Palm trees swaying in the breeze. The distinct smell of fresh ocean air. The sound of crashing waves… and nothing else. Welcome to your stay at today’s luxury island resorts. Many fantasize over taking a vacation to nearly deserted tropic islands for good reason. They’re a place where you can truly get away from it all. We’ve showcased some of the premier island getaways and top resorts to book your stay.
Four Seasons Hawaii, Lanai
Lanai City, Hawaii
Situated on the Hawaiian Island of Lanai – a former pineapple plantation that once produced up to 75% of the world’s supply – the Four Seasons Hawaii, Lanai is inspired by the island’s diverse and storied Polynesian influences. Overlooking Hulop’e Bay, the property offers four restaurants– including Nobu Lanai – that live by the philosophy of “know your farmer, know your food”, and subsequently 65% of menu items come from the Hawaiian Islands.
www.fourseasons.com/lanai; Photo: Four Seasons Lanai; Photography by Barbara Kraft.
Montage Kapalua Bay
Lahaina, Hawaii
Set atop picturesque Kapalua Bay along the shimmering shores of the Pacific Ocean on the Hawaiian island of Maui, newly renovated Montage Kapalua Bay celebrates the richness of Hawaiian culture with a true luxury spirit. There’s a multi-tiered lagoon pool, Spa Montage and luxury suite accommodations featuring spacious living rooms and large private balconies. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Cane & Canoe, is set overlooking the ocean and serves modern Hawaiian fare with Asian influences.
www.montagehotels.com/kapaluabay; Photo: Montage Kapalua Bay.
Rosewood Baha Mar
Nassau, Bahamas
Along the pristine beaches of Nassau on New Providence Island in The Bahamas, an elegant sanctuary within the new resort destination of Baha Mar – a master planned $4.2 billion integrated resort development with 20 restaurants and lounges, the largest casino in the Caribbean, and 18- hole Jack Nicklaus Royal Blue Golf Course– is Rosewood Baha Mar. The property epitomizes Bahamian refinement and sophistication, offering an effortless escape inspired by the relaxed tempo of island life with architecture and interior styling inspired by a modern Bahamian estate.
The resort boasts 237 guestrooms, suites and beach front villas. Amenities include Sense, A Rosewood Spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, two private swimming pools and luxury cabanas. Additionally, guests have direct and private beach access.
STAY… The property offers some of the largest suites on the island, providing guests with a luxurious, yet residential, experience. All accommodations feature private balconies with furnished outdoor living areas, as well as individual service from personal butlers.
EAT… Amenities at Rosewood Baha Mar include four signature dining venues, designed to encourage fellowship among guests. Commonwealth is a farm-to-table restaurant with a private Rum Room for exclusive, island-style dinners. Costa serves coastal cuisine with a Mexican twist in a contemporary outdoor setting.
DO… The perfect setting for weddings, corporate meetings, retreats and incentives, the resort has twelve meeting and event spaces – including a 4,950-square-foot ballroom with a walkout terrace and courtyard, meeting room, boardrooms, private dining room and al fresco event areas such as the Rosewood Beach – offering exquisite catering, refined service and state-of-the-art technology.
www.rosewoodhotels.com; Photo: Rosewood Baha Mar.
Amanyara
Turks And Caicos
Amanyara – meaning ‘peaceful place’ – is a secluded beachside resort situated on the island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos. Contemporary in layout and design, Amanyara’s 38 timber-shingled pavilions enjoy extensive outdoor space and views of the ocean, tranquil ponds or coastal vegetation. The property’s white-sand beach and rocky coves are acclaimed for some of the world’s best wall and reef diving.
www.aman.com; Photo: Aman Hotels and Resorts.
Soneva Jani
Noonu Atoll, Maldives
Set in a pristine crystal-clear lagoon and surrounded by remote island sanctuaries, Soneva Jani is a new luxury resort in the Maldives which treats guests to a unique ‘castaway’ experience. Spacious water villas made from the highest quality sustainable materials each feature their own private pool, astonishing guests with ocean views. Many of the villas even feature slides into the water and retractable master bedroom roofs for stargazing.
www.soneva.com; Photo: Soneva Jani.
Kudadoo Maldives
Kudadoo Island, Maldives
Embracing all hallmarks of luxurious living, Kudadoo Maldives private island holds the promise of the very best in escapism. Affording you the luxury of time, space and unhindered connections, this refuge for the soul is bound to impress even the most discerning traveler with its all-encompassing AAA experience. Created for unscripted respites from the confines of everyday life, Kudadoo radiates an enchanting blend of astounding natural beauty and effortless adventures. Try swimming with manta rays, big game fishing or bioluminescent night snorkeling while enjoying your luxe stay at this Crusoe-inspired resort.
www.kudadoo.com; Photo: Kudadoo Maldives.
Amandari
Bali, Indonesia
Inspired by a traditional village, Amandari is framed by jungle and rice terraces in Bali’s cultural heartland. Thatched houses– some with pools, all with private tropical gardens – cosset guests under bamboo ceilings, their suites elegantly decorated with teak and coconut-wood. Exposed to cooling mountain breezes, The Restaurant serves up a sophisticated menu of Indonesian and Western dishes breakfast through dinner.
www.aman.com; Photo: Aman Hotels and Resorts.
Keemala
Phuket, Thailand
Set into the hillside and making use of slopes offering sea, stream and waterfall views, Keemala is a sanctuary for those who wish to rebalance, rejuvenate and relax. The concept of the resort is to offer experiences to guests that are ‘Beyond Enchanting’, harnessing the history of fictitious ancient Phuket settlers to tell the story of four different clans within the resort. The architectural design of the accommodating private villas reflects the skills and way of life for each group. The resort offers gourmet, healthy dining, fitness studio, holistic spa, pool and more. Guests also have the opportunity to learn about the property’s resident water buffalo and his significance in Thai culture.
www.keemala.com; Photo: Keemala Resort.
Four Seasons Resort, Koh Samui
Koh Samui, Thailand
Discover Thailand’s laid-back island life at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Guests can spend days exploring pristine sandy beaches bordered by tropical greenery and calm blue seas, lounging by the infinity pool with a cool drink, or relaxing on your private deck overlooking the idyllic Gulf of Siam – all with every imaginable comfort. The resort provides guests with the island’s only private beach access.
www.fourseasons.com/KohSamui; Photo: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.
