honeymoon in 1977, where I stayed at the original Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados. I fell in love with the varied flavours, history and island scenery. For me, bespoke travel is all about uncovering the details and context of a place.
WHY IS THE CARIBBEAN SUCH A POPULAR TRAVEL DESTINATION?
Caribbean destinations can wax and wane in popularity, and can also be heavily influenced by celebrity culture. I remember seeing Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger in Barbados on one of my first trips there – they encapsulated the elegance and colonial glamour of the Caribbean, and I think that appeal is still there today. Uma Thurman is a regular on Anguilla, and Kate Moss is often seen in Jamaica.
WHAT INFLUENCES THE POPULARITY OF DIFFERENT ISLANDS?
In the end, Caribbean trends and destinations are most heavily influenced by the accommodation and resort. Whether a new hotel opening, coveted luxury villas, or yacht charters between islands. What’s fascinating about the Caribbean is that there is an island for everyone – from rich West Indian culture, to luxurious hideaways.
TOP 5 CARIBBEAN DESTINATIONS BY PRIVATE JET
Here are Anthony Lassman’s pick of the top 5 Caribbean destinations:
1. British Virgin Islands
Located East of Puerto Rico, this British overseas territory offers some of the most fabulous waters for sailing. Necker Island is the favourite and best-known, but the best villas are found on Peter Island resort and one or two private villas on several of the smaller islands.
It’s also magical to combine with chartering a sailing yacht and leisurely cruise around Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda islands.
Territory: British
Popular private jet airports for British Virgin Islands: Tortola Beef Island airport, Virgin Gorda airport.
2. Turks & Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos islands are favoured as the Northern Caribbean’s most luxurious hideaways, with excellent food and perfect weather.
Many well known faces have holiday homes here including Demi Moore, Donna Karan and Keith Richards.
The most popular island resort is Parrot Cay, just 35 minutes by boat from Providenciales airport.
Territory: British
Popular private jet airports for Turks & Caicos Islands: Providenciales airport, Jags McCartney airport
3. St Barts
Eternally popular as the Caribbean’s most luxury escape.
With its reliably good French food and hospitality, St Barts is particularly popular with US travellers, within easy reach of New York and Miami.
It’s often twinned with a trip to Anguilla, which provides a refreshing contrast of West Indian culture.
Territory: French
Popular private jet airports for St Barts: St Barts airport (as a short transfer from St Maarten’s Princess Juliana airport).
4. Mustique
As a less mainstream island in the Grenadines, Mustique is widely known for it’s royal and society connections.
For me the perfect trip would be to take one of the finest privately owned homes on the island and charter a boat to go through the beautiful islands of the Grenadines e.g. Bequia or Petit St Vincent,
Territory: Private (owned by The Mustique Company)
Popular private jet airports for Mustique: Mustique airport
5. St Lucia
Gaining greater popularity again now, St Lucia has better hotel offerings to enjoy its stunning scenery.
St Lucia feels authentically Caribbean in colour and flavour – you can hear Patois widely spoken, taste Creole cuisine, and visit banana plantations and local markets.
Territory: Independent (part of the Commonwealth of Nations, associated with UK)
Popular private jet airports for St Lucia: St Lucia Castries George Charles airport, Hewanorra International airport.
For private flight enquiries to and from any Caribbean destination contact PrivateFly on +44 (0) 1747 642 777 (24 hours).
For more information about Nota Bene visit www.Notabeneglobal.info or follow Anthony Lassman on Twitter at @Notabene_Global
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