Sublime Retreats and Island Hideaways

When the travel bans have lifted, we know you’ll be eager to travel far afield. Until then, start planning your getaway

Written by Lauren Jade Hill

Islas Secas, Panama

One of the newest private islands to join the luxury travel scene, Islas Secas has made waves since officially opening late last year. The privately owned archipelago lies in the marine life–rich waters off Panama’s Pacific Coast, just a short distance from Coiba National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its plentiful sea creatures and diversity of coral. The luxury enclave spans one island at the heart of the archipelago, with garden-enshrouded casitas with pools accommodating up to just 18 guests. Explore the wilderness from here before indulging in ocean-to-fork dining infused with Panamanian flavor at the cathedral-like open-sided Terraza and unwinding with a cocktail at the Hemingway-style bar. More than just an upscale place to stay, the resort also established the Islas Secas Foundation to protect the surrounding environment by collaborating on initiatives with local research and education programs. Use the resort as a base to experience this unique part of the world while looking out for the giant mantas, dolphins and humpback whales that pass through.

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Sublime Retreats and Island Hideaways

When the travel bans have lifted, we know you’ll be eager to travel far afield. Until then, start planning your getaway

Written by Lauren Jade Hill

Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Sustainability and style come together at Soneva Fushi. Known in equal parts for its eco-friendly philosophy and over-the-top luxury, the resort pairs the creation of local community and environmental projects with one-of-a-kind facilities like a state-of-the-art observatory and glass-blowing studio in addition to its lavish villas, which are tucked among the island’s flora, destination dining spots and Six Senses Spa. Not only does 2020 mark Soneva Fushi’s 25th year, it also marks the arrival of the legendary island resort’s first-ever overwater villas. The eight one- and two-bedroom standalone suites, which are planned to debut later this year, reflect Soneva’s drive for sustainability with low-impact design using materials that are sustainable sourced to complement the Maldives’ natural beauty. Just like the overwater villas on sister island Soneva Jani, these lavish hideaways come with private pools and slides plunging into the turquoise sea.

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Sublime Retreats and Island Hideaways

When the travel bans have lifted, we know you’ll be eager to travel far afield. Until then, start planning your getaway

Written by Lauren Jade Hill

Wa Ale, Myanmar

Wa Ale is a resort built on the endeavor to protect and preserve the environment. Even before the mesmerizing island hideaway made its debut, its founders had established a platform for conservation and community projects. Set deep in the Mergui Archipelago off Myanmar’s southernmost coast, Wa Ale and its surrounding islands are exceptionally remote. It’s perhaps this isolation that gives the protected region its abundant wildlife, lush flora, wealth of marine life and authentic local culture of fishing villages and sea gypsies. Wa Ale Resort introduces you to this local community and pristine environment while also providing a barefoot luxury retreat distinguished by beachfront, safari-style tented suites, treetop villas, an open-sided pavilion for dining with an ocean view and jungle-backed beach bar for sunset cocktails. Following its 2018 launch, the resort is now set to debut a new collection of ultra-luxury beach residences on the opposite side of the secluded island.

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Sublime Retreats and Island Hideaways

When the travel bans have lifted, we know you’ll be eager to travel far afield. Until then, start planning your getaway

Written by Lauren Jade Hill

Necker Island, British Virgin Islands

An island renowned for its celebratory spirit, beach dinners, water sports and floating sushi bar, Necker is the epitome of island decadence and an idyllic pocket of paradise to escape to within the British Virgin Islands. Originally bought by business magnate Sir Richard Branson in 1978, Necker is among the world’s most talked-about island getaways in part thanks to its reputation for hedonism. The resort reopened partially at the end of 2018 after the destruction of Hurricane Irma, and guests in 2020 are the first to see it fully completed. The newly renovated Bali Hi Balinese-style private house, which now has its own private plunge pools, was completed before the summer. Reserve the entire island, which accommodates up to 30 guests, or plan ahead for a Celebration Week, when you can book on a suite-by-suite basis.

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Sublime Retreats and Island Hideaways

When the travel bans have lifted, we know you’ll be eager to travel far afield. Until then, start planning your getaway

Written by Lauren Jade Hill

Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique

Sustainable architecture integrating 3-D printing and traditional crafts make this luxury retreat on the shores of the protected Bazaruto Archipelago’s remote Benguerra Island one of 2020’s most intriguing openings.

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Sublime Retreats and Island Hideaways

When the travel bans have lifted, we know you’ll be eager to travel far afield. Until then, start planning your getaway

Written by Lauren Jade Hill

The Chedi Kudavillingili, Maldives

This private island retreat planned for a 2020 debut promises chic overwater villas inspired by local design, a beach club, an overwater spa and an almost-500-foot-long pool amidst the turquoise waters of the Maldives’ Kaafu Atoll.

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Sublime Retreats and Island Hideaways

When the travel bans have lifted, we know you’ll be eager to travel far afield. Until then, start planning your getaway

Written by Lauren Jade Hill

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Caye Chapel, Belize

Oceanfront estates, private residences and overwater bungalows infused with the Four Seasons DNA will provide an escape on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System when this resort opens in 2021.