3 Places to Plan Your Next Island Escape to

By Judy Koutsky

These island resorts have stunning and private accommodations, activities, and some of the most scenic landscapes in the world.

Amanyara, Turks and Caicos

At Amanyara resort, you’ll find 36 timber-shingled pavilions, each with an extensive outdoor space with views of the ocean, tranquil ponds or coastal vegetation. For a special treat, stay at one of the 20 Amanyara villas, which sit on more than 1.5 acres and are serviced by a chef and a host.

The property’s spa has an extensive menu of wellness treatments and holistic programs. Plus, there’s a pilates studio, fitted with reformers, a yoga sala, a fitness center, library and a swimming pool with unobstructed views of the ocean. The nature discovery center is for adults and kids and offers snorkeling, diving and kayaking as well as a kids camp.

Good to know: Turks and Caicos Islands are part of the British West Indies and comprise eight islands and 40 small cays situated just outside the Caribbean Sea in the Atlantic Ocean. Amanyara resort is located on the island of Providenciales and it borders Northwest Point Marine National Park, which is known for having some of the best wall and reef diving in the world.

The Aerial, BVI, British Virgin Islands

The upscale Aerial, BVI was originally designed as a luxury all-inclusive private island resort that could only be visited through a buyout model. But now, starting in May, the property will be open to guest books sans buyout. Here they focus on wellness, and the nightly rate includes meals, yoga, meditation, sound baths, hiking, water sports, equine therapy, horseback riding, stargazing, cooking classes, fitness sessions at the beach gym, sleep hygiene classes and even zebra kissing (yup!) at Redemption Ranch. Additional programming and treatments for purchase include private fitness and coaching, spa treatments and curated visioning sessions.

Good to know: The property sits on 43 acres and has views of 14 surrounding islands as well as the Sir Francis Drake Channel. There are 17 accommodations in seven residences.

Goldwynn Resort & Residences, Bahamas

The only Bahamian member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Goldwynn Resort & Residences located in Cable Beach in Nassau, Bahamas, is just 15 minutes from the airport and ten minutes from the downtown. There are 81 residential-style accommodations including studios, and one- two- and three-bedroom suites, which include full kitchens or kitchenettes, and balconies. The three-bedroom signature Goldwynn Suite has almost 2,000 square feet of interior space, three balconies, two terraces and ocean views.

Good to Know: Much of the curated artwork on the property comes from local Bahamian artists, including the hemisphere’s tallest indoor relief sculpture—a five-story art installation by Bahamian master artist, Kishan Munroe. The resort partners with local restaurants, attractions and shops to extend guests exclusive offers to encourage them to explore and appreciate various aspects of Bahamian cuisine, art, nature and culture.