The top 6 places to spend Christmas 2017 on your superyacht

Swap the eggnog for Caribbean rum cocktails this Christmas and head to Belize for a spot of laid back luxury.

With more than 40% of the country protected, visitors to Belize should make the most of the beautiful surroundings — save plenty of time to go diving in the Great Blue Hole (one for your diving bucket list), visit the Cockscomb Basin wildlife sanctuary and soak up the history at the Lamanai and Xunantunich Mayan ruins.

While on the mainland, start your party prep early with a Oriental Body Glow treatment at the Turtle Inn resort before enjoying a few glasses in the resort’s “wine aquarium”, which is well-stocked with a huge variety of wines to enjoy alongside a locally-sourced cheese platter in the intimate wine garden.

There are a number of culinary delights in Belize for yachties. Cut loose by heading to one of Placenia’s many beachside bars for a cocktail. For a more authentic Belizean atmosphere start the party at Barefoot Beach Bar, or else opt for a more intimate evening with incredible views of the Placencia Lagoon and Maya Mountains at Belize Ocean Club’s Shore House.

Keen kayakers can paddle to surrounding islets to explore quieter shores, but nature-lovers should tender to the 'eco-village' of Long Caye, where more than 600 acres of carefully conserved land plays host to a myriad of amazing flora and fauna. The surrounding coral reefs are perfect for diving, paddleboarding and snorkelling.

If you want to experience the ultimate Caribbean Christmas, the Cayman Islands are the place to go.

They are packed with festive activities such as weekly Christmas movie screenings under the stars, a gingerbread house workshop on December 17, carol concerts, regular visits from Father Christmas and the Cayman 27’s Parade of Lights, where brightly lit boats sail into the harbour in Camana Bay.

A trip to George Town is a must when visiting the Cayman Islands — go for a stroll down Seven Mile Beach, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, before settling down for a meal at either Blue by Eric Ripert or Agua Restaurant & Lounge, depending on which direction you're walking. Blue by Eric Ripert features an elegant spread of locally sourced seafood while Agua offers unrivalled ceviche.

For chic evening cocktails followed by partying into the early hours there are a myriad of options, such as Abacus in Camana Bay, Periwinkle on Seven Mile Beach and Tiki Beach.

After all the socialising in some of the best Caribbean party spots, be sure to book in the La Prairie Spa at The Ritz-Carton for a cellular swiss ice crystal facial to help recover.

While Grand Cayman offers more modern pleasures, yachties should save plenty of time to tender over to Cayman Brac for a spot of cave exploration and to Little Cayman to see the birds nesting in the Booby Pond Reserve and to dive the Bloody Bay Wall Marine Park, one of the best scuba diving spots in the world.

The perfect combination of outdoor adventuring and high-end relaxation, go exploring St Lucia and its neighbouring islands on a luxury yacht for a colourful and Caribbean Christmas.

There are plenty of options for those who can’t bear the idea of doing nothing, even at Christmas. Scuba diving, jungle biking, bird watching, water sports and hiking are all available in St Lucia, and nature-lovers shouldn’t miss a hike up the world-famous Pitons, or the beautiful Diamond Falls and botanical garden.

To combine the great outdoors with a little indulgence, arrange a trip to the island’s sulphur springs or mud baths. For a more familiar spa experience head to the Auriga Spa at Capella Marigot Bay and moor in the naturally protected harbour which can accommodate yachts up to 80 metres. The spa uses a host of organic products and traditional St. Lucian techniques such as the Panse body exfoliation wrap and even has a set of signature treatments based on the phases of the moon. Afterwards dine at the hotel's signature Grill at 14⁰61⁰ restaurant or enjoy an authentic rum tasting experience in the Rum Cave.

Another foodie must-see is the Hotel Chocolat Boucan boutique resort — though its variety of menus are all superb, their café menu complete with treats and cocoa-inspired drinks is one the sweet-toothed yachtie won’t forget in a hurry.