Expert Author Donna Wolfson
Every year, vacationers flock to the Caribbean for a tropical escape. Each island is unique in its history, culture and heritage, but they all share a natural beauty that’s surrounded by pristine beaches, turquoise ocean waters and stunning tropical landscapes. A luxury mega yacht charter is a great way to explore the Caribbean’s diversity. Golfers can use Antigua to launch their journey to Anguilla, or to The Grenadines. Tim Nelson is happy to help you plan a Caribbean adventure. Read more now yacht provisioning mallorca
The Caribbean is known for its championship golf courses, from Anguilla all the way to The Grenadines. Most courses offer everything you need including lessons and a full-service golf shop. You can still bring your clubs and equipment but most have it all. It is important to book tee times in advance, particularly at more popular and upscale golf courses. Spend anywhere between US$45 and well over US$200 for a round, depending on where you are located and the course. Here are some of the unique golfing experiences available on islands.
Anguilla
Anguilla is a low coral island located at the top the Leeward Island Chain. The island is remote and serene with dazzlingly white sands, palm trees swaying, and some of the best hotels and estates in the world. The only towns are scattered houses and businesses. The interior of the island is dusty, dry and covered with scrubby vegetation. Luxury mega yacht charterers are attracted to the coast, the seclusion of the island and the friendly people.
The 18-hole Greg Norman Championship Golf Course, which is being developed at Rendezvous Bay, will open in the autumn of 2006. Temenos Golf Club will be built in conjunction with the 5-star St. Regis Hotel & Spa and 50-100 multimillion-dollar residential estates. To become a member of the Temenos Golf Club, you must own a house. Tiger Woods is one of the new owners. Anguilla Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming said, “The availability and quality of golfing facilities in Anguilla will increase its appeal to key segments of market – those who are interested in small meetings or incentives, as well as group travel.” One can only pray that the large-scale development won’t ruin the charm of the island, the serenity and tranquility of the deserted beaches.
Saint Martin/Sint Maarten
The busy island of St. Martin/St. Maarten is the most developed island in the Caribbean. It is a Mecca of luxury mega yacht charterers, with its fabulous beaches, many tourist facilities and duty-free shopping. It is amazing to see the daily flow of luxury yachts leaving and entering the harbors, each one larger than the last. The limited golf options on St. Maarten should encourage the mega luxury yacht charterer to spend more time in this sun-seeker’s paradise and shopper’s paradise. Gourmet restaurants on the French side offer everything from local seafood to fine French food. The shopping is a mix of French chic, open-air markets, souvenir T-shirts and local spices, flowers and fruits. On the Dutch side, there are many casinos, resorts and fast food chains. The Dutch side also has the best nightlife, in terms of nightclubs and bars. There is always something going on for partygoers. Mullet Bay Resort is the only place in St. Maarten where you can play golf. The palm-lined fairways, designed by Joseph Lee offer stunning views of the lagoon. Cart rentals are extra. Green fees for 18 holes cost about US$93. You can test your golfing skills on nearby St. Kitts if you’re a serious player.
St. Kitts/Nevis
St. Kitts & Nevis are the only islands in Eastern Caribbean that have preserved West Indian culture & attitudes. You will not find colonial architecture as perfect, beautiful plantation inns or ramshackle mills in any other part of the Caribbean. Luxury mega yacht charterers will discover deserted beach, lush vegetation and exotic animals, along with many historical sites.