Luxveria Summer 2009 : Page 28
This Page: Guests at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa can expect to experience complete and total tranquility . Opposite Page: Left; Just off the shores of Anthony’s Key Resort in Roatan is home to the world’s second longest barrier reef and extraordinary diving opportunities. Middle/Right; All guests at the Turtle Island Resort enjoy a complimentary Lomi-Lomi healing massage. Turtle Island’s chefs create one-of-a-kind dishes that include fruits and vegetables grown in the island’s four-acre organic garden. Bottom; A scenic seaplane flight from Malé takes guests to the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giaavaru. 28 www.luxvería.com
Idyllic Island Getaways
Kirsten Hubbard
Forests of coconut palms. Volcanic cliffs arching over the sea.
Sand like talcum powder. Everywhere you turn, water the color of gemstones. Welcome to our selection of the world’s most idyllic islands—places winter never touches, with landscapes most people don’t see outside of postcards and travel documentaries.
The appeal of islands is without end. Islands offer the allure of utter simplicity, especially these members of remote archipelagos.
They might take a little extra travel time to get to, but that’s because they’re true escapes: physically and culturally removed from continental chaos, lacking the pollution, overcrowding and hurry-up lifestyle of the mainland.
Behold the Maldives, a chain of atolls and lavish resorts in the Indian Ocean. Turtle Island, a private island resort in Fiji’s Yasawa Group. The Seychelles, a granite and coral-based archipelago northeast of Madagascar. Roatan, the Caribbean crown of the Honduran Bay Islands. The Galapagos, Ecuador’s volcanic island chain made famous by Charles Darwin.
Discover, explore and embrace the life-changing question:
What’s your paradise?
The Maldives
The Indian Ocean, Asia
The Maldives just might be the ultimate tropical island destination for luxury travelers. Located southwest of Sri Lanka, the Maldives is comprised of a staggering 1,192 coral islands, sheltered by 25 separate reefs. From the air, the archipelago’s unique coral atolls resemble a series of loops and whorls. Eighty islands hold resorts, most of them on the extreme high end of the luxe-scale.
Exclusivity, conservation and overall perfection is the Maldivian mantra where tourism is concerned. A “one island, one resort” policy keeps the tropical setting pristine. Resorts can encompass only 20 percent of the land, and can’t rise any higher than an island’s tallest palm tree—which isn’t very high, considering the highest point in the low-slung islands is about eight feet. In fact, the Maldives hold the world record as the world’s “lowest” country.
The Maldives is a fascinating place, not just physically, but culturally.
The Maldivian capital of Malé, home to a third of the population, represents a melting pot of influences, from South Asian to African. The official language of the country is called Dhivehi, with roots in the Indro-Indian group of languages, while Maldivian script (called thaana) is written from right to left, like Arabic.
The diversity of the Maldives isn’t limited to land. Head underwater for scenery that’ll make you shake your head in disbelief.
Green, leatherback and hawksbill turtles, manta rays, dolphins and whale sharks are frequent guests to Maldivian reefs.
Getting to the Maldives:
The Maldives are truly isolated. Malé International Airport is the only international airport in the atoll chain, located not in Malé, but in the neighboring island of Hulhule. Though the majority of inter-island travel takes place via Maldivian ferry, or “dhoni,” there are several domestic airports on other islands.
Where to Stay in the Maldives:
There are two Four Seasons resorts in the Maldives: the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, and the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru.
Both offer the option of luxury beach bungalows, or over-water villas Rising above the prismatic Indian Ocean on stilts. Kuda Huraa even boasts a spa on its own islet.
To add a dose of exploration to their vacation, travelers can circumnavigate the far reaches of the Maldives aboard the Four Seasons Explorer, a three-deck private catamaran.
Www.fourseasons.com/maldiveskh www.fourseasons.com/maldiveslg Universal Resorts owns four magnificent Maldives hotels, each on its own private island: Kurumba, Velassaru, Baros and Kuramathi. The most difficult part is choosing which to visit.
Ring-shaped Kurumba is the Maldives’ first private island resort. Velassaru’s accommodations include open floor plans edging a flour-soft beach. Baros’ lighthouse restaurant is perfect for beholding Maldivian sunsets. Kuramathi offers three accommodations on one island: the Village, the Cottage & Spa and the Blue Lagoon. All are exemplary.
Turtle Island Fiji, Oceania
Among Fiji’s astounding 322 islands and 522 islets, the private Turtle Island Resort stands out as one of the South Pacific nations’ finest. The tropical resort has mastered that enviable castaway feel, with the bonus of personalized service and amenities deserving a constellation of stars.
Romance is Turtle Island’s primary draw. In fact, Hollywood made the island famous as the idyllic setting for the remake of The Blue Lagoon, starring Brooke Shields. While the tropical setting is romantic by nature, the resort infuses extra doses into every possible facet, from its exclusive “bures”, or cottages, with vaulted thatched ceilings, to its lobster and champagne picnics on private beaches. A number of celebrities have enjoyed their honeymoons at
The resort, including Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, and Trista Rehn from The Bachelorette.
Activities are bountiful on Turtle Island. Snorkel steps from your front door, or take a boat and dive into the lush Fijian reefs. You can even behold the ocean’s underwater landscapes via clear sea kayak. Explore the inland trails and forests by mountain bike or on foot.
Ride horses in the changeable light of sunrise.
To top it all off, Turtle Island is heralded as one of the world’s leading ecotourism destinations. Among their conservational efforts are building practices, including timber from the 500,000 trees the resort planted on the island, a turtle release program, and a four-acre hydroponic and organic garden that Resor t’s produce, from lemongrass to mangos, spinach to tomatoes. The resor t also holds medical and dental clinics to treat villagers from neighboring islands.
Getting to Turtle Island:
Air Pacific and Air New Zealand provides non-stop service from Los Angeles to Nadi International Airport on the Fijian island of Viti Levu with seven flights weekly. Flight time is approximately ten hours. A chartered aircraft collects guests at Nadi for the thirty-minute scenic flight to Turtle Island.
Where to Stay on Turtle Island:
Turtle Island Resort’s bures include separate sleeping, dressing, and bathing areas; bars stocked with drinks and fresh tropical fruit; king-size beds, writing desks and double showers. Verandas feature queen-size day beds for napping in the outdoors— even better than hammocks. The island’s premium lodging is the bure at Vonu Point, boasting panoramic vistas of the lagoon and adjacent Yasawa Islands. Guests can also rent the whole island for the superlative destination wedding celebration.
Www.turtlefiji.com
The Seychelles The Indian Ocean, Africa
The Seychelles is truly heaven at sea. Located northeast of Madagascar, near Mauritius and Zanzibar, the African archipelago is comprised of 115 granite and coral islands. The inner isles include some of the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth, boasting the archipelago’s Most distinctive topography: massive stone slabs and sculptural cliffs looming over white sand beaches, fringed with bursts of vivid greenery.
The Seychelles is home to the smallest population of any African state. As with most remote archipelagos, the inhabitants are all descended from immigrants, especially those of French, African, Indian and Chinese descent. Among the granite inner islands are the principal islands, Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, which serve as the archipelago’s cultural and political heart.
Most Seychelles resorts are located in the principal islands, though the coral outer islands of Alphonse and Desroches also offer luxury accommodations.
The majority take advantage of the archipelago’s unparalleled setting, merging natural furnishings with accommodations that embrace the outdoors.
The Seychelles is a top destination for wildlife viewing. In par ticular, underwater wildlife is said To be unafraid of snorkelers and divers. The Seychelles include some of the world’s largest seabird colonies—particularly on the suitably named Bird Island, where squawking cities of Sooty Terns can host populations in the hundreds of thousands.
Among the 75 endemic plant species, the endangered Coco de Mer is famous for producing the world’s largest seed, complete with a “suggestive” shape.
Getting to the Seychelles:
Although there are no direct flights to the Seychelles from the Unites States, Air Seychelles connects several European cities, Mauritius and Singapore with the international airport in Mahé. Helicopter and ferry services carry travelers to outlying islands.
Where to Stay in the Seychelles:
Universal’s Labriz Silhouette embraces the scenery of forested Silhouette Island, “regarded by Conservationists as one of the most important biodiversity sanctuaries of the Indian Ocean.” Accommodations include 110 villas and 17 luxury pavilions, each with a private garden, pool and bathtub for two. The unique spa perched among the island’s granite boulders offers Creole-inspired therapies, and five separate dining options satisfy distinguishing tastes.
Www.labriz-seychelles.com
Constance Lémuria Resort, named for the legendary island kingdom said to exist prior to Atlantis, is located on the tranquil isle of Anse Kerlan. Though all of Lémuria’s villas are high-end, the amenities of the presidential suite are truly remarkable, including three multilevel swimming pools leading to a private beach. Along with worldclass watersports, island activities include tennis, mountain biking and golf on the resort’s 18-hole championship course.
Www.lemuriaresort.com
Roatan The Bay Islands, Honduras
While far-flung islands are extra-appealing, sometimes your vacation plans just can’t allow for a twelve-hour flight. Fortunately, escape doesn’t have to be that far from home. The Bay Islands, located off the Caribbean coast in the Central American country of Honduras, are less than three hours from the United States, with direct flights from several U.S. airports.
The Bay Islands are comprised of three main islands— Utila, Guanaja and Roatan—along with several islets and the Cayos Cochinos archipelago. The other islands have their draws, but luxury travelers prefer Roatan, the largest and most developed.
Roatan represents a unique corner of the Caribbean, with both Central American and Caribbean influences.
The region also represents the tail end of world’s second-longest barrier reef. As with the other Bay Islands, Roatan is celebrated as one of the most rewarding places to Scuba dive and achieve dive certification.
Snorkel with one of the ocean’s grandest and most elusive creatures: the whale shark. Have fun hiking, biking, riding horses, or playing Tarzan by zip-lining through the jungle on one of the island’s canopy tours.
Book a luxury sailing excursion through Roatan Sailing & Catamaran Charters (www.roatansail.com), and explore the impossibly idyllic Cayos Cochinos, Utila, or even Belize. Roatan’s location also offers the opportunity for travelers to venture to the Honduran mainland and visit Copan, an ancient Maya ruin vibrant with scarlet macaws.
Getting to Roatan:
On Saturdays, Continental offers direct flights to Roatan from Houston, New York City and Miami, while Delta offers direct flights from Atlanta. Travelers can fly into San Pedro Sula on the Honduran mainland and book a small plane out to the island, which is also accessible via ferry from La Ceiba.
Where to Stay on Roatan:
West Bay luxury hotel Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort includes 145 condominium villas, ranging in size from studios to three-bedrooms, which surround a vast swimming pool. The sugary, crescent-shaped beach bordering Infinity Bay is probably the best in Roatan. The resort also keeps the island beautiful by Utilizing earth-friendly practices, such as solar-heated water, green housekeeping, and reverse-osmosis water treatment.
Www.infinitybay.com
Mayoka Lodge is a 6,500 square foot private residence in Sandy Bay, merging resort-quality amenities with the space and seclusion of an upscale home. Set on some of Roatan’s preeminent real estate, the lodge includes five acres of landscaped tropical gardens with tennis courts, an infinity pool and 300 feet of private beach.
It’s perfect for an extended stay.
Www.mayokalodge.com
Dolphins! Need we say more? Anthony’s Key Resort, arguably Roatan’s finest dive resort, is most distinguished for its onsite dolphin encounter and educational programs through the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences.
Guests can stay in hillside cabanas on the main island, or on the offshore island of Anthony’s Key. Stay for the resort’s weekly Fiesta Night, featuring live music and intrepid fire dancers.
Www.anthonyskey.com
The Galapagos Islands The Pacific Ocean, South America
There’s something undeniably compelling about the Galapagos Islands. Located 625 miles from Ecuador’s Pacific coast, the archipelago’s 13 volcanic islands are some of the world’s most biologically unique.
The distinctiveness of the Galapagos Islands greets you at first sight. Scalloped bays and coves of dazzling blue decorate the coastlines.
Mysterious-looking cliffs rise up from the sea revealing the region’s volcanic history.
While Isla Santa Cruz is home to the archipelago’s largest human population in the town of Puerto Ayora, the majority of the archipelago feels just as untouched as when Charles Darwin discovered it aboard the HMS Beagle.
Remember reading about the Galapagos creatures in your college textbooks?
Finches, giant tor toises, sea lions, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies?
At some point, every Galapagos plant and creature migrated all those miles from the South American mainland, via floating tree trunk, vigorous storm, or stunning physical endurance.
Over the years, they adapted to the unique Galapagos environment, resulting in species that exist nowhere else in the world. Famously, the menagerie of endemic creatures in the Galapagos Islands served as inspiration for Darwin’s theory of evolution.
The biodiversity in the waters around the Galapagos is just as stunning; the area is heralded as one of the seven underwater wonders of the world. Divers can swim with schools of hammerheads at Darwin’s Arch, as well as manta rays, sea lions and even whale sharks.
The most dedicated divers can circumnavigate the underwater vistas on a luxury liveaboard, like the Galapagos Aggressor (www.aggressor.com) or the Peter Hughes Sky Dancer.
Www.peterhughes.com.
Getting to the Galapagos Islands:
There are no direct international flights to the Galapagos Islands. Travelers typically fly into Quito or Guayaquil in Ecuador, and then catch a domestic flight to Isla Baltra Airpor t on the island of Santa Cruz. Because most international flights arrive in Ecuador late, an overnight stay is necessary. If you’re staying on the mainland more than one night, the La Mirage Garden Hotel and Spa outside Quito is an attractive five-star option.
Where to Stay in the Galapagos Islands:
The Galapagos Islands might be some of the world’s most remote, but they still host a commendable fivestar option: the Royal Palm Hotel, located on Santa Cruz. The hotel’s 500 forested acres are home to 10 villas, eight veranda studios and three suites. Accommodations include Jacuzzis, satellite television and internet access, while the Imperial and Royal suites also include private indoor saunas. All buildings are constructed of local materials, so the hotel resembles
An extension of the Galapagos landscape.
Www.royalpalmgalapagos.com.
Many travelers choose to explore the islands via cruise ship or small private yacht, as well as the liveaboards previously mentioned. Typically, naturalists stay onboard to describe the archipelago’s flora and fauna.
Peruse options at www.galapagosislands.com.
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