Caribbean Private Island Vacations - 2

Petit St. Vincent, The Grenadines

Forget phones and TVs, because Petit St. Vincent Resort is truly about escaping. Gorgeous stone cottages are tucked into the hillside amidst natural windswept beauty; many cottages have their own private beaches. Hoist a small flag should you desire immediate service; another flag indicates privacy.

The 113-acre resort ranks as one of my favorites for tropical seclusion that includes amazing food, service and attention to detail, like coffee perched on a post outside my cottage each morning. There’s a good reason the family-owned resort has had many of the same repeat couples and families for decades; it’s private island paradise at its best. Cottages start at $525 per night for single occupancy including all meals, wine with lunch and dinner, and water activities, or $675 for double occupancy. Tel. 800-654-9326. www.psvresort.com

Kamalame Cay, Bahamas

Looking for an exceptional private-island retreat for both him and her? Try the luxurious family-run Kamalame Cay for a slice of paradise off the Bahama’s Andros Island. For her: The 96-acre island boasts perhaps the only spa in the Caribbean literally atop the water on a pier jutting over turquoise waters with floor-to-ceiling views.

 

• Escape to your own stone cottage on Petit St. Vincent in the Grenadines.

Neil Selkirk Photography

For him (or maybe vice versa!): Some of the world’s best bone fishing is at the “Tongue of the Ocean” fringed by mobile sands and penetrated by tides. Deep sea fishing off the resort is also world-class from wahoo and kingfish to tuna, sailfish and more. Rates start at $400 per night and include a breakfast basket, use of golf carts, tennis courts and kayaks. Tel. 800-790-7971. www.kamalame.com

Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos

I’d call Parrot Cay Estates, a 1,000-acre “un-resort.” Here, instead of manager’s cocktail parties and limbo contests, there’s a quiet stillness and calm, a tropical sanctuary where East-meets-West surrounded by the azure blue waters. Parrot Cay’s signature spa draws on points East for inspiration from Javanese Royal Lular Baths—originally a wedding ritual for brides in Java—to the 5,000-year-old ancient healing and detox traditions of Ayurveda.

 

• The lobby of the COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay.

Courtesy of Parrot Cay

Stars flock to the resort for its understated elegance, privacy and luxurious villas. Rates start at $575 per night for double occupancy and include breakfast and complimentary yoga classes. Special through Dec. 20, 2009: Extend That Summer Feeling deal—stay four nights and pay for three, or stay seven nights and pay for five. Providenciales. Tel. 877-754-0726. www.parrotcay.como.bz

Sunset Key, Key West, Florida

The 27-acre private island that holds Sunset Key Guest Cottages is not technically in the Caribbean but it’s close enough, just off Key West in the Straits of Florida. And while the Westin resort offers luxury and seclusion, it gets my vote as the most happening of private islands; just minutes from its shore is the fun and craziness of Duval Street, Key West’s main drag.

 

• A beach on Jumby Bay.

Courtesy of Jumby Bay

The resort offers one- to three-bedroom Key West style cottages. Rates start at $595 for a one-bedroom cottage. 245 Front St., Key West. Tel. 888-477-7786. www.sunsetkeyisland.com

Jumby Bay, Antigua

Jumby Bay, a Rosewood Resort, is one of the more developed private island resorts with suites, villas (some with plunge pools) and privately owned estates for rent, the latter of which offer a chef, private tennis courts and butler service. The 300-acre resort is finishing a $26 million renovation including a sparkling new spa. Re-opening is slated for November 2009. A two-bedroom villa with meals, alcohol, private chef and golf cart starts at about $2,500 per night as of April 30, 2009. The villas will be available during renovations after April 30 on a case-by-case basis. St. John’s, Antigua. Tel. 268-462-6000 or 888-767-3966. www.jumbybayresort.com