caribbean

Reach the Beach: Luxury Resort Style in the Turks & Caicos Islands {Exclusive Feature}

Filed under: Apparel, Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Books, Men's Style, The Classicist

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The Turks and Caicos islands in the British West Indies is well known for having the world's most beautiful beaches. It also has some of the world's most stylish and luxurious beach resorts, which are remarkable for their amazingly private settings and lush natural landscapes, far removed from the over-development that plagues some other Caribbean hotspots. The perfect setting for our latest style feature, we're sure you'll agree.

Parrot Cay, located on a pristine 1,000-acre private island, including a mile-long powdered beach, is an elegant combination of glorious nature, understated luxury and unparalleled privacy complete with an award-winning holistic spa, healthy gourmet cuisine and beach villas with private pools (above).

The villas are a favorite with celebrities including Donna Karan, Bruce Willis, Keith Richards and Sir Paul McCartney. Some like Willis and Karan were so entranced they decided to build their own beach houses on the island. Want to own one? So do we. Parrot Cay is currently offering a small selection of villas for private ownership, starting at $10 million.

Tags: Aman resorts, Amanyara, architecture, Bagatelle, beach, beach resorts, books, Caribbean, celebrity vacations, Donna Karan, Gansevoort, Girard-Perregaux, Helly-Hansen, islands, JetBlue, Land Rover, luxury resorts, Parrot Cay, private island, R A E N Optics, resorts, Rizzoli, Royal Elastics, shoes, spa, Tods, Turks and Caicos, Vineyard Vines, watches

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Luxe Destinations: Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

We recently reported on JetBlue's great new direct service to the island paradise of the Turks & Caicos. To help you plan your glamorous getaway, Luxist is featuring the best of the Caribbean hotspot's luxury resorts, beginning with our top pick, Parrot Cay, situated on a private island.

On 1,000 pristine acres including a mile-long powdered beach, the resort is an elegant combination of glorious nature, understated luxury and unparalleled privacy. The first private island property from COMO Hotels and Resorts, it features an award-winning holistic spa, healthy gourmet cuisine and beach houses with private pools.

Parrot Cay's rooms are designed to maximize light, facing the sea or the island's natural landscaping, and awash in ocean breezes. Balinese day-beds, four-posters and private pools encourage relaxed lounging outdoors, while interiors come in whitewash and teak, with many of the Hamptons-style houses offering direct beach access.

There are also luxe villas belonging to private owners who make their properties available to rent. The spa, COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay, overlooks mangroves and wetlands rich with birdlife. Situated just behind the beach is one of the world's most beautiful swimming pools.

We'll see you there.

Gallery: Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos - Preview

Tags: beach, beach resort, best beach resorts, best Caribbean resorts, best island resorts, best luxury Caribbean resorts, Caribbean, COMO Hotels and Resorts, island, JetBlue, luxury travel, Parrot Cay, private island, private island resorts, resorts, spa, swimming pools, travel, Turks Caicos, Turks and Caicos, Turks and Caicos resort, villas

Luxe Travel Tip: JetBlue's New Direct Service to Turks & Caicos

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Wings

Thanks to JetBlue, it's now a whole lot easier to get to one of our favorite luxe travel destinations, the Turks & Caicos islands. The eco-friendly airline known for its style and value just introduced direct service to the Caribbean hotspot's Providenciales island from New York's JFK and Boston's Logan airports. The flights leave JFK daily.

Tags: airlines, beach, Boston, Caribbean, islands, JetBlue, jetblue+service+to+turks+and+caicos, jetblueservicetoturksandcaicos, JFK airport, Logan airport, luxury resorts, luxury travel, resorts, travel, Turks Caicos

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Black Pearl Golf Course Opens On Roatan

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Sports

The island of Roatan off the coast off Honduras now has its own golf course. The exotically named Black Pearl at the Pristine Bay Resort is a Perry and Pete Dye-designed par-72, 7,179-yard course with plenty of Caribbean views. The course starts near the ocean and then zig zags into the foothills of the island before taking the player back toward the sea.

The course includes plenty of treats (and tricks). The 11th hole (a par 3) has an elevated tee and the green sits in the middle of a lake ringed by a narrow bunker. Roatan has become a popular stop on many Caribbean cruise itineraries. The course opened December 1 exclusively for Carnival and Royal Caribbean passengers. The Sky Lounge and 19th Hole restaurants are also open to enjoy before and after a round.

The Resort and Spa at Pristine Bay, a 120-room, five-star hotel will have a "soft opening" this spring. Villas, home lots and condos are also being sold. Villas start at $600,000 and range up to $1 million; lots start at $230,000 and range up to $700,000; and condominiums from $348,000 to $700,000. A 155-slip full-service marina located near The Black Pearl clubhouse will provide deep-water access for yachts.

Tags: caribbean, honduras, roatan

Celebrate Valentine's Day in Luxe Style at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

The desire to do something extraordinary for Valentine's Day often clashes with the cold reality of no time to travel somewhere truly exotic. We've found the U.S. Virgin Islands to be an ideal escape without having to cross borders (and all that entails) to get somewhere special. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas manages to be a magical oasis despite its relative proximity to the area's only major airport – a big plus when time is of the essence. The resort's secluded setting on 30 acres fronting an intimate white-sand beach and the gracious elegance of its main building, the Italianate Palazzo (above), set the scene for really romantic getaways. In front of the Palazzo are landscaped gardens leading to a stunning infinity pool overlooking the beach and turquoise waters of a sheltered bay.

For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, The signature Ritz-Carlton Club Level at the property has 55 Deluxe rooms featuring standing rain showers and soaking tubs and unobstructed ocean views from private balconies. The Club Level accommodations in St. Thomas also include one-bedroom Executive suites, a top-floor Ritz-Carlton Club Suite and three stunning 1,850-square-foot Presidential suites boasting a dining and living area and fitness room with treadmill, where Barack Obama and family have stayed in the past. All Club Level rooms and suites include access to the elegant Club Lounge with a spacious outdoor terrace, offering elaborate culinary presentations throughout the day and evening, chic cocktails and a dedicated Club Concierge.

Once ensconced in your luxe accommodations there are several options for making your getaway even more magical. A particular favorite for celebrating Valentine's Day is a champagne sunset sail aboard the Lady Lynsey, the resort's luxurious 53 ft. catamaran. You can take a cruise to Honeymoon Beach across the bay on St. John featuring some of the finest snorkeling in the Virgin Islands, and then hop back on board for a leisurely lunch for two complete with a champagne toast. Stay out on the water to watch the sunset and then finish the day with a starlit dinner in a private gazebo on the beach with a chocolate and wine tasting, or enjoy a private dinner for two at Bleuwater restaurant, one of four distinctive oceanfront-dining options as unique and colorful as the Caribbean scenery that surrounds them. [cont'd]

Gallery: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

Tags: Barack Obama, beach, Caribbean, catamaran, champagne, dining, hotel suites, luxury hotel, ocean, Prada, Prada Beauty, Ritz-Carlton, sailing, spa, St. Thomas, The Ritz-Carlton, U.S. Virgin Islands, Valentines Day, Virgin Island

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Exclusive New Villas Launched at Bahamas Celeb Hideaway Pink Sands

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Celebrity Shopping, Real Estate Developments

Keith Richards, Julia Roberts, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell all go there for a getaway – now you can call it home. Pink Sands, the exclusive resort on idyllic Harbour Island in the Bahamas formerly owned by famed record producer Chris Blackwell is now offering a limited number of private residences on the picturesque property built to owners' specifications. Only 13 of the elite estates will be constructed on the celebrity hideaway's 20 acres overlooking the most beautiful stretch of pink sand beach in the Bahamas. Building lots are priced fro $700,000 – $1.995 million, and the resort's luxe amenities including the concierge service, housekeeping, private dining, beach chairs and umbrellas, massage studio and more will be available to estate owners.

Once they've acquired a lot owners can choose to hire their own architect or pick out one of Pink Sands' unique turnkey plans, and can also stay at the posh resort while their villas are being built. One of the first estates, designed by the award-winning Garcia Stromberg architectural firm, is a three-bedroom villa with panoramic views of the beach and the bay, a beautifully landscaped private outdoor courtyard, an open-air sitting area with fireplace and a private swimming pool, and a guest cottage. This villa will also be available to rent with weekly rates starting at about $19,000 during the off-season, as will certain others, with the option of joining the rental program open to all purchasers.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: Pink Sands, Harbour Island

Tags: Bahamas, beach, Caribbean, celebrities, Chris Blackwell, island, Julia Roberts, Kate Moss, Keith Richards, Naomi Campbell, Pink Sands, resort

The Classicist: St. Regis Bahia Beach Brings True Luxury to Puerto Rico

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels, The Classicist

Last spring we previewed the luxe private residences at the St. Regis' beautiful new Bahia Beach property in Puerto Rico. Now the accompanying exclusive resort, the prestigious brand's first Caribbean hotel, is officially open bringing world-class luxury to the island. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico brings St. Regis' signature bespoke services to the stunning 483-acre beachfront enclave, located on a former coconut plantation nestled between the majestic El Yunque rainforest and the Espiritu Santo River. The property's ultra-luxe amenities include St. Regis' legendary Butler Service, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's restaurant Fern, a 10,000 square foot Remède Spa, and an ocean-front golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. as well as the Caribbean's first certified Gold Audubon Signature Sanctuary.

Designed by acclaimed architecture firm Hill Glazier in a graceful plantation style that harmoniously blends in with the glorious landscape of towering palms and tropical flowers, the resort boasts 139 luxuriously appointed guest rooms including 35 suites with private terraces offering spectacular ocean views, as well as 25 private St. Regis Estate Homes. The elegant, inviting interiors feature custom-designed furniture and spacious marble baths in addition to Pratesi linens and high-tech amenities such as high-speed wireless internet, 40-inch LCD televisions, additional TVs ingeniously integrated into the bathroom mirrors and an iPod docking station. The resort's signature Butler and Private Dining services ensure you'll never want for anything. The beachside swimming pool compound features Seagrapes, a casual bar and restaurant, private cabanas and more incredible ocean views.

Gallery: St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico

Tags: Audubon, Bahia Beach, beach, Caribbean, golf, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, library, luxury hotels, Puerto Rico, resort, restaurants, Spa, St. Regis, St. Regis Bahia Beach, suites

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Historic 355 Acre Caribbean Property for Sale at $15 Million

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

Last month we wrote about some of the Caribbean's most exclusive escapes. Want to create your own private refuge in paradise? Manatee Peninsula (above), a picturesque and historic 355-acre property in the Dominican Republic with 4.4 miles of pristine beachfront is being offered for sale at $15 million – $6 Million below a 2008 bank estimate. Named the Manatee Peninsula due to the extensive lagoon filled with playful, gentle manatees, the property has an interesting history: Christopher Columbus discovered the peninsula on his second trip to the New World in 1493 and anchored his boats in the lagoon. The property is minutes from Columbus' original settlement, La Isabela, considered the first formal European settlement in the New World and now a National Park. The undeveloped parcel is protected a 10,000 foot mountain range to the southeast that acts as a natural hurricane shield, making it an ideal haven for yachts as well.

Gallery: Manatee Peninsula

Tags: beach, Caribbean, Christopher Columbus, Dominican Republic, ocean, property, real estate

Hotel Guanahani & Spa on St. Barth's to Reopen December 15

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

The Hotel Guanahani & Spa on the picturesque island of St. Barth's will reopen its doors in mid-December after a major overhaul and renovation of the property.

The largest resort on St Barth's, the Hotel Guanahani & Spa's renovation was led by award-winning architect David Schwarz, interior designer Miami, Fla.-based Luis Pons and local architect Nicolas Lossent from Lotus Architects.

Most rooms are being renovated and one new, luxurious suite will be built on the property. Located in a remote setting on the beachfront, the Admiral Suite will resemble a villa and feature 2 spacious bedrooms, exclusive access to a small private beach and breathtaking views of the lagoon. The suite will feature custom-designed furniture that incorporates elements of leather and wood.

Gallery: Hotel Guanahani & Spa on St. Barth's

The Swimming Pool at the Hotel Guanahani & Spa on St. Barth's

The Spa at the Hotel Guanahani & Spa on St. Barth's

A newly remodeled suite at the Hotel Guanahani & Spa

A Newly Remodeled Suite at the Hotel Guanahani & Spa on St. Barth's

Tags: awards-main, caribbean, CaribbeanBeaches, CaribbeanDestinations, CaribbeanTravel, Hotel Guanahani, Hotel Guanahani Spa, luxist-awards, spa, St. Barths, st. barts

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Exploring the Caribbean's Most Exclusive Escapes

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Books

Seasoned travel journalist and luxury hotel expert Meg Nolan Van Reesema sussed out the Caribbean's most exotic and exclusive escapes for her entrancing new book Caribbean Hideaways: Discovering Enchanting Rooms and Private Villas from Rizzoli. The thirty gorgeous destinations from fifteen different islands featured in the book were chosen for their unique views, elegant decor – no examples here of the tacky tropical style we like to call "Caribbean Awful" – and unique ambience. Over 200 vibrant photographs by Jessica Antola bring the desirable destinations to life, while practical information about the best suites, what to expect during your stay, and the local surroundings is also included.

Standouts include the relaxed, chic bungalows of Hermitage Bay in Antigua with dark wood furnishings and freestanding tubs; the open-air guest rooms of Jade Mountain in St. Lucia with unparalleled views of the Piton peaks; the posh, private Oliver Messel-designed Fustic House estate in Barbados; the spectacular Balinese furnishings of Anguilla's Bird of Paradise Villa; St. Barth's super-stylish Isle de France hotel; the ultra-luxe Yemanja villa on Mustique (pictured on the book's cover above) complete with a private screening room; and the elegant British Colonial-style Colleton Suite at Barbados' Cobblers Cove. Check out the gallery for a preview.

Gallery: Caribbean Hideaways

Tags: Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, books, Caribbean, Cobblers Cove, coffee table books, Hermitage Bay, hotels, island, luxury hotel, luxury hotels, Mustique, resorts, St. Barth, St. Lucia, villa

Four Seasons Nevis to Reopen in December

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

The Ocean Pool at the Four Seasons Nevis; the resort will re-open in December 2010.

The Four Seasons Resort Nevis will re-open on December 15, 2010. "It will be the same resort that guests have always loved," says Tara MacIntyre, spokeswoman for the resort. "We will have a chic new look and feel to the property, but the same friendly Nevisian smiles to greet you."

Long considered one of the best hotels in the entire Caribbean, the Four Seasons Nevis was damaged by Hurricane Omar in October 2008 which passed through the islands of St. Kitts & Nevis. Closed ever since, the resort is in the process of completing renovations throughout the property.

"We look forward to welcoming guests back to Four Seasons Resort Nevis and the tranquil and beautiful island of Nevis," says Andrew Humphries, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Nevis.

The resort features 196 spacious, luxurious guest rooms and suites in 12 two-story guest buildings just steps from the beach and exclusive two- to six- bedroom residence villas. It is an intimate retreat in a low-key destination known for its romantic settings, unspoiled environment and rich history and culture. The resort offers several swimming pools, a top-rated spa, tennis and kids' facilities as well as abundant water sports and nature excursions.

Gallery: Four Seasons Nevis

A view of the swimming pool at the Four Seasons Nevis

Tags: awards-main, caribbean, caribbean destinations, CaribbeanBeaches, CaribbeanTravel, Four Seasons, Four Seasons Nevis, luxist-awards, Nevis, St. Kitts

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The Classicist: Win a Private Tour of Ralph Lauren's Car Collection & More

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Events, Charity, Sports, Big Givers, Men's Style, The Classicist, Luxury Shopping

From now through Oct. 21, Ralph Lauren is auctioning off a number of extraordinary items and experiences to mark the 10th anniversary of Pink Pony, the designer's global initiative to raise awareness and funds in support of the fight against cancer. The online auction, the first of its kind for the Pink Pony cause, is being produced in partnership with luxury charity auction site charitybuzz. Highlights of the incredible event include several once-in-a-lifetime forays into the private world of the famed fashion designer and his luxury empire, including classic cars, polo, chauffeured Bentleys, sexy models and shopping sprees. You check out full details and register to place bids at www.charitybuzz.com/RalphLauren; meanwhile, here are The Classicist's top picks:

1. A private tour of Lauren's incredible car collection, estimated at $150,000: You and a friend will be shown the cars, including the ultra-rare 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic (above), worth an estimated $40 million, a $28 million Ferrari 250 GTO, Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, McLaren F1LM and more, by Lauren himself at his lavish estate in Bedford, New York. You'll also get a ride in one of these world-class driving machines and take home a signed copy of Speed, Style, and Beauty: Cars from the Ralph Lauren Collection.

2. A weekend at Lauren's private Round Hill Villa in Jamaica, estimated at $150,000: A priceless opportunity to spend four days and three nights for you and up to three guests at the designer's personal Jamaican paradise. The fully staffed villa, which sits on a magnificent, picturesque cliff over the crystal blue Caribbean Sea, has been featured on the covers of House & Garden and Architectural Digest. Enjoy a swim in the villa's infinity pool and private beach access, as well as complimentary tennis lessons and a yoga session.

3. Play polo with Nacho Figueras and stay at The Breakers in Palm Beach, estimated at $15,000: Take a lesson from Nacho Figueras, world class polo player and Ralph Lauren model. You and a guest will refuel afterward during lunch with Nacho, and you'll also spend three nights at the exclusive Breakers hotel in Palm Beach, including a spa treatment for two at the Breakers Spa; a round of golf for two; a $1,000 private shopping experience at the Ralph Lauren store at the Breakers; and VIP access to the U.S. Open at the International Polo Club.

4. Front row seats to the Ralph Lauren fashion show and an outfit from the runway, estimated at $25,000: Bring along a friend when you meet the designer and sit in the elite front row at his Fall 2011 Fashion Show in New York. Then, select your favorite look from the runway to add to your own personal collection. Enjoy two nights at a penthouse suite at The Setai Fifth Avenue hotel, including breakfast for two and one signature spa treatments. [continued]

Gallery: Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Auction

Tags: ad campaign, auction, Bedford, Bentley, bespoke, Boris Becker, Bugatti, car collection, Caribbean, Carlyle Hotel, charity, charitybuzz, classic cars, designer, fashion show, Ferrari, Ferrari 250 GTO, Jamaica, London, mens style, Mercedes-Benz, Nacho Figueras, Palm Beach, Paris, Pink Pony, polo, Ralph Lauren, Rhinelander Mansion, Setai, tennis, The Breakers, The Savoy, villa, Wimbledon

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St Barth Commuter: Small plane, Short Flight and a Hell of a View

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

There aren't many ways to get to St. Barthelemy, and your range of options shrinks with season and income. So, if you're heading out to this Caribbean island for a few days or more in the warmer months, you have only a handful of choices that don't include private aviation or yachts. On my recent trip to St. Barths, I flew St. Barth Commuter, an experience I won't soon forget.

I stepped out on the tarmac in St. Martin, fully expecting to find a small plane waiting for me, but I wasn't prepared for the tiny six-passenger contraption into which I would climb (note: it is safe). The pilot smiled comfortably, putting me and the other passengers at ease as we pulled ourselves into the plane for a flight that would last only 10 minutes or so. He was an old pro: during busy season, he'll make this run up to 17 times a day.

Tags: airline, airlines, caribbean, St Barths

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Apocalypse Now? Spend It on St Barths

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Art

There worse places to wait out the end of the world ...

Over the 2007/8 Christmas holiday season, artist Richard Prince developed and expected a vision of post-apocalyptic society. The world as we know it met its untimely demise as the protagonist, his family and crew sailed to St. Barthelemy, discovering the changed state of affairs only when landing on the island. Far from the decadent setting one would expect to find, the resort haven became the setting for a struggle for survival.

I came to St. Barths under far different circumstances, of course. A small plane, with room for only six passengers, deposited me on the tarmac at a tiny airport, offering stunning and alarming views of the sea during our approach. The runway, sans fence or other barrier at the end, stretches right to the beach, with only a splash of sand separating it from the lapping waves of the Caribbean Sea. The customs agent inside the small, Spartan terminal served little purpose aside from a friendly greeting and a stamp and wave with a flick of the wrist.

Gallery: The Beach at Eden Rock

Tags: caribbean, caribbean sea, CaribbeanTravel, eden rock, richard prince, St Barths, villa

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Buccament Bay Resort Opening On St. Vincent

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Buccament Bay Resort, a new luxury resort on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, has announced its soft opening. The 368-room resort is the first from the new hotel brand, Harlequin Hotels & Resorts. The resort offers both hotel suites and beachfront villas. The resort has several restaurants and lounges including Jack's Steak and Seafood, Arlecchino Italian fine dining, Trader Vic's offering a blend of Pacific Island, Asian and American cuisine, Ginger & Co. Asian fusion restaurant, and The Bay Beach Club serving drinks and snacks throughout the day. The Pearl, Buccament Bay's resident galleon ship, offers cruises with drinks and a buffet.

The resort offers plenty to do including the tennis at the Pat Cash Tennis Academy. The resort is the first Caribbean destination to feature a partnership with a football (American soccer) club with the opening of the Liverpool Football Club Soccer School. Courses will be available for children of five years and up and the facilities will also be available for professional teams to undertake pre-season training. The theatrically minded can take classes at the Harlequin Performing Arts Academy with classes for children and master classes can also be arranged for aspiring adults. There is also a diving and watersports center. The Alaia Spa offers both traditional beauty and spa treatments indoors as well as outdoor treatment suites.

The resort marina has berths for cruising yachts and offshore anchoring mooring buoys for larger yachts. Additional resort amenities include several boutiques, a white sand beach, swimming pools with concierge service, a children's pool, business center, Teen Club, babysitting and Little Harlequins, Buccament Bay Resort's signature kid's club. Room rates start around $400 per night.

Tags: buccament bay, caribbean, hotel opening, luxury hotel, st. vincent