I was in my final days in the Caribbean, finishing my trip in Barbados, exactly where it had begun. In luxury. Starting with dinner at Sandy Lane and ending with a stay at Cobblers Cove, it was simply incredible. In fact, the entire two weeks were amazing and an experience I won’t forget anytime soon. Island hopping in the Caribbean, mainly aboard the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Voyage, as well as by air after the cruise, was truly a luxury adventure. Read below my second blog post about my incredible journey from Barbados back to Barbados. Via Puerto Rico and Dominica.
And remember how some of the other guests told me the islands would get better as the cruise went along? Well, they were right. The islands really did get better! Especially Virgin Gorda. Read my previous blog post – My first luxury cruise experience!
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Ritz Carlton Yacht Voyage – Sailing on EVRIMA – Part 2
After visiting the French island of Martinique, our next stop was Terre-de-Haut in Guadeloupe, another small French-speaking island in the Caribbean. Terre-de-Haut turned out to be really charming. The pastel coloured houses lining the streets were beautiful, and the island was full of small French restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops. There was even a wine shop selling French wines. This felt quite unique in the middle of the Caribbean.
On this island I decided it was time to stretch my legs properly and so I walked the hill to Fort Napoleon. The climb was steep (especially after not walking much on the yacht), but the views were definitely worth it. It was a good workout, particularly in the heat.
Our next stop was Falmouth Harbour in Antigua and Barbuda. It was pleasant enough, though not quite as charming as some of the other islands I have seen. The water however was an incredible colour and so I took a quick swim at one of the beaches. Then I headed back to the Ritz-Carlton Yacht to relax and enjoy the rest of the afternoon with friends onboard.
Terre-de-Haut – Guadeloupe
Antigua and Barbuda
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Virgin Gorda & the famous Baths
And here we are. The final stop on the Ritz-Carlton Yacht voyage. Virgin Gorda became one of my favourite stops during this Caribbean island hopping journey. Not necessarily because of the small harbour town itself, which definitely wasn’t as picturesque as Bequia or Terre-de-Haut, but because I joined my only organised excursion of the cruise. After having two snorkelling trips cancelled.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht team arranged a visit to The Baths, one of the most famous natural attractions in the Caribbean. The giant granite boulders, hidden caves, and turquoise water made it an unforgettable experience. I really enjoyed walking amongst the rocks, finding my way to the beach. Well, following the guide. I would definitely get lost otherwise.
It was the perfect afternoon and stop to finish the cruise.
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Final summary – Life Onboard the Ritz-Carlton Yacht EVRIMA
Not knowing exactly what to expect when I booked the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Voyage, I was genuinely impressed from the moment I stepped onboard. The staff treated every guest like part of an extended family. They always made sure everyone was comfortable and well looked after. This was certainly enjoyable. One question kept coming up among travellers: “Is this your first Ritz-Carlton cruise?”
For many guests it actually was. And almost everyone was already planning their next voyage with Ritz-Carlton. I must admit, I felt the same way. This was the best and most luxurious island hopping in the Caribbean that one could do. And one I would highly recommend as well. It is a luxury trip I will always remember.
That said, my island hopping didn’t finish with the cruise. Docking in Puerto Rico on the final day, I had to make my way back to Barbados to fly back home to Germany. And where did I stop on the way back? In Dominica. I really wanted to add another country to my list.
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Island Hopping in Caribbean continues…
Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico I decided to spend one night exploring the historic district of Old San Juan. And this part of Puerto Rico was really beautiful. I spent the two days walking through the colourful streets, shopping and dining at authentic restaurants. It was important to stretch my sea legs as much as I could. Originally, I didn’t know what to expect from Puerto Rico, especially after seeing so many dirty and rundown island towns, but I really liked it. It was cute, colourful and clean. At least the old town of San Juan.
It was a shame I didn’t have more time, or the energy, to explore more of Puerto Rico. I would have loved to see the pink beaches Las Salinas. But, believe it or not, after eight nights on the Ritz-Carlton cruise I was actually quite exhausted. Can you imagine?
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Dominica
It was a bit of a 50/50 decision whether to stop in Dominica on the way back. However, considering the available flights from Puerto Rico, and not wanting to risk missing my flight out of Barbados, I decided to play it safe. I chose to spend a night in Dominica. In reality, it was only a very short stop, but I’m glad I included it in my island hopping Caribbean journey.
Since the airport is located on the quieter side of the island, it took over an hour to reach the town and my hotel. Which was great, because the drive gave me a small first impression of Dominica. The island is incredibly mountainous. I loved the lush vegetation and jungle like forests. The cliffs, coastline, and beaches all looked stunning along the way. I drove to the hotel at sunset, and drove back to the airport at sunrise. Crazy!
And although I didn’t have time to explore properly or hike one of Dominica’s many famous trails, I could immediately see why Dominica is often called the “Nature Island of the Caribbean.” It definitely left a strong impression on me. I’m sure I will return one day.
But for now, it was just a short overnight stop before continuing my island hopping Caribbean adventure, with one final island still waiting ahead. Barbados here I come!
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Cobblers Cove Barbados
Back in Barbados it was nice to spend the last night in this part of the world in the luxurious Cobblers Cove. I had two half days here and it was the perfect time to relax. I didn’t walk anywhere, I didn’t venture out, nor did I explore more of Barbados. Instead, I simply enjoyed the pool, the water and the sunshine. I read my book and unwound, knowing I would be returning to colder Germany the next day.
And so my Caribbean trip comes to an end. What an incredible luxury travel experience it has been. From Puerto Rico to Dominica, and all the other beautiful islands along the way, this island hopping journey through the Caribbean is something I would highly recommend. You certainly won’t regret it.
And should you need more details on a particular island or destination, simply let me know. But for now, Germany here I come!
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