For travelers looking for the ultimate exclusive experience, there is no better way to ensure a more private, elevated stay than by buying out an entire hotel. Not only does this promise safe and intimate accommodations away from the crowds, whether that be a lodge on the South Coast of Iceland for the whole family or private villas in the Caribbean for a group of friends, there's also something special about having an entire property to yourselves providing plenty of room to create personalized vacation memories.
Jade Mountain Soufriere Bay, St. Lucia www.jademountain.com
Arguably the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experience, Jade Mountain is a secluded retreat known for its 29 spectacular ‘sanctuaries,’ which are inspired by the cosmos with names like Galaxy, Sun, Moon, and Star. Missing their fourth wall so guests are totally open to the elements and surrounding nature, the sanctuaries come with perks like en-suite infinity pools, giant four-poster canopy beds, private butler service, and sweeping views of the majestic twin Pitons and Caribbean Sea. Built into the side of a towering cliff, the resort features beautifully landscaped bridges that guests must cross to reach their private sanctuary. Personalized wellness and culinary experiences that draw from St. Lucia’s rich local culture round out the resort’s offerings, from yoga and Piton hikes with a private butler in tow, to scuba diving, organic farm tours, and a Chocolate Lab that makes signature sweets.
More info: Buyouts include a minimum stay requirement of 4 nights. Rates from $45,000-$60,000 (varies by season), plus $166 per person daily to add an all inclusive meal plan.
Casa Palopo Lake Atitlan, Guatemala www.casapalopo.com
Casa Palopó is perched above spectacular Lake Atitlán — famous for its natural beauty, three mesmerizing volcanoes and 12 colorful Mayan villages that dot its shores, each with its own personality. The private home turned boutique hotel offers just 15 uniquely decorated guest rooms, adorned with colorful walls, Latin American artwork and handwoven textiles made in Guatemala — all perfectly complemented by breathtaking views of the lake and the three volcanoes directly across. It is the first and only Relais & Chateaux property in Guatemala, guaranteeing an escape as exclusive as it is unique. Three of its most magnificent suites are found in Villa Palopo, which is perched higher on the mountain and complete with its own infinity pool and two helipads. Travelers can currently book the entire property for $5,555 per night, plus taxes. The package represents a 15% discount per room, and includes a family style breakfast, complimentary tortilla bar experience, personalized activity and exclusive use of all amenities. For the utmost exclusive experience, arrange for a private helicopter transfer from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan where you’ll indulge in a bird’s eye view of the lake Aldous Huxley coined “too much of a good thing.”
Origin & Theory by Ecoventura The Galapagos www.ecoventura.com
Intimate and exclusive for just 20 guests, the identical luxury expedition yachts, Origin & Theory by Ecoventura are named after Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and Origin of Species. They are managed like floating boutique hotels and are the only Galapagos vessels to have joined the ranks of the esteemed Relais & Chateaux collection. The seven-night itinerary includes daily excursions and educational briefings led by two certified naturalists — the most favorable passenger to naturalist ratio in the Galapagos. Daily activities include beautiful snorkeling opportunities, kayaking, beach walks and hiking tours that bring you up close and personal to the destination’s most fascinating species. Wildlife wanders freely and fearlessly throughout the archipelago, so travelers frequently find themselves swimming with sea turtles, sun bathing with sea lions or face-to-face with the famous blue-footed boobies. Origin & Theory by Ecoventura operates two unique itineraries departing every Sunday morning. Itinerary A follows a southern/central role and itinerary B follows a northern/western route. The two itineraries can be combined for a two-week journey visiting all corners of the Galapagos Islands. To incentivize charters, Ecoventura is offering a reduced week-long charter rate of $96,600 for up to 16 guests. It’s normally $161,000 for the week for up to 20 guests, so when you calculate the savings, it’s an unprecedented 25% off per person. This is available through December 13, 2020, with no deposit required and guests can cancel up to 31 days prior.
Baoase Luxury Resort Willemstad, Curaçao https://baoase.com/
Travelers looking for an ultra-exclusive vacation destination should look no further than Baoase Luxury Resort, Curaçao's only five-star property. Secluded from everything and everyone, Baoase caters to high-end travelers and celebrity clientele, including stars Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union. Perfect for a couples retreat buyout, the resort includes 23 luxe rooms, suites and villas, 12 of which feature private plunge pools. Featuring Asian-inspired rooms, Baoase’s interior design pays homage to a signature Balinese style with impeccable attention to detail throughout their outdoor tubs, showers and canopy beds. The exclusive escape also includes a beachfront restaurant, an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea, a coral reef on the outskirts of the private lagoon, and beach butlers who cater to guests' every need during a relaxing day under the sun. Guests also have the opportunity to book a multi-course culinary experience in the comfort of their suite or villa.
Caerula Mar Club South Andros, Bahamas www.caerulamar.com
Hidden on a gorgeous stretch of beach without footprints on The Bahamas’ least inhabited island, Caerula Mar Club is a boutique escape that envelopes guests in the area’s stunning natural beauty. The epitome of barefoot luxury, this simple, yet chic hideaway was originally built in the 1960’s and restored by Bryan and Sarah Baemler of HGTV fame, who transformed the once-abandoned property into one of the region's most stylish resorts. Features include six private villas and 18 Clubhouse Suites just steps from the turquoise shoreline, dinner menus that change nightly based on what’s currently in season, and experiences that range from blue hole cave diving to private helicopter tours over the islands. Though with a locale this beautiful, you’ll just want to lay there and soak it all in. With its own international customs, getting to Andros is a breeze whether you’re flying commercial or private charter. Caerula Mar Club opened its doors in February and has since been named among the world’s best new resorts. Travelers who want a preview can tune into HGTV on June 7th for the premiere of Renovation Island, which chronicles the makings of the resort.
Hotel Rangá Iceland www.hotelranga.is
Set in the secluded countryside of the South Coast of Iceland (a vast land with more horses than people), the boutique Hotel Rangá is a lux and rustic oasis ideal for travelers looking to go off-grid. For an even more exclusive experience, guests can book the entire lodge to themselves. A celeb hot spot nestled in a region known as the country's adventure capital, Hotel Ranga is a central home base for accessing a myriad of nearby natural wonders from highlands and volcanoes to hot springs and caves. After a day of exploring the surrounding black sand beaches, countless waterfalls, and awe-inspiring glaciers, there's no place better to relax than in the hotel's comfortable and cozy accommodations, including eight suites, seven of which are continent-themed providing guests the unique opportunity to see the world in a week. Situated under clear dark skies, Hotel Rangá is also the best place to see the famous Northern Lights (complete with wake up calls) when in season. Perfect for small weddings, special occasions, incentive trips, reunions, and more, a private takeover at Hotel Ranga is both an ultimate and intimate retreat for uncovering the remote beauty of Iceland. A complete buyout includes access to all 52 rooms, daily breakfast, and exclusive use of all of the property facilities, including Restaurant Rangá, the lounge areas, a gaming room, as well as three geo-thermal heated outdoor hot tubs and the hotel's own hi-tech, roll-off roof observatory which is available for private star gazing sessions alongside a resident astronomer on clear nights upon availability. Advance reservations are required and are recommended six months to a year out.
Eastwind Hotel & Bar Windham, NY (The Catskills) https://www.eastwindny.com
Eastwind has hosted a number of buyouts from corporate groups to weddings in the last year. A full 19 room buyout has a 2-night minimum except (3-night minimum on holiday weekends) and costs $4,500 / night (+$1,500/night on holidays).
Eastwind boasts 19 accommodation options including 3 Lushna Cabins for a “glamping” experience, 11 Bunk House guest rooms including two Writer’s Studios, and 5 Hill House rooms including two suites.Group buyouts can enjoy the Salon with a full-service cocktail bar, a fireplace, and an array of games, as well as outdoor decks, a fire pit on the lawn, and wood-barrel sauna. Open year-round, the hotel’s programming brings the great outdoors inside - and vice versa - with live music, foraging, yoga and more. Eastwind’s staff can provide group buyouts with breakfasts and dinners - in the salon or under the stars.
Local scenic hikes include the Windham Path, the Hudson River School Art Trail, the Overlook Mountain Trailhead, Diamond Notch Falls, Mine Kill Falls and so many more. At Windham Mountain - just 5 minutes away - groups can go mountain biking and play golf in the Summer. Other local outdoor adventures include ziplining, rock climbing, fishing and horseback riding.
Opened on June 1, 2018, Eastwind Hotel & Bar is located in Windham, New York in the Catskill Mountains. The boutique hotel’s design draws upon the property’s history as a Bunk House for hunters, fly fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts dating back to the 1920s, fused with Scandinavian inspiration for an upscale outdoor experience.
Ultimate Castaway Experience: Soneva Fushi Buyout
Soneva has created the chance for guests to buyout a whole island in the middle of the Indian Ocean for the ultimate post-lockdown stay.
Soneva Fushi in the Maldives has announced a limited-time Island Buyout Offer, valid for stays until 1st September 2020. The Island Buyout Offer lets guests truly immerse themselves on a castaway luxury holiday and enjoy Soneva’s spacious villas, gourmet dining, and unforgettable experiences in the utmost privacy and seclusion for USD 100,000 per night for the whole island (F&B and bespoke itineraries will be at an additional cost).
Guests can charter a private jet, gather together their favourite people and escape to a private island or resort from the 15th July onwards. It's the perfect luxury trip for a celebratory occasion with loved ones, or just the chance to have the holiday of a lifetime within a Robinson-Crusoe style setting.
Those who opt for this intelligent luxury experience will spend their time at the likes of outdoor Cinema Paradiso under the stars, feasting on international gourmet cuisine and enjoying sandbank cocktails as Soneva becomes a personal playground - complete with a children's den for any younger ones to explore. Spending days cycling through the island jungle - looking for resident rabbits - or learning about the marine life with the on-site biologist, or the resorts' commitment to sustainability via the waste-to-wealth eco-centro recycling waste product such as glass into useful materials within a safe and carefully supported space.
Celebrating 25 years as an award-winning resort in the heart of the Maldives, Soneva Fushi is also a leader in intelligent luxury, from carbon offsetting to banning single-use plastic, to educating about marine wildlife and protection via coral regrowth, sustainable surfing and more - and finally to supporting neighbouring islands to put an end to open-air burning via the new Soneva Namoona scheme.
Resort buyouts are perfect for those wanting to go ahead with a family vacation, reunion or private celebration, and making sure it is 'just so' even during these challenging times. Each resort is operating as usual, but with a robust prevention and management action plan to safeguard the health of guests and Hosts during this time. A detailed FAQ is available at this link.
