Luxury means different things to different people, and a crop of Caribbean resort developers are catering to those who value privacy as the ultimate form of indulgence with unique concepts like resorts on their own private islands and secret swimming pools carved directly into the limestone cliffs below. Read on to discover ultra-private Caribbean resorts ideal for the covert jetsetter.
Rock House: Grace Bay Resorts’ glamorous residential resort tucked into the remote cliffs of Providenciales’ north shore in Turks and Caicos will feature a “resort within a resort” known as The Reserve, which will be built at the highest point of elevation on the grounds, removed from the amenity spaces and rest of the resort. The modern homes designed by AD100 interior designer Shawn Henderson and Coast Architects will surround an ultra-private quarry pool delicately carved from the limestone cliffs the project is built upon—the first of its kind in the Caribbean. (Pictured at top: photo credit Grace Bay Resorts
Hyatt Ziva Cancun: Boasting 270 degrees of ocean views, Hyatt Ziva Cancun’s premiere Turquoise tower – an adults-only oasis – boasts a private-check-in/out, VIP lounge access, personal butler service throughout guests’ stay, and an exclusive Punta Vista rooftop bar and infinity pool overlooking the ocean. A resort within the resort, the new luxury tower features swim-up suites, private balconies with hot tubs, floor-to-ceiling glass showers, endless premium drinks and 24/7 in-suite dining. Guests also have a private elevator entrance to Zen Spa and receive a complementary eight-step hydrotherapy circuit to detox and rejuvenate.
Jicaro Island Lodge: Tucked away on a private island in Lake Nicaragua, the luxury Jicaro Island Lodge, part of the Cayuga Collection, boasts nine intimate casitas surrounded by dense jungle landscapes, lakeside dining, a wellness center and spa only a short boat ride from the colonial town of Granada. The adults-only all-inclusive resort holds numerous prestigious titles including National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World making it the ideal island escape for an under-the-radar getaway.
A Castle of Secrets in the Caribbean: With the aesthetic of a Spanish castle perched cliffside, the adults-only, all-inclusive Sanctuary Cap Cana Resort & Spa sits on the Juanillo Beach stretch with a medieval looking beacon and select room categories available only to those “in the know.” In the resort's Castle, guests can head to the VIP concierge to inquire about the Island Suite, decked with three indoor plunge pools and an island all to its own, accessible by private moat.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar: Perched on the top floors of Grand Hyatt Baha Mar’s East Tower, The Reserve is an exclusive, luxury hotel-within-a-hotel concept comprised of only 70 of the expansive hotel’s 1,800 rooms. Guests are provided a secluded check-in experience as well as access to the private entryway to high limit slots at the Baha Mar Casino and 24/7 butler service.
Hotel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf St. Bart’s: Opening at the end of 2019, Hotel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf provides guests with the intensely intimate, luxurious atmosphere on the island of St. Bart’s. Tucked away amidst lush, tropical greenery, the hotel’s 23 guest rooms are tranquil hideaways each with their own private plunge pool and terrace where guests can retreat to enjoy private outdoor massages and one-on-one yoga sessions with wellness experts from the property’s esteemed Diane Barrière Spa.
