Readers Take Another Spin Around Their Favorite Islands

Dawn Latham

Amissville, Va.

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I have been on two charter-yacht vacations to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and I am soon leaving for my third, scheduling my trips through Mark Daniher of Island Symphony ( http://www.islandsymphony.com/).

On a private-yacht vacation, you can work within your budget for the type of catamaran or yacht you choose. The yachts have a captain and a chef. Food and drinks are included in the price -- breakfast, snacks, lunch, appetizers and dinner. I am talking gourmet dining, better than the overpriced meals at resorts.

You decide the itinerary, the menu and your activities. On our trips, everyone got to pick what he or she wanted to do -- scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, shopping, nightlife, relaxing, etc. We visited natural attractions like the Baths (before the cruise-line people showed up) and tourist attractions like Foxy's. We went to beautiful isolated beaches and snorkeled where there weren't other people around. My favorite was stargazing from the catamaran's hammock.

Beverly Turner

Alexandria

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I want to add insight on one of my favorites, Tobago. Maybe now that Delta is starting service, more Americans will discover it. We were there seven days before we met any fellow Americans.

Stay at the Blue Haven Hotel, a small luxury beach resort with great ocean views and a friendly staff.

If you don't stay there, at least go for the weekly barbecue -- fresh fish and outstanding local soca bands. Favorite attractions are Argyll Falls, snorkeling Buccoo Reef, a catamaran trip on the Island Girl and eating the traditional dish of crab and dumpling.