Last Minute Options for the Holidays

Around this time of year, the Travel Office’s phones start to ring with calls from people who want to go “somewhere warm” for the holidays. Alas, many of the most obvious destinations have already sold out. So, rather than staying at a Caribbean resort this year, why not take a crewed yacht charter instead? Motoring or sailing among the Virgin Islands, or farther south in the Grenadines —alighting on deserted beaches accessible only by boat —can be an unforgettable experience. If this sounds daunting, consider a cruise around the sensationally scenic islands of French Polynesia aboard the Paul Gauguin. Those traveling with families might wish to rent villas. Our trusted partner, Beautiful Places, suggests the four-bedroom “Sol y Sombra,” set on Little Trunk Bay in Virgin Gorda. If a hotel is preferable, Cayo Espanto in Belize, a private islet with exquisite sea view villas, and the newly refurbished Copacabana Palace both have availability at the time of writing. Christmas in Rio could be fun.