Luxury Retreats

Casa Aramara – Los Ranchos, Punta Mita

Casa Aramara is a beachfront retreat built for the rich and famous, but enjoyed by all. It is the work of world-famous designer, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, who has designed homes for Cheryl Tiegs, Christina Aguilera, Tommy Hilfiger, and more. On par with Aramara’s design is its five-star international cuisine, cooked up on-site by world-renowned chefs. When you’re not enjoying the secluded property’s sand and shore, you have endless options for indoor and outdoor fun, including a private basketball court and your own frozen yogurt machine. Vacationers at this villa have access to preferred tee times at Punta Mita Golf Club (home to the world’s only natural island green) and priority restaurant and nightclub reservations. The icing on the cake is an “Anything” button available in every room of the estate, which you can press to request sea lions in your pool, relaxing massages, fresh mahi mahi, or anything else you can think of. You get the idea – at Casa Aramara, anything is possible.

(Sleeps 20 – From about $12,000 per night: www.luxuryretreats.com)

Cove Spring House – The Garden, Barbados

As far as private beach homes go, it doesn’t get much better than this. The Bajan 10-bedroom estate sits raised up above coral stone cliffs that break to form a secluded sandy cove down below offering the finest view of the ocean’s crystal clear turquoise water. Lounge chairs grace the spacious veranda facing the pool and offer panoramic views of the Atlantic. At Cove Spring House, you may never have to spend a waking moment inside, as this luxurious villa features two outdoor dining pavilions, a teppanyaki grill, a barbecue, an outdoor bar, alfresco dining, loungers, recliners and umbrellas. And with a 4-person cooking staff, butler, housekeepers, gardeners, and security, you might not have to lift a finger.

(Sleeps 20 – From about $15,000 per night: www.luxuryretreats.com)

Le Bleu – Little Harbor, Anguilla

Stationed on Anguilla’s Little Harbor, Le Bleu is the perfect vacation home to get away from it all. The spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea can be enjoyed from the villa’s south-facing bedrooms with doors that open up to the sunny setting. Its second-level deck has a swimming pool that also looks out onto the clear turquoise waters. When you stroll across the lawn and down the stone staircase towards the sand, you’ll find our favorite feature: a snug and quiet rock-surrounded, toes-in-the-water, private beach cove. This spacious property sleeps 19 and includes chef, butler, housekeeping, and laundry services.

(Sleeps 19 – From about $7,750 per night: www.luxuryretreats.com)

Little Whale Cay – The Berry Islands, Caribbean

A private beach is one thing – a private island is another. On Little Whale Cay, you have 93 acres and spectacular views of the sea all to yourself. Accessible to only you and your guests, the island has 3 private homes: Flamingo House with 3 bedrooms, Little Whale House with 2, and Peacock House with 1. Just a 15-minute flight from Nassau, this piece of paradise has all the modern amenities one could need, including flat screen satellite TVs, Wi-Fi, telephone, air conditioning, and a gym. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean’s sparkling blue water, you’ll want to take advantage of the island harbor with provided sailing dinghies and kayaks. On land, the island has its own tennis court, infinity pool, and alfresco dining perfect for cocktail hour. And its beach is as remote as it gets. On-site chef, laundry, and maid service are added perks.

(Sleeps 12 – From about $14,760 per night: www.luxuryretreats.com)

Rio Chico – Ocho Rios, Jamaica

The luxurious Rio Chico experience begins on the drive in as you are greeted by tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and creeks. The 2,000 feet of protected shoreline and two private beaches on the property are your own little paradise. Decorated with refreshingly colorful loungers and umbrellas, this beachfront property on the northern coast of Jamaica is filled with activities for all ages. Amenities include a home theatre, a private night lit tennis court, sea kayaks, snorkeling gear, table tennis, netball, and croquet. The large private staff pampers all guests and there are enough nearby attractions to fill up your days. A stay at Rio Chico is a stay for the ages.

(Sleeps 16 – From about $7,857 per night: www.luxuryretreats.com)