Tag: Island

Hotel Review: The Brando

Written by Maria Diego on February 14, 2025. Posted in Hotel Reviews.

Diego Travel Hotel Review

The Brando

A Private Island Resort in French Polynesia

MARIA DIEGO

February 14, 2025

The Brando, a Private Island Resort, has long been on my bucket list for its stellar reputation as one of the travel industry’s best kept secrets. It is not only the most exclusive resort in French Polynesia, but one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. The island boast 35 villas and one 4-bedroom residence, which has its own private beach for ultimate privacy. There is a spa, newly renovated fitness center, and several restaurants to enjoy, as well as a tennis court, and paths for jogging and exploring. Guests are given bicycles for their stay, so you can come and go from your villa as little or as much as you please. One of the best kept secrets is the rooftop bar, where you can enjoy cocktails at sunset overlooking the crystalline water.

Perfect For: Honeymoons | Couples | Friends | Anniversary Trips | Romantic Getaways

Share Email

The Brando

TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA

Getting to The Brando:

-17.0165,-149.5898

The Brando

The Brando is located in Onetahi a private island in the secluded atoll of Teti’aroa, just a 20-minute flight from Papeete International Airport (PPT), Tahiti, via a private airline terminal aboard Air Tetiaroa. PPT has daily non-stop flights from LAX, SFO and SEA. In addition PPT has direct flights to Hawaii an the most extensive network of flights to South Pacific ranging from Easter Island to New Zealand.

Book The Brando With Perks

Vibe at The Brando:

As the most exclusive resort in French Polynesia, The Brando pairs the art of luxury hospitality perfectly with sustainability and conservation. A large part of its ethos is in preserving the delicate ecosystem of Tetiaroa, an atoll with 12 motus encircling a lagoon of crystal blue water. The island is serene, dense with climbing coconut trees, bending toward the rays of sun. The coconuts and meandering palms grow thick with moss and provide a safe haven to the diverse fauna of the island.

Unlike better known islands such as Bora Bora, Tahiti and Moorea, Tetiaroa, home of The Brando, is flat. When you arrive, you’ll assigned a bicycle, checked into your own private villa, and given as much privacy as you could ever need. While the island has a common pool, we saw little need to leave our villa throughout our stay, unless we were heading to the common areas for meals or entertainment – like the French Polynesian show we enjoyed on our last night. But bring a book, some music, and energy for relaxation because beyond snorkeling, a few boat excursions, and enjoying the beach, The Brando is just about being still.

Accomodations at The Brando:

The Brando has 35 villas and one 4-Bedroom residence, perfect for families or three couples traveling together who want their own common living room and full-size kitchen. Diego Travel clients get priority for upgrades, and we stayed in a family villa. This is the same layout as your standard one-bedroom villa, but instead of a media room, that serves as a kids’ room with a full bed, suitable for 2 children. Keep in mind that these all have one bathroom.

If you want a villa with two bathrooms, then I recommend the 2-Bedroom Villa, which has two master bedrooms, one on the lower level that is beachfront, and then a bedroom above it that is a mirror layout. The downstairs bedroom can be split into twins if needed. The bedrooms are split by an outdoor stairwell, so this villa is best suited for older children/teens or two couples traveling together.

*Important to note that The Brando villas do not come with butler service, but this can be added if needed.

Plan my trip to The Brando

Food & Beverage at The Brando:

Les Mutinés is The Brando’s fine dining experience, in a restaurant in the shape of a ship, at the center a large crystal chandelier reminiscent of The Jolly Roger in Peter Pan. We were offered a scroll, unrolled to find a tasting menu in the format of an old treasure map. The food, across the board, was primarily French, but particularly our meal at Les Mutinés.
Bob’s Bar was the original bar on the island, and while it would eventually change locations, the Bar is still the same social hub it was always meant to be, serving hot dogs, hamburgers, and a lengthy cocktail menu, including the ‘Dirty Old Bob.’
Nami is a table for 8 teppanyaki grill, where our Japanese chef prepared us made-to-order dishes that complied with each guests’ dietary needs. From tuna nigiri to Wagyu beef, our meal was delicious and even our 7-year-old tried every dish.
The Beachcomber Café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, the main restaurant with a focus on Polynesian fare. I would have liked to see more variety in the menu, but I think for a 2-3 night stay, its sufficient.

Activities at The Brando:

We did the Tetiaroa Ultimate Tour on our first day. The boat takes you on a 20-minute ride across the glistening lagood to one of the protected motus, nicknamed “bird island,” where seabirds swoop in and out of a thick forest of trees.
From there, we got down from the boat with our water shoes (provided by the resort) to trek through a jungle path, crawling with hermit and coconut crabs of all shapes, colors and sizes. I have never experienced anything quite like this! The largest known coconut crab on the island, named Hector, by the guides from the Tetiaroan Society, made an appearance for us. This 50-year-old crab was the largest crab I have ever seen!
On another day, we tie-dyed pareos, which was a fun activity for our daughter. They learned about the tradition in the Polynesian Islands and the significance of the different colors used. What a fun keepsake and memory to take home from the trip!
Kayaking through the pass between two nearby motu was another highlight as we paddled next to what seemed like thousands of soaring birds of different species. Our guide took us by kayak through shallow waters, showing us how to carefully navigate around the rising coral so as not to damage its delicate surface. It was such a peaceful experience, and even if you’re not a kayaker, I highly recommend it.
Tetiaroa atoll is a pristine underwater sanctuary, with crystal clear waters and unmatched biodiversity. We snorkled arround a few of the hundreds of coral heads directly infront of the resort enjoying the the sight of small colorful reef fish, and sea cucumbers resting on the white sand bottom. A short boat ride from the resort takes you to the deeper part of the lagoon or the drop off outside the reef where you can snorkel or Scuba Dive larger coral formations, black-tip reef sharks and spotted eagle rays gliding within arm’s reach.
Fishing is one of the best kept secrets of the Brando. Thanks to its unique location, deep-sea fishing for Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Marlin (Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Striped Marlin) and Dogtooth Tuna are only short boat ride away from the resort.
On my final day I took the Green Tour and I am so glad that I did. I have never seen anything like it, and it is unparalleled in the hospitality industry. Adding a $12 million dollar sea water air conditioning system (SWAC), the entire island is air conditioned using sea water and the 5,000 panels of solar that provides electricity for the island. The island also provides housing for up to 20 people, labs and a research center for PhD programs that work on different projects, in addition to the employee ‘village’ that houses the staff of 250 at The Brando. They provide machinery that converts food waste into soil, glass into powder that can be reused, and an extraordinary recycling system that allows for zero waste.
Book The Brando Direct
Book The Brando Direct

Wellness at The Brando:

I went to the spa on our first day and while my massage was incredible, I thought the experience was lacking a bit of ritual and consistency. Upon arrival, I needed to shower following a swim in the ocean. There are no bathrobes, but rather pareos, and then guests are required to walk along pathways to the bird nest-like treatment rooms. This might be fine for some, but for more modest guests, I would see where this might be problematic. There was also no relaxation area for before or after treatment, or I was not offered it if there was. There is also no place to drink water or have tea, like many spas offer. For such an exclusive island resort, I felt the spa should just offer a bit more. Again, my massage was excellent, but it might as well have taken place in our villa.

What sets The Brando appart:

The island itself is simply stunning, as the colors of the water are crystal clear and change from various shades of light blue to turquoise, to darker blues that lie beyond the atoll. The island has a dense jungle feel, and reminds me a bit of a private island in the Bahamas called Cat Cay. Ideally, I would have all of my clients stop at The Brando for two nights to experience this exclusive private island paradise.

As far as sustainability, I can’t think of another property around the world that is doing it as well as The Brando. As a guest at The Brando, you’re helping to contribute to a sustainable island resort, but also in preserving an untouched paradise for future generations of not only visitors but more important for Polynesians Islanders. While many of the staff arrive from France each year to work seasonally, many are native Polynesians, which is an important component to the fabric of The Brando.

Diego Travel Loves…

The privacy at The Brando is unique. The hotel is set on a private island within the Tetiaroa Atoll, which is itself a private Nature Reserve in the middle of the South Pacific. You can choose to socialize with other guests during many of the resort activities or at the hotel’s restaurants or choose to completely get away from it all as villas are set far apart, offering complete privacy so you can spend all day in your villa and on the beach in front of it and never see another guest.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Brando offers a Breakfast Only plan or an All-Inclusive plan. I strongly encourage going with the All-Inclusive plan because prices for meals at the resort are quite expensive. I frequently get access to promos such as Stay 4, Pay 3, which can bring the All-Inclusive plan down to around $2,000/person/night on the higher end, the 4-Bedroom residence runs around $20-30,000/night.

Diego Travel Perks:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit
Bookings in our Two Bedroom Villa (or larger) will receive an additional $100 Food & Beverage credit (for a total of $200 during stay)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

Book The Brando With Perks

Diego Travel Insider Tips:

The Brando is fairly spread out and while the resort provides bicycles and golf cart transfers on demand, I recommend that you book a villa closest to the common areas if you have mobility issues. There are also two ADA villas that are available with no stairs.

LETS SET UP A CALL

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Maria | Luxury Travel Advisor (@diegotravelagency)

Hotel Review: Isla Bella Beach Resort

Written by Maria Diego on February 7, 2024. Posted in Hotel Reviews.

Diego Travel Hotel Review

Isla Bella Beach Resort

A Barefoot Luxury Resort in the Florida Keys

MARIA DIEGO

February 8, 2024

One of the best ways to experience the Florida Keys, Isla Bella Beach Resort is a 199-room resort that is located between Islamorada and Key West, just at the threshold of the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. Completely renovated in 2020, Isla Bella sets a new standard for modern luxury resorts in the Florida Keys, and provides a one-stop shop for your perfect beach vacation.

Share Email

Vibe
Accommodations
Food & Beverage
Activities
Wellness
Extras when booking with Diego Travel

ISLA BELLA BEACH RESORT

Location:

24.70539615,-81.1195734631537
Isla Bella Beach Resort
24.7258703,-81.0512195

Marathon International Airport (MTH) is only 10 minutes from the resort. If you can’y get a flight into MTH, Key West International Airport (EYW) is 1-hour drive (or 45 miles) or Miami International Airport (MIA) is a 2 hour 30 minute drive (or 115 miles) away. We recommend renting a car, and when possible, flying into Key West and out of Miami.

Book Direct with Perks

Vibe:

We traveled to the Florida Keys frequently, since my parents lived there for 15 years. Isla Bella Beach Resort was a welcome addition, as the Keys were sorely lacking in luxury hotel options. Aside from Little Palm Island, which is adults only, Isla Bella Beach Resort is one of only a handful of resorts that we recommend to our clients traveling to the Keys.

While this is a nearly 200-room resort, the property is expansive, particularly for the Florida Keys, sitting on one mile of waterfront. One thing to note is that the Florida Keys does not have any natural beaches, so any sandy beaches you find will have rock retaining walls or be man-made. Fortunately, Isla Bella Beach Resort has a beach where you can wade into the water.

With the new renovation, Isla Bella Beach Resort is a premiere beach resort in Florida and the Florida Keys. With its 5 oceanfront pools, there is a spot for everyone, whether you want to remain with an adults-only vibe, or join the kid-friendly areas of the resort.

The rooms and common areas are light, white and bright, with blue nautical accents that are perfect for the tropical blues of the Keys.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

There are 14 different room and suite categories at Isla Bella Beach Resort, ranging from oceanfront balcony rooms to luxe beachside suites. They also have a myriad of connectivity options, so when traveling with multiple families or kids, there is something for everyone. When booking with Diego Travel, we can advise you not only on what room category will be best for you, but also where you’ll be most likely to get upgraded.

We always love the beachside rooms, as you have a larger terrace and direct access to the beach and pools, whereas when you are in a balcony room, you will need to access through the hallway and elevator or stairs.

LETS SET UP A CALL

FOOD & BEVERAGE:

The Florida Keys is not particularly well-known for its cuisine. A lot of fried catch-of-the-day and a concentrated interest in beverages often referenced in Jimmy Buffet songs, my expectations weren’t high for the food offerings at Isla Bella Beach Resort. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality and variety of meal options.
Mahina is their Polynesian-inspired and main restaurant, where I loved the Hawaaiian Style Ahi Poke and their crafted cocktails (for me, a mocktail!) at the bar that overlooks the ocean. They also recently opened a new dining outlet, Sushi Cabana, that seats 55 underneath outdoor palm trees and umbrellas.
The Marketplace is another eatery that provides grab-and-go snacks, drinks, and goodies to take home. In this 5,000-square-foot open floor plan building, you can grab breakfast and schedule your day’s plan at the Watersports Activity Center, which is conveniently located right on property.

ACTIVITIES:

One of my family’s favorite things about the Florida Keys is getting out on the water. I always tell people that if they’re visiting the Florida Keys for a great beach, they’ve selected the wrong destination. The Florida Keys is unparalleled for domestic boating – snorkeling, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, kayaking and even stand up paddle boarding in the Florida mangroves.
Aside from watersports activities and lounging by the pool, we always recommend a day trip to Key West and one to Islamorada. Clients who book their hotel stay with Diego Travel to use our custom trip planning to create a bespoke itinerary or read our Florida Keys Destination Guide for our dining and activity recommendations for the Florida Keys.
Isla Bella also offers an on-property activities schedule that includes fun things like beachfront yoga, sandcastle building, and gelato happy hours. They also have activities for the adults like paint & sip for those 21 and up.
Plan My Trip To Isla Bella
Plan My Trip To Isla Bella

Plan my trip to the Florida Keys

WELLNESS:

The spa at at Isla Bella Beach Resort is light and airy, and they offer a full treatment menu from massages to facials. They also have a special place for brides and bridal parties to get ready before a destination wedding. The 4,000-square-foot spa has 5 treatment rooms with a steam room located in both the men’s and women’s locker rooms. While next to the spa, they have a 1,000-square-foot fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment.

What Sets It Apart:

This resort truly makes it easy! The on-site marina is super convenient, so that you don’t have to drive off property to get to a boat. In Islamorada, most resorts will require a short drive to a nearby marina, but I really like the fact that Isla Bella’s boat charters are right there.

For families, Isla Bella is ideal for its room configurations. No other property in the Florida Keys compares, and some rooms even have a kitchenette for those extended stays when you want to have some meals ‘at home.’ Rooms have a fresh, clean feel, which you don’t get at a lot of other properties.

Diego Travel Loves…

In addition to everything already mentioned in this article about the Florida Keys, we love that this resort is a great destination for those who want a Caribbean vacation without needing a passport. From the occasional steel drum bands you’ll find in the Keys, to the outdoor, laid-back easy vibe it offers, you can have a great sunshine-filled vacation without breaking the bank or leaving the country.

How Much Does it Cost?

Rates start as low as $295/night for the entry-level rooms, but during high seasons can go up to $1500/night. The good news is, as a member of Virtuoso, our clients receive exclusive access to promotional rates, as well as daily breakfast, a $100 hotel credit, and priority upgrade with your stay. If you’re considering staying at Isla Bella, email us (hyperlink) to ask if there are any exclusive offers that are not available to the public.

Extras You’ll Get with Diego Travel:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100 USD equivalent Resort credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Exclusive offers not available to the public

Book Direct with Perks

Diego Travel Insider Tips:

Request rooms somewhere near the middle blocks. You’re far enough away from the main building to avoid the noisier areas, but not too far away to walk to the main restaurants and marina.

You can do a guided run on the newly opened pedestrian stretch of the bridge that spans 2.2 miles. The guide has lived in the Keys for 14 years and while you run or jog together, he can provide insight to his favorite recommendations for the Keys.

The cabanas are worth the splurge! You’ll have poolside service and includes a Pelican cooler with drinks (8 alcoholic, 4 non-alcoholic, and 4 popsicles). The cost is $550 from 9 AM to 6 PM and accommodates up to 4 people.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Maria | Luxury Travel Advisor (@diegotravelagency)

The Florida Keys

Written by Maria Diego on February 3, 2024. Posted in Destination Guides.

The Florida Keys

Why Your Next Vacation Should Be in The Florida Keys

MARIA DIEGO

August 25, 2020/ Update: February 3, 2024

The Florida Keys are made up of 5 main keys that start at Key Largo, followed by Islamorada, then Marathon, then the Lower Keys and finally Key West. To drive from Miami to Key West takes about 3 hours, so all the Keys can be covered in one trip. The Florida Keys have had recent renovations to Little Palm Island and Cheeca Lodge & Spa and notable additions to the luxury hotel lineup over the last five years including Isla Bella Beach Resort, Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort and The Islands of Islamorada.

Perfect For: Romantic Getaways | Honeymoons & Anniversaries | Fishermen | Scuba Divers

Share Email

The Florida Keys Family Travel Guide

Getting There

Fly: From 1.5-3 hours by car from Miami International Airport MIA) or fly into Key West International (EYW). Alternatively all of the keys are accesible by private yacht or sailboat..

Recommended Stay: Weekend getaway to one week.

Elevation: 0 feet

Best Time of Year to Visit: March to November

The Florida Keys

24.9780,-80.5497
Isla Morada
24.7110,-81.0897
Marathon
24.6237,-81.4007
Little Palm Island

What to do

The biggest misconception about the Florida Keys is that there are plenty of sandy beaches. I hate to break it to you, but there’s not! The Keys are all about getting out on a boat for fishing, snorkeling, cruises and exploring marine and wildlife. The nightlife can be pretty great too, if you visit at the right times of the year.

Snorkeling
From Key Largo to Key West, the dive spots in the Florida Keys are numerous and plentiful with fish and protected sea life. With dive spots like Hens and Chickens or Looe Key, your best bet is to go with a guide that can take you to a spot where you will see the most fish while snorkeling. Also, there are spots better suited for children if you’re traveling as a family. We also like taking stand up paddle boards with a few masks and snorkels and swimming in shallow areas in the bayside.
Fishing
There are seasons for catching lobster and certain types of fish, and they have to meet size criteria prior to catching them. The local Coast Guard will pull you over and check your cooler, measuring each and every fish – it’s happened to us on more than one occasion – so unless you’re an experienced fisherman with a boat in the Keys, it’s best to leave it to the professionals and hire a company that specializes in fishing while you visit. An expert fishing captain will be able to take you to the right spot whether bottom fishing or trolling, and the Keys is a whole lot of water to take a shot in the dark.
Sunset Cruises and Sailing
Another option if you’re not a huge fan of fishing is sailing or a sunset cruise. I am the black sheep in my family because I am the only one who isn’t a huge fan of spear fishing, free diving and line fishing. I usually stick to the boat, unless the water is over 80 degrees or I’m getting too sea sick from rough seas to stay on the boat. Then I go in for a swim. What I love most about boats is riding at sunset, especially on a calm day. If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss while in the Florida Keys, is catching a sunset from either a boat or the view at Pierre’s or Morada Bay (more on that later).
Marine & Wildlife Sanctuaries
If you love animals or are traveling with children, you’re not going to want to miss a visit to a Wildlife Sanctuary. While there are too many to count, the Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area offers a hammock forest, coastal rock and mangroves with hiking, cycling and paddling trails. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in Key Largo and the Turtle Hospital in Marathon are two other must-sees and personal favorites. Plus, each time you visit one of these places, the entry fee goes toward their maintenance costs so that you can help continue their mission.

Where to Stay in The Florida Keys

Little Palm Island

I wrote a whole blog on Little Palm Island because it’s just that special of a place. Little Palm Island is the only private island resort in the United States and an adults-only hotel, perfect for a weekend getaway, a honeymoon, or to celebrate an anniversary. With 30 suites that dot the perimeter of the island, every suite has a gorgeous ocean view. The resort just underwent a massive post-hurricane renovation and now features all-new cozy, romantic suites. The impeccable attention to every detail in its design is reminiscent of Ernest Hemingway and his era.

What you get when you book with Diego Travel:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in restaurant or via in-room dining
$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Book Direct with Perks

Isla Bella Resort

Isla Bella Resort is a new property featuring 199 oceanfront suites. It’s very rare to find a resort with all ocean views, but Isla Bella did it beautifully. With a name meaning Beautiful Island, what more would you expect? The rooms and suites are spacious and airy, decorated bright white with accents of coastal blue. They come in a variety of options, from one and two-bedroom guest rooms to suites with a kitchenette, making an extended stay very practical. What I love most are the first floor rooms that have direct access to the oceanfront sand and pools. You have your own oceanfront porch where you can sit outside, read a book, and watch guests ride back and forth on the property bicycles. These ground floor options also allow for social-distancing, as you wouldn’t need to enter through common areas like the hallways or elevators.

Isla Bella’s property is large, with a “town square” area that consists of a large marketplace with a cafe, the spa, conference space, and retail shopping with the cutest beach and resort wear and any pool toys and floaties your kids might need. One of the coolest things about Isla Bella is its Watersports Activity Center. Like I mentioned earlier in the blog, if you haven’t gotten out on the water, then you haven’t experienced the Keys. Isla Bella offers all the water sports right there for your convenience with brand new boats, fishing equipment and even jet ski and kayak rentals. They are top-notch professionals and I highly recommend a stay here just to make use of this amazing water sports center.

What you get when you book with Diego Travel:

Priority upgrade to next room category at check in, subject to availability
Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100 Resort Credit, Per Stay
Priority early check In & late check out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Book Direct with Perks

Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort

Far from the crowds and tourist traps, yet within reach of the area’s best attractions, Tranquility Bay is a tropical escape situated in 12 waterfront acres in the heart of the Florida Keys.

Located one mile up the road from Isla Bella. Tranquility Bay offers a laid back vibe and an excellent alternative to vacation rentals. The property offers mostly 2 & 3-bedroom water/beach front Townhomes with full kitchens. The resort features 3 pools, minigolf course, beach bar and one of Marathon’s most popular restaurants, Butterfly Café.

What you get when you book with Diego Travel:

Discounted Rates
Daily $30 Food & Beverage Credit

Book Direct with Perks

The Islands of Islamorada

The Islands of Islamorada are in the heart of downtown Islamorada, close to the best restaurants and shops. I toured them prior to completion and let me tell you, these luxury private villas are guaranteed to be the place to stay in the Florida Keys. Each 3-story private villa has 3 spacious king bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms plus a fourth bunk or twin room. 11 of the villas come with an elevator and the open floor plan with full kitchen, dining and living room look out to the ocean. Swoon!

The Palm Beach area owners were thoughtful in not only the interior design, but the exterior design and landscape architecture. Each villa has privacy from the others, while all guests can enjoy communal spaces like an open beach, pool, and the Ocean House bar. Soon to be completed will be a restaurant and a new area of smaller 1-bedroom beach villas. I can also help coordinate docking your boat at their private marina during your stay. You’ll have direct ocean access to get out there fishing early each morning!

This is the perfect chic destination to come with the whole multi-generational family, for an extended family vacation. Each unit has a two car garage and wash machine/dryer, so it’d be easy to stay for a month or longer. Heck, I think I might just move in.

Book Direct with Perks

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Cheeca Lodge & Spa is one of the better known resorts in the Florida Keys and with good reason. With an expansive ocean view, a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, spa and now 5 pools, they make it easy and convenient. The rooms vary widely from golf course view rooms to ocean-front suites, so tread with care and definitely use a travel advisor (that’s me!). The in-the-know professionals know which rooms to ask for, with one suite in particular that stands out from the rest. And no, I’ll never tell! I reserve that suite for Diego Travel clients. It’s also important to know that only the golf course view rooms are pet-friendly, so if you are planning on traveling with your furry family member, be sure to book this room.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa recently purchased oceanfront casitas and bungalows, formerly part of The Moorings property. These exclusive villas have their own pool, tennis court and beach (yes, actual beach! On of the few real beaches in The Florida Keys and private too). Two of these two-bedroom villas are beachfront, while the others are set back further on the property. The great thing about these casitas is that guests have access to all of the amenities and restaurants at Cheeca, but guests at Cheeca do not have access to this area. So, think of it as your semi-private VIP area but with additional resort amenities to enjoy like more pool options, golf, restaurants and of course the spa.

What you get when you book with Diego Travel:

Upgrade upon arrival if available
Daily complimentary breakfast for 2
$100 resort credit
Early check-in/late check-out

Book Direct with Perks

Where to eat?

Key Lime Pie
Let’s not beat around the bush and get straight to the good stuff – what the Florida Keys is best known for – key lime pie! You may even want to taste-test your way down the Keys. My kids and I are gluten-free, so I’d start my list with Key West Key Lime Pie Co. They ship too! Other Key West notables are Pepe’s Cafe and Old Town Bakery.
Further up the Keys is a locals’ favorite at the Green Turtle Inn, and whether you’re getting the key lime pie on the menu or anything else, you just can’t go wrong. They are the same owners of the nearby Kayo Grill and SushiKayo Grill and Sushi, that has The best sushi I have had in the Florida. Back to key lime pie though…A final mention is either of Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen’s two locations near Key Largo. The key lime pie is to die for!
Fresh Fish and Seafood
When you’re not eating dessert first, you may want to choose the catch of the day off of every menu. Atlantic’s Edge at Cheeca for a fancier dinner with killer views or Islamorada Fish Company are two favorites for a fresh catch. Some more casual, only-the-locals-go spots can be found at the Cuban restaurant Habano’s on the Creek (when you’re starving and coming back in from a fishing trip), Made 2 Order Cafe (another pull-up-in-your-boat for a quick lunch), or the Galley Grill between Key West and Little Palm Island.
Restaurants With a View
If the view is what you’re after, which you should be in the Keys, then you can’t miss these spots. Hit Morada Bay or Pierre’s for their monthly Full Moon party – it falls on the Saturday nearest to the full moon of each month. With a sunset view and an area of sand to party post-dinner, you can’t miss this monthly event. Latitudes at the Westin in Key West has beautiful sunset views as well.

Plan my trip to the Florida Keys

Ready to Experience The Florida Keys?

Book with Diego Travel to receive exclusive perks like a potential room upgrade, hotel credits, and other members-only benefits.

Book Now

A Few of My Favorite Things

The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys is different for everyone. Depending on if you want a resort that you land at and never leave, or your prefer to venture out and spend little time at your hotel, will determine the area that is right for you. My family has had a home in the Florida Keys for 15+ years, so the amount of time I’ve spend exploring each Key gives me an advantage while planning travel that is perfect for you.

Islamorada of The Florida Keys

My family’s home is located just north of Islamorada, in Tavernier. Islamorada happens to be my favorite spot in the Keys, just because I like the combination of bayside and oceanside boating there, and the array of top-notch restaurants and fun little shops. I’ll never forget bumping into Martha Stewart at Ocean Gardens where you can find Hemingway-era nautical antiques and a vast collection of hard-to-find shells. My dad wasn’t shy and struck up a conversation with her about the Florida Keys and what she loves about visiting. She told us that Ocean Gardens is always a must-see, so there you go!

Location

Key Largo is about one hour south of the southern most part of Miami, while Key West takes a full 3 hours to reach. So to drive from the northern-most key to the southern-most key takes about 2-2.5 hours, depending on traffic. The roadway is a 2-way lane, so holiday weekends can see traffic back up for hours. Locations are described by the locals as being at Mile Marker “__”, with the Key West starting at Mile Marker 0 and working its way up. So when you stop to ask for directions and you’re told, it’s at MM 87, you’ll know in which direction you need to head. It’s only North or South in the Keys!

Activities

Aside from the daytime activities I already listed, you can’t miss watching a sunset with a live band playing in the background. The Keys food is known for being fried, unhealthy, and yummy, and the drink menu plentiful. So plop yourself down at a bayside restaurant somewhere along the strip (my favorite is Pierre’s, at MM 82), order a drink, and relax. It’s also the perfect spot for a small destination wedding, which I can help you plan! Other activities I love to do with the kids is feeding the tarpon at Robbie’s, visiting the Turtle Hospital in Marathon and Theater of the Sea for swimming with the dolphins and educating them about marine biology.

Beyond The Keys

Because of our network, Diego Travel clients get added amenities to many of the Florida Keys hotels and resorts. Depending on whether it’s your first time or tenth time to the Keys, we’ll make sure to plan your stay based on your needs. We love to combine a trip to the Florida Keys with Miami, the west coast of Florida with stops at places like Marco Island, Naples, or Captiva, or even a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth at Disney World in Orlando. Contact us to help plan your next Florida vacation to elevate your experience, VIP your travel, and make the most of your time at each destination.

Share Email

Hotel Review: Nihi Sumba

Written by Maria Diego on December 28, 2022. Posted in Hotel Reviews.

Hotel Review

Nihi Sumba

A Luxury Indonesian Retreat at The Edge of Wildness

MARIA DIEGO

December 28, 2022

Nihi Sumba was the highlight of our 3-week trip to Indonesia. After almost two weeks in Bali, we spent 7 nights in Nihi, a perfect way to end any vacation in Indonesia, and definitely the grand finale, so save it for last. Nihi Sumba is an off-the-beaten-path remote resort that provides unique experiences that you cannot find anywhere else. The breathtaking landscape at this resort is indescribable, with a sign that greets you as you enter the property that reads “Nihi Sumba: At the Edge of Wildness.”

Share Email

Nihi Sumba Location

The remote location of the Indonesian island of Sumba makes the destination hard to get to, but worth the trek.

Getting There: A 1.5 hour flight from Denpasar (Bali) to Tambolaka, the main airport on Sumba, and then a 1.5 hour drive to the resort. We booked our flights directly with Nihi, which I highly recommend as these are small Indonesian airlines that we can’t book in the GDS, so they handle all the logistics. They provide VIP arrival service upon landing in Denpasar and even though we arrived to Bali long before our trip to Nihi, they still provided the VIP arrival service, which was amazing. After the 1.5 hour drive through the villages of Sumba, arriving here will feel like you’ve arrived to a slice of heaven on earth, making the trek to get here well worth it.

-9.7530,-240.8156

Nihi Sumba

Book Nihi Direct with Perks

Vibe: Nihi is all about the experiences they provide, from picking you up in an open air jeep with coconuts as your welcome drinks (and coconut holders in the jeep to boot) + handmade granola bar snacks wrapped in banana leaf pouches. They have a nightly themed dinner from the the white party to the Sumba Foundation dinner. Nihi is the ultimate in barefoot luxury. It’s not fancy, but service is another level. Each villa has a private butler or “captain” that tends to your every need. Our kids roamed free while we were there. It’s that kind of place. Our captain would magically appear when needed or follow the kids from behind when they wandered on their own, but never felt imposing.

Accomodations: 23 villas make up the property and they’re all unique. The nicest entry level villas are Kanatar 1, perfect for honeymooners, and Lumba. Many of their villas can be 2, 3 or 4 BR villas as they’ll close off rooms. As each villa is privately owned, it’s best to consult with me in order to hand-select the right option for you. Mandaka is the owner’s 4 BR and is the nicest, and can also be made into a 2 BR.

We stayed in Raja Kanatar 2, and it was perfect for us as we had all 3 kids in the downstairs bedroom and had privacy with the upstairs bedroom. Bathrooms are outdoors but completely private, though some villas have indoor bathrooms, so if you prefer that, just let me know and I can match you to the proper villa.

Food & Beverage:

There is a wide variety of food and beverage and they are very accommodating for every type of diet. I was shocked to have so many choices on a remote island, but after a week stay, I didn’t begin to feel bored by the menus. My favorite was the poke bowl for lunch each day, which was served with fresh-caught tuna and the most delicious ingredients – with the perfect amount of spice! Dinners each night changed, and if you ever have any request, they are sure to prepare it for you.

Wellness: Don’t miss the spa safari – best spa experience I’ve ever had. They take you to a separate location 10-15 minutes drive away, or you can hike in which takes about an hour (they charge $75 to hike in because you have to go with a guide). They have oceanfront villas set up and they serve breakfast or lunch, depending at what time your service is, and you can do either half or full day. The spa menu is on a chalkboard, which you select 4 services and then you’re literally transported to heaven.

The experience is indescribable and other-worldly. As a fellow traveler told me, “It felt like I floated out of my body…” For days that you don’t want to take a full day to treat yourself to magic, you can also opt for a massage in a smaller spa area next to the main pool, or in your cabin. We did both! And in fact, pricing on massages was so fair that I treated myself to a daily massage while we were there. They were the best I have ever had in my life.

Other experiences we loved were Lololupu Waterfall, chocolate making, sunset horseback rides, swimming with the horses, and releasing sea turtles, which we got to do 3 times in a week – and given that there’s never more than about 80 guests on property, it’s pretty spectacular.

Things to Do in Nihi Sumba: Nihi Sumba is an iconic surfing destination. Directly in front of the resort sits a perfect reef break known as “God’s Left” offering up to 300 meter exhilirating rides through hollow sections and rippable walls. Beginers can take surfing lessons directly infront of Nihi Sumba when the swell is small or take a short drive to Nihi’s Coconut Cove, where guests can spend half a day with breakfast or lunch tended by Nihi’s staff. There are not many places where a empty world class surf spot sits infront of a luxury resort.

Sumba Foundation One of the highlights for me was the way Nihi resort supports the community and the owner, Christopher Burch, founded the Sumba Foundation which provides resources that go directly back to the community. They aren’t pushy about it and request your participation in a very tasteful way. They provide a twice weekly visit to the Sumba Foundation school and medical clinic where you participate with about 100-200 kids. For us, it was a life-changing experience and so well done, not just for us but for our kids as well. They also have the weekly Sumba Foundation dinner that shows a short video on where the Sumbanese were 20 years ago to how far they have come. In large part to the Sumba Foundation, the island is thriving and the community’s happiness is contagious.

What Sets It Apart: We never go back to the same place twice, but before we checked out, I was already working to book our return visit. The majority of people who go to Nihi Sumba become annual visitors. It’s hard not to want to return, the place is truly that special. I don’t get emotional about leaving many places, but Nihi was one place where I teared up when we had to leave.

I would say the people are what truly distinguishes Nihi Sumba into its own category. Our captain, Sarney, felt like family by the end of our stay, and we connected through social media and still keep in touch. We have already requested her for our next visit, and our kids are safe wandering under her watchful eye. Everyone from the manager, to the bartender, and the guests who visit, had a similar energy of peace and gratitude for the slower pace and the majestic beauty of the island. It felt like being on sacred ground, and the commonality of sharing that experience with strangers creates a bond that is indescribable.

How Much Does Nihi Sumba Cost? Rates vary greatly depending on the room category and whether you are visiting in dry or wet season, or during wave season. Entry level villas, which are still incredibly spacious, start at about $1,083 per couple per day, with full board – meaning meals are already included!

Diego Travel Loves: When it comes to sustainability, which seems to be a big buzz word in travel now, many properties talk the talk but don’t walk the walk.. At Nihi Sumba, they truly deliver on the goal of practiced sustainability without sacrificing the luxury comforts you might be used to while traveling.

I also love that each day included two organized activities for our kids that were included with the rates. Every day at around 10 AM and 3 PM, the kids had the chance to go for about 2 hours to paint, hike, make chocolate at the on-property chocolate factory, or do something with the horses. While they don’t typically love kids clubs, this felt different and was immersive in island culture and also allowed them to interact with other kids from around the world.

Extras You’ll Get with Diego Travel:

Priority upgrade at time of arrival
Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom
$100 USD resort credit
One 60-minute massage for 1 person
Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Book Direct with Perks

Nihi Sumba Insider Tips:

Nihi Sumba Insider Tips: The most important thing to know about Nihi is that each villa is unique and varies on location, view, proximity to the main pool/restaurants, number of stairs required to reach it, etc. Please reach out to us at Diego Travel to guide you to make the right choice on the villa that will be right for you and your party. We can also assist with combining Nihi with the rest of your Asian vacation, no matter where you plan on traveling to beforehand.

Summary

If you have any questions about visiting Nihi Sumba or Indonesia in general, I’d be happy to answer any questions or help book your stay so that you get all the added value mentioned above. Plus, we make an intimidating trip to Indonesia worry-free and take all the stress out of your planning by including assistance with international and domestic flights, pre- or post-travel, and answering any questions you might have about entry requirements or in-the-know details. Contact me at maria@diegotravel.com or complete our Trip Design form in order to get started planning.

Let’s Get Planning!

Share Email

British Virgin Islands

Written by Admin on January 31, 2022. Posted in Destination Guides.

The British Virgin Islands

A Destination Guide for Your Luxury Caribbean Vacation

MARIA DIEGO

January 31, 2022

The British Virgin Islands, made up of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and Scrub Island, along with many other smaller islands is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean for luxury travel. I was invited on a FAM trip (the travel industry’s term for familiarization trip) hosted by the British Virgin Islands Tourism Board, where we got to see the top luxury hotels, resorts, private islands, and villas and many different islands. They also introduced us to many different experiences that are possible on the British Virgin Islands, including chartering private yachts, sail boats, and catamarans, renting Moke cars to ride around the islands, exploring The Baths National Park, and all the other fun you can have on the BVI. If you love beautiful beaches, perfect weather, luxury hotels and villas at a great price point, and the best rum cocktails in the world, then you will love the British Virgin Islands!

Share Email

Getting to the British Virgin Islands

Getting to BVI isn’t easy, which is why it is perhaps such a popular spot for the jet setters who want a more exclusive experience and privacy. For ease of flights, it’s sometimes better to fly into STT (St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands) because it is a direct flight from many major US cities. From St. Thomas, you can take a boat over to British Virgin Islands, even though you will need to stop by boat to clear customs.

Otherwise, you can fly into the British Virgin Island’s main airport in Tortola, the Terrence B. Lettsome airport (EIS), which you will need to connect through Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, or Antigua. You have additional smaller airports at Virgin Gorda (VIJ) and Anegada (NGD), and other smaller landing sites for private aviation. When you utilize Diego Travel’s trip planning service, we handle all of the logistics of travel to the US Virgin Island and British Virgin Islands so you don’t have to worry about any of it.

BVI

18.4223,-64.6192
Tortola
18.4461,-64.4341
Virgin Gorda

The British Virgin Islands Luxury Travel Guide

What to do in the BVI

The Baths National Park
The most visited site in the British Virgin Islands is 7-acres of coastline called The Baths National Park, an iconic location of large boulders and white sand located at Devil’s Bay on Virgin Gorda. Instagram has catapulted its popularity, with influencers getting their obligatory shot between or on these impressive boulders. You can crouch down through narrow passage ways to snorkel or scuba dive your way around them from the water. If you’re visiting the BVI, you cannot miss The Baths.
Yacht & Catamaran Charters
As I discussed in my guide to the US Virgin Islands, the Caribbean just might be the Yacht Charter Capital of the World, and you will find many luxury boats, yachts and catamarans to rent in the region. The problem is, where can you find one of these that fit your budget?
I’ll let you in on a secret. The yacht charter with crew experience is more affordable than you think, especially when traveling with a group of family or friends. I have worked with one of the boating industry’s top yacht brokers for over a decade, and she has 30+ years in the industry. Together, at no additional cost to the client, we are able to pair Diego Travel clients to the best boat and crew at your budget.
Whether you opt for a live-on boat charter experience, or opt for a day charter to experience the ocean from your hotel or private villa, we have the best contacts to ensure you’re getting the most value for your budget while boating around Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, or Jost Van Dyke.
Diving
My husband and I started out in the travel industry operating a marina with boat charters and ground transfers, and many people are surprised to know that I have never scuba dived before because I feel like I learned everything there is to know about it. A health condition prevents me from scuba diving, so I stick to snorkeling in shallow reef area. Despite my inability to scuba dive, I can tell you that the British Virgin Islands is perfect for both scuba diving and snorkeling, especially at islands like Anegada, the only flat coral island in the BVI. The island is surrounded by a series of reef mazes and tunnels and are full of interesting types of sea life that you won’t find any many other places. In Virgin Gorda, don’t miss visits to Savannah Bay, Pond Bay, Devil’s Bay (where The Baths are located), Mahoe Bay and Spring Bay.
Sailing
The BVI has consistent trade winds that makes it ideal for constant sailing, whether you are a novice or experienced sailor. Similar to the boat charters, sailing deserves its own category in things to do in the British Virgin Islands because you can take sailing classes on a small sail boat or even a Hobie cat or wind surf. When we visited Moskito Island, where Richard Branson owns an estate and is right next to Necker Island, a skipper took us out on a Hobie cat, so we could just sit back and relax while she transferred us on the water to the private beach club of Moskito Island. It was one of the most adventurous, wet and funny moments of our trip!
Shopping
Along with luxury accommodations usually comes luxury shops that pop up that caters for the high-end clientele that frequents these islands. My first stop to the British Virgin Islands was at Oil Nut Bay, and we popped into Luna Boutique BVI at the marina next to Nova Restaurant. A chic boutique that carries unique and well-known brands and a great range of items from swimsuits and coverups to straw bags and candles. Even if you’re not staying on Oil Nut Bay, I highly recommend a visit to the restaurant and the few shops around it here. At Rosewood Little Dix Bay, you can also visit their boutique that is also full of beautiful clothes and souvenirs to take home. And while we didn’t have a lot of time to shop, a departing gift from our lovely hostess from the Tourism Board was a set of spices and teas, all local products that are typical products you can buy on your trip to the British Virgin Islands (and of course, don’t forget to bring home some alcohol, distilled there on the islands).
Drinking
I would be remiss to skip the importance of drinking on the British Virgin Islands – cocktails and the on-island distilleries are a huge part of BVI island life, and will definitely make your vacation more fun and unforgettable (or forgettable, depending on how much is consumed). I’ll discuss bars and places to visit for the best cocktails in the BVI under restaurants.

Plan my trip to the BVI

Where to Stay in The British Virgin Islands

One of the best destinations in the Caribbean for luxury private villas and homes is the British Virgin Islands. The Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort on Virgin Gorda is probably the best hotel in the British Virgin Islands, and underwent a massive renovation in 2019, only to reopen just at the start of the pandemic.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay

The Rosewood Little Dix Bay is perfect for honeymooners, anniversary trips, and even great for families. The hotel is located on a wide crescent bay with a very long beach for walking that is completely private for the resort. This makes it ideal if you want privacy and a beautiful sandy beach. Little Dix Bay has a long history and has had return visitors for years, and when I asked the general manager what he loved most about the resort, he said that the returning guests who celebrate their honeymoon and then their 25th wedding anniversary 25 years later is one of the things that makes the property so special. The main pool is nothing to write home about, but is a nice distance from the main restaurant and beach that it is quiet. There is another pool at the spa that overlooks the open ocean on the opposite side of the property, and I almost preferred this pool to the other. One thing that is worthy of writing home about is the tennis courts, pickle ball courts, and huge gym with fitness equipment. For guests who want to stay active and play sports on property, there are definitely many options. Finally, another advantage of staying at Little Dix Bay is its proximity to The Baths National Park in Virgin Gorda.

Book with Diego Travel to Receive the Following Rosewood Elite Amenities:

Exclusive Rosewood Elite Offers
Complimentary one category upgrade upon arrival, based on availability
Daily Full American breakfast for up to two people per bedroom
USD125 food and beverage credit
Welcome note and amenity
Priority Upgrade if Available
Priority Early Check-In/Late Check-Out
VIP Status
Diego Travel Welcome Box when Using the Travel Planning ServiceTravel Planning Service

Book Direct with Perks

Moskito Island

Moskito Island was perhaps my favorite destination in British Virgin Islands and is an exclusive experience that not many people will ever get to experience. There are only a handful of homes on the entire island, owned by Richard Branson and his billionaire friends. Fortunately, you too can have this experience, and rent out one of the homes that is between 7 and 11 bedrooms in each estate. The island itself has its own communal beach club, beachside pool and outdoor living area, tennis courts, gym, and water sports center, all for your own private use. Each estate has its own team of friendly staff that make the experience of staying on Moskito Island so exceptional.

I was lucky enough to stay at the Branson Estate and slept in the bedroom next to Richard Branson’s at the Headland House, which is a perfect setup for a family with children or teens. The home has its own kitchen and communal areas, but then there are two other stand alone buildings that make the Branson Estate ideal for multiple families traveling together, or even 11 couples who want to gather at night for gourmet meals and karaoke at night. That evening, we kicked it off with a private rum tasting with rum expert at Branson team member, Goran. This rum tasting comes included with your stay when you book with Diego Travel.

Later, we enjoyed one of the best meals of my life, followed by a night of karaoke that lasted well into the night, joined by fun staff who made the entire experience. The next day, we were whisked to the beach for a captained experience on a Hobie cat, where they took us around the island and dropped us off at the communal beach club, where we enjoyed cocktails and a beautiful beachside meal. It was heaven, and I still pinch myself that I got to have this experience.

The other estates are The Oasis, where Paris Hilton recently honeymooned, and modeled after a cruise ship, which sleeps 18 with 6 family rooms close together and 3 separated villas for invited staff or friends. The Point is the closest to the beach and has 8 rooms that are completely separated bungalows, so likely not ideal for young kids but a great experience for couples. The Point sleeps 22 people.

Summer 2022 will see the opening of The Village to the Moskito Island rental program, which will be the premiere party house with a water slide, full light display and a DJ booth that comes up from the floor. There are 8 rooms total, with 7 separated pods. Again, this estate is ideal for the ultimate party and for the huge celebration you won’t be able to have anywhere else. So how much does it cost to stay on Moskito Island? Well, considering all food and house drinks are included, as well as full staff that provides housekeeping, entertainment, gourmet meals, and even around the clock babysitting for your little ones, the nightly rate in low season is around $22,000 plus taxes and fees. Whether you rent out each estate for just you and your plus one, or a large group of friends, the nightly rate remains the same.

The most unique element of Moskito Island are the experiences that they can create to really wow their guests, which is why the price is completely accessible when considering what you get. They create events like family style Olympic Games, bonfires, BBQ and s’mores, will have pizza night at the beach house, and create romantic dinner setups for parents to enjoy time on their own, while they set up a kids table for a kid-friendly dinner with babysitters down at The Cove.

Doesn’t it sound like paradise? It is. And when you book your stay with Diego Travel, I work with the island manager directly to make sure every detail is accounted for and can pair you with the estate that matches your needs.

Book Direct with Perks

Oil Nut Bay

Oil Nut Bay is another hybrid private island experience set up with resort amenities, with a beautiful beach club with private villas, both beachfront and perched up on the hills overlooking the bay. You need a golf cart to get around this expansive island, and homes vary in both size and decor. You can also visit as a couple only, which would be ideal for a honeymoon, with a base suite starting at just $600/night in low season. Homes are new and well-designed, with most offering private pools and full kitchens.

Whale peak season is March and April, when I highly recommend renting a villa on Whale Point; in fact, one of my favorite villas is called Whale Point and is a brand new 2-bedroom villa with pool and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. In low season, rates start at $1700/night+ + which makes it very affordable to go with another couple.

My favorite large home that would be perfect for a group of adults or traveling with teenagers, is Maranti, a 5-bedroom villa with separated en-suite rooms. All homes can provide provisions and a chef is available to prepare dinner each night, or you can enjoy dinner at the restaurant down at the pool and beach club.

They are currently building a spa, and currently have a gym and kids club, so Oil Nut Bay is one of my top picks for multi-generational trips that want privacy, quiet, and a beautiful setting for extended stays. It’s not uncommon for guests to rent these homes for a month-long stay, and with rates being so accessible, it might be worthwhile to consider an extended vacation.

Book Direct with Perks

Private Villas

While in the British Virgin Islands, I met the “Queen of BVI” and owner/ founder of a destination management company that covers all of the islands. After working 30+ years in the hospitality industry, from her role as general manager at Rosewood Little Dix Bay to president of the tourism board, she now runs her own company and works exclusively with travel advisors. I was lucky enough to spend half a day with her, where she gave us tours of some of her favorite private villas at a range of prices. Villas ran from beachfront from $6,000/week for a 4-Bedroom home to upwards of $40,000/week. What is great about working with this person is that she literally knows every single villa and boat rental on the islands, and is able to match my clients to the perfect vacation rental and works with me to build an itinerary that is perfect for your needs. Need a babysitter? She has the contact. Want an in-house private chef and your kitchen fully stocked before arrival? We have you covered.

Two of my favorite villas that we toured and had lunch and dinner at were Baraka Point and Aquamare Villas. Both are beachfront and excellent options for families. Baraka Point is up on a cliff and has beach access that is just a couple minutes walk to get there. Both of these villas are very close to Sugar Cane restaurant, which I will cover in the next section.

Guana Island is 850 acres of private island with seven beaches, mountains, gardens and hiking and private villas that offer first-class luxury service as well. Guana Island is completely private, with gorgeous white sand beaches and an ideal destination when you want to get away from it all. At any of the above villas, when you book your BVI vacation with Diego Travel, we will make sure you are paired with the perfect match to fit your needs.

Book Direct Now With Perks

Where to eat in the British Virgin Islands?

Some British Virgin Islands favorites, and very unique to the BVI dining options:

Nova on Oil Nut Bay – Built on a dock that extends out over the ocean, Nova is the perfect spot to spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying fresh sushi or local fish and sipping on fancy cocktails from their extensive and modern bar. It’s fun to people watch and check out the yachts at this marina restaurant.
CocoMaya Restaurant – Just minutes from the iconic Baths in Virgin Gorda, Cocomaya is an iconic beach club and bar that is a must-see when visiting the British Virgin Islands. Plan to reserve a day bed and spend at least a few hours here, whether for lunch or into the night for dinner.
Sugarcane Restaurant – Sugarcane is located in Nail Bay on Virgin Gorda, walkable to Baraka Point and very close to Aquamare Villas. This fun spot perched up on a hill overlooking the water has delicious food, drinks and even a sports club that includes pool and tennis club. When you’re a guest a Baraka Point, you even get free access to their sport club and gym.
Reef House at Little Dix Bay – You can make dining reservations here even if you’re not a guest at Rosewood Little Dix Bay. This beachfront restaurant is worth a stop, whether you’re visiting the islands by land or by private yacht. Reserve in advance if you’re not staying at the hotel.
Willy T at Cooper Island Beach Club – The legendary floating bar of the BVI’s where all you need to know is “what happens at Willy T’s stays at Willy T’s.”
Did you know that when you utilize Diego Travel’s trip planning service, we make all your dining and activity reservations for you? Find out how you can implement our concierge service into your travel plans to make planning your trip to BVI as easy and seamless as possible.

A Few of My Favorite Things

The British Virgin Islands

Private Islands Galore

If you can swing it, the British Virgin Islands is worth the splurge on a private island experience. There are several to choose from, ranging from Necker Island to Moskito Island (the more famous due to Richard Branson’s famous name), to Aerial Island Resort and Guana Island. Whatever your budget and reason for celebration may be, I am happy to walk you through the different options and help you select which private island escape will be right for you and your occasion.

The Privacy and Exclusivity

After having visited both British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands all within two weeks of each other, I can say that what is notably different about British Virgin Islands is the element of exclusivity about it. While less buzzy and pretentious than its fellow Jetsetter Caribbean competition over at St. Barths, British Virgin Islands is no doubt a playground and hot spot for the rich and famous who are looking to vacation in private at some of the best beaches in the world. While many places come with a hefty price tag, the good news is that the average person can still experience the luxury element of BVI without spending a small fortune.

The Service

I didn’t experience a single bad meal while visiting the BVI, but what stood out most was the level of service at all the places we stayed, most notably at Moskito Island. Many people come to work seasonally at British Virgin Islands and never leave, while others are native to the islands and have such a happy disposition about life. It makes you feel like family by the time it’s time to leave, and you’ll never want to go home.

If you’re interested in a chartering a yacht or catamaran in the British Virgin Islands, or book the Rosewood Little Dix Bay or any other private villa or vacation rental, I would be happy to provide you my guidance and match you with the perfect boat + crew or hotel accommodation. You can contact me directly to inquire.

LETS SET UP A CALL

Share Email

US Virgin Islands

Written by Admin on January 2, 2022. Posted in Destination Guides.

US Virgin Islands

A Destination Guide for Your Caribbean Vacation

MARIA DIEGO

January 1, 2022

The US Virgin Islands, made up of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, is a boater and diver’s paradise of many islands, beautiful beaches, and plenty of dive spots to explore. We were looking for a remote region to charter a private catamaran with crew to spend a week of bonding and adventure with our kids, and settled on the USVI as the perfect destination. Private yachts, sail boats, and catamarans are available throughout the US Virgin Islands and Diego Travel works with the best yacht broker for our clients’ needs.

Share Email

Getting to US Virgin Islands

Getting to USVI is perhaps one of its biggest draws, since there are so many direct flights into St. Thomas (STT) from major cities like Chicago, Dulles, Newark and Miami. From St. Thomas, it’s an easy boat ride to St. John, and a full day boat ride to St. Croix, so most people visiting St. Croix will take the direct flight from Miami. US Virgin Islands is extremely close to British Virgin Islands. Before Covid, visitors could visit the islands interchangeably pretty easily, but now the restrictions make it more difficult. For ease of flights, it’s sometimes better to fly into STT and take a boat over to British Virgin Islands, even though you will need to stop by boat to clear customs. When you utilize Diego Travel’s trip planning service, we handle all of the logistics of travel to the US Virgin Island and British Virgin Islands so you don’t have to worry about any of it.

USVI

18.3411,-64.9328
St Thomas
18.3308,-64.7945
St John

YACHT AND CATAMARAN CHARTERS

The Caribbean just might be the Yacht Charter Capital of the World, and you will find many luxury boats, yachts and catamarans in the region. The problem is, where can you find one of these that fit your budget? I’ll let you in on a secret. The yacht charter with crew experience is more affordable than you think, especially when traveling with a group of family or friends. I have worked with one of the boating industry’s top yacht brokers for over a decade, and she has 30+ years in the industry. Together, at no additional cost to the client, we are able to pair Diego Travel clients to the best boat and crew at your budget. When I reached out to her for our personal vacation, we were considering two boats in our price range, and she told me one crew would be better than the other with our young kids. She was right! And whether you’re looking for a charter in Greece, Italy, or the Caribbean, she knows the boats and crew and directs me to the right choice once we have a discussion about you and what your needs are.

The US Virgin Islands are so popular for yacht charters because there are so many islands and protected bays for mooring at night, with not much distance or rough seas in between destinations. You can go for a full week or two without touching land, just exploring different waters, with each beach and bay being extremely unique. We spent our seven nights in Monde Bay, Little Lameshur Bay, Long Bay, Francis Bay, Caneel Bay, and finally Brewers Bay. The cool thing about our captain, who had 10 years experience, was that he knew to get us one bay ahead of the rest, so at each stop, due to our timing, we had each bay essentially to ourselves.

While we opted for a catamaran charter with crew, there are also bareboat catamaran and sailboat charters available (meaning less cost without crew). If you are the do-it-yourself type and want to man your own boat, you have this option available in the USVI. For those that want to learn how to sail, the USVI also affords a variety of options to get ASA certified during on your crewed charter. Keep in mind that boat charters are regularly 7 nights.

Scuba Diving
Scuba diving and snorkeling are the number 1 attraction of the US Virgin Islands, with so many reef dives, wreck dives, drift dives, and rocky islets that are home to a myriad of fish and sea life. Our 11-year-old daughter tried scuba diving for the first time, and on her second attempt stayed underwater for 25 minutes.
The USVI is full of national wildlife reserves like Buck Island and the Virgin Islands National Park & Coral Reef National Monument. Because of the amount of protection surrounding the islands, the water is full of sea life, making the perfect paradise for both scuba divers and snorkelers.
It’s worthwhile to mention the amount of sea life we saw off our boat. From constant fish, sting rays and octopus, our favorite was swimming with the sea turtles, where there is a bay with hundreds of them. My 4- and 6-year-olds swam on their own as we patiently followed a little sea turtle as he would slowly surface for a breath every few minutes, where we’d get an up close look and then watch him plunge back to the sand. The fine of touching any turtle starts at $5,000, so this ensures these beautiful creatures can remain unharmed and explore freely in their natural habitat for years to come.
Watersports and Day charters
For those who prefer to be landbased instead of chartering a yacht or catamaran, the US Virgin Islands offers plenty of oportunities to experience the natural beauty of these islands.
There are a wide range of activities available directly from the beach like taking sailing classes on a small sail boat or a Hobie cat. The USVI is a great introduction to sailing for kids if they are interested in learning to sail. There are also many otions to go kayaking or stand up paddleboarding or even learning to windsurf or kiteboard
Fishing charters offer an unique oportunity to fish the Puerto Rico Trench where you can find some of the best offshore fishing in the Caribbean, located only six miles from shore.
Many operators offer snorkeling tours, day sailing catamaran trips and sunset sailing experiences. Private day charters are also available aboard both sail boats and powerboats.
Shopping
Charlotte Amalie is the main cruise ship port where the large cruise ships arrive and depart. In St. Thomas, you don’t pay sales tax, so it’s the perfect place to buy a luxury watch or jewelry. Charlotte Amalie is full of your more touristy shops that cater to the cruise ships, while St. John has some more boutique shopping with local shops that sell everything from board shorts and rash guards for men to swim suits and cover ups for women. In the USVI, you won’t wear or need much more than that, as even in the winter time, the evenings rarely get cold enough to require a sweater.
On our week-long charter, we only stopped twice for shopping and to walk around, and my favorite spot was Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay in St. John. This small shopping center has a few bars and restaurants, but my favorite shop was Lulee, which carries all my favorite brands and where I bought a replacement pair of my favorite Agolde denim cut-offs.
Rum Tasting
While we truthfully did not explore the USVI by land that much, we had been in the past when visiting by cruise ship and were told of the many rum distilleries on both St. Thomas and St. John. And just as any good Caribbean island should offer, a good bar and opportunity to taste a dozen rums abounds in the US Virgin Islands.
One of country music’s most famous singers, Kenny Chesney, has a home on Cinnamon Bay in the USVI and often sings about island life and its plentiful drinks. Two of our favorite spots are the Windmill Bar on St. John, perched on a hilltop in an old sugar mill with live music and stunning views, and for a more refined wine tasting experience, try Kati Ligo in St. John, a cozy wine bar.

Plan my trip to the Virgin Islands

Where to Stay in the USVI

The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas

The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas is perfect for families, multi-generational families (we saw a ton of large family groups during Christmas week), and even great for couples during non-holiday travel times. The hotel is located on a small bay with a somewhat short beach and two pools. One pool was originally redesigned to be adult-only, but the sales director told me that families weren’t having it and that they eventually gave in and have kids welcome at both pools. Having said that, families with young and noisy kids tend to gravitate to the pool located next to the winding water slide, a new addition from the renovation. Right next to the water slide pool is a fantastic kids club, where both indoor and outdoor activities are completely complimentary for ages 5-12. Cabanas incur an extra cost and are located around both pools.

Aside from the pools and beach, you also have tennis courts and a huge brand new gym with state of the art equipment. You have an amazing spa, and fun boutique, and four restaurants. To really add to the experience, I highly recommend a private beach dinner, where they’ll set your table up under a romantic sea grape tree that sits on the beach. It is the perfect spot to celebrate an anniversary or have a proposal.

Let’s talk about Club level at this Ritz Carlton hotel. If you’re a Marriott or Ritz Carlton loyalist, I am sure you are aware of club level by now. The club level rooms give access to a special club lounge for its guests. In my opinion, at some properties, this added benefit is well worth it and at other properties, it’s not worth the price difference. At Ritz Carlton St. Thomas, the Club level is definitely worth it. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet style with a wine and coffee bar, all complimentary to Club level guests. They also have their own outdoor terrace space, so it’s almost like having access to your own exclusive restaurant that is completely free.

The cost of meals at a resort like this can really add up, so we saw plenty of families eating all their meals in the Club lounge. Finally, Diego Travel is a preferred partner to Marriott STARS program, which includes all Ritz Carltons, so even if you’re Bonvoy Ambassador Elite, you will still get additional perks when booking your Marriott stays with Diego Travel. The only time these perks don’t apply is when you’re booking your stay using points.

Book with Diego Travel to Receive the Following STARS Amenities:

Welcome Amenity
Complimentary Breakfast for 2 at Bleuwater Restaurant
$100 Hotel Credit
Complimentary Wi-FI
Priority Upgrade if Available
Priority Early Check-In/Late Check-Out
VIP Status with In-Person Warm Welcome
Diego Travel Welcome Box when Using the Travel Planning Service

Book Now With Perks

Where To Eat in US Virgin Islands?

Two US Virgin Islands favorites:
Lime Out – A floating taco bar based in Coral Bay, St. John.
Pizza Pi – A small boat with a pizza oven offering delivery by dinghy based in Christmas Cove, Little St. James. They make gluten-free pizza too! Started by a couple who left their corporate world behind and covered a boat into a large pizza oven/delivery restaurant. Talk about chasing your dreams!
Our favorite day and dinner experience:
Lovango Cay – A beach and pool club with limited daily memberships starting at $100 per person, private cabana rentals, and waterfront dining based off Lovango Cay.
Our other favorite food experiences:
Dave and Jerry’s – Fine dining in St. John that offers excellent steaks and a ton of food. We outdid ourselves!
Prime – Fine dining in St. Thomas, would recommend for a final evening on the dock if you’re chartering a yacht or catamaran.
ZoZos – Waterfront dining in Caneel Bay, St. John and also a happy hour option with live music and a cute gift shop.
Skinny Legs – This is a very local hang in St. John serving up burgers and drinks. The name says it all for appropriate dress attire.

LETS SET UP A CALL

A Few of My Favorite Things

USVI

Beaches and Bays

Don’t miss Turtle Bay and Cinnamon Beach on St. Johns. Even though there are more tourists here than other areas, it’s for good reason. It’s so neat to swim with so many sea turtles and a unique experience to the USVI. Cinnamon Beach is long and with soft, white sand, perfect for a long beach walk and located where you have many multi-million dollar villas that are available for rental. Diego Travel can assist you with these villa rentals too. Little Lamashur Bay was less crowded and we saw sea turtles and sting rays there too.

Water Sports

One of the best things about chartering a yacht or catamaran with crew, is the direct access to a lot of sea toys like tubing, stand up paddle boarding, eFoils (we saw tons of these), kite surfing and water skiing or wake boarding right off the back our catamaran. Our kids had so much fun doing all of these things, that you could never get bored. So between gourmet meals prepared by our chef, Erika, our captain, Tyler, would take us out for fun on the water in between. Although, I have to admit that sometimes I would let my husband take the kids while I stayed behind on the quiet boat to read a good book (and work remotely).

The People

The community of US Virgin Islands is a huge boating community who love the water and the easy way of life. Though after witnessing how hard our crew worked aboard the boat throughout our week stay, I realized that they work hard and likely play harder. The people are very friendly, easy-going, and work hard to provide excellent service when you charter a yacht or catamaran. They come from all over the world to work on boats in the Caribbean, and most of them are well-traveled and well-educated, spending part of the year working very hard and able to take time off in their off season to travel to other places. I learned a lot from our crew, a couple who has been married 5 years and in the yachting industry for 10, and hope to someday charter with them again.

If you’re interested in a chartering a yacht or catamaran in the US Virgin Islands, or book the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas, I would be happy to provide you my guidance and match you with the perfect boat + crew or hotel accommodation. You can email me here to inquire.

Share Email

Hotel Review: Hotel Belmond La Samanna

Written by Admin on June 29, 2021. Posted in Hotel Reviews.

Hotel Review

Hotel Belmond La Samanna

A Luxury Boutique Hotel on the Caribbean Island of Saint Maarten or St Martin

MARIA DIEGO

January 1, 2021

Belmond La Samanna is perched above one of the most amazing beaches in the West French Indies of the Caribbean and made up of 83 villas, cottages and suites. Recently renovated in 2020, Belmond La Samanna is a quiet, peaceful retreat overlooking beautiful sunsets and sparkling turquoise ocean waters of the Caribbean sea.

Perfect For: Small families | Honeymooners | Romantic Getaways | A Quiet Escape | A Stopover for Multi- Caribbean Island Vacation

Share Email

18.0552,-63.1386

La Samanna

Location: Spelled St. Martin or St. Maarten, it is a Caribbean island in the northeast section of the Caribbean islands, about 190 miles east of Puerto Rico. The flight from Miami to St. Martin is about 3 hours. The flight from New York to St. Martin is about 4 hours.

Getting There: St. Maarten is one of the easier Caribbean islands to arrive to, with non-stop flights from airports such as Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, New York and Newark. The island is a hub to fly on to St. Barts or Anguilla, so you may want to consider adding an extra couple of nights to your vacation in order to experience Belmond La Samanna.

Book Direct with Perks

Vibe: The vibe at Belmond La Samanna is very laid back, much more so than its neighboring island of St. Barts, where the scene is to see and be seen. While the crowd at Belmond La Samanna is very chic, it’s less champagne popping and people watching, and more book reading and lounge chair lazing. There’s not a lot to do at the resort, unless you count a small spa, a tennis court and a tough decision between pool and beach activity enough. If you’re looking for more than that plus a boat outing, than St. Martin may not be for you.

Accomodations: Belmond La Samanna ranges from 83 deluxe ocean view rooms and suites to 8 3- and 4-bedroom villas and cottages. Because of these larger accommodations, it is ideal for families to come with grandparents, cousins, and even nannies. We saw more than two families during our stay that included aunts and uncles, many children and grandparents. The private pool villas have their own private wraparound pool, which is nice if you are just looking for privacy.

Food & Beverage: The restaurant, Corail is where breakfast is served each morning, as well as lunch. Breakfast is served buffet style, or items can be ordered a la carte. Service is slow, as to be expected from a Caribbean island, and food was hit or miss. The most memorable item on the menu was the pineapple, which was probably the best pineapple I’ve ever had in my life. The hotel did offer gluten free bread as well, which is always a pleasant surprise at these small boutique island hotels. Other items like salt and butter were imported from France, so a simple breakfast of toast with butter and jam were very much enjoyed!

Baie Longue bar is the perfect spot to catch the sunset while sipping amazing cocktails, and the beachside restaurant La Plaj was very similar in feel to St. Barts. Finally, for dinner the option is L’Oursin, where everyone gathers for the more formal nighttime meals.

Wellness: The spa at Belmond La Samanna is small yet inviting. They also have a boutique next door that sells natural locally-made products like essential oils and soaps. The sun is so strong that it was the first time in a long time that we all got sun burns, so I had to make a trip to the spa for after-sun care products.

Things to Do around the Island: If you’re visiting for more than 2 nights, I recommend chartering a boat to take you to explore the local beaches and different islands. The concierge provides great recommendations, but we booked with a charter company that was about half the price, and our captain a Frenchman, born in France but raised in Sint Maarten who could have been a model on the cover of GQ. I’m not giving away my secrets, but I’ll be happy to book him for you when you plan your trip to St Martin with me!

I suggest an 8 hour charter – even though it seems like a long day, it goes by quickly and allows you to stop for lunch at Yellow Beach on Pinel Island. The highlight of our day was our stop at Tintamarre, or Flat Island, where we collected sea glass and played in the water in this little island paradise.

What Sets It Apart: There is no other property in St Martin or St. Maarten that even compares remotely close to Belmond La Samanna, and the beach is one of the best and most secluded in the Caribbean. The other hotels are more like 2 to 3 star hotels, and the island in general is very poor, particularly after being destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017. However, it still has a very French vibe, so if you want to feel worlds away and like you’re in the French Riviera, without having the budget for St. Barts, then St. Martin is a fantastic alternative. I love that all the rooms are direct ocean views, and what a beautiful ocean it is…. While the beach is very steep, the sand is beautiful, and most people lounge in the sun from morning until evening with no complaints. So, if you’re looking for a relaxed and dreamy place to lounge with the crashing sound of waves, this could be the ideal Caribbean resort for you.

How Much Does Hotel Belmond La Samanna Cost? This island resort closes seasonally, and staff go over to Italy where they work in the Belmond properties of Positano and Portofino. Due to this, Belmond La Samanna doesn’t really have a low season. Rates vary from about $800 per night plus taxes and fees for an entry level room to about $6,000 per night for a 4-bedroom villa.

Book La Samana Now With Perks

Diego Travel Loves: The chic updated décor mixed with the traditional island building is the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Unpretentious yet refined, Belmond La Samanna is the perfect blend of island life with French style. I loved the soft coral pink and white striped umbrellas and the blue and white color palette in the rooms. The people at the resort are not stuffy, and care enough without being in your face. Remember that you’re on island time, and you’ll be snoozing to the sound of the crashing waves in no time.

Extras You’ll Get with Diego Travel:

Belmond Bellini Club
Complimentary breakfast for two daily
Complimentary room upgrades on arrival, based on availability
For any $5,000 booking, receive a $500 gift voucher to be used for any new Belmond product (train, barge, or hotel or resort) of at least $2,500.
Fully flexible hotel or resort credit up to $200 per stay
Complimentary upgrade at check-in
Free internet access
Personalized in-room welcome amenity
VIP recognition by property management and staff
Waitlist priority for high demand properties or experiences

LETS SET UP A CALL

Belmond La Samanna Insider Tips:

If centralized air is important to you, this is not the hotel for you. Like many small island hotels, rooms are cooled on mini-splits, so be sure to request a room with a mini-split that doesn’t blow directly onto the bed. When you use a travel advisor, it’s these kind of details that are taken care of for you, as well as getting premiere choice in room location. Even though La Samanna is located in one of the best beaches in the island, a boat trip is a must to discover St Martin’s hidden gems. Over “Festive Period” or Christmas to New Years Eve season, be sure to book well in advance. It’s a popular spot for holiday vacation!

Summary of Our Stay at Hotel Belmond La Samanna:

After receiving an invitation for a 3-night stay for 2 to Belmond La Samanna, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity, even though I was in the midst of a literal hurricane in my work and personal life. My family was selling our home, our kids were changing schools, and work had never been busier since the start of the pandemic. I was quite literally fried and spinning my wheels, working 20 hours a day and scrambling to get our home packed up. We had two weeks until closing, and I turned to my husband one night while we were falling asleep and asked, “Why don’t we go to St. Martin this weekend with the kids?” He agreed, and less than 48 hours later, we were on the plane after getting our negative Covid tests. The flight is easy, the hotel picked us up from the airport, and honestly, it was a much-needed work trip where I actually disconnected and recharged my batteries.

Because Belmond La Samanna is a one-man show in St Maarten, I didn’t have the pressure to do multiple site visits like I normally do on work trips. I truly took the three-night trip to be present with my husband and kids. We watched them as they body surfed and tumbled down the steep beach, on repeat for hours on end. I read a good book. I worked minimally. And we took an unforgettable boat ride where I thought to myself, “How did I get so lucky?” I have my dream job, with my dream family, and while it’s not always glamourous traveling, St. Martin offered me time to slow down and appreciate the moments that are…and boy, Belmond La Samanna sure made me feel pretty glamorous.

Looking around, it felt like the crowd was primarily babymooners, with very pregnant bellies walking the soft sand on the beach. I loved that it was such a peaceful environment and really lent itself to just disconnecting and relaxation. If you’re in the mood for a gorgeous beach, a good beach novel that you can dive into, and reconnecting with the one you love, then let’s start planning a trip to St Martin.

If you have any questions about visiting St Martin or any other Caribbean Island for that matter, I’d be happy to answer them or help you book your stay so that you get all the added value mentioned above. Plus, once you travel VIP style with Diego Travel, you’ll never want to leave home without us again. You can get in touch with us on our Contact Us form, to get started on planning your next trip right now!

Design My Trip!

Share Email

Hotel Review: Little Palm Island

Written by Maria Diego on June 24, 2020. Posted in Hotel Reviews.

Hotel Review

Little Palm Island

The only private island resort in the United States

MARIA DIEGO

June 25, 2020

Little Palm Island, the only private island resort in the United States, is newly renovated with nautical elegance reminiscent of the Ernest Hemingway era and quintessentially Floridian.

Perfect For: Boutique Hotel Lovers | Romantic Getaways | Honeymoons & Anniversaries

Share Email

24.6363,-81.3946

Little Palm Island

Little Palm Island Location:Lower Florida Keys, 28 miles north of Key West and 133 miles south of Miami International Airport

Little Palm Island Location: Lower Florida Keys, 28 miles north of Key West and 133 miles south of Miami International Airport

Book Direct with Perks

Vibe: Little Palm Island, the only private island resort in the United States, is newly renovated with nautical elegance reminiscent of the Ernest Hemingway era and quintessentially Floridian. You can arrive by car, in which case they transport guests on a small wooden vessel named Truman, another nod and step back in time to the golden age. You can arrive by mega-yacht, or at least be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one docked gleamingly in front of the island. Or you can arrive by sea-plane. No matter how you arrive, it will be in style and you’ll feel like a glamorous movie star stepping down onto your own private island resort. Little Palm Island is truly an oasis with hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.

History: The five-acre island had its first inhabitant, Newton Munson, over 65 years ago who was responsible for planting an abundance of over 28 varieties of palm trees. He also built the original “Storm House” shelter to protect again hurricane-force winds. The island became known as Sheriff’s Island when it was purchased by then state senator and county sheriff, John Spottswood. A friend of the Trumans, the President and his wife would spend winters there and invite many notables as guests. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the state of Florida ran electric and water lines to the island. In 1995, Mr. Patrick Colee purchased the island and the combination of his creative vision and financial investment has made the island into what you will find there today.

Accommodations: 30 private luxury bungalows. Inspired by nature, each thatched-roof bungalow is aptly named after the island residents like Owl, Green Heron, and Ibis.

Food & Beverage: The Dining Room at Little Palm Island was recognized as Florida’s Best Hotel Dining Experience in the restaurant’s earlier days. Private dining experiences can also be set up in different locations throughout the island, including the beach to watch the sunset over the ocean, or the dock.

Wellness: SpaTerre, the signature brand of Noble House Hotels & Resorts, provides a wellness retreat within a retreat. While the bungalows dot the perimeter of Little Palm Island, the common areas make up the center. The spa is a two-story building and utilizes the cult- and personal favorite Biologique Recherche for facial treatments.

Activities: The Florida Keys have not truly been seen until you’ve experienced them from the water. Whatever might float your boat, whether it’s fishing, sailing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, Hobie cats, scuba diving or snorkeling, the point is, you’ll want to get out on the water. They have Boston Whalers that you can drive out on your own to snorkel at the reef. During our stay, another adventurous couple was going out to sky dive and back within a couple of hours, elated about their experience. Little Palm Island also offers backcountry island hopping, a day trip to Dry Tortugas by seaplane, wakeboarding, dolphin encounters and eco-tours. The gym on Little Palm Island is particularly large for a small island with only 30 rooms, and offers a locker room for changing as the resort welcomes you to stay on-island past check-out time to make the most of the day. What you won’t find are televisions, loud music, night life, or kids – and I’m not mad about that.

What Sets It Apart: Little Palm Island is literally the only private island resort in the country, so that is the biggest feature that sets this exclusive resort apart. With only 30 villas, you could literally go a week without seeing anyone if you wish, which offers the ultimate privacy for those that want to get away from it all.

Diego Travel Loves: The ease and accessibility, yet the remoteness and feeling of being a million miles away. You can fly private into Marathon, or it’s just a 2 hour drive from Miami International Airport or a short drive from Key West International Airport. It feels like you are being transported back in time, while having all the modern luxury amenities at your fingertips.

Book Direct with Perks

Extras You’ll Get with Diego Travel:

$100 resort credit
$50 per person daily breakfast credit
Upgrade at time of check-in, subject to availability
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Insider Tip:

Within three miles of the island, you’ll find Loggerhead Key, once home to over 2000 Rhesus monkeys and Looe Key Reef, named for the ship that sank there in 1744 and has since created a world-renowned snorkeler’s haven.

LETS SET UP A CALL

Summary of Our Stay:

Our visit to Little Palm Island was our first opportunity to break away from our children for a weekend escape after the period of crisis that we all experienced in the first quarter of 2020. I had heard great things about the private island, but was especially excited to see the results of the complete renovation they underwent for years following the destruction of Hurricane Irma.

My parents have lived in Islamorada for nearly 15 years, which is a little over an hour north of Little Palm Island. Our experience of the Florida Keys had been pretty limited to the Northern Keys and days exploring the ocean by boat were endless. In a sense, my kids had a small part of their childhood in the Keys, and if you ask anyone who grows up there, the way you spend your time is out on the water.

Little Palm Island is no different. From the moment you drive up to the lobby, you feel like you’re stepping into a time machine that transports you into a golden era of the past. The lobby is a stand-alone building and pristinely landscaped, purposefully done to hide the space where you’ll leave your car for your journey by boat. The Truman, the elegantly old-fashioned, yet sparkling new wooden boat whisks you away while the friendly captain and skipper outline the lay of the land for you.

I’m not sure which was more notable – the sparkling island with its stretch of sand bar peeking out from the shallow sea or the gleaming white mega-yacht stationed at the dock. As we were greeted by a cheerful concierge hostess who showed us around the island, she casually explained that mega-yachts and celebrities are the norm, not the exception. The island, after all, is the only private island resort in the entire country. And now more than ever with travel restrictions limiting people’s ability to travel, those who can afford the luxury of exclusivity are looking for places such as Little Palm Island.

The interior of the island houses all the communal amenities like the gorgeous 2 story spa, an impressive fitness center, and a boutique whose merchandise rivaled the chicest boutique in St. Barths. Seriously, I need a return trip just to shop! The perimeter of the island is reserved for the 30 bungalows, each with an idyllic view of the sea and sunrise or sunset.

Just as we were finishing up with our guided tour, a sea plane landed at the special dock made just for sea planes that greets passengers coming in from all over South Florida. So whether you arrive by private plane, private yacht, or by car, you are sure to have a VIP welcome here on the island. With the guided tour over, we didn’t waste any time and got out on the water by stand up paddle board. While the ocean was like glass, the current was extremely strong, so we didn’t get very far – but it made for a great photo op!

Dinner was fresh yellowtail caught that day with a side of gorgeous sunset views. After dinner we walked the beach lined with tiki torches and found two private Adirondack chairs on the dock to talk until the sun went down. It was the first time in months that we had uninterrupted conversation where we could dream of where we’ll travel to next. This seems to be a favorite conversation topic whenever we are on vacation. The life of a travel advisor!

Parting was truly such sweet sorrow from Little Palm Island and I would have been happy staying an extra night or two. From reconnecting with my husband to finishing the book that had been collecting dust on my nightstand for the last two months, I was in heaven. Chatting with the friendly people at the pool – from a distance of course! – was also a highlight as I love meeting people from all over the world.

When you plan your trip, reach out to us and we will take care of all the details while getting you all the added amenities.

Design My Trip!

Share Email

Sea Island

Written by Maria Diego on May 15, 2020. Posted in Hotel Reviews.

Sea Island, Georgia

The Best Of Guide to Sea Island, Georgia

MARIA DIEGO

May 15, 2020

Share Email

When we first visited Sea Island, Georgia, my initial thought was, “How did I not know about this place?” The Cloister at Sea Island has been around for generations with families returning again and again for their annual family vacation.

I grew up on the West Coast where families would spend summers on the island of Coronado for cooler beach weather and the Fourth of July parade. I was blissfully unaware of this magical East Coast family vacation spot. In fact, it was only after returning from Sea Island that I found out my grandparents took their honeymoon there back in the 1940s, right around the time when George H.W. and Barbara Bush did too. Since its earliest days, Sea Island has commemorated every Presidential stay by having them plant an oak, the state tree of Georgia. A stroll through the dreamy courtyard off The Cloister is an impressive display of past guests at this iconic resort.

As with the Hotel del Coronado, The Cloister at Sea Island is also Virtuoso property where you’ll receive value-added amenities when you book with Diego Travel.

In this guide, I break down why I love Sea Island, some of the best things to do on the island and beyond, how to choose where to stay, and tips for each type of traveler. Our family loved it so much so that we returned twice in one year, something that we have never done in the history of our world travels.

SEA ISLAND FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDE

What to do

After a long drive up the coast of Florida and Georgia, the thing we love best about arriving to Sea Island are the beautiful beaches. My kids literally run straight for it and don’t look back. The water may not be the bluest blue, but there’s something so peaceful about the American beachgrass and slight dunes. The beach itself is soft sand and my kids could play there for hours every day.

Sea Island Activities
The first time I looked through the activities pamphlet for Sea Island, I was overwhelmed by the amount of choices and down-right fun things I’d always wanted to do as a kid. From fishing and dolphin-watching by boat, to falconry and hunting & shooting, there are endless choices on Sea Island. My oldest’s favorite was the air rifle class and our younger son loved everything about the Nature Center and getting up close and personal with wild dolphins.
Bikes
Next to the newly opened Sea Strike and Pub bowling alley, you can find Sea Island’s bike rental shop where you can join one of their guided tours or rent a bike to explore on your own. My favorite thing to do is bike around Sea Island and mentally shop for homes, dreaming of one day sitting on one of those big front porches, curled up with a book and drinking Southern sweet tea.
Insider Tip: Make sure you bring your own bike if you would like to ride on the beach as you will not be able to do so with resort bicycles.
KIDS
As much as I love Sea Island, if you ask my kids and every other kid who visits, they probably love it more! The kid-friendly activities are endless and include everything from arts and crafts to sports to nature walks to scavenger hunts and many more unique experiences. The gangs of kids roaming freely on their bikes and exploring the beaches around Sea Island is a testament to Sea Island’s safe environment. Possibly, the favored spot on Sea Island by all kids big and small would be the candy shoppe (and yes, I’m spelling it like this to invoke the feeling of the old-fashioned confection temptations they offer on the daily). They cannot miss it!
Golf
While I personally don’t golf, I would be remiss not to mention the 3 golf courses and probably the world’s finest Golf Performance Center. There’s a reason Sea Island plays host to the RSM Classic, (a prime PGA tour event) and welcomes world-class golfers year-round.
Spa
Last but not least, a stay at Sea Island is not complete without a visit to the Spa. Along with the fitness center, with its indoor lap pool and hot tub, the spa has a private oasis only accessible to those guests with reserved appointments. I am not exaggerating when I say that you could easily spend an entire day here. And with the kids well entertained, you finally can!

Getting There

Fly: Less than 1.5 hours by car from Jacksonville (JAX) or Savannah (SAV) International Airports, 20 minutes from Brunswick (BQK) regional airport or only 10 minutes from St Simons Airport (SSI) if flying private.

Recommended Stay: Anywhere from a weekend getaway to a two month summer vacation.

Elevation: 10 feet

Best Time of Year to Visit: March to November

INSIDER TIP

The resort offers complimentary use of a BMW X5 throughout your stay on a first-come, first-serve basis. Make use of it to visit nearby sites like the Stables at Federica.

On the Coast Of Georgia

31.1836,-81.3498

Sea Island

Book Direct

Where to stay in Sea Island, Georgia

If you’ve read this far, you might be convinced that Sea Island could make the perfect destination for your next family vacation. Now that you’re ready to pack your bags and go, hold on. Not so fast! Sea Island offers a wide range of options including The Cloister main building, The Cloister Beach Club, The Cloister Ocean Residences, The Lodge, Cottages, The Inn and Broadfield. Confused yet? I was too, but don’t worry. I’m going to break it down for you because I had the Grand Tour of all things Sea Island and saw each type of accommodation first-hand.

First off, it sounds overwhelming and enormous, but I promise that it isn’t. Having said that, each area is unique and offers a distinct experience. Second, no matter if you’re planning a wedding, a honeymoon, or a multi-family reunion, there is the perfect accommodation for you at Sea Island.

LETS SET UP A CALL

THE OCEAN RESIDENCES

Next up are the ocean residences which have their own gated community of seclusion and privacy. Perfect for the honeymooners or those looking to disconnect, this area has its own infinity edge pool and picturesque stretch of beach. They range from a nature view room to three-bedroom suites and offer more peace and quiet than anywhere else (perhaps excluding Broadfield). Each unit is uniquely decorated but still come with all the amenities provided in the main building and beach club. The suites include a full kitchen and washer and dryer, making it perfect for those extended stays that still want all the hotel amenities and daily housekeeping. Just keep in mind that the distance to the main building and the beach club is within walking distance, but may be a 5-10 minute walk.

Insider Tip: I love the Ocean Residences for honeymooners, anniversary celebrations, families with older children, and smaller multi-generational families looking to all share one unit.

Book Direct with Perks

THE CLOISTER

The Forbes Five-Star main building is the most traditional and elegant of settings, and also serves as the main lobby for The Beach Club and Ocean Residences. Each room is unique and ranges from garden-view to 2-bedroom suites with a view of the river. The Cloister main building is also home to the famous Bingo sessions that are a huge Sea Island tradition, plus an adults-only pool with views of the river. They also serve complimentary coffee and pastries in the solarium here overlooking a beautiful garden courtyard which is a nice touch.

Insider Tip: I love the main building for older couples, families with grown children, or for anyone who prefers a more formal hotel-like setting.

Book Direct with Perks

THE BEACH CLUB

A short walk across from the main building is the Cloister Beach Club. Just like the name implies, the Beach Club is a casual, relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for families – or if you just want to walk around in your bathing suit. Accommodations range from the petite standard room to a 2-bedroom ocean view suite and is the hub of daytime activity. If you have kids, this is where they are going to want to spend the majority of their time. That’s not to say that you can’t make the easy walk or drive over here from the other accommodations, but it is centrally located to the main pool, adult lap pool, waterslide, beach and casual restaurants.

Insider Tip: I love the Beach Club for families, but they also have an adults-only lap pool, so it’s a great option for a multi-generational group who wants to room close together but not all in the same quarters.

Book Direct with Perks

COTTAGES

For our second trip back to Sea Island, we decided to try a vacation home to accommodate our larger crew and traveling Cavalier King Charles. The island is strictly accessible to hotel guests and home owners only. Many of these homes are available to rent, exclusively through Sea Island and no other third parties, which enforces quality control and offers access to all the regular hotel amenities like the beach club and restaurants.

We opted for a cottage within walking distance to the beach club and the main building, and just a block from the beach. Cottages range in size, style and budget, with some gorgeous beachfront homes that could accommodate multiple families. I highly recommend a long bike ride around the island to ooh and aah at all the homes straight out of Town & Country magazine and will make you dream of relocating for good.

Home rentals have the option to add daily housekeeping at an additional cost, and they can even leave your kitchen fully stocked upon arrival. When choosing your cottage, I can help you get a better feel for how near or far you will be from the main resort and if you’ll require a golf cart or bikes.

The biggest perk of booking a Sea Island cottage with Diego Travel is the $100 per day resort credit you’ll receive, which for a week-long stay comes to $700! Stay two weeks and that’s a $1400 bonus!

Insider Tip: The cottages are best for families who already know and love Sea Island and want to keep coming back for more. In order to disconnect and recharge completely, I highly recommend a two-week stay or more and a cottage would be perfect for this.

STAYING IN GEORGIA’S SEA ISLAND VACATION RENTALS AND COTTAGES

Book Direct with Perks

THE LODGE

For my golfers out there, the Sea Island Lodge is perhaps the best golf resort in the country. We loved spending time at The Lodge for the perfect evening sunsets, where kids can run around freely while the grown ups sip on cocktails, taking in the ocean air and the sound of the bagpiper, with post-dinner s’mores at the bonfire. The Lodge is the only accommodation at Sea Island that comes with a 24/7 butler service. If you want a truly bespoke experience, then you’ll want to consider a stay at The Lodge. Feel like having a wine tasting at 11 PM followed by a craving for donuts at 2 AM? Or you’d like a rose-petal bath drawn or clothes need ironing? Your butler is at your service!

The Lodge is a 58-room English manor boutique hotel with stand alone 2- or 4-bedroom cottages that line the golf course. The newly-completed 4,200 square foot King’s Cottage has its own private hitting bay and the best views in Georgia. Plus, the kitchen can come with your own private executive chef for ultimate privacy.

Insider Tip: I love The Lodge for golfers and their families. Corporate groups, bachelor parties, dad’s weekend getaways, would all love it at The Lodge. The cottages are great for longer stays or family gatherings with the best sunset views. And if you want the very best view, opt to stay in King’s Cottage.

Book Direct with Perks

THE INN

Located just 2 miles from The Cloister, across the bridge on St. Simons Island, you’ll find The Inn, a budget-friendly option with the same great taste and style as the rest of Sea Island without the Forbes Five-Star distinction and amenities. Guests at The Inn enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast, heated outdoor pool and Wi-Fe service. Room rates can be provided with or without resort access, but guests at The Inn cannot access the Beach Club. Only interested in golfing or the fitness center and spa, but wanting more affordable accommodations? Then The Inn might be a good fit for you.

Insider Tip: The Inn is perfect for the simple traveler who just wants access to Sea Island’s incredible golf facilities, fitness center, spa, and restaurants. If you’re passing through St. Simons Island or joining a larger group, this may be the right fit for you.

Book Direct with Perks

BROADFIELD

Broadfield is a secluded hunting retreat that offers hunting, shooting, fishing and falconry in the Great Outdoors of the South. While I didn’t go myself, I was told that Broadfield is a bonding experience for first-time hunters to seasoned enthusiasts, and from fathers and sons to small corporate groups. The lodge sleeps up to 22 people and can accommodate all kind of outdoor events that want to take advantage of its natural setting. The cabin itself combines perfect rustic decor with modern amenities and a state of the art kitchen where you’ll dine on farm-to-table meals prepared by your personal resident chef.

Insider Tip: Whether you need some father/son bonding with your teenage boys, or you and your buddies just need a weekend away, Broadfield is a perfect experiential escape.

Book Direct with Perks

Where to eat?

The Cloister is home to several restaurants including the River Bar, with panoramic views of the Black Banks River, Tavola, an authentic Italian eatery, and the Georgian Room, the only FORBES Five-Star restaurant in Georgia. I had the chance to tour the impressive private wine cellar, that can accommodate private dinners and features a pine wooden ceiling created from a mid-1800s South Carolina sawmill and limestone from North Georgia. I highly recommend it for a special celebration or group dinner.
Wonderland (that irresistible candy shoppe I mentioned before), and casual beach-side restaurants like Southern Tide and Snack Shack will be found at the Beach Club. The newly opened Sea Strike & Pub offers another option for entertainment with indoor bowling and casual dining. All guests have the option to wear a convenient key-card bracelet (parents – you can control the spending power of your kids!), so kids can make 20 daily stops at Wonderland whenever their heart desires, without bothering Mom and Dad. Who’s ready to finish a book while on vacation!? I am!
Over at The Lodge, all Sea Island guests can enjoy The Oak Room, a more casual bar restaurant that serves Southern dishes with a panoramic view of the ocean, or Colt & Alison, the more formal dining room that does not fail to impress. Finally, the best kept secret of Sea Island just might be the whiskey bar located inside of the men’s locker room at The Lodge. It is the quintessential gentleman’s club, and if you haven’t golfed here yet, you need to grab your buddies and reserve to find out why all the pros choose to stay, train and play here.
Finally, a trip to Sea Island would not be complete without a visit to Southern Soul for some of the best Barbecue in the south!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Sea Island, Georgia

Location

It’s easy to get here! It’s only an hour drive from either Savannah or Jacksonville airport an easy road trip from cities in the Southeast including South Florida.
If you want to fly private CONTACT US, there is McKinnon Airport on St. Simons Island, just a few minutes drive from Sea Island, or Brunswick Golden Isles Airport.

Activities

Aside from the seemingly endless kids activities you can choose from, they also offer Camp Cloister, a kids club that incorporates tons of outdoor fun and is something my kids really love. Even though they usually refuse any and all hotel kids clubs. Plus, they offer evening camps on Friday and Saturdays, so the adults get a dinner and night out in peace.
Don’t miss the beach horseback ride for adults or the Tiny Tykes pony ride at The Stables at Frederica if you have little ones. The area is so beautiful and they not only get to ride, but learn to care for the horses too.
We took the Salt Marsh Dolphin Tour with Captain Dooley and spotted some playful dolphins. I can’t recommend a boat rental there enough. You haven’t experienced the low country until you’ve done so on the water.

Beyond Sea Island

We’ve never had any desire to go off-property, but for those that have the extra time (like when you rent that Sea Island cottage for a month), the following places come highly recommended.

The iconic Driftwood Beach in Jekyll Island.
Cumberland Island, Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island requires a ferry to get there but has vast amounts of wilderness, wide marshes and beaches to explore. Our guide, Captain Dooley, said it’s one of his favorite spots in the area.
Take a day trip to Savannah, one of the most charming cities in the U.S.
Explore the rest of the Georgia coastline! If you want help mapping out a road trip or want an ultra-luxury sampling of only the best that Georgia has to offer, contact us so we can discuss all the options and how Diego Travel can enhance your trip.

Design My Trip!

Share Email

Tag: Island

Diego Travel Hotel Review

A Private Island Resort in French Polynesia

MARIA DIEGO

The Brando

TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA

Getting to The Brando:

The Brando

Vibe at The Brando:

Accomodations at The Brando:

Food & Beverage at The Brando:

Activities at The Brando:

Book The Brando Direct

Wellness at The Brando:

What sets The Brando appart:

Diego Travel Loves…

How Much Does it Cost?

Diego Travel Perks:

Diego Travel Insider Tips:

Related Posts

Diego Travel Hotel Review

A Barefoot Luxury Resort in the Florida Keys

MARIA DIEGO

ISLA BELLA BEACH RESORT

Location:

Isla Bella Beach Resort

Vibe:

ACCOMMODATIONS:

FOOD & BEVERAGE:

ACTIVITIES:

Plan My Trip To Isla Bella

WELLNESS:

What Sets It Apart:

Diego Travel Loves…

How Much Does it Cost?

Extras You’ll Get with Diego Travel:

Diego Travel Insider Tips:

Related Posts

The Florida Keys

Why Your Next Vacation Should Be in The Florida Keys

MARIA DIEGO

The Florida Keys Family Travel Guide

Getting There

The Florida Keys

Isla Morada

Marathon

Little Palm Island

11120

What to do

Snorkeling

Fishing

Sunset Cruises and Sailing

Marine & Wildlife Sanctuaries

Where to Stay in The Florida Keys

Little Palm Island

Isla Bella Resort

Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort

The Islands of Islamorada

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Where to eat?

Key Lime Pie

Fresh Fish and Seafood

Restaurants With a View

Ready to Experience The Florida Keys?

A Few of My Favorite Things

The Florida Keys

Islamorada of The Florida Keys

Location

Activities

Beyond The Keys

Related Posts

Hotel Review

A Luxury Indonesian Retreat at The Edge of Wildness

MARIA DIEGO

Nihi Sumba Location

Nihi Sumba

Nihi Sumba Insider Tips:

Summary

Related Posts

The British Virgin Islands