It's around this time of year that the chill of winter and holiday
fervor leads many to flee to their warmer, winter getaways. With so many
popular destinations from the Caribbean to South America and Australia
oversold and overpriced for the holidays, these glamorous getaways
beckon with deserted beaches and impeccable styling that can make even
the most noteworthy destinations feel a bit common.
In the Maldives you’ll find no shortage of luxurious private islands like Cheval Blanc Randheli and Soneva Fushi. This month brings the first ever Four Seasons Private Island,
a five-acre retreat stands in the country's Baa Atoll that offers a
22-person exclusive estate equipped with butlers and private yacht just
20 minutes by speedboat from Four Seasons Resort Maldives. Across the
Indian Ocean in the Seychelles, North-Island.
packs a glittery punch worthy of Will and Kate, with far more emphasis
on conservation and guest exclusivity. North Island was used as a model
for Red Bull-founder Dietrich Mateschitz when he created his Laucala
Island in Fiji. Touted by Oprah and caffeinated super-models as the
world's premier private island, party-minded Laucala mixes impeccable
villas and farm-to-table cuisine with endless toys like Scuba-scooters
and custom submarine built just for two.
Australia's Great Barrier Reef is teaming with polished private
islands, providing they haven't been gutted by the latest Cyclone. Bederra Island remains a romantic destination and runner-up to posher Lizard Island
that attracts a chicer crowd given its sleeker design and better
beaches. In Belize, Leonardo DiCaprio's former private island will soon
debut as a 104-acre eco-isle known as Blackadore Caye.
Located on the world's second largest barrier reef, the property hopes
to become the greenest luxury development ever built mixing renewable
energy and world-class luxury resort accommodations. The property
continues a trend started by The Brando on French Polynesia and Neckar Island
by Sir Richard Branson that remains the top private island destination
in the Caribbean. There's no shortage of warm winter luxury for those
wishing to find it.