Caribbean Private Island Vacations

There are Caribbean resorts and then there are “private island resorts,” where you can have a slice of some of the most secluded and exclusive pieces of paradise almost entirely to yourself. These havens can ironically be more authentic than your typical island getaway, eschewing manicured perfection and an overload of activities, instead relying on natural beauty and serenity to touch your senses. As they say on Guana Island, it’s the “Caribbean before it went public.”

Here are my top picks for creating your own private island paradise, the first three of which can be found in the British Virgin Islands.

Guana Island, British Virgin Islands

A couple who has visited Guana Island regularly for the past 41 years introduced me to their “newer” friends, who count just 18 years of visits. What’s the draw? With 850 acres of lush terrain and just 45 guests at a time, that’s about 19 acres per guest. Meandering trails dot the landscape, sprinkled with pretty, stone cottages overlooking the sea.

Evening cocktails begin on the Sunset Terrace complete with gorgeous views, and culminate with quiet romance or getting to know new friends at communal tables. Many meal ingredients are drawn from the island’s private orchard, tended to by a Chinese expert who has been reviving native species from extinction on behalf of the family stewards that have minded Guana Island for years. Rates start at $695 for double occupancy including all meals, wine with lunch and dinner, water activities and wash-and-fold laundry service. Tel. 800-544-8262. www.guana.com

 

• Discover your own hidden paradise on Guana Island.

Courtesy of Guana Island

Necker Island, British Virgin Islands

Guana Island was around long before Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island hideaway was created for his family, but Branson perhaps brought the concept of a “private island” to new prominence when he made his picturesque island available for rent years ago. Though its Balinese-inspired residences are stunning and exotic with the finest amenities, unlike most other private island resorts, Necker is typically rented out only in its entirety at a staggering US$51,000 per night for up to 28 guests. (A free night special will be offered between July 1 and Dec. 18, 2009, where guests can stay six nights for the price of five, or nine nights for the price of seven.)

Special “Celebration Weeks” allow for as little as a three-night stay starting at $10,900 per couple plus $1,470 per child. Rates include all meals, use of sailboats, speedboats and other water equipment, tennis and more. The following Celebration Week dates begin May 30 (children welcome), July 15 (children welcome), Sept. 26; and Oct. 3, 10 and 17 (children welcome); call the resort for further information about length-of-stay limitations. Near Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. Tel. 877-577-8777. www.neckerisland.com

Peter Island Resort, British Virgin Islands

Peter Island Resort is a lush, mountainous island with 1,800 acres providing ample room for gorgeous beaches to suit every taste, from snorkeling and beachcombing to a couples’ beach and one perfect for yacht watching—the island’s deep harbor attracts yachters from around the world.

 

• Deadman’s Beach on Peter Island is one of the most popular places to soak up some sun.

Courtesy of the BVI Tourist Board

Accommodations are in guestrooms and villas, some featuring A-frame styles inspired by Peter Island’s original Norwegian owners. The resort offers a 10,000-square-foot spa, helicopter golf, shopping and fishing, where you’re flown to neighboring islands to enjoy these activities. Rates start at $340 per night including all meals. Tel. 800-346-4451. www.peterisland.com

Turneffe Island, Belize

Turneffe Atoll is an ancient underwater volcano rimmed in coral. In places, that coral rises to the surface creating islands that are now covered with mangroves, which serve as nurseries of the ocean. On one such island lies Turneffe Island Resort, a perfect launching pad for divers and anglers to enjoy the vast array of surrounding marine life. The private island resort, originally the first offshore lodge of its kind in Belize, offers luxurious island-style cabanas and rooms, combined with packages for enjoying the world-class diving and catch-and-release flats fishing.

The resort is offering a summer promotion: Buy a 7-night dive or resort package at regular price, plus tax, and receive an equal package for $300, plus tax. For anglers, buy a 7-night fishing package at regular price, plus tax, and receive a 7-night resort package for $300, plus tax. Reserve by July 31, 2009. Packages available on certain weeks through Sept. 5, 2009.

 

• Thanks to the surrounding coral reefs, fishing and diving are great activities on Turneffe Island and neighboring Blackbird Caye.

Courtesy of Turneffe Island Resort

Turneffe Island’s 3-night packages with meals start at $900 per person, double occupancy, and include guided snorkeling trips and other water activities. Tel. 713-236-7739. www.turnefferesort.com

Blackbird Caye, Belize

Nearby on Turneffe Atoll is another private island, which features the Blackbird Caye Resort. The resort’s atmosphere is like that of a deserted island but with modern luxuries and friends to share the fun. Said Paul Mouktar, a surgeon from France, “I want Indiana Jones but with hot water. This is perfect—straw roofs and cabanas.” The family-style meals in the main community lodge are a particular highlight of each day where guests share stories of underwater sights or offshore fishing catches. It’s the casual Caribbean at its best. 

Blackbird Caye’s 3-night packages start at $865 per person, double occupancy, including meals, guided snorkeling trips and kayak use. Travel through May 24, 2009, and deduct $200 per person off weeklong packages. Tel. 888-271-3483. www.blackbirdresort.com

Next: The Grenadines, The Bahamas, Florida Keys and Antigua