Booking a Caribbean villa for a vacation affords a measure of exclusivity for your clients. They can take this ritzy treatment even further when they vacation on one of the region’s private islands.
These controlled access islands offer personalized service and are a great choice for clients seeking a digital detox. Below are our top six picks.
Note
Some of these Caribbean private islands are still in recovery mode after 2017’s hurricanes Irma and Maria. Guana Island will be open July 2018; Necker Island will see a partial reopening October 2018; and Peter Island does not have a reopening date at this time, although they hope to announce one in the coming months. Oil Nut Bay in the British Virgin Islands is currently open to receiving guests.
Guana Island, British Virgin Islands
Guana Island lies north of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Guana Island Club is an ideal option for people who want to dial things down since there are no televisions or phones (however, there is Wi-Fi access).
This two-bedroom villa’s pool overlooks Guana Island.
Credit: 2018 Guana Island
The all-inclusive plan also makes things simpler. There are 15 cottages along a ridge offering scenic sea views. Waterfront accommodations are available by booking the one-bedroom North Beach Villa, while the Sea View Room with Private Pool has exactly what its name implies. Guests are met at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (Beef Island Airport) and are then driven to the dock where they embark on a 10-minute boat ride to Guana Island.
www.guana.com
Meridian Club, Pine Cay, Turks and Caicos
Pine Cay is an 800-acre private island and a part of the Turks and Caicos archipelago. Visitors to Pine Cay’s Meridian Club arrive via private boat from Providenciales International Airport.
Scuba divers will appreciate the clarity of the sea surrounding Pine Cay, which offers uncommonly high visibility. The island’s 2 miles of prime beach is another draw.
Rooms are not air-conditioned, except for two premium beachfront rooms. A welcome touch for some and a hurdle for others is Meridian’s banning of cellphones in the public areas and guestrooms. If a guest must use a cellphone, he or she is requested to do so near the resort’s tennis courts. Rooms also lack telephones and televisions. Three meals are included in the room rates.
www.meridianclub.com
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
The owner of Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands is the flamboyant Sir Richard Branson, and his sense of style can be felt throughout. The 74-acre island has a capacity of 22 guests and is generally rented out exclusively, although there are times throughout the year when individual rooms can be booked during the resort’s “Celebration Weeks.”
Necker Island is owned by Sir Richard Branson.
Credit: 2018 Necker IslandThere is also an emphasis on sustainability and conservation at Necker Island, including care for the resident flamingo population.
Necker Island’s rate includes 25-minute launch transfers to and from Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Virgin Tortola.
www.virginlimitededition.com
Oil Nut Bay, British Virgin Islands
Oil Nut Bay is a 300-acre private island located on the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Oil Nut Bay has a selection of one- to six-bedroom villas. Oil Nut features and amenities include a restaurant, a beach club, two pools (one is a kids’ pool) and a 93-berth marina. Oil Nut Bay is accessible only by boat or helicopter.
www.oilnutbay.com
The island of Oil Nut Bay covers 300 acres.
Credit: 2018 Christian HomePalm Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
On the southern tip of St. Vincent and the Grenadines lies Palm Island Resort. The 135-acre island is accessible only via boat. Guests first fly into St. Lucia or Barbados and then to Union Island, where they’ll board a boat for a 10-minute ride to Palm Island.
There 43 accommodations at Palm Island spread out over guestrooms, suites and villas that offer amenities such as private terraces and tropic-chic furnishings of rattan and bamboo.
Clients can choose from 43 beautiful accommodations at Palm Island Resort.
Credit: 2018 Palm IslandThere are five white-sand beaches, massage and salon services and a gym. The resort is all-inclusive, providing three daily meals and afternoon tea, as well as nonmotorized watersports. Excursions can be arranged, including scuba and deep-sea fishing.
www.palmislandresortgrenadines.com
Peter Island, British Virgin Islands
Peter Island Resort & Spa in the British Virgin Islands brings a full-on resort experience, with an impressive selection of rooms comprising 32 Ocean View Rooms, 20 Beach Front Junior Suites and three luxury villas. There are three restaurants, five beaches and a 10,000-foot spa. Peter Island lies 4 miles south of Tortola with access via ferry service and helicopter.
www.peterisland.com
