HIDDEN CARIBBEAN | New York Lifestyles Magazine

HIDDEN CARIBBEAN

By Patricia Canole

They say good things come in small packages. In the sultry Caribbean, this could well mean tiny islands, “wrapped” in gentle waves of sapphire blue water and “tied” with long, curvy baby-powder-soft strands of sand. We love Young Island and Kamalame Cay. Never heard of them? They, and our other tropical picks, are tailor-made for sun lovers. So, let’s take a peek at some of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets.

ANTIGUA
Jumby Bay
Just a 10-minute boat ride away from the main island of Antigua is the very luxurious Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort located on the private island of Long Island. People are out-numbered in this pristine natural setting by white egrets, blue pelicans and turtles. Here is where you’ll find barefoot elegance. You’ll feel like a privileged castaway on a 300-acre island.

Everything is top-of-the-line quality and service, from the Italian tile floors to the twice-a-day delivery of fresh ice to your room. The resort embodies island chic, accented with indoor-outdoor bathrooms, bamboo and granite accents, four-poster beds, and hand-painted tile work integrate modern amenities. Play Robinson Crusoe for a day with a picnic escape to a deserted beach. It’s all there for you to do—or don’t—as you please. Sip cocktails at sunset, which showcases a dazzling menu under executive chef, Sylvain Hervochon (rosewoodhotels.com).

THE BAHAMAS
Kamalame Cay
Just what the body needs to regroup, relax and rejuvenate is the island hideaway of Kamalame Cay. With three miles of white sand shores, heavenly days can be spent relaxing on the beach or by the pool. All treatment rooms at the spa boast large floor-to-ceiling windows.

Kamalame is also the perfect place for water lovers. The world’s third longest reef is just a mile offshore, providing plenty of interest for diving and snorkeling. There’s also great deep sea fishing or you can even try your hand at catching bonefish. Spend your evenings at the resort’s Great House dining on a sumptuous new menu that blends the best of European cuisine with West Indian-Caribbean traditions (kamalame.com).

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Peter Island
Though 1,800-acre Peter Island Resort & Spa is the BVI’s fifth-largest island resort, beachcombers won’t have a problem finding privacy in this slice of sunny paradise. The island boasts plenty of secluded beaches, such as White Bay, known for its superior snorkeling. The resort’s beachfront suites (with king-size beds, Jacuzzis and terraces) are located along

Deadman’s Bay, a mile-long crescent-shaped expanse dotted with towering coconut palms. Hike, the five-mile nature trail that loops around the island. Then soothe those tired muscles with a signature treatment at the resort’s spa. Later as the sun sets, stroll over to the Drake’s Channel Lounge and be amazed with gorgeous views of Tortola (peterisland.com).

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
Young Island
A little tropical paradise off the coast of St. Vincent, 35-acre Young Island boasts mango, banana and breadfruit trees—and luscious unspoiled beaches. The vibe here is casual, so ditch those sandals and go barefoot. Young Island’s Caribbean-style thatch-roof cottages are made of Brazilian hardwood and volcanic stone. Walls with floor-to-ceiling windows, al fresco showers and plenty of freshly cut flowers complete the pretty picture. Ask for one of the cottages that’s tucked away in the lush hillside for an ultra-private experience. Need some activity? Hire a yacht to explore the nearby islands of Bequia or Mustique. Of course, you can limit your exercise to a swim out to the rustic Coconut Bay, perched on stilts in the water, where drinks are served in (what else?) coconut shells (youngisland.com).

Petit St. Vincent
Located in the southern end of the Grenadine Island chain, Petit St. Vincent is home to a gorgeous resort. Each of its cottages has a large bedroom, a living room and a wooden sundeck with hammock strung between sea grape trees. The cottages are ultra-remote. If you want to order room service (a bottle of Champagne or afternoon tea) fly the yellow flag outside your door; for ultra- privacy raise the red flag. Some guests might actually make it to the Main House for dinner in the open-walled pavilion overlooking the harbor (petitstvincent.com).

TURKS & CAICOS
COMO Parrot Cay
Don’t be surprised if your fellow guests at COMO Parrot Cay include some of Hollywood’s A-list. This chic, 1,000-acre island resort, north of Providenciales (the main island of Turks & Caicos), showcases three miles of powdery beaches. Here you will find elegant yet unpretentious villas and top-notch service. It’s an idyllic spot for the solace seeker. Parrot Cay’s guestrooms have a breezy décor and

feature four-poster beds, and louvered doors that open on to large verandas. Relax in your comfy oceanfront chaise, or lounge and splash in the infinity pool. Or, spend your mornings and afternoons snorkeling (the surrounding reef is rich in kaleidoscopic marine life) and biking along scenic nature trails. Had enough? You’ve earned a spell in the Asian-inspired Como Shambhala Spa; the soothing Thai massage is a must (comohotels.com/parrotcay).