Kamalame Cay, Bahamas
When you want to get away from it all, go to Kamalame Cay in Andros in the Bahamas. Just getting to this private island is an adventure. I took a flight, commuter flight, cab ride to dock, and water taxi to the island. The minute the water taxi docked on the island, it’s like I clicked my heels twice and I was there, all the machinations of getting there went out of my head. I was in another world. All that mattered was the beauty surrounding me, lush greenery, beautiful white sand beach. You might think you’re in a movie. I did.
The resort is located just off the world’s third-largest Great Barrier reef on 97 acres with coconut palm groves, bougainvilleas, an array of stunning vegetation that competes with the sparkling bluest-of-blue sea for what deserves the most oohs and ahhs. The bungalows, villas, cottages, and beach houses are spread out for miles, you don’t have to worry about traffic when you’re wheeling around in your golf cart along the white sand roads. It mostly feels like you and Mother Nature. Even when it’s mealtime, or you hang out on the beach or freshwater pool, there’s just enough people to have a lively atmosphere. You can do a lot, be it bone and deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, diving, playing tennis, biking, picnicking, or chill watching a movie at the alfresco cinema, at the pool, sipping a cocktail at the Monkey Bar, or in a hammock along the beach. If you’re in a really quiet mood, simply go from your back patio/deck and walk the few steps to your cabana, curl up with a book, a glass of wine on the table and marvel at the sea in front of you. A spa visit is a must-do. Kamalame boasts the Bahamas only overwater spa. I’ll never forget the wind blowing, the sea splashing and the big thrill, a stingray swimming past during my Swedish massage. The full-service spa offers everything from facials, exfoliation, wraps and custom treatments. When it comes to cuisine, the resort impresses there too. Kamalame gets that it’s the little things. Every morning there’s a continental breakfast basket delivered to your room in case you don’t want to come to the Great House. Every afternoon freshly baked cookies arrive at your room. Staff is warm, genuine, you’ll likely have many conversations and maybe even make a friend. Oh, this here is paradise, peace.
Hotel Rangá, Hella, Iceland
To experience this majestic world wonder in its full glory, South Iceland offers good odds and optimum viewing and Hotel Rangá is one of the best places to stay given its secluded countryside location providing darker skies, less artificial lights, and even Northern Lights wake-up calls. Plus, Hotel Rangá is also home to an advanced stargazing observatory with a roll-off roof, two high quality telescopes, and an astronomy expert, perfect for nights when the Aurora Borealis may not make a visit. Treat yourself to one of the hotel’s continent-themed suites––featuring décor from Africa to Antarctica. You can test your taste buds by munching on cross smoked puffin and reindeer carpaccio at the popular Adv Restaurant Rangá.
The Galapagos
Live your best life and go ahead and mark this off your bucket list. Sail the Galapagos with Ecoventura. You don’t have to deal with crowds. The tour is for just 20 guests. The identical luxury expedition yachts, Origin & Theory by Ecoventura, are named after Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and Origin of Species. They are managed like floating boutique hotels and are the only Galapagos vessels to have joined the ranks of the ever so chic-chic, esteemed Relais & Chateaux collection. The seven-night itinerary includes daily excursions and educational briefings led by two certified naturalists—and boasts the most favorable passenger to naturalist ratio in the Galapagos. Daily activities include beautiful snorkeling opportunities, kayaking, beach walks and hiking tours that bring you up close and personal to the destination’s most fascinating species. Wildlife wanders freely and fearlessly throughout the archipelago. Cherish the moments you’ll spend swimming with sea turtles, sunbathing with sea lions or face-to-face with the famous blue-footed boobies.
Southernmost Beach Resort, Key West
If you want to stay stateside, consider the newly renovated Southernmost Beach Resort in Key West. Situated along the quieter southern limit of the famed Duval Street, the resort features classic coastal charm and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Choose among three palm-fringed pools with private cabanas, a secluded tanning pier, a signature restaurant, and four bars. A full-service spa, group fitness classes, live entertainment, and unique programming, including cocktail tastings and painting classes, make Southernmost Beach Resort ideal.