Three Fab Caribbean Private-Island Resorts
Having your own sun-drenched island is the ultimate Caribbean fantasy. Here are three private-island resorts where you can live the dream.
1. Fowl Cay
Afloat in the Exumas, this Bahamian islet is the ultimate Caribbean all-inclusive with just six cottages spread over 40 lush acres. Wake up to the caw of friendly seagulls then decide on the day’s agenda. You can laze on North or South Beach or bike shrub-fringed sandy paths but I’m betting you’ll set off in your private launch (each cottage comes with a 17-foot Angler) to explore the turquoise waters for which the Exumas are rightfully famous.
2. Palm Island
From Miami, you’ll two need planes, a golf cart and a boat to reach this Grenadines all-inclusive. But your 10-hour odyssey will be swiftly forgotten once you spy Palm’s cinematically stunning profile and the retinue of staff waiting on the dock (chilled towels and cocktails in hand) to welcome you to the 135-acre outpost. Explore the island’s five beaches and three hiking trails but make sure you sample a fresh coconut water – laced with Vincy rum, of course – from one of the island’s 1,852 palms.
In the southern sweep of the Grenadines, this all-inc private isle ranks in my top three Caribbean resorts. No bargain at around $1,000 a night, PSV is, however, a good value, offering 22 plush villas solicitously serviced by a fleet of beach buggy-driving staff. Hoist the scarlet pennant up the flagpole flanking your cottage and you won’t be disturbed. Fly the yellow flag and within minutes a member of staff magically materializes, ready to take your room service order or to drive you to Goatie’s Bar for a frosty Hairoun beer.