The Private Caribbean Hideaway of Your Dreams: Necker Island

It's not often you escape for a week or two and get the chance to fully disconnect from daily life. A typical vacation can help you decompress and enjoy a few days in the sun, but mundane demands and responsibilities are never too far away.

To truly disengage, sometimes you have to leave your everyday world and step into a completely different one. This is exactly the feeling you get upon arriving at Necker Island, the 74-acre private Caribbean island paradise and home of Sir Richard Branson.

Located in The British Virgin Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Caribbean, Necker Island is home to some of the world's most pristine natural beauty, dive sites, and exotic and endangered wildlife. Branson bought the island in 1979 to create a private retreat for his family. After transforming Necker into an unparalleled luxury playground for both adults and children alike, it is now fully open for rent for discerning guests.

The tiny islet is surrounded by coral reefs and fringed with white sandy beaches. With a design that is in perfect harmony with its environment, the private island resort is the perfect place to step back from daily life and discover a fresh perspective. A hub of reflection and transformation, Branson has conceived many of his biggest ventures there, including Virgin Galactic and his carbon-reduction initiatives.

Niko Contardi, our CEO here at EliteLyfe, was lucky enough to be invited to stay at Necker Island. He vetted the island, including all its services, activities, and catering options, to see if it really does live up to the hype. Safe to say, Niko instantly felt at home there and it wasn't long before he forgot about daily life.

Especially suited for special occasions, life ceremonies, weddings, and family getaways, Necker Island is a travel experience like no other. Let's now take a look at exactly why the tiny island is the ultimate Caribbean hideaway of your dreams. 

Awe-Inspiring Amenities & Activities 

As Richard Branson designed Necker Island to be his family’s holiday home, the luxury resort is a diverse playground for all ages. Whether you want to wind down in the Samudra spa treatment rooms or get your adrenaline pumping with water sports and the highly competitive beach Olympics, there is sure to be something you love on Necker Island. 

A huge fan of keeping fit and exploring the natural world, many of the activities at Necker involve physical exertion and stunning surroundings. For instance, the two floodlit Astroturf courts next to the Beach House are ideal for some tennis coaching by the resident pro as well as friendly tournaments. If tennis isn't your thing, there are several trails around the coast or over the island’s main ridge. One of the genuine staff will be more than happy to take you on a guided tour and point out facts about the island's flora and fauna.

Necker Island is home to some truly unique amenities and experiences. On your trip there, you can enjoy the following and more:

• Kitesurfing

• Water Skiing

• Wakeboarding

• 8-Person Paddle Boarding

• Sailing races

• Professional tennis courts and coach

• Sub wing 

• Snorkeling

• Scuba Diving

• Full or Half-Day excursions

• Beach Olympics 

• Exclusive spa treatments

• Beach Parties & Themed Nights 

• Freshwater infinity pools and a large hot tub on the beach

• Fully-equipped gym

• Pilates & Yoga classes

• Children’s activities including treasure hunts & animal feeding

• Life-sized chess

Niko recommends starting the day by exploring the coral reefs surrounding the island. You may then spend the afternoon wakeboarding or hanging out in the beach pool and enjoying the famous floating sushi bar. Later, you can end the day singing and dancing with the staff in one of the resort's many bars or festive-themed nights (Vegas rules apply).

Exotic & Endangered Wildlife

Necker Island is a utopia for wildlife lovers. Home to at least 140 different species, many of the animals were specially brought in by Branson due to being endangered in the region. 

Guests at Necker can expect to encounter many species they’ve never seen (or heard of) before. There's even the chance to get involved in the daily feeding of some of the endangered species—simply tell the staff which species you are interested in and they arrange the rest. 

On land, the wildlife you can expect to see at Necker Island includes:

• 60 Ring-tailed lemurs 

• Various types of lizard

• Scarlet Ibis birds

• Giant tortoise 

• Over 200 Flamingos 

• Macaws 

• Rock iguanas

For those looking to discover life out at sea, Necker is a snorkeling and scuba diving hotspot. There are boats and specialists ready and waiting for both on-water and underwater excursions at the watersports pavilion or Turtle Beach.

A trip out to sea at Necker Island is sure to involve encountering some of the following sea life:

• Loggerhead and Hawksbill turtles

• Colorful reef fish including Sergeant Majors, Damselfish, angelfish, bright parrotfish, spotted butterflyfish, fairy basslet, porkfish, pufferfish, French grunts, tiny seahorses, needlefish, and boxfish produce 

• Large conch shells and sea stars

• Nudibranch and sea slugs

• Stingrays and eagle rays

• Translucent moon jellyfish

• Soft reef corals

• Octopus 

High-Class Catering & Cuisine

Despite the incredible natural beauty of the island and the infinite range of activities, fine food is often the highlight of the stay at Necker. No dining experience is the same as the last. During your stay, you will feast all over the island and experience a range of traditional and modern cuisine, from relaxed, informal lunches on Turtle Beach to formal, romantic dinners on the Great House roof terrace.

A delightful touch at Necker is the themed nights. The island has famously been home to some legendary parties, and those of which we can share include the Casino Night with Necker Island chips, the Moroccan Night with incredible fusion dishes, Discover Fever (fancy dress party), and the unforgettable Beach Party with a fully stocked bar and 30-person hot tub.

The dining experience at Necker Island is continually surprising and takes full advantage of the islands distinct natural beauty: 

• The Great House. Dinner is usually served up on the roof terrace of the Great House. Meet at the bar for cocktails first before heading upstairs to have dinner in front of the sunset.

• The Beach Pavillion. The upper level of the Beach Pavilion is home to a huge dining table for 40 guests and breathtaking views overlooking the tennis courts to one side and the ocean to the other.

• Turtle Beach. The famous sailing race at Necker usually ends at Turtle Beach, where guests can enjoy a celebratory drink, a picnic-style lunch, or a BBQ dinner. 

• The Pool Pavilion: The pool complex features the infinity pool with a swim-up bar and, of course, the island's renowned sushi boat. Within the pool complex is also the Crocodile Pavilion where guests can enjoy unforgettable banquets on the solid teak crocodile table.

Authentic & Luxury Accommodation

As Branson's main goal at Necker is to ensure the whole island feels like your home, you may not spend much time retreating to the resort’s luxury accommodation. But when you do, you can be guaranteed a restful night’s sleep amidst the backdrop of the majestic nocturnal sounds of the island's diverse fauna. 

The accommodation on Necker Island includes the main Great House and nine individual Bali Houses dotted around the island. In total, the private island resort can accommodate up to forty guests plus six children in the bunkroom.

• The Great House. A Balinese-style villa that sits at the highest point of the island, The Great House comprises eleven bedrooms with king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms, as well as a six-bed bunk room for kids. The master suite is on the upper level, complete with a private outdoor hot tub and outdoor bath with astounding panoramic views of the Caribbean.

• The Bali Houses. The Bali Houses consist of six authentic villas specially built for couples. Bali Lo, Bali Buah, and Bali Kukila are in the middle of the island and boast stunning views and a large private pool. Bali Hi, Bali Cliff, and Bali Beach each have a private plunge pool and are built on a cliff to maximize views, sea breezes, and the sounds of the sea. 

• Temple House. Situated in the middle of the island, the Temple Master Suite and Temple Sunrise room are built in the same Balinese style you find elsewhere on the island and feature beautiful ocean views. 

Necker island is available to rent through EliteLyfe exclusively for up to forty guests. It is also possible to rent rooms for individuals, couples, or families. If you're lucky, you may even get to meet Sir Richard Branson himself when you stay. 

Contact our elite concierge team to ensure everything from pre-trip itineraries to luxury transfers are taken care of and you get the most out of every moment of your trip.

What it's Like to be Castaway On One Of The Most Luxurious Private Island on Earth

Being castaway on a tropical island brings to mind images of rustic shacks and basic services that are far away from the luxuries of the modern world. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience of returning to a more primitive way of living, but you wouldn’t necessarily want to stay there forever.

Calivigny Island turns this idea of the castaway experience on its head. An 80-acre private island with the amenities of a world-class resort, Calivigny rivals and even surpasses the palatial grandeur of the most royal, stately abodes. Every inch of the tiny secluded islet is designed to redefine the experience of being stranded on a deserted island.

The private island resort is located just seven minutes from the small volcanic island of Grenada in the eastern Caribbean. Known as the “Isle of Spice”, Grenada is widely heralded for its beautiful rolling landscapes, fertile valleys, rainforests, mountain lakes, and tropical climate. Not to mention its diverse spice plantations and capital of St. George—the yachting and charter-boat center of the eastern Caribbean.

Calivigny Island is worlds away from the bustling tourist towns of Grenada. And yet, there you will find nothing less than the height of luxury. Upon approaching the island, you may even feel as if you’re in a James Bond movie and are arriving at his lair, or more likely that of his arch-nemesis.

This impression isn't a coincidence. Its owner, French-Swiss billionaire Georges Cohen of France, bought the island in 2001 with the vision of transforming the land into an exquisite private island retreat for his family. Today, the architectural masterpiece and luxury playground is open to rent for guests who appreciate utter privacy combined with the finest things in life.

Our CEO Niko Contardi has personally stayed at Calivigny Island and tried and tested all that the magnificent resort has to offer. Join us as we dive into what he loves most about Calivigny and discover what it's like to be castaway on what is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious and exclusive private island resorts on the planet.

One-of-a-Kind Amenities & Activities

A stay at Calivigny private island resort can be as restful or exhilarating as you like. Even quiet moments such as an early morning run, massage, or yoga session in nature or a casual dinner at the secret harbor marina are infused with a sense of meaning that can only be felt when you are miles away from civilization.

With the capacity to entertain all ages, Calivigny boasts an endless array of unique experiences and activities onsite, on and underwater, and at destinations nearby that highlight the rich cultural heritage of the island. 

A several-day itinerary at Calivigny private island may consist of: 

• Exploring on land via bike, guided ATV, or walking

• Exploring at sea via jet ski, kayak, or paddleboard, or boats such as their catamaran Hobie cat 15

• Hanging out in the humongous resort-style pool with swim-up bar and underwater bicycles

• Snorkeling in the underwater museum

• Playing sports such as soccer and tennis 

• Trekking to one of the famous waterfalls – Annandale or Seven sisters

• Chocolate tasting at the Belmont Estate Chocolate Factory

• Traditional lunches at Belmont Estate

• Visiting the local market

• Visit a traditional Rum factory and testing

• Secluded massages in nature

• World-class cocktails at the pool bar

• Beach and barbecue parties with a local Soca band

Our CEO Niko recommends a day of exploring the reefs and sunken shipwrecks along the coastline, followed by a deep-sea fishing expedition or relaxing champagne sunset cruise. The day would also not be complete without trying out the mojitos at the pool bar and dancing and singing along to the incredibly rhythmic and intoxicating local Soca music. 

Exquisite Catering & World-Class Hospitality  

The staff at Calivigny Island will make you believe you’re staying at a royal residence. Every need and desire is attended to, and yet, due to the size and layout of the island, it will still feel as if you are the only person for thousands of miles.

The highly experienced team of dedicated staff at Calivigny include:

• Michelin Star chefs

• 24-hour housekeeping service

• 24-hour security

• Team of expert trainers and wellness professionals

• Activity, fishing, scuba diving, and watersport specialists

• Bartenders and cocktail specialists

• Drivers and pilots

• Event planners

• Villa and island managers

• Childcare team

The culinary experience at Calivigny provides enough reason to visit the island. The owner Georges has successfully managed to combine simple, local pleasures with high-end cuisine. The full-time Michelin Star chefs go out every morning to choose fresh fish and lobsters that have just been caught by the local fishermen. Most of the produce is sourced locally or hand-picked from their organic farm, and guests have an array of dining options from beach barbecues to formal dinner parties. 

The Grenadian people are largely of African descent and are known for being some of the friendliest people in the Caribbean. At the end of his stay, Niko was moved to hug and thank all the staff with a genuine appreciation for making him feel so at home. 

Royalty-Worthy Accommodation 

The seclusion and opulence of Calivigny island mean it can accommodate all kinds of events or escapes, from show-stopping and elite corporate events to private family celebrations, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and life ceremonies.

The private island resort is home to two main, palatial residences and three romantic beach bungalows on the other side of the island. Over many years and thousands of hours of work, Georges partnered with artisans and craftspeople from around the world to meticulously design a hidden tropical paradise like no other. A children’s and adult’s paradise, the island is also home to a cutting-edge treehouse with games consoles and fine white sand that was shipped in specially from the Maldives.

Calivigny island accommodates up to 40 guests across three suite configurations:

• The Beach House. Sitting on the far side of the island on Sunset Beach is an architectural masterpiece with ten luxury suites and room for up to ten adults. On a plot of 8,000 SqMt, the residence harmoniously blends French Colonial and Balinese style to create a luxury paradise. Each suite has its own private entrance, en-suite bathroom king-size bed, and is individually decorated and furnished with custom-designed furniture by Oscar de la Renta and Richard Frinier.

• The Overhang. The nine-suite 3,000 SqMt Overhang villa is called as such due to its design that juts out to sea. Its interior spaces were designed by Christopher Guy and are filled with world-class contemporary art. With vast terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows, the villa boasts boundless sea views and a feeling of being completely immersed by the sight and sound of the calm waves of the ocean. 

• The Calivigny Cottages. The Calivigny Cottages are located on the other side of the island close to Turtle Beach. Consisting of three two-bedroom beach villa cottages with six suites in total, they can accommodate up to twelve guests. Each beach cottage is incredibly private and has its own private jacuzzi. 

The quality of the accommodation at Calivigny has to be seen to be believed. Nowhere else on the planet can you feel so engulfed by nature while at the same time having access to a range of entertainment, dining, and living spaces that are fit for the most distinguished of guests and events. 

Calivigny private island resort is now available to rent through EliteLyfe exclusively for groups of up to 40 guests. Contact our elite concierge team and allow them to take care of everything, from pre-trip itineraries to luxury transfers, so you can get the most out of every moment of your trip.

Experience Your Own Private Golf Course At The Condor Club Luxury Golf Resort

Few golfers could ever dream of playing on their own private course. Never mind one that has pristine grounds, is surrounded by the French countryside, and offers complete peace aside from a few distant sounds of birds.

The Condor Club at Château du Coudreceau makes all this a reality and more. Set in the 200-acre estate of an 18th-century architectural masterpiece, this tour-ready, expertly-crafted golf course is a 14-hole wonder with the perfect mix of risk and reward. Every inch of this exclusive luxury golf resort is designed to allow you to disconnect from daily life and fully express your game. 

Located ninety minutes from Paris, The Condor Club at Château Du Coudreceau underwent a fifty million euro renovation in 2013, including the construction of its world-class fairways that effortlessly weave between centuries-old woodland and grand lakes. Built and managed by a world-class team that specializes in premium golf experiences and international luxury hospitality, the course is without a doubt one of golf's best-kept secrets.

Due to our close partnership with The Condor Club, all EliteLyfe clients who book a stay through us will receive exclusive benefits. On arrival, you will be gifted a personalized golf polo shirt, baseball cap, and personalized luxury leather travel bag tag. For a limited time only, you will also receive complimentary luxury transfers from any airport within a 150km radius of the estate.

A World-Class Championship Golf Course

Golf is a mental and physical test that will humble any player. You must be creative and daring, and yet also cautious and patient. Designed by Mr. Williams and his son and with consultation and guidance from Hawtree Design, The Arnold Palmer Design Company, and Paul McGinley Designs, the course at The Condor Club is an idyllic setting for this intrepid expedition into yourself and nature.

Over its 6,300 yards, players are faced with a series of natural hazards such as lakes, streams, and ponds, as well as an array of strategic bunkers, bridges, and tricky greens. The course provides a firm but fair challenge to golfers of all abilities, not to mention complete and utter immersion in the stunning natural beauty and tranquility of the Loire Valley region.

Several of the holes at this one-of-a-kind luxury golf resort can be played again from different tees to extend the course. The nineteenth hole is one of the Château’s two bars, sitting adjacent to the final green. This is just one of the resort's many unique amenities and signs of its outstanding Irish management and hospitality. 

The benefits of having exclusive use of the course are infinite. With zero tee times or member restrictions, you can leave the ball where it lays and take a break for lunch, take advantage of some personalized instruction (by appointment), and return later to pick up where you left off. The Condor Club is a world-class facility where players both amateur and professional are free to discover their full potential. 

Hone Your Game & Recharge With Luxury Amenities

The Condor Club luxury golf resort is also home to the world-class accommodation of Château du Coudreceau and a plethora of luxury amenities for relaxing, entertaining, and advancing your game. 

Within the estate, guests have private access to golf buggies, a golf simulator, putting green, kayaking, fishing, massages and spa treatments, an indoor pool, a games room, a fully stocked bar, and a gym with a wide range of training equipment. The hospitality and management team at the Condor Club are fully committed to providing the highest level of service that combines the French joie de vivre or “joy of living” with the impeccable level of care the Irish are known and loved for.

Why It’s The Perfect Time to Visit Nukutepipi Private Island Resort in Tahiti

Imagine being secluded on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 6000km from the closest continent, world’s away from the media, and where all you need is a bathing suit, sunglasses, and a strong sense of exploration.

Until recently, such a possibility was reserved entirely for the big screen and midday daydreams. But thanks to Guy Laliberté, the man behind Cirque du Soleil, who has opened up his private island nirvana to welcome discerning guests, it is now a full-blown reality.

The gift of Nukutepipi—a roughly triangular-shaped island sitting unspoiled in the heart of the South Pacific Ocean—couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. Nuku is a fully protected, delicate ecosystem that is largely independent of the outside world. The island produces much of its own produce, is 1,000km from the nearest civilization, and is available to rent exclusively for groups of up to fifty-two guests.

Such a level of privacy, safety, and seclusion is unheard of even in the world of luxury travel. Visiting a private island resort such as Nuku is not just a luxury vacation and a chance to unwind. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the unknown, discover new worlds, and expand your horizons in ways you never imagined possible.

Come on a journey with us among coconut palms, protected species, and untouched beaches as we uncover exactly what makes Nuku so special and the perfect place to visit for you and your friends or family.

Endlessly Surprising Amenities & Activities 

Nukutepipi private island is home to a wide range of facilities and activities that would rival any luxury resort. But unlike any luxury resort, experiencing Nuku’s state-of-the-art wellness amenities, enjoying its professional sports courts, and immersing yourself in its water sport activities is unquestionably the greatest experience you will ever have.

For example, imagine playing tennis or basketball beneath a blanket of glistening stars, before heading to the observatory to learn more about our vast universe in the island's stargazing program. Or, imagine indulging in a spa experience and feeling as if you were the only person on Earth or, for that matter, any other planet. Or, how about snorkeling or scuba diving in aquarium-clear waters and being surrounded by a prolific diversity of sea life, all who appear to be encountering a human as if for the first time. 

If you were stranded on the private island resort of Nuku, you would never run out of fun, novel, and awe-inspiring things to do. Whether you are five or sixty-five, prefer to spend your time on land or at sea, and are looking to unwind or excite your senses, Nuku has it all and more:

• Watersports facility

• State-of-the-art recording studio

• Tennis court

• Basketball court

• Archery, beach volleyball, javelin 

• Boats for diving, fishing & watersports activities

• Astronomical observatory

• Mirador in the forest canopy

• Spa, Nordic bath, & jacuzzi

• Fitness, yoga & cardio rooms

• Nature walks & fitness trails

• Game room/library

• Children’s digital game room

• Movie theatre

• DJ booth & full sound system

• Bird watching

• Whale watching (July to November)

• Diverse cultural activities

Uniquely, Nuku has a protected lagoon that doesn't have an open pass to the ocean. It’s the ideal place for spotting rare fauna, trying your hand at snorkeling, paddleboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, or kayaking, enjoying a ride in a traditional sailing canoe, and experiencing lagoon tours and motorized activities.

Nuku is also a dream destination for those wishing to learn about the local culture. Its rich cultural activities include pareo making, pearl culture, local crafts, Tahitian dance, Polynesian tales and legends, and even being healed by the island's bee colonies. 

Extremely Welcoming & Expert Hospitality 

During your stay at Nuku private island resort, you won't have to lift a finger. And yet, you will still feel as if you are castaway. The team at Nuku is extremely dedicated to offering impeccably discreet service and hospitality and ensuring that you and the island co-exist in complete harmony.

From organizing activities and providing unique spa treatments to whipping up local cuisine and introducing you to new species, the Nuku team goes above and beyond to fulfill your desires and make you feel at home.

The hospitality, wellness, and activity team at Nuku includes:

• A land activities coordinator

• A captain and a sailor for sea outings

• A lagoon activities coordinator

• A divemaster 

• A massage therapist (4 to 5 treatments a day depending on the duration of your stay) 

• A fitness attendant

• A nurse and a doctor

World-Class Tahitian Catering 

The private island resort experience is typically all-inclusive of food and drink. At Nuku, there are several divine dining options to choose from and you are served breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, drinks, and any snacks upon request throughout the day.

Each day at Nuku private island the master chefs design a menu of high-end cuisine using fresh, local ingredients and an emphasis on organic fruits and vegetables. Modern Tahitian food is a blend of Chinese, French, & Polynesia influences, and, of course, includes an abundance of freshly-caught seafood. 

For an even more extraordinary and romantic culinary experience, the restaurant team at Nuku can organize a private meal for two in surprising and secluded hideaways on the island.

The restaurant and catering facilities on Nuku include:

• Two full-service restaurants, including the Kaipoa beach bar and the Fare Kai Tuatako main restaurant

• All meals included: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and drinks

• Snacks can be served throughout the day upon request

Luxury Accommodation Without Walls

With exclusive access to the whole island, staying at Nuku private island will feel like your accommodation has no walls. The full-service luxury residences accommodate up to 52 guests and are meticulously designed to blend with the natural environment while at the same time providing all the luxuries of a boutique hotel.

There are 21 bedrooms and 25 bathrooms in total, split across the main villa, junior villas, and beach bungalows. The master villa is home to one master bedroom with a super king-size bed, a second bedroom with two queen-size beds, and two separate one-bedroom bungalows, one with a king bed and one with two queens. It also features an outdoor wooden bath under a pitched roof that is completely surrounded by rocks and trees.

• 1 master residence, naturally secluded and with its own private pool 

• 2 junior villas with breathtaking views and an outdoor lounge and private pool 

• 13 bungalows perched on unspoiled beach

• Wifi access, air conditioning, and tea and coffee facilities

Captivating Art & Buzzing Island Energy

Nukutepipi private island has attracted many of the world's most famous and celebrated musicians, artists, and business people. As well as inspiring internationally acclaimed groups to record hit albums in its state-of-the-art recording studio, it has also become home to a stunning collection of artwork.

The island’s expansive grounds are home to the Lune Rouge Collection, featuring works including tapas, tikis, and bas-reliefs, from renowned artists like Wim Delvoye, Jim Dine, and Damien Hirst. Each piece sits effortlessly within its surroundings and pays tribute to the rich Polynesian culture of the region.

A hidden trove of creative expression, rich cultural tradition, and dedication to environmental preservation, Nuku exudes an energy unlike any other place our CEO has visited. This energy, referred to as ‘mana’ by the locals, is the life force and spirit that surrounds and connects all living things. Once you step foot on the island, you will see and feel why it is such an important part of Tahiti culture.

Nukutepipi private island resort is available to rent through EliteLyfe exclusively for groups of up to 52. Allow our elite concierge team to take care of everything from pre-trip itineraries to luxury transfers, so you can make the most out of every moment of your trip.

My Trip To Islas Secas & What Makes This Private Island Shine

As CEO of EliteLyfe, I’ve had the good fortune to travel to many exotic and exclusive vacation destinations around the world. All for work, of course. It’s all part of our service. When dealing with the upper end of the luxury travel market, detail is everything, and we have to make sure that everything is perfect.

The fine details of a vacation experience cannot be grasped from photos and phone calls. It can only be experienced first-hand. You’ve got to get out there and breathe the air. I make the trip to get that all-important first-hand account of the location, the accommodations, the facilities, and the service so I know it’s right for our clients.

I’ve been lucky enough to tour and inspect a few private island resorts around the world. In March 2021 I took a trip to Islas Secas in Panama to vet it for EliteLyfe’s portfolio. Everything is perfect and I could go into great detail about it all but here’s what, for me, makes Islas Secas shine in its uniqueness as a private island experience.

All-Inclusive

The first thing you need to get out of your head when you’re looking at an all-inclusive private island vacation is any ideas about what “all-inclusive” means. I get it. In the past, all-inclusive has been a trap that binds tourists to set meals and restaurants and inhibits your freedom to explore beyond the hotel walls.

When you’re talking about the peak of luxury travel like Islas Secas, all-inclusive doesn’t restrict you at all. If anything, it gives you the freedom to experience new things that perhaps you wouldn’t do if you had to pay for it, like kitesurfing or e-foiling (but more on that later).

Food

Literally, every meal I had at Islas Secas was excellent. The Executive Chef, Saul, was trained in San Sebastian in Spain by a Michelin Star chef. They do a truly fantastic job and every single meal I had, everything I ate, was of the highest quality and cooked to the highest standards.

Islas Secas works with an organic farm on the mainland to ensure all fruit and vegetables are grown naturally and served fresh. Fish, octopus, as you can imagine, are caught daily right off of the island. When all the ingredients are fresh and organic, everything tastes amazing. Even a casual beach barbecue or a breakfast sandwich was like eating a five-star meal. We had grilled octopus, a variety of fish, steak, chicken. All sublime.

When you sit down for dinner at Islas Secas, Saul will often call over to the table to explain the creations they have made and to make sure everything is perfect. The pastry chef also comes to the table to present his artwork that he’s created to finish your dinner.

Wow, the pastry chef. He makes, bar none, some of the finest desserts and pastries I’ve had in my life. He’s very creative but he does traditional things perfectly too, like freshly made croissants for breakfast and mind-blowing dulce de leche.

In the evenings, he would get creative, and make exciting desserts with new and unusual combinations. One night, we had a miso chocolate mousse. Yes, miso. As in “miso soup”. Wild stuff but I love food, I think it should be fun, and it was absolutely phenomenal.

Beverages

Islas Secas is a beautiful paradise island and gosh, who wouldn’t want a nice refreshing drink? The service team doesn’t have a waiter-turned-bartender. There’s a professional mixologist who’s ready to excite and delight.

The first thing he made for me was a watermelon mint mezcal margarita. It was fresh, refreshing, and not too sweet. Perfect for the climate. I could tell straight away that we were going to be friends. Whenever I went to lunch or dinner he would greet me and ask, Mr. Contardi, is there anything I can make you to drink? My answer was often, yes.

When I went to breakfast in the morning the staff would ask, Mr. Contardi, can I get you your two shots of espresso with ice water and a little almond milk? My answer to that was always yes. They quickly learned that I liked a nightcap after dinner too. In my case, an extranjero served neat. All my favorite drinks were always served just the way I like them.

Staff & Service

The service staff at Islas Secas? What can I say, they are absolutely phenomenal. This is one of the things I love the most about luxury service that many don’t realize: the staff learns your habits, they get to know what you like at what times. They work for you and around you.

Luxury service is a fine art. You have to balance formal with personal and invisible with accessible. The staff ha to adapt according to how the customer sets the dynamic. I like warm and personal, so the team at Islas Secas got me straight away and always greeted me with pure smiles and family-like care and attention.

One of my favorite guys, David, knew how to party. We did some salsa dancing. Now I’m a big guy, and he was trying to teach me how to move but what he didn’t know is that I bring the flavor to the salsa and I bring it hot! We had such a fun time. The staff, they’re not just there to serve you, it’s all part of the relaxation process. Let go. Have fun. Good times.

Activities

At Islas Secas there are no TVs in the bedrooms. There are tablets and laptops for the kids so don’t worry but the point of being on a private island is to get outside - to explore - and to discover new things. Islas Secas is a paradise that was made for explorers.

Scuba Diving

My first activity was scuba diving. I went with a great professional instructor and saw eels, bat rays & pufferfish. Beautiful. I saw wildlife I’m not used to seeing which always creates a magical experience. It brought me into the moment. The busy life I left behind was instantly forgotten out here on the ocean.

At Islas Secas, the water is so clear, we were diving 40-50-60 feet under and visibility was perfect. There are very few boats in the area so the fish are not scared away. The islands are volcanic so the water is nice and warm due to rising thermal currents. It’s pleasant to swim at all hours of the day.

Fishing

The following day, I chose to go fishing. Now I’m no fisherman but Panama is well known for having some of the best fishing in the world. There are deep-sea fishing excursions for big tuna but I just chose a half-day trip just off of Islas Secas. We took a boat out with some great Spanish music and some beers. My kind of fishing trip.

Our guides had been fishing these waters for generations and so they took us to the best spots. Would you believe it, I caught a 40-pound roosterfish! That’s a rock star catch if ever there was one. Apparently, they’re common in the region but wow, what luck! Some of the guys caught some tuna that we kept for meals and everything else we released.

E-Foil

Ever heard of e-foiling? No, me either. It’s a new thing. It kind of looks like a surfboard but has a hydrofoil fin with an electric engine. I gave it a go and, even though at first I called it “e-falling”, I really got into it. I’m not someone who usually enjoys themselves with activities like kitesurfing but here was something I found easily accessible.

The island’s activity specialist - Israel - came out with me on another board and trained me. Helped me place my feet correctly. It was really nice to have that one-on-one time and I learned quickly. On the third day, I got it. Amazing. I was singing “I believe I can fly” in my head. Haha. When you’re up on the board it’s just you, the ocean, the elements, the saltwater, and you’re there just floating on the air. Magical experience. I’m hooked! I’m an e-foiler!

& Relax...

Finally, after all this activity, I wanted to relax, so I booked in to have a massage at the spa at Islas Secas. The spa is beautiful. It has a peaceful setting in the jungle and has an outdoor copper tub and shower. I had a deep-tissue massage with aromatherapy oils and sound bowls. Now I’m a tough piece of meat but boy did she get in deep. I like a strong massage and yes, the team at Islas Secas weren’t there to tickle and play games. Afterward, they gave me a refreshing drink, and pow, I was done.

Accommodations

Islas Secas has a maximum capacity of 24 guests. The main property - Casa Grande - has four bedroom suites. There are two separate two-bedroom villas with plunge pools and three one-bedroom tented casitas. I stayed in Casa Grande. It was perfect. Ocean views. Sunrise views. Truly magical.

All of the accommodations at Islas Secas can be rented separately, allowing couples and small families access to the private island experience. More information on the villas at Islas Secas is available from the EliteLyfe website or give me or the team a call today to talk about it.