|
Island Escapes
Five places where your main concern will be margarita or mojito?
From the March 24, 2003 Issue of New York
 Peter Island, British Virgin Islands
There are never more than 116 guests allowed on this
lush private isle—probably a lot fewer this time
of year. The resort’s twenty beachfront junior
suites have just been renovated, but you
shouldn’t overlook the charm of Peter
Island’s sixteen A-frame duplex cottages, right
on the beach. All meals and water toys (Hobie Cats,
Sunfish, Windsurfers, kayaks, snorkeling gear) are
included in Peter’s rates, and you can get there
only by boat or helicopter. The better to keep the
crowds away.
All-inclusive summer rates start at $530 for two (800-346-4451; peterisland.com).
 Nisbet Plantation, Nevis
A converted sugar plantation, Nisbet is a charming
alternative to Nevis’s better-known (and much
fancier) Four Seasons Resort. With a great house
dating back to 1778, the resort is a throwback to the
slow-moving (make that slower-moving) Caribbean of
yesteryear. Breezy cottages are set among stands of
tall palm trees, and there’s a quiet white-sand
beach that’s perfect for horseback riding,
strolling, or, you know, swimming.
Summer rates start at $290 for two, including three
meals daily (800-742-6008; nisbetplantation.com).
 Caneel Bay, St. John
Caneel Bay’s year-old Self Centre, set on a
quiet bluff with soothing sea views, is an open-air
facility devoted to meditation, yoga, and
“imagery.” Guest rooms at the fully loaded
resort are equally serene, with picture windows,
ceiling fans, soft pastel colors, and comfy
handcrafted furniture. Hike, swim, sail, snorkel, or
do nada on one of the resort’s seven
secluded beaches.
Summer rates start at $300 for two (888-rosewood;
rosewoodhotels.com).
 Hotel St-Barth,
St. Barts
Upscale and très français, Hotel
St-Barth Isle de France is one of the few beachfront
lodgings on St. Barts. The delightfully tranquil (and
relatively unknown) hideaway offers 33 spacious guest
rooms nestled among lush tropical gardens. After you
shop and dine—it is, after all, St.
Barts—pamper yourself further at the
hotel’s brand-new spa, which is managed by
beauty gurus Molton Brown.
Summer packages start at $533 a night for two,
including breakfast daily, one dinner, and a two-day
car rental (800-810-4691; isle-de-france.com).
 The House at Paynes Bay,
Barbados
Each of the 31 suites has its own private 24-hour
“ambassador” (butler). Your personal
Jeeves will meet you at the airport, unpack your
clothes, serve you poolside drinks, hook you up with
reservations at Barbados’s top
restaurants—whatever you wish, Madam.
Rooms come with private terraces, 500-thread-count
sheets, goose-down duvets, and drop-dead views of the
water. Jeeves and the rest of the staff will keep you
cool with Evian spritzes (about every fifteen minutes)
and iced fruit.
Summer rates from $500 for two (800-326-6898;
eleganthotels.com).
—TARA MANDY
|
