librarylady1

My husband and I are looking for the perfect place. It includes a room very close to an uncrowded beach(step out the door and you are there), staff that appears out of thin air to ask if you need drinks, etc., luxury room, and good food nearby. Cost is no factor since we are only going to do this once. We hoped to find such a place in Hawaii but so far, we haven't. Do you know of such a place or is this only found in the movies?
Thanks a bunch.

Ryan

You might want to look at La Samanna on the French side of St. Martin. We had really nice room with a patio that led directly to their private beach.

I'm sure other places in the Caribbean also fit the bill.

If money is no object, you also might consider one of the Aman resorts in Southeast Asia. They are typically very plush and the staff's are always attentive.

Ryan

I should also mention that you might find what you are looking for by renting a villa on the island of Mustique. It is a very exclusive island that is the Caribbean haunt of Mick Jagger, David Bowie and many other notables. The island has about 80 villas for rent, most with their own staff.

Basil's is great for a cocktail and dinner. (Just avoid the Basil's Hurricane, 1/2 Rum and 1/2 Vodka.) With so few people, finding your own quiet beach shouldn't be a problem.

Diana

At the Four Seasons Nevis, the beach personnel had a pavilion on the beachfront. The moment we stepped onto the beach, they sprang into action and grabbed fluffy towels, a beach umbrella and cool facial towels. They set up our chairs with two plush towels apiece - arranged so they would not blow off and for maximum comfort - set up our umbrella, and periodically (and without being asked) brought us ice cold Evian, spritzed our faces with cool water and gave us icy towels to cool ourselves with.

I've been to a lot of luxury resorts, but that one was tops for personal service.

ejcrowe

lots of spots in caribbean that fit the bill. might want to post this on that board. for starters, try Necker Island or Little Thatch Island, both of which are in the BVI. You get the entire island and staff of 30 or so to yourselves. The price is astronomical, but if you're sure that cost is no factor, it could be the best way to go.

Other places known for the service include Four Seasons on the island of Nevis. Cap Juluca on Anguilla. They also both have spas, and the island of Anguilla has the bonus of offering great food all over the island.

You might also want to check out the Horned Dorset Primavera in Puerto Rico--it's a member of Relais & Chateaux.

Possibly Palm Island in the Grenadines. It too is a private island, but there's a resort there with other guests--not just the two of you--so the price is fare more reasonable than Necker or Little Thatch.

Also, JUmby Bay resort off the coast of Antigua, and Curtain Bluff on antigua. And possibly the K-Club on Barbuda.

Have a great time finding your own private paradise!

travlnut

The House in Barbados is the perfect place- get a first floor room. The service is unbeatable, and it is ultra private- no children allowed. You are assigned your own private service ambassador who will take care of your every need during your stay.

GoTravel

One of the highest rated hotels in the world, Las Ventanas in Cabo. I stayed there once for 4 nights and it was incredible. Well worth the $1200 per night tariff.

Being that I spent years in the hotel business, I'm picky.

GoTravel

Another thought, find a Virtuoso Travel Agent. Agencies pay Virtuoso around $20,000 a year just to be a member. Virtuoso specializes in luxury travel.

kindra178

Another vote for Four Seasons Nevis. Wonderful service on the beach and by the pool and everywhere else in the resort.

If you want to stay in the states I would recommend St Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point, in between SD and LA.

Scarlett

a house on a hill in St Barts.

rjw_lgb_ca

The only caveat I have for the St. Regis in Dana Point is that it is not beachfront-- in fact, it's well back from the shore, across Coast Highway. Otherwise, a lovely property, swank and pampering.

The Montage in Laguna Beach is pricey, but I can't comment on the level of service (I live up the way from Laguna, so I don't look for lodging down there). Absolutely gorgeous resort setting.

How about a suite at the Delano in South Beach...? You get a personal concierge, it's right on the beach, and the bling-bling and attitude required to pay for a suite will guarantee a super-high level of service. A bit too pretentious for me, but then again I'm jus' one of the po' folk when I go to South Beach....

ejcrowe

With all due respect to those who proffered opinions about The House in Barbados and a hilltop villa in St. Barths... The House has been getting mostly negative reviews on the Caribbean board here at Fodor's, despite the hype about the Ambassador service they supposedly offer. As for the villa on St. Barth's, it would have to be heavily staffed to get the kind of service they want, rather than the usual self-catering atmosphere.

However, these two postings reminded me of two other options. One is Sandy Lane in Barbados and the other would be one of the more upscale hotels on St. Barths--Le Toiny or Carl Gustav, perhaps.

Have fun choosing!

SusanCS

If you don't mind being on a small island without tv and newspapers, you might try Little Palm Island in the Florida keys. Including meals, it runs about $1000 a night.

GoTravel

I've stayed at Little Palm Island and it is gorgeous but cannot compare to Las Ventanas.

ejcrowe, tell me about Cap Julaca?

Travelsmiles

ejcrowe, if you know St. Barths, then you know the more affluent rent villas for ten days or so - I can give you rental agencies if you wish. And the package includes cook, cleaning person, and someone to run errands and shop. Pool service daily is normally thrown in with the pirce, since just about all villas have a small pool. This leaves people free to wander down to the hotels for lunch, wine and a swim, before beginning the trip uphill and home. It is a good life. But for those in a bargain mood, Guadeloupe (which administers St. Barths) is a great choice - try Village Au Soleil near the Marina.

librarylady1

I certainly appreciate all the responses to my question. I have spent hours online working on this. We now have several options to explore. You all are great!

babette

How fun! I think any Four Seasons will pamper you completely. We stayed at the one in Maldives which was fantastic!! We had a room on stilts over the shallow, warm, bright blue water with a little deck so we could jump right in. Then we moved to a beach house which is right on the (uncrowded) beach with a private plunge pool. The waiters circle the beach with evian, fresh fruit popsicles and coolers full of cold wet washcloths. There are three different restaurants on the island (the whole island is the Four Seasons) with great food. We caught a fish and the chef prepared it for our dinner one night. It was heaven! Oh, great spa too. This is the place you're looking for.

As far as some of the other spots mentioned, I've got to say that the St. Regis in Laguna will not pamper you. The service there is horrible. And, it's not on the beach.

I can't wait to hear what you decide!