Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

Hidden along the untouched shores of Mexico’s Costalegre, Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo is a world onto itself, where luxury coexists with nature’s most pristine wonders. While the Four Seasons brand is synonymous with opulence, Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo is more than just a luxury hotel; it’s a place where time slows down, and every moment is an experience that lingers long after you’ve returned home. A unique sanctuary where luxury and nature are seamlessly intertwined, the resort is surrounded by 3,000 acres of untouched tropical jungle and pristine beaches, creating experiences that invite guests to disconnect from the world and fully immerse into a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of secluded luxury villas with breathtaking ocean views, extraordinary culinary delights celebrating Mexico’s rich heritage, or a journey into the natural world, Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo offers a transformative experience where each detail is thoughtfully designed to inspire and rejuvenate.

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

At Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, the luxurious accommodations are more than just a place to rest — they are private sanctuaries that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living. Whether you choose a suite, beach house, or spacious villa, you can expect unparalleled comfort, privacy, and extraordinary views like none other. The scene is set to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, while you step out onto your private terrace, and dip into your personal infinity pool with ever-changing vistas of the Pacific Ocean and lush hillsides serving as your backdrop. These accommodations are perfect for those who crave seclusion and serenity, but they’re also ideal for families and groups. Generously proportioned layouts are equipped with every modern amenity, ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as it is luxurious. A selection of villas and beach houses offer direct beach access, allowing you to feel the sand between your toes within moments. Each space is meticulously designed with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the stunning ocean panoramas, creating a unique and harmonious connection with the natural surroundings.

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

The dining experiences at Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo are a celebration of Mexico’s vibrant culinary heritage, with each restaurant offering a unique and memorable journey for the senses. At Coyul, the focus is on farm-to-table cuisine, where Chef Elena Reygadas’ globally inspired dishes are crafted from fresh, local ingredients sourced from the resort’s own Rancho Ortega. The flavors are rich, authentic, and deeply connected to the land. Sal, perched on a cliff with panoramic ocean views, serves up the freshest seafood, where each meal is a tribute to the bounty of the Pacific. For a more relaxed vibe, Nacho offers a playful take on traditional Mexican street food, reimagined with a gourmet twist — including a taco tasting menu that gives foodies the chance to taste a surprisingly diverse range of regional tacos and libations from various parts of Mexico. Every restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo is not just a place to dine but a venue for experiencing the soul of Mexican culture through its food. In addition to its restaurants, the resort offers a variety of private dining experiences that cater to every mood and occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a family barbecue at Majahua Beach, a romantic dinner at Nueve — the picturesque 9th hole of the resort’s ocean front golf course, or a picnic at Playa Dorada, every bespoke culinary experience is curated to perfection, and designed to be memorable.

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

Foodies will appreciate the epicurean workshops led by Culinary Director Nicolas Piatti. These immersive experiences are not just about cooking; they’re about storytelling. Each workshop takes you deep into the heart of Mexican cuisine, exploring recipes passed down through generations and showcasing the unique produce grown at Rancho Ortega, the resort’s low-impact farm. Here, you’ll discover the soulful expressions of Mexico’s culinary traditions — including learning about organic corn from the Yucatán Peninsula and the harvesting of local sea salts. It’s an intimate and educational journey that connects you not only to the mission of the resort but also to the land and its people.

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

The fostering of a healthy mind, body, and spirit is central to the Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo experience. Your wellness journey begins the moment you set foot in the resort’s state-of-the-art gym and full-service luxury spa. Here is where you can engage in rigorous activities such as personalized pilates training, or simply unwind with a luxurious spa treatment. The spa, an architectural marvel and haven of relaxation, offers therapies that draw from ancient Mexican healing traditions, using natural ingredients sourced locally. Each treatment is designed to rejuvenate your body and soul, leaving you feeling renewed and balanced. Nature is part of the wellness journey, and one of the most extraordinary aspects of Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo is its deep connection to its natural surroundings. The resort offers guided hikes through its verdant jungle environs, led by resident biologists and researchers who are dedicated to preserving this unique ecosystem. As you walk through the lush foliage, you’ll experience the sights, sounds, and scents of the tropical forests, gaining a deeper understanding of the work being done to protect this precious environment. It’s a full sensory experience that leaves you feeling more connected to not only the natural world but also to yourself. 

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

In a world that often feels disconnected, Four Seasons Tamarindo is more than just a luxury resort; it’s a sanctuary that offers a rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and rediscover the luxury of simplicity. As a guest, you’re invited to be a part of this process, forming a deep connection to the environment and, in turn, rediscovering your own sense of balance. It’s an experience that inspires and energizes, leaving you with a profound sense of peace and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of this special corner of the world.

For more information please visit fourseasons.com/tamarindo

Columbia Hillen

Every tile tells a story.

Or at least that’s the situation at the 5-star Bela Vista Hotel & Spa in Portimão on Portugal’s Algarve coast.

Century-old hand-painted tiles adorn the walls of this 38-room hotel, none more so than on the ornate wooden staircase leading up to the bedrooms. Here, a series of intricately designed tiles illustrate one of Portugal’s most respected books, The Lusiads, an epic poem written by Luis Vaz de Camoes about Portugal’s ‘golden age’ of discovery.

Columbia Hillen

Elsewhere, an aptly-named ‘tile room’ depicts the arrival in Brazil by 16th century explorer, Vasco da Gama, while religious scenes such as the Last Supper are illustrated in other rooms.

The intricate tile work throughout the hotel is the legacy of the original owners of this 1908 building, once a stately family home. Only in 1934 was it transformed into a hotel, now expanded to 38 rooms, 10 in the main building, 21 in what are termed  ‘garden rooms’ and seven in the ‘blue house,’ both on the same grounds. 

Columbia Hillen

Beautiful tile work is not the only impressive artistic feature of Bela Vista. Ceilings are carved from Brazilwood, a rare variety now protected. There is also a vintage piano in the main lobby dating from 1855.

Columbia Hillen

Bela Vista, as the name suggests, occupies an envious position overlooking the ocean and Praia da Rocha (Beach of the Rocks). In many ways, the hotel is reminiscent of the 1950s Amalfi coast, a white ‘ivory tower’ like structure insulated from the busy hubbub of the streets just beyond its sturdy iron-wrought gates and with an interior design bright with colors, a vivid blue and white on chairs and cupboards and sunny yellow bedspreads.

Columbia Hillen

Our room, 102, was refreshingly decorated in hues of blue, yellow and white with tiles featuring a floral motif covering part of the walls. It also featured a wood-floored balcony with whicker armchairs overlooking the long stretch of beach. 

Columbia Hillen

Even the bathroom, with tub and shower and l’Occitane and Guerlain toiletries, granted clear views over the beach and ocean. A floor-to ceiling linen curtain kept the room dark at night. Two armchairs and a coffee table, a bench and chair and a wall TV were among room furnishings.

Chef Joao Oliveira. Photo by Columbia Hillen

Dining highlight of a stay at this hotel is its Michelin star restaurant, Vista.

Guests are granted a short pre-dinner tour of the basement kitchen where they meet executive chef Joao Oliveira from Porto and his team of seven chefs, as well as a visit to the wine cellar. 

Columbia Hillen

The kitchen renovated five years ago has a special chef’s table for two for unique dining experiences.

Beside the kitchen is a wine cellar with, according to sommelier, Tiago Samarro, 800 different vintages, most from Portugal but also from countries such as Spain, New Zealand and Italy, all kept under constant room temperature. The oldest wine is a mid-1960s vintage.

Columbia Hillen

A ‘tactile’ menu, including grains of sand affixed to it, is provided to guests, created by local artist, Inês Barracha, followed by a jigsaw-like miniature map of three Algarvian regions indicating from which products for the restaurant’s 11-course pescatarian tasting menu are sourced.

Our dinner began with a veritable explosion of taste, a marble-size, lime-green ball filled with a liquid blend of horseradish, ginger and apple that simply blasted flavour throughout my mouth.

Columbia Hillen

Innovative dishes that followed included violet shrimp (camarao listado), a thin sheet of rice flour with the shell of a shrimp imprinted on it.

Another was a tomato dish comprising marinated cherry tomatoes from Quinta Das Castelhanas, a local farm, three tomato gels flavored with yuzu, camomile and Moroccan lemon combined with garlic flowers and capuchinha (aquatic leaves) and a sprinkling of ‘tomato water,’ all sprayed with camomile-infused vinegar.

A langoustine from Sagres slightly roasted and decorated with flowers of pickled cauliflower and an emulsion of white grape was also among the culinary offerings.

Columbia Hillen

Our dinner also included turbot and anchovies and delicious sourdough bread with olive oil from the hotel owners’ grove, Daniel Proença de Carvalho (DPC).

Even the butter on the menu is far from standard fare – being a blend of goat, cow and sheep milk, according to Neuza, our gastronomic guide for the evening.

Columbia Hillen

A second restaurant is the Bistro. In season, it is outside on a poolside patio facing the beach and sea; offseason, in the elegant ambience of the bar area with a mosaic floor and what can best be described as three-dimensional wall paintings – some featuring parakeets perched on keys in a cage; others, a system of mirrors that seemed quite nautical on a background of broken coconut shells. 

Columbia Hillen

A furnishing highlight is the ceiling of Brazilwood beams, deftly painted in a leaf and grape filigree.

Here we enjoyed Portuguese cod fish cakes, fresh cheese, mushrooms and thyme ravioli with celery broth and extra virgin olive oil; langoustine and scallops carpaccio with champagne and Ossetra caviar designed as a rosette reminiscent of a cactus flower like the ones on the hills nearby, formed by thin petals of langoustine and scallops, layered, with a pistil of caviar and surrounded by a smooth, champaign and butter sauce. 

Columbia Hillen

A gym, and outdoor swimming pool surrounded by tall swaying palm trees and a spa offer leisure opportunities.

Zafiro Palace Andratx

With an influx of buzzy new hotel and restaurant openings, new direct flights from the U.S. and a focus on sustainability, Mallorca, Spain shows no sign of slowing down. While peak summer months cater to those seeking a lively Mediterranean atmosphere, fall in Mallorca provides a more serene and laid-back vibe. Notable autumn events include grape harvest festivals, traditional fairs, the Mallorca International Film Festival and the Port de Sóller Classical Music Festival.

The abundance of the constantly evolving island is personified at the five-star Zafiro Palace Andratx, the crown jewel of the Mallorcan family-owned Zafiro Hotels portfolio. Resplendent in authentic island character, secluded terraces give way to sweeping views of the rugged Serra de Tramuntana mountains and white sand beaches. Just a short stroll away from the serene seaside village of Camp de Mar and a quick drive from the lively harbor town of Port d’Andratx, the resort is the perfect destination for a fall getaway.

Zafiro Palace Andratx

A variety of restaurants to suit every taste, gorgeous garden and skyscape pools, a luxurious spa and wellness center and bespoke amenities bring the splendor of the island into the grounds of the hotel. Zafiro Palace Andratx’s 304 generously sized suites are resplendent in authentic Mallorcan character and adorned with locally sourced décor. Standout artwork is from female-owned ABA ART and take-home vanity cases are designed by Teixits Vicens. Each suite is appointed with a private pool or hydro-massage bathtub and a secluded terrace offering unrivaled views.

Zafiro Palace Andratx

Designed for guests seeking access to over-the-top service and enhanced amenities, the new Zafiro Club Suites – debuted in 2024 – showcases the very best that the hotel has to offer. Guests who book a Zafiro Club Suite receive exclusive access to a private pool and bar area, Jo Loves in-room amenities (created by Jo Malone), daily fresh flowers, a personalized concierge service, massage for two, romantic dinner, and more. In addition, the resort unveiled one of the first luxury all-inclusive options on the island last season with its All-Inclusive Redefined package.

Zafiro Palace Andratx

Hotel guests can now book a sustainable excursion on a 100% electric-powered llaut, the traditional boat of the Balearic Islands. Available exclusively for Zafiro guests, the experience consists of a trip for up to 6 people along the southwest coast of Mallorca, with opportunities for water activities such as SUP and underwater scooters, as well as onboard food and drinks featuring locally sourced products. This innovative and sustainable experience causes no emissions, has no carbon footprint, and causes no stress to local marine wildlife.

Zafiro Palace Andratx

As Mallorca continues to blend luxury with sustainability, visitors have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in both cultural events and eco-friendly experiences. Whether indulging in the island’s culinary delights or exploring its pristine waters on a zero-emission boat, Mallorca offers a perfect balance of relaxation and responsible tourism. The resort is open through early November and now is the ideal time to experience this Mediterranean gem

Zafiro Palace Andratx

Cloudland at McLemore

Cloudland at McLemore Resort has a backstory that is as good as its accommodations, restaurants, spa, and golf courses. Tucked away on a 2,000-foot elevation in northern Georgia, the resort has become a vacation magnet for travelers seeking fresh mountain air, world-class golf, to die-for views, and a touch a luxury throughout their stay.

The name McLemore claims a rich history for those calling Rising Fawn, GA, home. Located 30 miles south of the Chattanooga Regional Airport, the resort based the McLemore name on the mystical legend of a true 18thcentury Scot, who settled in Georgia, and rose to the position of Cherokee chief, as well as a captain in the U.S. Army. This Scottish link lends itself well to the three McLemore golf courses whose reputations grow by the day.

Today’s Cloudland at McLemore Resort is the perfect hub for those looking to explore the region’s climbing, hiking, and paragliding, as well as visiting the national park, and a museum. For guests wishing to simply relax, consider that Cloudland at McLemore is home to 245 hotel rooms, 20,000 square feet of event space, a spa, four restaurants, an outdoor pool, and views that soar all the way to Lookout Mountain.

Cloudland at McLemore

Golf with an Altitude

If you like golf, you’ll love The Highlands, The Keep, and The Cairns golf courses. The Bill Bergin and Rees Jones-designed Highlands Golf Course placed McLemore firmly on the world map when the golfing public became aware of the course’s 435-yard, Par 4, 18th hole. The hole’s entire left side sits on a cliff, and the vista view of Lookout Mountain is stunning.

This fall, there is great anticipation for The Keep, the Cloudland at McLemore’s newest 18-hole course. Positioned on the eastern cliff’s edge of Lookout Mountain, this 7,700-yard links layout is a walking course with caddies. A real-life painting of mountain views, limestone outcroppings, Billy bunkers, and a blanket of Zoysia grass, The Keep is sure to become an international draw.

Cloudland at McLemore

Dining with a View

Situated next to the Cloudland at McLemore infinity pool, the Skyside open air restaurant stretches out from a cliff. The panoramic views from this al fresco dining and cocktail venue gives new meaning to the term “happy hour.”

The restaurant Auld Alliance’s name pays homage to a pact between Scotland and France in 1295. Dining guests can expect exquisite cuisine, the best wines and bourbon, top shelf service, and Cloudland at McLemore’s signature views.

Cloudland at McLemore

Say Ahhh at Selah Spa

A mountain vacation is a chance to rejuvenate, reflect, and reset your mind, body, and soul. At Selah Spa, guests choose from a wealth of massage, facial, and body treatments. Steam, sauna, and hydrotherapy are also at your fingertips.

Cloudland McLemore

Hilton’s Highest Standards

Cloudland at McLemore Resort is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. This means that the resort was handpicked by Hilton to deliver one-of-a-kind moments. From driving the winding mountain roads in a Porsche, to hang gliding above the mountains, or attending a special singer-songwriter concert, guests staying at Cloudland at McLemore discover a resort destination where there’s every opportunity for making a magic moment. 

Cloudland McLemore

Write Your Own Mountain Story

Your stay at the Cloudland at McLemore Resort may start out as a well-deserved escape with the goal of breathing the freshest mountain air. There’s a good chance that by the time you checkout, this resort featuring a front-row seat with nature will become your new vacation favorite. Come to Cloudland for the mountain views and its fascinating backstory, return to this above the clouds resort to make a story all your own. https://www.staycloudland.com/

Le Grand Hôtel Cayré

Those traveling to France will enjoy staying at the new Le Grand Hôtel Cayré. Located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, on the left bank (Rive Gauche) of the Seine, this lively arrondissement is filled with luxury boutiques, bustling cafes, Le Bon Marche’, patisseries, cheese shops, and an energy like no other neighborhood in Paris.

This is the first hotel to open for Miiro lifestyle hotel group. Located between the historic Boulevard Raspail and the energetic Rue du Bac, the new hotel offers guests different levels of service based on their travel needs. Designed by UK based Michaelis Boyd, a collective of architects and interior designers based in London and New York. As a SOHO Farmhouse collaborator, there is a SOHO feel inside this hotel.

Meeting Mickael Meunier, the General Manager at Le Grand Hôtel Cayré, I learned all about the recent renovations that were made to transform the former Hotel Cayré into a first-class hotel. “We wanted to bring the spirit of the surroundings while honoring the hotel’s vibrant creative past,” said Meunier. “The design takes inspiration from the old-world charm of Saint-Germain-des-Pré.

The grand stairway at Le Grand Hôtel Cayré. Photo Jill Weinlein

‘The grand staircase is painted by a local French artist to replicate artist Henry Matisse’s sky,’ said Meunier. This hotel tells a story about a cast of characters who once lived in this iconic neighborhood, such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald in the 1920s.

Le Grand Hôtel Cayré features 123 bedrooms, including two suites, some of which reveal spectacular views of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Each guest room is exquisitely curated with a collection of custom-made furniture, antiques, bespoke pieces, and one-of-a-kind collector’s items.

Guests have the choice of three room categories with three price points to make an overnight stay more accessible to travelers. ‘It’s similar to what the airlines have done with seats,’ said Meunier. ‘Each guest has their own needs and desires when traveling.’

The Essential guest room is ideal for the mindful traveler who doesn’t need their room cleaned daily, but every other day. The room may not have much of a view, yet will have all the same amenities as other room categories.

The Premium guest room is for those who seek to spend some time in their room with a better view. Comfortable robes and slippers are in the closet, and there is a minibar stocked with snacks and refreshing beverages for purchase. This category does receive a vanity and sleep kit, plus daily room service.

For design and art lovers, literary aficionados, and collectors, the finest rooms are the La Suite du Collectionneur up on the top floor. 

Le Grand Hôtel Cayré

These exquisitely designed rooms can be reserved as a single suite, or can be combined with La Chambre de Collectionneur to create an apartment for an even more spacious three bedroom guest experience.

It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate 20th and 21st century decorative arts. Curated from major public and private collections, this intimate suite was designed in partnership with renowned art design advisor and curator Gilbert Kann.

Eye-catching iconic Heinz Witthoeft armchairs are wrapped in cognac colored leather. Synonymous with cubic architectural design, these chairs are made with solid wood and intricate wooden joints.

Intentionally low seat height enhances the lounging experience, inviting guests to relax, read a book, and take in the views of Paris from the glass windows inside Appartement Du Collectionneur.

‘This suite comes to life during events such as the upcoming Design Week,’ said Meunier. ‘Every item in this suite is available for purchase.’ 

Le Grand Hôtel Cayré

Complementing the fabulous furnishings, the suite features a hand-crafted, king-size bed, a separate lounge area, and a dedicated powder room. The marble bathroom includes both a bathtub and a rainfall shower, as well as a selection of Le Labo products. 

Paris furniture designer Pierre Sala’s pencil leg table is used as a workspace or writing table for guests. This designer comes from the theater world, and his creative imagination inspires his whimsical furniture pieces. 

Le Grand Hôtel Cayré

The modular bookcase was created by Danish architect and furniture designer Mogens Koch. His shelf unit is not only striking, but provides an elegance to the room, as well as a practical solution for comfort, functionality and aesthetics.

Le Grand Hôtel Cayré. Photo Jill Weinlein

Maison LELEU offers space and cosmology as the starting point of the design of the Moon sofa in the suite. Two mobile parts can be used as complementary seats or side tables.

Le Grand Hôtel Cayré. Photo Jill Weinlein

The king-size Maison Pierre Frey headboard bed designed by Georges Le Manach showcases quality weaving on specific looms for a tailor-made finish.

Lighting by Bernard-Albin Gras includes the functional GRAS lamps named ‘Plug and Dream’, ‘Plug and Welcome’ and ‘Plug and Work.’

Other lighting includes Alain Richard’s black half-sphere that can produce direct, indirect and reflected light.

Fitness Room. Photo Jill Weinlein

Down in the basement is a fitness room and refresher room. Guests can book the refresh room for a complimentary 45 minutes to use the shower and changing rooms during an early check-in or after check-out before a late flight or train.

Annette. Photo by Jill Weinlein

The ground level of Le Grand Hôtel Cayré has been transformed into a lovely French brasserie named Annette. ‘This used to be the breakfast area in the former hotel,’ said Meunier. ‘It’s named after Annette Koln, the inspirational French-German writer and pacifist who lived at the former Hotel Cayré for 17 years from 1944.’

Locals and travelers appreciate the French Brasserie-style menu. ‘It’s not complicated and priced at a reasonable price point for the neighborhood,’ said Meunier. ‘Lunch is priced around 30 to 35 Euros, and dinner around $70 to 75 Euros. The menus are a contemporary take on classic French dishes.’

Chef Bruno and team at Annette. Photo Jill Weinlein

They hired esteemed Chef Bruno Brangea, the former lead head chef for three-star Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse. Chef Bruno is a world oeufs en meurette champion. It’s a traditional Burgundian favorite consisting of poached eggs in a red meurette sauce. 

Also in the kitchen is talented Sous-Chef de Cuisine Tony Moreau who has also worked in Chef Alain Ducasse’s kitchen.

Annette Restaurant. Photo Jill Weinlein

There are three menus throughout the day, starting with a Petit-Dejeuner and full breakfast menu. Guests can select the Le Parisien to enjoy a glass of fresh fruit juice, hot drink, a bread and pastry basket, butter, jam and scrambled eggs. This is where one will find the perfect French omelet. Its pale yellow exterior color is smooth and silky with no browning. The warm, moist and tender soft-scrambled interior is unlike any other omelet in the world.

The bread basket is filled with a buttery and flaky croissant, a sweet Pain au Chocolat, light and airy French breakfast puff, and a delicious baked pains aux raisins with a little vanilla cream and plump raisins buried in a flaky circular crisp puff pastry. Slices of French baguette complete this basket.

Annette Restaurant. Photo Jill Weinlein

In the afternoon, guests can enjoy a lunch menu featuring croque monsieur, salads, and a reasonably priced Plat Du Jour.

The dinner menu features soups, salads, pasta, tartare du boeuf, cunard (duck) with an ethereal sauce, and a vegetable cassoulet, which is a vegetarian twist on the classic French dish.

Finish with a chocolate mousse sprinkled with salt, a decadent chocolate eclair or crème brûlée.

The knowledgeable servers complement each course by offering tastes of French-produced wines from an extensive wine.

Annette Restaurant. Photo Jill Weinlein

Annette has a Chef’s Table for guests to sit next to the kitchen to watch the French Chefs in action. After the meal, Sous-Chef-de Cuisine Tony Moreau will visit guests and chat about the meal.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Photo Jill Weinlein

The staff at Le Grand Hôtel Cayré are happy to share French gems worth visiting in the neighborhood. Whether it be their favorite neighborhood chocolate shop Debauve & Gallais, a French Royally appointed chocolatier in business for over 200 years or cafes with a history, such as Les Deux Magots. This iconic corner brasserie opened in 1885, and served the great minds of Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sarte and Simone de Beauvoir. 

Le Grand Hôtel Cayré honors the spirit of the neighborhood’s creative past and those who lived here. It’s a resting spot to create your own Paris story.

With the success of opening Miiro’s Le Grand Hôtel Cayré, they opened Hotel Borneta in August 2024, in the El Born neighborhood of Barcelona. They have two hotels scheduled to open in 2025, one in London and the other in Vienna.

(credit: Peter Island Resort)

A treasured secret among sophisticated travelers for decades, Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands re-opens in November 2024 after a six-year hiatus. The property closed during the Virgin Islands’ 2017 hurricane season and now offers brand new and upgraded accommodations as well as other state-of-the-art facilities. Rebuilt and re-envisioned, the island boasts a new level of luxury while maintaining and preserving its relaxed, casual elegance, personalized service, five stellar beaches and hundreds of acres of unspoiled tropical island. 

Situated on the largest private island in the British Virgin Islands, the 52-room resort is a tranquil seaside oasis featuring an oceanfront spa that takes pampering to the next level. With the exception of two villas, all accommodations are located on the beachfront just steps from the sea, including eight beachfront rooms with private outdoor hot tubs and two two-bedroom villas. 

(credit: Peter Island Resort)

The 21,000 sq. ft. Falcon’s Nest Villa is a site to be seen. This six-bedroom three-story villa offers their most discerning guests sweeping 360 degree island and ocean views, an infinity pool with hot tub, as well as two outdoor showers. Guests who stay in Falcon’s Nest or the Hawk’s Nest Villa overlooking the Yacht Club, also are afforded villa staff and the option of a private chef. 

Peter Island comprises hundreds of acres of lush, tropical island terrain including five pristine beaches and the scenic five mile loop with draw-dropping views of the surrounding Virgin Islands. Whether alongside the new infinity pool overlooking the sea, or the beachside cabanas’ butlers service, the areas offer guests an array of pool and beach-based activities along with a selection of small bites and creative cocktails. Guests will undoubtedly stop at Drunken Pelican for a round of sunset Painkiller cocktails before indulging their taste buds at Drake Steakhouse for a vibrant atmosphere. 

(credit: Peter Island Resort)

Along with a new 3,200 sq. ft. conference center, the revamped 10,000 sq. ft. spa carries products by 111Skin and features seven treatment rooms, two relaxation lounges, a fitness center, a saltwater pool and a beauty salon. Offering moments of renewed decadence, guests can choose from a variety of services including the Spa’s signature treatments which use local ingredients. The resort can also plan private dinners on the beach as well as off-island excursions, such as scuba diving, sail and snorkeling excursions, helicopter tours, sailing charters and deep-sea fishing to immerse guests in the picture-perfect surroundings.

A must on every sailing itinerary, the newly christened Peter Island Yacht Club offers a full-service marina with dockage that accommodates superyachts of up to 200 feet. Complete with its own commissary, boutique and the Drunken Pelican bar & grill, the marina makes use of more than 250 feet of new dock space to accommodate vessels of all types and sizes.

(credit: Peter Island Resort)

With its unspoiled natural wonders and abundance of land and sea activities including diving, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, deep sea fishing, pickleball, hikes up the island’s scenic Sunset Loop and more, Peter Island continues to enchant guests in its private island paradise. Guests can arrive via helicopter service from St. Thomas (STT), private charter boat from one of St. Thomas’ docks, or a 20-minute taxi ride from Tortola’s Beef Island Airport (EIS) to the Peter Island Ferry Launch, followed by a 30-minute private yacht transfer to Peter Island Resort. Rates starting at $1,000 a night.