SeaSon Sizzler: - Petit St. Vincent

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Season Sizzler:
SUMMER’s
20
HOTTEST
ESCAPES
They say life’s a beach. And for beachcombers craving for endless lounging
and relaxation under the sun, these destinations are solid proof of just how
beautiful living can get. WORDS BY SJ ROXAS
Photo Courtesy of © Vamizi Island, Mozambique.
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When the temperature rises, there’s really no better way to embrace the
heat than by setting off to a seaside retreat and giving in to the glorious
rays of the summer sun. Imagine that moment of bliss when you dig your
toes into the sand, looking out to an endless scene of sea and sky, a freshly
concocted champagne mojito in hand – pure paradise, don’t you think? It’s a
good thing about three quarters of the earth is made up of water, providing
plenty of options for beach devotees of all persuasions. From castaway chic
to contemporary flair, the world is brimming with island destinations that
are nothing short of heavenly. Explore each with this selection of exceptional
escapades serving as your guide to the best spots under the sun.
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MALDIVES
Top to bottom:
Aerial view of
Island Hideaway;
Boat sailing near
the island;
Jasmine Garden
Villa Pool.
True to its name, Island Hideaway Spa Resort & Marina
is every inch the paradise any beach lover aspires. The ride
alone to Dhonakulhi Island from the Maldivian capital,
whether via seaplane or speedboat, is an exhilarating
kaleidoscopic experience of an endless turquoise sea.
With its immaculate beaches, fancy accommodations
and outstanding service, Island Hideaway ticks every
box in everyone’s summer checklist. The resort is even
equipped with its own state-of-the-art marina (the first
one in Maldives) to accommodate your yacht should you
wish to cruise your way to and around the island.
Live in blissful seclusion Robinson Crusoe-style but with
the added convenience of a 24-hour butler service at your
beck and call. Your friendly butler will cater to your every
need, whether on land or at sea and can even tour you
around his own village located on a different island to
show you the local way of life. Other activities such as
fly-fishing and jet-skiing are available at your whim, but
the fun extends beneath the water surface. Dhonakulhi
is blessed with its own house reef only 10 to 30 m off the
shore – a unique natural feature that affords you a front
row seat to a private viewing of manta rays, dolphins,
turtles and whale sharks.
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Top to bottom:
Studio Suite;
Deluxe Club Room;
Infinity Pool;
Interior of Malati
Restaurant.
Compared to its nearby counterparts, Krabi is relatively
less popular, making it an equally enthralling destination
without the throngs of tourists occupying so much shore
real estate. The place is known for its towering limestone
formations and postcard-perfect beaches, and there’s no
better way to experience such wonders than by hopping
from one island to another through a traditional long-tail
THAILAND
Not a lot of tourists can lay claim over the experience boat. Let the resort’s excursion desk arrange your private
of getting whisked off to the beach in a limousine, but tours to the Emerald Pool, Hong Island and Ao Nang
it’s exactly the sort of barefoot luxury that awaits the Beach along with the thrilling activities to enjoy at the ondiscriminating guests of Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort. site Water Sports Centre. Equipped with a wide range of
As a gateway to the breathtaking tropical utopia on the features such as outdoor pools, Turkish Hammams, game
west coast of southern Thailand, you’ll be enamoured room, 24-hour fitness facility and an exclusive business
with top-notch creature comforts and magnificent natural area, Sheraton Krabi is a multi-faceted beachside escape
that both kids and adults will find hard to leave.
attractions alike.
2
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CAMBODIA
Thanks to numerous resorts that have developed
commendable projects that underscore the welfare of
the environment and the community, your indulgent
escapades become a little less guilt-inducing. This kind
of conscientious debauchery is especially evident on
one of Cambodia’s enchanting islands where charity
intertwines with luxury. Song Saa Private Island, a
secluded retreat that spans two islands on the gentle
waters of the Gulf of Thailand, redefines sustainability
as it offers self-pampering alongside initiatives geared
towards environmental conservation and community
enrichment. Much more than a lovely island destination
that offers over-water villas, sunbathing under oversized
parasols and bespoke dining, it is really the ultimate
sanctuary for devoted tree huggers and philanthropists
who have a passion for both giving and fine living.
When preparing to visit Song Saa’s pristine beaches and
virgin rainforests, use the extra space in your luggage to
bring school supplies such as pencils and books for the
young people of Prev Svay. ‘Pack for a Purpose’ is just
one of the resort’s many projects, which allow guests
to give back during their holidays. As Song Saa’s token
of appreciation, guests are entitled to complimentary
blessing ceremonies performed by local Buddhist monks
and tailored trips to an authentic Cambodian village.
Background:
Picnic by the
beachfront.
Inset:
Royal Villa.
4
VIETNAM
A mere 45-minute plane ride away from the bustling
streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Six Senses Con Dao is an
accessible but serene haven in southern Vietnam. As the
name suggests, any Six Senses offers a sensory feast – this
one in particular will have your taste buds on overdrive.
Beach lovers who have a strong inclination for gastronomy
are in for a treat with guided morning tours to Ben Dam
fishing harbour and Con Son market, where the town’s
freshest fish and produce are available. When you’re not
lounging by the beach entranced by Con Dao’s coastal
vistas, get busy with the resort’s cooking classes and learn
how to prepare your favourite Vietnamese dishes. A more
spirited experience can follow by having a wine tasting
session with the resident connoisseur who, with every sip
and in between bites of appetisers and breads, will take you
from Bordeaux to Napa. Make your trip more memorable
by joining the rest of the privileged few at the chef’s table
and mingle with the resort’s kitchen master himself, while
indulging on the special spread he prepared. To complete
your beachside epicurean interlude, set sail through the
Con Son Marina while enjoying champagne and gourmet
canapés as the sun slowly sinks into the horizon.
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Top to bottom:
Ocean Front Villa
Bedroom;
By The Beach
Restaurant;
Beachfront pool.
Photos Courtesy of
Six Senses Con Dao.
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Top to bottom:
Aerial view of
Lizard Island;
Sunbathing on
the shore.
5
MALAYSIA
While others like to spend their holidays in a frenzy of
activities, there are those who simply like to sit back and
revel in the sweetness of doing nothing at all. If the latter is
your kind of getaway, JapaMala Resort on Tioman Island
is the destination of your hedonistic dreams. Clear your
mind and sink into utter relaxation in this unmistakably
Asian oasis, amidst a thick rainforest and a private beach.
Lounge endlessly in the private dip pool of your luxurious
sea view Sarang villa and get treated to a unique sunset
turndown service featuring delectable local snacks and
aromatherapy oils.
Clockwise:
Tamarind Dining;
Sea Cliffs Chalet;
WooBar.
6
INDONESIA
Enjoying a coveted location in the trendy district of Bali,
W Retreat & Spa Bali is a vacation social hub surrounded
by an alluring beach life made up of the island’s hottest
restaurants, bars and shops. Luxuriate in all its urbane
glory, starting with ICE, where you and friends can work
on your tan over creatively mixed cocktails while looking
out to the Indian Ocean. Your heady revelry resumes at
the ultra hip WooBar. A favourite among tourists, it’s the
perfect spot to mingle with other discerning jet-setters.
Resist the urge to stay in the hotel’s lavish comforts and
plunge into an in-depth Bali experience, taking your gang
to the many boutiques, art galleries and temples around
the area.
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AUSTRALIA
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s biggest coral reef
system, but it’s not just the underwater environment that
thrives within this World Heritage Site. Lizard Island,
nestled on the northernmost portion of the reef, showcases
the bounty of wildlife through elegant accommodations
and thrilling activities like night diving, nature walks,
and scenic helicopter tours. It’s the kind of place where
your inner Steve Irwin will run loose as green sea turtles,
humpback whales and countless other species of wildlife
are likely to be spotted during a chartered fishing trip onboard the resort’s luxury boat, Fascination III.
Before indulging in a champagne sunset cruise, tour
the Research Station and get better acquainted with the
rich, natural environment of Lizard Island. The rest of
your time may be spent at the Azure Spa, but only after
enjoying a gourmet picnic on a private beach. Select your
preferred dishes and beverages from the menu and the
staff will take care of the rest, including the dinghy that
will transport you to the venue of your private banquet of
fresh seafood and baked confections amid heavenly views.
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FRENCH POLYNESIA
8
Like the sought after Tahitian vanilla, Le Taha’a Island
Top to bottom:
View from the shore;
Snorkelling around
the island.
Resort & Spa is a precious wonder found in the well-
VANUATU
Of all the 83 islands comprising the archipelago of
Vanuatu, Ratua Private Island stands out by striking a
great balance between rustic and indulgent. It’s exactly
the kind of place that’s ideal for disconnecting from
the trappings of a cosmopolitan way of life and trading
skyscrapers and busy streets for lush gardens and pristine
beaches. Unlike many luxurious resorts, Ratua evokes a
rugged feel that’s never intimidating and always inviting.
Its luxury lies in its authentic, rustic character that seems
to be barely acquainted with modern civilization.
There are 15 accommodation options scattered across
the three villages that occupy the island. It’s not
surprising that the villas blend harmoniously with the
wild surroundings, as these are, in fact, 200-year-old
homes especially transported to Ratua. Made of teak and
strategically situated on areas showcasing stunning beach
views, each villa has that lived-in feel that makes lounging
at your private deck during sunset memorably poignant.
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Top: Le Taha’a aerial
view. View of the sea
while snorkelling.
10
Bottom: Deck at
Seagrass Residences.
FIJI
The best way to explore the island is on horseback, but
remember to also enjoy the rich underwater scene by
diving into the underground caverns that connect several
swimming holes. On dry land, archery is a unique
experience with the use of traditional bows and arrows.
The 100 per cent organic ingredients fresh from the
island’s garden and ranch ensure a cuisine that’s healthy
yet sumptuous. Pair each meal with wines exclusively
imported from France for Ratua’s guests and you’ll wish
you never have to leave this enchanting place.
With only 25 villas or bures standing by the sea or amidst
verdant greens, Laucala Island allows its demanding
clientele to luxuriate in privacy. This expansive Fijian
playground has plenty of space and activity options that
it hardly feels like you’re sharing the place with others.
Choose from horseback riding, game fishing, diving and
several water sports to keep yourself delightedly occupied.
Golf buddies will have a grand time with Laucala’s scenic,
18-hole golf course designed by leading golf architect
David McLay Kidd. If you are not likely to swing that way,
there are five restaurants, 14 boats and numerous private
beaches available for the kind of enjoyment you prefer.
preserved paradise that is French Polynesia. The resort
is located on a beautiful motu islet hemmed by whitesand beaches with clear, turquoise waters – the perfect
backdrop when exchanging sweet nothings may it be day
or night. Request to have your own butler, so your only
worry wether to go scuba diving first or play tennis at the
resort’s flood-lid court. Either way, make sure to drop by
the on-site jewellery shop for prized Tahitian pearls to
remember your romantic interlude by.
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ANTIGUA
11
The captivating scenery alone is enough to get you
in a romantic mood. Add to that a well-thought-out
wedding package that takes care of everything, from the
champagne wedding breakfast to the government fees,
and you’re left with barely anything else to do but say ‘I
do’. Hermitage Bay is what dream destination weddings
are made of. Everyone, from kids to adults, will surely get
mesmerised by this place, but it’s lovebirds tying the knot
that will especially find it heavenly.
Top to bottom:
Exterior of villa;
Beachfront lounge.
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
Aptly named, Petit St. Vincent is a small island that only a
lucky few get to visit. But with nearly two mi of white sand
beaches, it definitely has more than enough sunbathing
spots for the limited number of guests it accommodates.
It offers sweet seclusion as the cottages, while certainly
luxurious, are free of phones, TV and Internet. Who
needs those anyway, when you can pamper yourself at
the hillside spa, do your yoga poses at the pavilion facing
Conch Bay and enjoy beach barbecues at the West End
beach? You can also explore the rest of the Grenadines
by booking one of Petit St. Vincent’s cruise charters to
sail away to nearby islands including the celebrity magnet
Mustique and the uninhabited Tobago Cays.
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Living a reclusive lifestyle is even more tempting with
the dining options on the island. At the main restaurant,
fresh, locally grown or caught ingredients make every dish
satisfying down to the last bite; while at the beach bar,
cocktails are served with traditional Caribbean comfort
food in a relaxed setting.
Needless to say, Petit St. Vincent has enough island
delights to make you willingly abandon your online life
for a while.
Background:
Hill view of the beach.
Inset:
Rocky Point Villa.
The wedding location becomes the honeymoon
destination, as lovers cannot help but give in to the allure
of this part of Antigua. Your extended stay is best spent
luxuriating in the privacy of your Beachfront Cottage, only
a few steps away from the shore; however, Hermitage Bay
also presents a plethora of delightful experiences beyond
its own domain. What is bound to be one of the highlights
of your entire trip is the exhilaration felt while hovering
above the awe-inspiring landscape of Montserrat during
a romantic helicopter tour. But it doesn’t matter whether
you’re indulging in a Siddhartha Couples Massage or
simply lounging on a deserted beach; every moment on
and around the island is worth treasuring forever.
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THE BAHAMAS
Named after the first governor of the Bahamas, The
Dunmore is a distinguished landmark sitting amidst
the famous pink sand beaches of Harbour Island.
Since 1963, this vibrant summer home has undergone
necessary refurbishments, but was able to maintain a
classic splendour, which discerning vacationers cannot
get enough of. It’s an idyllic retreat for laid-back holidays
spent visiting the historic spots around Harbour Town
in the morning and frolicking by the shore the rest of
the day. In the evening, celebrate the island life with a
barbecue buffet dinner under the stars accompanied by a
live musical performance.
Top to bottom:
Beachfront of
The Dunmore;
Top floor bedroom
of Ocean House;
Beachfront picnic;
Tamarind Villa.
Top to bottom:
Villa view of
the beach;
Main swimming
pool. Photos
Courtesy of
Le Sereno.
14
TURKS & CAICOS
The change of pace that anyone seeks out after constantly
dealing with work pressures is found on a breathtaking
private island in Turks and Caicos. Leave any thoughts
of deadlines behind upon setting foot in Parrot Cay, a
multi-awarded haven made of deserted sandy beaches,
private plunge pools, signature butler service and fourposter beds with billowing white drapes. There are
numerous leisurely activities on and around the island,
but the most precious moments of self-indulgence are had
at the COMO Shambhala Retreat. Here, you can restore
your inner vigour with Asian-inspired treatments and
commune with nature by doing your yoga poses against a
picturesque backdrop of sand, sea and sky.
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ST. BARTHS
St. Barths has always had a reputation for being the haunt
of well-heeled holidaymakers looking to evade the cold
and attain a high-carat tan. One of the most coveted areas
on the island is Grand Cul de Sac Beach, where a luxe
Caribbean lifestyle reaches its peak with Le Sereno Beach
Hotel, an elegant hideout for the fashionable traveller.
Evoking subtle luxury through the minimalist designs of
French designer Christian Liaigre, Le Sereno is a vision of
clean lines and neutral colours. The common spaces and
guestrooms are rendered in such a way that it flawlessly
blends with the relaxed atmosphere of St. Barth’s. Besides
its stunning location, the resort also boasts a host of
upscale facilities including a gourmet restaurant, a beach
club, a boutique and a spa that uses deluxe Ligne St.
Barth products.
When you make your visit, stay in one of Le Sereno’s
three well-appointed villas not only to have the best
views of the turquoise lagoon, but also to get dibs on the
Anya Hindmarch Bespoke Collection, an exclusive line
of luxury travel items created in collaboration with the
British accessories designer.
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SEYCHELLES
Top to bottom:
Casa Ventanas;
On-water
viewing deck.
16
BELIZE
Cayo Espanto is merely a dot on the azure Caribbean Sea,
but its small size is exactly what makes this private island a
great, intimate escape. Just a short, scenic helicopter ride
away from central Belize, it offers peaceful seclusion as
well as easy access to attractions. It’s a perfect destination
for tourists who want to get away without completely
shutting off the rest of the world – the same folks who
will be delighted to know that wireless Internet access is
available throughout the island.
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Separated by palm trees and mangroves, the villas dot the
edges of the island to make sure each faces the sea. No
need to worry about other guests taking the best spot to
marvel at the views; every single one of the seven villas
is equipped with a private dock boasting a pair of twin
beds where you are to bathe in the sun’s rays during the
day and gaze upon a sky of stars at night. For more active
immersions, try the guided bone fishing and bird watching
tours. Better yet, as absurd as it may seem, leave the island
only temporarily and take a day trip to mainland Belize
and visit its magnificent Mayan ruins.
If it’s good enough for royalty, then it must be worth a
visit. Rising from the glistening aquamarine waters of
Seychelles, North Island is the honeymoon destination
of choice by affluent newly married couples including
the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The exotic
paradise is a grand celebration of nature, what with the
spectacular scenery it affords and the variety of wildlife
it hosts. With only 11 guest villas available, you can enjoy
privacy and freedom while frolicking on any of the four
spectacular beaches. Intimate moments are best shared
at Honeymoon Beach, which is slightly hidden hence the
name. You decide whether to bask in tropical sunshine on
a wide, open sandy shore or atop a large, granitic boulder
several feet above the surf. For a slight change of scenery,
you and your dearest can bike along trails that lead to
the innards of the island, where Seychelles’ endangered
flora and fauna are rehabilitated under an intensive
conservation programme. Nightfall transforms the entire
island into an alluring Eden, dimly illuminated by the last
amber rays of the day. While admiring the sweeping views
in the privacy of your villa is certainly irresistible, a sunset
cruise is also not such a bad idea.
Top to bottom:
Aerial view of
North Island;
Relaxing beach
picnic; Villa 11.
Photo Courtesy of
Wilderness Safaris.
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Clockwise:
Beach lounge;
Dinner by the bay;
Photos Courtesy of
andBeyond; Bridge
by the beach.
19
TANZANIA
There’s that quintessential impression of Africa that
conjures up images of a sprawling savannah and a watering
hole satisfying a herd of wildebeests. But the lesserknown side of it is just as bewildering – a small, remote
wonderland in the middle of a crisp blue ocean. Situated
off the coast of northern Zanzibar, Mnemba Island Lodge
proves that the marine community of Africa is just as
rich as its safaris. Experience it for yourself through a
personalised diving trip. Beginners need not worry as the
resort has its own PADI dive school with knowledgeable
instructors. Take the plunge and interact with dolphins
as well as most of the 430 fish species in this part of the
Indian Ocean.
18
MOZAMBIQUE
There’s an endearing beach culture unique to the
enchanting crescent land mass belonging to the Quirimbas
Archipelago in Africa that anyone fortunate enough to
experience will never forget. With a native community
whose way of life is grounded on traditions, miles of white
sand beaches and a surrounding underwater ecosystem
that’s one of the most abundant in the world, Vamizi
Island is a secluded utopia carefully crafted by nature
and further enriched by the warmth of its residents. The
villas, especially the collection of new accommodations
designed by award-winning South African architects,
are certainly exquisite. However, staying at Vamizi feels
more like visiting your family vacation home rather than
checking in at a resort, thanks to the welcoming nature
of the locals.
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MAURITIUS
Top to bottom:
Main lodge view from the sea;
Pool and deck on a sunny day. Photos Courtesy
of © Vamizi Island, Mozambique.
More than a regular holiday, Vamizi offers a more
meaningful interlude. It’s a place you are bound to revisit
to catch fish, which the chef later turns into the freshest
sashimi, to check on the Vamizi turtles that the World
Wildlife Fund has been conserving, to immerse the kids
in a different culture and let them run freely on the shore
and to simply kick your shoes off and let your toes dig deep
into the sand.
Some people like to spend days lounging under the
sun, savouring every moment of sweet idle hours while
others prefer action-packed holidays filled with exciting
activities. Le Touessrok, a magnificent resort standing by
Trou d’Eau Douce Bay, caters to both types of vacationers.
However, with the countless leisure options yours for the
taking, you’ll find it impossible to resist the call of fivestar fun. Warm up with aqua aerobics, golf and tennis
and get more adrenalin rush with windsurfing and waterskiing. The whole family can join in on the fun as Le
Touessrok has special clubs for kids and teens. At the end
of an eventful day, ask your personal butler to book an
appointment at the resort’s Givenchy Spa.
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