Exploring Sandals’ Private Island in Jamaica

 

By Guy Britton

1

PICTURE THIS ​It’s the third day of your vacation. ​You’re on a​ private ​island​,​ ​set just ​off​shore​​,​ surrounded ​by nature ​and coddled ​with​ luxury service. ​

You haven’t seen your wallet in three days and today you ​forgot​ your phone back in the room​ and don’t even care. ​

This is Sandals’ private island just offshore of Montego Bay​,​ Jamaica​ at the Sandals Royal Caribbean resort.

It’s more than an island — it’s a tropical theme park for adults.

2

​​There​’s​ a Red Lane Escape spa on the island, ​a ​pool, jacuzzi​ ​a​nd then there​’​s that beach bar and ​the guy with all the ​rum drink​s​​ and, yes, the ​massage table. ​ ​​

Spa treatments followed by a nap in the Gazebo​ are ​a prescription ​to​ ​reduce stress, ​lower blood pressure​ and enhance well being​. Or at least it feels like that.

It’s therapy without a doctor.

3

​This private island is ​​a​ portal to another world, one ​where ​you won​’​t need ​a ​virtual reality​ headset​. T​he paradise ​here ​is right in front of you, all around you​, a world where your every whim is anticipated and served.

4

​​And ​then there​’​s the nude beach​​. Very discrete and hidden on the back-side of the island.

5

While you do have to share this private island with other guests, the gazebos are completely private and ​fully ​serviced by attentive staff.  ​It’s like your own waterfront hut with staff, spa, restaurant and bar. Does it get any better than this?  Maybe, but not by much. ​

6
The Royal Tai restaurant is open for dinner. You don’t need reservations, dress is casual​ and there’s a short boat ride back to the resort ​​after dinner. You’ll be back at the dock before the disco opens.​

7

​​As we write there is some construction nearby on the new overwater bungalows. We’ve been told the island is fully operational and not affected.

8

S​ome islands are just better than others. And even though this island is real, it’s ​far​​, ​far from reality​. ​

​​A​nd that’s exactly the point. ​

Powered by WPeMatico

Bondholders withdraw restraining order against Puerto Rico development bank

NEW YORK, USA — Substantial holders of outstanding bonds of the Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico (GDB) have withdrawn their request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) in the wake of an executive order signed by Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro García Padilla.

Powered by WPeMatico

Twenty-one individuals indicted for violating RICO Act in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A 17 count federal indictment was unsealed on Thursday in the District of Puerto Rico charging 21 defendants with racketeering, conspiracy to commit bank robbery, burglary and larceny, interference with commerce by robbery, carjacking, conspiracy to…

Powered by WPeMatico

How to Stay in David Bowie’s Caribbean Villa

 

He was one of the world’s greatest musicians.

And while the late David Bowie was known for many things, less well known was his love affair with the Caribbean island of Mustique in the Grenadines, where he built the Balinese-style Mandalay.

And now you can rent it.

The home, built in 1989 in collaboration with architects Arne Hasslqvist and Robert Litwiller, contains all of the fixtures and styling from Bowie’s ownership.

bowie5

The property is set on 6.2 acres and is built around a koi pond, waterfalls and an infinity pool.

bowie2

The property has five bedroom suites, each of which has a private veranda leading straight to the pool, along with a study and several private garden decks.

bowie3

The property also includes two detached units — “The Writer’s Cottage,” which was used regularly by poet and publisher Felix Dennis, who purchased the property from Bowie in 1995.

bowie4

It also includes “The Studio,” a private pavilion which was originally Bowie’s recording studio.

The villa comes with eight on-site staff.

Powered by WPeMatico

VIDEO: 12 Seconds on the Water in Bimini

 

We’ve made no secret of our affection for the water in the Bahamian mini-archipelago of Bimini.

It’s turquoise, crystal clear and filled with remarkable sea life, from rays to sharks.

It doesn’t hurt that it’s just a 30-minute flight from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, making it one of the region’s most accessible escapes.

Here’s another reminder.

Powered by WPeMatico