Where the Jet Set Plays: High‑Society Easter Getaways
By Felicity Arganne
The Easter holidays used to be about egg hunts and roast lamb. For the Riviera set they’re about something far more extravagant: a week of yacht races in turquoise seas, glamour on the grid at a Formula One track, or revelling in holy‑week processions before sipping cava under a palm tree. As Felicity Arganne, I’ve combed the world’s most extravagant social calendars to find out where celebrities, royals and assorted hangers‑on will be rubbing shoulders this Easter. Think Vanity Fair meets Tatler with a dash of champagne humour: we’re gossiping about where the superyachts drop anchor, who’s throwing the chicest party and how to dress like you own the harbour.
The Caribbean Regatta Circuit
BVI Spring Regatta, British Virgin Islands (23 – 29 March 2026)
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) open the Caribbean season with the Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, a week‑long celebration that started in 1972 as a two‑day local race for 20‑foot Squibs and grew into an international festival. The event moved to Nanny Cay in 2002 and, by 2003, evolved into a week‑long festival with a “village” where locals and visitors mingle over rum punches, live music and fundraising for local charities. Edmiston describes it as a cornerstone of the Caribbean circuit where competitive racing meets sophisticated island soirées, and charter companies remind would‑be visitors that the regatta is as much about the parties as the sailing.
Social scene: Expect yacht‑hops, dockside concerts and dancing barefoot in the sand. Nanny Cay’s regatta village hosts nightly parties where teams and spectators mingle, while Scrub Island and Marina Cay provide more intimate soirées. The regatta has a proud community feel and supports BVI charities. Celebrities who love sailing—think Sir Richard Branson or Morgan Freeman—are known to drop by.
Flights & accommodation: There are no direct flights from London to Tortola (EIS); travellers usually connect via Antigua or St Martin. Recent deals found by Kayak show return flights from London to Tortola around £870–£910 in April. Resort prices vary: budget travellers can stay at Lambert Beach Resort (~£97 per night) while mid‑range options like Scrub Island Resort hover around £220 and luxury hideaways such as Peter Island Resort exceed £750. Book at least two months ahead and expect many resorts to require four‑night minimums.
What to wear: Nautical‑chic is de rigueur—white linen trousers, Breton stripes and oversized sun hats. For evening soirées pack a breezy maxi dress or a tailored blazer for men. Leave stilettos at home; deck shoes or wedges are practical on pontoons.
Insider gossip: Secure an invite to the Nanny Cay Crew Party—it’s where the latest charter rumours and boat‑swapping deals are whispered. There’s also a charity “poker run” across the islands; last year a Hollywood actor was rumoured to have lost his watch overboard after one too many Painkillers.
Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (14 – 20 April 2026)
After charter captains began informally racing from Antigua to Guadeloupe in the 1960s, Antigua Sailing Week was created in 1967. By the 1980s, modern racing yachts outnumbered the wooden classics, so skippers Uli Pruesse and Kenny Coombs founded the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta in 1987. The regatta celebrates maritime heritage with fleets of vintage schooners and gaffers racing off English Harbour. Shoreside activities include cream teas and gig racing, a Concours d’Élégance for judging authenticity, and an open‑mic music night.
Social scene: Mornings are for racing; afternoons for rum‑punch picnics on Pigeon Beach. Evenings see captains and crew gather at the Admiral’s Inn for cream tea, followed by dancing aboard restored tall ships. Expect to spot yacht designers, fashion editors and members of the Onassis family.
Flights & accommodation: Kayak reports that afternoon flights from London to Antigua average £610 return, with September being the cheapest month (around £508) and December the most expensive. Stay in historic Nelson’s Dockyard in a restored 18th‑century building for around £150 per night, or splash out on a suite at Curtain Bluff or Jumby Bay (from £800). Budget travellers can find guesthouses in Falmouth Harbour for £80.
Dress code: Channel your inner Grace Kelly with wide‑brimmed hats, tailored shorts and silk scarves. For the Concours, vintage nautical attire is encouraged—think high‑waisted trousers and polished deck shoes.
Insider gossip: The most coveted invitation is the Concours d’Élégance prize‑giving on board the classic schooner Zaca (once owned by Errol Flynn). Word has it that an A‑list actress chartered a J‑Class yacht last year to celebrate her birthday.
Antigua Sailing Week (22 – 26 April 2026)
What began as a friendly race in 1967 has grown into one of the world’s major sailing events, drawing over 100 yachts and 1,500 crew. In 1988 the classic yachts broke away to form their own regatta, and in 2009 the Royal Ocean Racing Club Caribbean 600 race was added. For 2026, organisers are returning to the basics with four days of racing around the island and nightly parties at different beaches.
Social scene: Antigua Sailing Week is famous for its Reggae in the Park concert, where global acts play beneath Shirley Heights. Each night has a different theme—Lay Day at Pigeon Point features beach games and cocktail bars, while Dockyard Day offers craft markets and cultural performances. Expect to see yacht owners moor stern‑to and host lavish dock parties. Rumour has it that a royal family member disguised himself in a baseball cap at last year’s Lay Day.
Flights & accommodation: Fly to Antigua as above. Book a villa in English Harbour for groups (from £250 per night), mid‑range hotels like Copper and Lumber Store (£120–£170) or base yourself at the Inn at English Harbour for high‑end luxury (£350+). Many racing crews opt for shared villas to avoid the noise of the dock parties.
Dress code: During the day, sporty shorts, polo shirts and non‑slip deck shoes. At night, think Caribbean cocktail: bright dresses for ladies and linen trousers for men.
Insider gossip: The crew bar at Skullduggery Café is the place to hear which sailors are swapping teams; the winning boat traditionally buys shots for everyone.
St Barths Bucket Regatta (14 – 16 March 2026)
The Bucket Regatta began as a birthday party race in Nantucket in 1986—participants raced seven superyachts for bragging rights and a hardware bucket as a trophy. After stints in Newport, the event moved to St Barthélemy in 1995. Despite now attracting more than 40 superyachts, it remains fiercely non‑commercial and emphasises camaraderie over prize money. The 2026 social calendar lists a fleet welcoming party, dockside crew party, the famed Bucket Bash and a final awards ceremony with live music.
Social scene: St Barths is called the “Monaco of the Caribbean.” During race season Gustavia’s harbour is a forest of towering masts. Yacht hops, champagne tastings and fancy‑dress parties are the norm; the Golden Pineapple trophy is awarded not for sailing prowess but for party spirit. Expect to bump into tech billionaires, rock stars and designers at Nikki Beach after‑parties.
Flights & accommodation: There are no direct flights; visitors usually fly London–St Martin then hop on a 15‑minute puddle‑jumper to St Barths. Kiwi.com reports the cheapest one‑way flight from London to St Barths at £504 and average return fares around £1,113. Once on the island, hotels are expensive: BudgetYourTrip calculates an average nightly rate of $902 (about £703) with budget hotels around $608 (£474) and luxury properties averaging $1,269 (£990). Book months ahead; many hotels require five‑night minimums during Bucket week.
Dress code: Yacht‑club elegant. Ladies wear silk sundresses and wide‑brimmed hats; gentlemen opt for pastel trousers, boat shoes and crisp shirts. For Nikki Beach, think glamorous swimwear with kaftans and designer sunglasses.
Insider gossip: The Bucket Bash is legendary—last year a supermodel led the conga line while a tech CEO sprayed magnums of rosé. Keep an eye on the Golden Pineapple; insider betting on which crew wins the party award is as fierce as the racing.
Les Voiles de St Barth Richard Mille (21 – 27 April 2026)
Inspired by Les Voiles de Saint‑Tropez, Les Voiles de St Barth was founded in 2009 and quickly became one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious regattas. More than a thousand sailors compete across different classes, and the organisers aim to deliver Formula One‑style racing combined with a festive atmosphere. A Worth magazine piece notes that after a pandemic hiatus the regatta returned with legendary Nikki Beach parties, blow‑out celebrations and fireworks.
Social scene: Racing happens during the day, but the evenings are for concerts on the quay, Champagne‑fuelled dinners at Bagatelle and the famous closing fireworks. Non‑sailors can join corporate hospitality boats or charter small yachts to follow the races. Expect to spot pro sailors mingling with film producers and Parisian fashionistas.
Flights & accommodation: Same as the Bucket, though demand is slightly lower and hotel minimum stays are shorter. Flights via St Martin average £1,113 return and hotels range from boutique villas (£500+ per night) to hillside guesthouses (£300). For those on a budget there are a handful of self‑catering apartments from £150 per night.
Dress code: Effortless French chic. Breton stripes, straw boaters and espadrilles during the day; white trousers and silk blouses at night.
Insider gossip: Don’t miss the Nikki Beach closing party. One year the regatta’s honorary chairman danced on a table; this year rumours swirl that a well‑known horology brand will unveil a limited‑edition regatta watch during the event.
St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (30 April – 10 May 2026)
For over 30 years, the St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival has been a rite of spring. It began in the early 1990s as a modest jazz gathering and has grown into a multi‑genre celebration drawing international stars. The main stage is at Pigeon Island National Landmark, offering breathtaking views of the Caribbean; fringe events include Jazz on the Square and Tea‑Time Jazz. Artists who have graced the stage range from Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock to Rihanna and John Legend.
Social scene: This is where sailing boots are swapped for dancing shoes. During the day festivalgoers hike the Pitons or visit Marigot Bay; evenings are spent on Pigeon Island sipping rum punch while listening to reggae, soca and Afrobeat. The festival attracts musicians, Caribbean royalty and yacht crews recovering from Antigua Sailing Week.
Flights & accommodation: Flights from London to St Lucia are cheapest in September, averaging £441 (about $564), while December sees fares rise to around £800. The island’s hotels vary from budget guesthouses ($114/£89) to luxury resorts like Jade Mountain ($637/£497). Book early; the festival sells out quickly.
Dress code: Island‑casual. Light dresses, linen shirts, sandals and plenty of sunscreen. For night performances bring a pashmina—Caribbean nights can be breezy.
Insider gossip: Look out for impromptu jam sessions in Rodney Bay’s bars; in previous years, stars like Wyclef Jean have turned up unannounced. It’s also rumoured that an Oscar‑winning actor has a villa overlooking the main stage.
Down Under Glamour: Melbourne Grand Prix’s “Glamour on the Grid”
The Australian Grand Prix began in Adelaide in 1985 but moved to Melbourne in 1996 after a secret $60 million deal. Today, Melbourne’s Glamour on the Grid is often compared to the Met Gala. Harper’s Bazaar notes that the invite‑only opening night draws about 700 guests with over 600 on the waitlist; attendees walk an 83‑metre black carpet into the Marriott Bonvoy Lounge and are treated to free‑flowing champagne, gourmet menus and live music. Forte Magazine confirms that the 2024 edition was the eighth year of the event and marks the unofficial start of race weekend.
Social scene: This is where fashion houses and F1 drivers mingle. Guests start with a luxury pre‑party at the Pullman on Swanston before strolling the black carpet and exploring the pit lane. After the gala, VIPs decamp to private penthouse parties at Electric Bar or the rooftop at Crown Towers. You’re likely to spot Hollywood actors, supermodels and AFL stars.
Flights & accommodation: The journey down under is long; Farecompare records average return fares from London to Melbourne around $999 (about £779), with one‑way fares around $470/£367. Melbourne’s lodging spans from hostels like Space Hotel ($34/£27 per dorm bed) to mid‑range hotels in the CBD averaging $168/£131 and luxury suites such as Lanson Place Parliament Gardens at $317/£247 per night.
Dress code: Think Met Gala meets motorsport. Women wear couture gowns and statement jewellery; men favour sharp tuxedos or high‑fashion suits. Comfortable shoes are essential—the pit lane walk is long.
Insider gossip: The hardest ticket in town is the post‑grid party at an undisclosed penthouse overlooking Albert Park. Rumours swirl that a pop megastar performed an impromptu set there last year. Arrive with someone who owns a team; otherwise you’ll be waiting behind the velvet rope.
Mediterranean Extravaganza
Ibiza’s Easter “Semana Santa” Parties
While Ibiza is famous for summer closings, its Easter pre‑season is an insider secret. Chinois Ibiza in the marina hosts a four‑night programme from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday called Semana Santa. Each night features headline DJs (Seth Troxler, Maz, Miguelle & Tons and Satori) and draws “one of the most glamorous and beautiful crowds on the island.” Guests are encouraged to dress in boho‑glam on the final night.
Social scene: Expect international DJs, influencers and European royals mixing on the dance floor, with champagne towers and Mediterranean tapas. Daytime is for yacht charters around Formentera, spa treatments and long lunches at La Oliva in Dalt Vila. The parties conclude by sunrise, when revellers head for churros at the old fish market.
Flights & accommodation: Farecompare notes that the average return flight from London to Ibiza costs only about $145 (£113), with one‑way fares around $41 (£32) and April being the cheapest month. Accommodation in Ibiza ranges widely: BudgetYourTrip lists an average hotel price of $240 (£187) with budget hotels around $83/£65 and luxury properties averaging $704/£549. Book early for the boho‑glam weekend—Chinois sells out quickly.
Dress code: The brief is “boho‑glam.” Think bejewelled kaftans, fringed dresses and metallic sandals. Men lean toward linen trousers, unbuttoned shirts and felt fedora hats. Flash tattoos are optional.
Insider gossip: Look for after‑hours soirees aboard a superyacht anchored off Talamanca. Rumour has it that a certain DJ owns a 90‑foot yacht specifically for sunrise sets.
Mallorca’s Semana Santa & Fira del Ram
Mallorca combines solemn tradition with island fun. Holy Week (Semana Santa) begins on Palm Sunday when godparents present children with decorated palm fronds (“palmones”) covered in sweets and toys. Throughout the week the island hosts processions culminating in a Good Friday re‑enactment of the Passion and the Procession of the Meeting on Easter Sundayabc-mallorca.com. The following Sunday, known as Angel Sunday, families picnic at spots like Bellver Castle
abc-mallorca.com. Running concurrently is La Fira del Ram, a fairground with rides and food stands that gives the city a carnival atmosphere
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Social scene: The religious processions are moving and photogenic, but the after‑dark scene belongs to tapas bars around Palma’s La Lonja. Jet‑setters often moor yachts in Puerto Portals and attend private finca parties in the Tramuntana mountains. The Fira del Ram brings families and influencers together for Ferris‑wheel selfies and candy floss. You may spot Spanish aristocrats at the Thursday “Dijous Bo” market.
Flights & accommodation: Kiwi.com lists the cheapest one‑way flight from London to Palma at £18, with average round‑trip prices around £115 and nonstop return fares from £91. Palma’s hotel prices are among the most affordable in this roundup: the average nightly rate is $126 (about £98), budget hotels average $62/£48 and luxury properties around $319/£249. For a splurge stay at La Residencia or Can Alomar (£300+), while boutique hotels in Palma’s old town are £100–£150.
Dress code: For processions, modest attire—light trousers or skirts and covered shoulders. For the Fira bring comfortable shoes and a playful outfit (think jeans and a frilled blouse). At yacht parties choose pastel linen and espadrilles.
Insider gossip: Palma’s aristocracy holds invitation‑only lunches after the Maundy Thursday procession. It’s said that a certain shipping heiress hosts the best one at her medieval palace—arrive bearing ensaimadas.
At a Glance: The Best High-Society Easter Getaways
BVI Spring Regatta, British Virgin Islands
Why go: A glamorous Caribbean sailing week with dockside parties, yacht-hops and an old-money social scene that still feels deliciously clubby.
Best for: Sailing enthusiasts, society regulars, discreet luxury and warm-weather escapism.
Typical return flight from London: Around £870–£910 with connections.
Accommodation: Budget from around £97 a night, mid-range around £220, luxury from £750+.
Dress code: Nautical chic by day, elegant resortwear by night.
Insider tip: The real gossip is rarely on the racecourse. It is traded at the crew parties and private marina gatherings after sunset.
Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua
Why go: Heritage yachts, old-world charm, beautiful harbour scenery and a social calendar with serious polish.
Best for: Traditionalists, classic yacht lovers and those who like their glamour with a touch of maritime history.
Typical return flight from London: Around £610 return on average.
Accommodation: Budget from about £80, mid-range around £150–£170, luxury from £350+.
Dress code: Refined Riviera style, vintage nautical touches and crisp linens.
Insider tip: The smartest conversations happen around the concours events and harbour-side drinks, not just at the main parties.
Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua
Why go: A livelier, more energetic Caribbean regatta with beach parties, big crews and a younger, more boisterous social mix.
Best for: High-energy travellers who want sailing, sunshine and proper party atmosphere.
Typical return flight from London: Around £610 return on average.
Accommodation: Villas from around £250 a night, mid-range stays around £120–£170, luxury from £350+.
Dress code: Relaxed Caribbean cocktail style with practical daywear for marinas and decks.
Insider tip: The beach parties and late dinners are where the crowd loosens up and the social peacocking really begins.
St Barths Bucket Regatta, St Barths
Why go: Superyachts, champagne, glamour and a Caribbean social scene so polished it practically glitters.
Best for: Ultra-luxury travellers, yacht-watchers and anyone who enjoys people-watching at a very expensive level.
Typical return flight from London: Around £1,113 return on average.
Accommodation: Budget around £474 a night, mid-range around £703, luxury from £990+.
Dress code: Yacht-club elegance, designer sunglasses, silk dresses and polished casual tailoring.
Insider tip: The official parties are glamorous, but the most coveted invitations are still the private yacht gatherings.
Les Voiles de St Barth Richard Mille, St Barths
Why go: World-class sailing by day, chic parties by night, and a French-Caribbean atmosphere that feels sharper and more fashion-led than many rivals.
Best for: Stylish travellers who want regatta glamour with a distinctly French twist.
Typical return flight from London: Around £1,113 return on average.
Accommodation: Roughly £150 for simpler self-catering options, rising to £500+ and well beyond for premium stays.
Dress code: Effortless French chic, resort tailoring, elevated beachwear and evening glamour without trying too hard.
Insider tip: The smartest crowd often drifts towards the closing parties and the island’s best-known beach venues after racing ends.
St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, St Lucia
Why go: Music, culture, tropical scenery and a more relaxed but still high-end crowd, with plenty of opportunities for stylish nights out.
Best for: Music lovers, romantics and travellers who want luxury without the harder-edged yacht-club mood.
Typical return flight from London: Roughly £441–£800 depending on timing and season.
Accommodation: Budget around £89, mid-range around £214–£274, luxury from about £497.
Dress code: Colourful resortwear, linen, statement accessories and something light for breezy evenings.
Insider tip: The best moments are not always on the main stage. Some of the most memorable evenings happen in bars and smaller live-music spots afterwards.
Melbourne Grand Prix and Glamour on the Grid, Australia
Why go: Formula One excitement with black-tie parties, luxury lounges and the sort of polished celebrity energy that attracts cameras and couture.
Best for: Fashion-conscious travellers, motorsport fans and anyone who enjoys their social calendar with a side of speed.
Typical return flight from London: Around £779 return on average.
Accommodation: Budget from around £27–£35 for hostel-style stays, mid-range around £131, luxury from about £247.
Dress code: Black tie, fashion-forward eveningwear and statement looks.
Insider tip: The real prestige lies in the invitation list. Being seen at the right pre-party can matter as much as being trackside.
Ibiza Semana Santa Parties, Ibiza
Why go: Early-season Ibiza with a glamorous crowd, stylish nightlife and a more insiderish feel than the high-summer circus.
Best for: Partygoers, fashion people and those who like their Easter with DJs and champagne rather than chocolate eggs.
Typical return flight from London: Around £113 return on average.
Accommodation: Budget around £65, mid-range around £187, luxury from £549.
Dress code: Boho-glam, metallic touches, elevated beachwear and late-night confidence.
Insider tip: The official club night is only the beginning. The whispers usually point towards whatever happens afterwards on the terraces and boats.
Mallorca Semana Santa and Fira del Ram
Why go: A fascinating blend of religious tradition, local festivity, family atmosphere and understated Mediterranean elegance.
Best for: Travellers who want culture, spectacle and a sophisticated Easter closer to home.
Typical return flight from London: Around £115 return on average.
Accommodation: Budget around £48, mid-range around £98, luxury from £249.
Dress code: Modest, polished clothing for processions; chic Mediterranean casual for lunches and evening drinks.
Insider tip: This is less about ostentatious celebrity spotting and more about elegant local society, discreet wealth and knowing where to linger after the formal events.
In Brief
From superyacht regattas in St Barths and the British Virgin Islands to Ibiza’s Easter parties, Mallorca’s Palm Sunday traditions and Melbourne’s glittering Grand Prix social circuit, Easter has become one of the most stylish times of year to travel. Whether your idea of a perfect break involves champagne on a marina terrace, couture at a black-tie race event or a Mediterranean procession followed by a long lunch, these are the destinations where glamour, spectacle and society still know how to put on a show.
Closing Thoughts
Easter is no longer a quiet holiday; it’s the unofficial start of the high‑society summer season. From the BVI’s rum‑soaked regatta village to the black‑carpet glamour of Melbourne’s pit lane and the boho‑glam dance floors of Ibiza, there’s an Easter getaway to suit every style. Pack your linen, polish your sunglasses and practise your air‑kissing—it’s going to be a season of sails, style and sensational gossip.