Your Own Private Tropical Island, Seven Minutes From America

When Fisher turned his attention to the wedge of land with coconut palms and mangroves that sat in Biscayne Bay, he promptly embarked on building deepwater docks and expanding the island to fit his grand scheme. The island would later greatly benefit from the construction of the Port Of Miami, which served to separate the lush appendage from Miami Beach, creating an entirely distinctive island.

In the 1920s, Carl Fisher's path crossed that of William Kissam Vanderbilt II, an avid sportsman and frequent visitor to Miami and Key West. Fisher coveted Vanderbilt's 250-foot yacht, the "Eagle" and Vanderbilt desired Fisher's island on Biscayne Bay. "My island for your boat," Fisher proposed, and Vanderbilt promptly accepted, so was the legendary trade made.

In 1925, Vanderbilt began building a $1.5 million private retreat on Fisher Island with a Mediterranean-style mansion, where he and his wife, Rosamund, enjoyed entertaining the luminaries of their time. Vanderbilt surrounded his mansion with lush landscaping, gracious guest homes, tennis courts and swimming pools.

After Vanderbilt's death in 1944, ownership passed to U.S. Steel heir Edward Moore. Moore died in the early 1950s, and Gar Wood, a millionaire inventor, purchased it. Wood, a speedboat enthusiast, kept the island a one-family retreat, but sold it to a development group in 1963. After various changes in ownership, development on the island began in the 1980s.

Today's Fisher Island is equally exclusive and private and represents one of the wealthiest zip codes in the U.S. Accessible only by auto-ferry or yacht, this private residential island community is set against views of the Atlantic Ocean, the iconic Miami skyline, and is located off-shore, just minutes from the U.S. mainland and South Miami Beach.

The original Vanderbilt mansion now serves as the landmark centerpiece of a sprawling 48-room boutique hotel dotted with the charming villas and cottages that made up the original property.

In 2007, seeking to return Fisher Island to its original luster, while raising it to today's scrupulous industry standards, the Fisher Island Club members financed a $60 million restoration project, now in its final stages. Phase one of the Renaissance of Fisher Island project was recently completed and included a thoughtful restoration and renovation of the Vanderbilt Mansion, hotel accommodations, the golf course, world class tennis center, beach club and private marina.

The goal of the restoration initiative, which continues with the Island's spa and other facilities as part of phase two, is to bring the iconic landmark up to the demanding standards of today's discriminating traveler, as it provides guests the unique opportunity to enjoy the private island experience known exclusively to its notable residents, both past and present.

Hotel Profile: Fisher Island Hotel & Resort