Bucket List Adventure: Island Hideaways

“Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.” – Ray Bradbury

1. Young Island, St. Vincent

If the plane, taxi, and then ferry ride don’t convince you that you’ve reached paradise lost then the gardenesque lushness of this privately owned 13-acre tropical island will. The most northerly of the Grenadine chain of islands, Young Island is tucked about 200 yards off St. Vincent’s southern shores and is all about luxury, lavish indulgence, and verdant scenery. Linger over five-course feasts spiced with West Indian flavors in a thatched-roof dining hut for two. Sip a Coconut Delight right out of a fresh coconut at the swim-up bar. Refresh with a Bajan cane sugar body scrub at Spa Kalina. Visit the uninhabited archipelago, Tobago Cays, by boat and snorkel the coral reefs. At Young Island, cottages step up the hillsides, each a hideaway unto itself (particularly cottages 10, 28, 29 and 30) with open-air garden showers, seductive plunge pools, and glorious sea views – but the most secluded of all is the Duvernette Suite. Sitting at the very top of Young Island, it offers breathtaking views of the sea, Fort Duvernette, St. Vincent, and Bequia. You won’t want to be found.

2. Mackinac Island, Michigan

No automobiles are allowed on Mackinac Island, located in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. There are, however, plenty of horses-drawn carriages and bicycles, and an unrivaled atmosphere of romance. The entire island looks like a movie set, and that’s just what it was in 1979 when the Jane Seymour/ Christopher Reeve classic, “Somewhere in Time” – considered one of the most romantic movies of all time – was filmed on an island considered to be one of the most romantic destinations in the United States. Two island resorts, the venerable Grand Hotel, home of traditional afternoon tea and the world’s largest porch (lined with at least too rockers), and the lakeside Mission Point Resort, offer an homage to the movie. For the former, it is the annual “Somewhere in Time” weekend package, in October; for the latter, the Mackinac Island Observation Tower has a gorgeous exhibit about the filming of the movie, the attendant Hollywood Sound Stage, and the island’s only movie theatre, which also appeared in the movie and offers a full summer lineup of films and events. All this, plus shops, art galleries, water sports, nightlife, and spectacular views.

3. Negril, Jamaica

At Sunset at the Palms Resort, an adults-only sanctuary in Negril, Jamaica, you’ll willingly slip into sensory overload: Squish your toes into sun-warmed, white sand beaches; watch colorburst sunsets melt into the sea; sip a martini made with Jamaica’s own Appleton rum at the piano bar; feel muscle tension evaporate at the Ginger Lily Spa under a therapist’s healing ministrations – all while drinking in the tropical splendor of one of the Caribbean’s top all-inclusive resorts. Here, elegant treehouse-style accommodations tucked amidst the bougainvillea cosset guests with Asian-inspired furnishings, king-size beds, open-air bathrooms, and daybeds set on the balcony for whiling away a drowsy afternoon, listening to the hum of nature. The most secluded are the one bedroom treetop villas. The most unforgettable experience? The Chef’s Showcase (reservations required), a four-course gastronomical adventure presided over by the chef and featuring farm-to-table delicacies with a Mediterranean twist accompanied by luscious wines and island cocktails.

4. Honolulu, Hawaii

Authentic Hawaii happens at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu, with guests immersing themselves in the music, food, and culture of traditional Polynesia. Top island entertainers perform at Kani Ka Pile Grille every night. Daily activities might include making a kukui nut bracelet, taking a ukulele or hula lesson, learning the art of bamboo stamping or the history of Polynesian tattoo design, taking part in a vow renewal ceremony following the ancient custom, Hobo Pa’a. Hoi hou ke aloha – “Let us fall in love again.” Moving and memorable, this sunrise ceremony is available exclusively to resort guests and takes place on the beach with the ocean as witness. New to the resort is the Voyager 47 Club Lounge, available to guests staying in oceanfront suites and guestrooms. Perks include premium refreshments, elevated amenities, a “Sunrise Invitation for Exploration” with locally-inspired tasting menu, a “Signature Sunset Celebration” with cocktails and pupus (snacks) and specially curated localized experiences. Splurge and go for the deluxe one-bedroom oceanfront suite: it has two balconies for catching gorgeous views of Diamond l-lead and brilliant Hawaiian sunsets.

5. Cancun, Mexico

With the Caribbean Sea before you and mangrove forests behind, it can feel deliciously remote at Mexico’s Royalton Riviera Cancun. Removing you even further from the hassles and hubbub of life is Hideaway, the adults-only resort within Royalton Riviera Cancun. And yet another coddling step away from it all are exclusive Diamond Club services that include a personal butler, your mini-bar stocked (and restocked daily), a beach area reserved just for you, a private lounge with breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and more. It all starts at check-in with the selection of the aroma therapy scent you’d like spritzed in your room when housekeeping visits. Sigh. Choose a luxury suite with massive Jacuzzi, rain shower, and swim-out pool. Taste a different cuisine each night of your stay (your butler will make reservations and escort you): Japanese, Mexican, Mediterranean, American steakhouse, Italian, Tex-Mex, seafood and more. With nine restaurants, assorted bars, and three adults-only swimming pools, plus shops, spa, night club and casino at the resort, there really is no reason to leave – ever.