BlackBook Water, Water
BlackBook Water, Water Everywhere AN ISLAND OF ONE’S OWN Whether it’s just the two of you or 20 of your closest friends, these private islands offer seclusion with a side of natural splendour I T H A A F U S H I There are three villas, five pools, a full circle of white-sand beach, a dedicated entertainment pavilion, a fully equipped wellness area, multiple private concierges, a full brigade of chefs and much more: the largest private island in the Maldives is an utterly immersive experience. And that’s before guests dig into the offerings of the nearby Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, the resort which runs the island and offers up all its services and opportunities, from 11 restaurants to the largest fleet of yachts in the country. Swim with sea turtles and whale sharks in the morning, go on a treasure hunt with the kids in the afternoon and wind down at the end of the day with a private waterside yoga session – or, for the more indulgent, a 24kt-gold body massage and polish. ithaafushiprivateisland.com › PHOTOS RUPERT PEACE 22 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE BEFORE BOOKING TRAVEL OR DEPARTING ON ANY TRIP
I S L A S A F E R R A D U R A Ibiza and the other Balearic Isles have been winning praise for their quieter sides in recent years, but this islet, set on the former’s north coast, takes the prize for equal parts sea, serenity and splendour. Mediterranean chic predominates across the sixbedroom villa, which incorporates both traditional local design touches as well as contemporary art by Spanish stars. A team of 24 staff are on hand to give exceptionally personal service, including a private chef, while the two standout spaces offer contrasting experiences: the 250sq m spa, with hammam and sauna, and the 750sq m roof terrace, with DJ booth and stage. Tropical gardens, a pair of pools and the option to arrive by sea or road (there’s an isthmus) complete the oneof-a-kind offering. islaferradura.com G L A D D E N P R I V A T E I S L A N D PHOTOS FROM TOP: © ISLA SA FERRADURA (3), © THE AERIAL BVI, BENEDICT KIM Cradled by an emerald lagoon and a swathe of lush island greenery and resting atop a powder-fine cushion of the whitest sand you’ve ever seen, the 280sq m villa, designed to sleep just one couple, feels like the sort of paradise Robinson Crusoe wishes he could have washed up on – all dark woods and endless sea panoramas. Some 32 kilometres off the coast of Belize on the edge of the hemisphere’s second-longest reef, life at Gladden is so blissfully isolated that even the staff – which includes a personal chef as well as a boat captain for excursions to nearby attractions – commute from a separate island. Their presence on site is indicated by a “privacy meter”, so guests can feel more free to create their own daily rhythm, whether it’s sunbathing on the rooftop terrace or enjoying a romantic sunset dinner. gladdenprivateisland.com T H E A E R I A L B V I Overlooking the 14 isles and blue waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel, the view from Buck Island, a protected marine oasis, maybe the best way to understand what makes the British Virgin Islands so special. Add to that the tempting offerings of its latest (and sole) inhabitant, a dreamy five-residence retreat for 30 guests built to showcase the island’s natural wiles. The villas’ rustic yet luxurious fittings bolster the majesty of the surrounding biodiverse wonderland, as does the culinary concept, which draws inspiration and ingredients from the island gardens. An array of souland body-soothing activities, from ocean-water therapy to expert-led writing and hiking activities, round out a holistic feel-good programme epitomised by the petting zoo, where rescued zebras and ponies are all too happy to pose for pictures. aerialbvi.com – Claudia Whiteus CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM 23
