This Incredible Caribbean Private Island Is the Ultimate Bucket List Vacation
If you’ve ever had a vacation go exactly as planned—the kids weren’t bored, the restaurant was perpetually wait-less, and the whole week just seemed to flow—you’ve likely chalked it up to a rare stroke of serendipity. In-the-know travelers, however, tend to credit it to something else: a dream vacation perfectly orchestrated by Cuvée, an ultra-luxury brand that owns and curates escapes at private villas across the globe.
Naturally, the company’s racked up quite the following, with repeat guests (including a roster of celebs) opting to make their annual escapes exclusively at one of the brand’s ultra-luxurious hideaways from Hawaii to St. Barths. And while each private villa seems to be more impressive than the next, we’d argue the crème de la crème is a vacay to Cuvée’s impossibly dreamy private island, a paradise that sleeps 16, appropriately dubbed Royal Island.
Lying just a stone’s throw from Eleuthera, Royal Island is a pristine 430-acre sliver of land surrounded by the Caribbean’s famous aquamarine waters. Rumored to be one of the stopping points on Christopher Columbus’ first transatlantic voyage (it’s a wonder he ever left), the island was sporadically inhabited before being scooped up by a Texas developer in the early 2000s and transformed into a luxury retreat. Today, Royal Island’s main attraction is a crescent-shaped beach along which sit five plantation-style bungalows and a restaurant and beach club designed for exclusive use—all of which is available to rent.
But, believe it or not, the novelty of being marooned on your own private paradise is just part of the allure of Royal Island. Here, you can expect all of the amenities of a five-star resort (and then some) from the minute you step onto the island’s dock (with fresh cocktails as your warm welcome). Included in island stays is a full-service staff, from a private chef and bartender to 'experience curators' ready to assist with all your on- (and off) island fun.
And as far as activity goes, let’s just say you’ll never find yourself bored (unless you want to be, of course). On Royal Island, guests can start each day with a personalized yoga practice and follow it up with an afternoon of waterbound activity. From the private and pristine Melanie Beach, island staff can assist with launching jet skis, paddleboards, and Hobie cats for setting out and exploring the rugged perimeter of Royal Island. Just a quick cruise from your home base, excursions can take you to world-class dive and snorkel spots as well as nearby Max Beach, where the Bahamas’ famous—and adorable!—swimming pigs are always ready for a bite.
One thing that’s not be missed? The island’s neighboring private sandbar, an oasis of calm in the middle of the Caribbean with some of the most Insta-worthy views you’ll ever see. (In the spirit of being treated royally, a welcoming committee will greet you on the sandbar with a cooler of champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Go ahead—spoil us!)
While R&R on the sandbar is practically heaven, back on the island, leisure time is just as sweet. Each identical bungalow (designed for two, with a king-sized bed and standalone soaking tub) sports plush furnishings and wood-planked walls, making for the coziest landing point after a day in the sun. Outside, wraparound covered porches shaded by tropical foliage provide a peaceful spot to curl up with a book or catch the sunset. When the dinner bell rings, guests can saunter over, bare feet in the sand, to an epic three-course meal prepared with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. (Did we mention every meal is completely personalized? Swoon!)
Sound like the ultimate vacation dream? Full-service getaways (including all food, beverages, and experiences) to Royal Island start at $14,375 per night. (Translation: Grab your friends!)
And, as if you need more incentive to book a stay here, the Bahamian island—while not affected by Hurricane Dorian—is involved with relief efforts, with the Cuvée team pledging to donate a portion of all booking proceeds to the Relief Fund through the end of 2019. Learn more about how you can start planning a vacay to this epic Caribbean private island here.
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