Top 10 luxury hotels you can buyout during the pandemic

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Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (July 6, 2020): Top 10 luxury hotels that offer buyouts during the pandemic.

Booking a full buyout of a luxury hotel is not a new thing for deep-pocketed travelers, but during these pandemic year of social distancing and minimal contact there has never been a better time. Resort buyouts are perfect for going ahead with your family vacation, reunion or private celebration, and making sure it is just the way you want it to be even during this challenging period. Each resort is operating as usual, and secures the entire premises – the rooms, restaurants, pool, spa and more – solely for your traveling group. If you are looking for an exclusive escape, here’s my selection of the best hotels & resorts in the world that you can buyout during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Think I forgot one? How do you feel about hotel buyouts? Leave a comment.

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10. ANANTARA SIR BANI YAS ISLAND RESORTS, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

A unique blend of desert, beach and wildlife attractions accentuate this luxurious island retreat, located just off the Abu Dhabi coast in the sparkling Arabian Gulf. The island is a protected wildlife sanctuary with free-roaming animals, including the near-extinct Arabian Oryx (there are thought to be as few as 3,000 living in the wild) and cheetahs. There are three different resorts on the island, all managed by Anantara: an iconic fortress-style hotel overlooking the Arabian Gulf, a rustic luxury lodge in the heart of the island, and all-villa sanctuary reminiscent of an Emirati fishing village overlooking mangroves and the Arabian Gulf. Renting out the entire island is priced from $89,000 USD but you can also secure the exclusive use of just one resort (from $29,000 to $40,000 USD per night). 

9. SHELDON CHALET, ALASKA, USA

Sheldon Chalet is an all-inclusive experience like nothing else in Alaska or the world. Prior to Sheldon Chalet the only way to experience an overnight in the wilderness of Denali National Park was to be a climber, sleeping in a tent, eating freeze dried food and battling the elements. The 5 bedroom chalet offers a majestic setting, pure luxury sleeping on plush bedding, gourmet dining, and relaxing saunas with some of the most dramatic vistas in the Alaska Range. The lodge is offered as a private experience for up to 10 guests traveling as one family or friend group for a minimum of 3 nights / 4 days (starting at $ 35,000 USD), and includes an inbound and outbound helicopter flightseeing tour from Talkeetna or Anchorage, all food prepared by a world-class chef, use of adventure apparel & gear, guided exploration and adventure in the mile Don Sheldon Amphitheater.

SHELDON CHALET, ALASKA

8. HALF MOON, MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA

Half Moon, one of the Caribbean’s most iconic destinations, is set on 400 acres of manicured grounds with two miles (3 km) of beachfront. Half Moon offers individually appointed rooms, suites and villas – most of which have views of the Caribbean Sea. Guests enjoy extensive offerings, including the largest spa oasis in the Caribbean, an 18-hole championship golf course, the Sugar Mill (designated Jamaica’s best restaurant), an equestrian centrer, state-of-the-art fitness facilities and watersports. Little VIP guests will have lots to enjoy as well, such as the property’s Anancy Children’s Village Pony Park and specially curated children’s menu at the restaurants. Hotel buyout starts at $849 USD per room per night; this includes a mandatory food and beverage plan and must include 41 rooms per night.

  • Hotel website: Half Moon
  • Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit).

HALF MOON, MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA

7. AWASI PATAGONIA, CHILE

Awasi Patagonia by Relais & Chateaux is situated in some of the most dramatic, spectacular and changeable scenery across the world. Built in native wood to blend with its natural surroundings, the lodge offers 14 one bedroom villas that look out across the expansive and wild Patagonian landscape. With a double bedroom, cozy living room, bathroom and hot tub at each villa, it is the perfect place for a romantic hideaway or from which to explore this remote area. Away from the retreat, guests can enjoy a number of guided excursions, from visiting glaciers to exploring the national park by horseback; with this varied landscape and myriad of flora and fauna, adventurers will have plenty to see and do. Buyouts start at $50,000 USD for a minimum three night stay. The two other Awasi locations (Atacama and Iguazu) are also available for buyouts.

AWASI PATAGONIA, CHILE

6. LITTLE PALM ISLAND, FLORIDA KEYS, USA

Little Palm Island is a close as you can get to a luxury hotel experience on an exclusive private island in the continental USA. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this Florida Keys resort is a secluded world of lush tropical gardens, crushed seashell paths, and 30 thatched-roof, Bahamas-style bungalows. With no phones or television, the soundtrack at this resort is the lapping of ocean waves, the rustle of the leaves in the breeze, and the melody of neighboring birds and tree frogs. Days are spent in hammocks fixed to the palm trees, lounge chairs on the small beach, and the world-class restaurant and spa. For $250,000 USD, the island can be yours for three nights and a travel party of 30 people. The hotel buyout includes gourmet meals, dockage for up to 10 yachts, water sports amenities and gear, tax, gratuity and more, but excludes alcoholic beverages.

LITTLE PALM ISLAND, FLORIDA KEYS, USA

5. FOUR SEASONS RESORT LANAI, HAWAII, USA

On the southeastern shores of Hawaii’s last unspoiled island, Four Seasons Resort Lanai is a gateway to an exotic, private paradise where opportunities for adventure and relaxation abound. The ultraluxe resort – which reopened in 2016 after undergoing a multi-million dollar transformation – offers dazzling views over the gold crescent of Hulopo’e Beach to the blue-green waters of a protected marine preserve. Inspired by Hawaii’s diverse and storied influences, the interiors showcase walls of teak and zebra wood edging artisan-produced Nepalese lokta paper and floors of mahogany laid with wool hand-woven area rugs. Verdant botanical gardens, two lagoon-style pools and cascading waterfalls serve as a beautiful backdrop for outdoor art and sculpture. The resort offers 217 over-sized guest rooms & suites, two restaurants (including a NOBU), a full-service spa, and two legendary golf courses.

4. KOKOMO ISLAND, FIJI

Located on the edge of the celestial Kadavu Island Group and approximately 45 minutes flight from Nadi International Airport, Kokomo Island is a paradise encircled by the famous Great Astrolabe Reef. A world away from the world, this is a place where spectacular white sand beaches will be yours for the taking, where privacy is paramount, and where service is superior. There are 21 one- to three-bedroom beachside villas to choose from, each with its own deck from which you can see the blue of your private infinity pool merge with the aquamarine of the Pacific Ocean. For elevated views, opt for one of the five hilltop residences with an in-house chef, personal butler and nanny, as well as sweeping views of the island’s white-sand beaches, verdant rainforest and picturesque gardens. You can buyout this entire private island hotel in Fiji for $150,000 USD a night once quarantine ends.

  • Hotel website: Kokomo Island
  • Other accolades: Kokomo Island also features in my top 10 list of the best beach hotels in the South Pacific.
  • Tip: get comlpimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

KOKOMO ISLAND, FIJI

3. LE BARTHELEMY HOTEL & SPA, ST BARTS

An exclusive escape right beside a peaceful lagoon, Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa feels like your own piece of paradise. Light, airy interiors capture the relaxed spirit of island life, with décor and furnishings that reflect the natural beauty of St Bart’s. Supremely luxurious, comprised of natural materials and bathed in light, the 44 rooms and suites are serene and stylish, designed by Sybille de Margerie with a deft hand to conjure an emotional response that complements and never competes with its island backdrop. Guests at the resort dedicate their days to total relaxation: taking a dip in the infinity pool, sipping a cocktail at the beach bar, pampering themselves in the spa, or dining on island-inspired French cuisine at Aux Amis restaurant. A full hotel buyout ranges anywhere from $67,000 to $190,000 USD per night, depending on the season, and requires a three-night minimum stay.

  • Hotel website: Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa
  • Tip: get comlpimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, roundtrip airport transfers, and $100 USD resort credit).

LE BARTHELEMY HOTEL & SPA, ST BARTS 

2. SIX SENSES ZIL PASYON, SEYCHELLES

Six Senses Zil Pasyon is located on the island of Félicité, one of the most dramatically beautiful and unspoiled islands in the Seychelles. With massive granite boulders fringing the shoreline and picture perfect beaches, it is the island’s dramatic beauty that make it the perfect private island escape. True to Six Senses heritage of creating exceptional guest experiences in places of incredible beauty, the resort occupies just one-third of the island’s land total – the rest is left to the beauty of nature and wildlife. The resort offers 28 pool villas plus 17 private residences, six dining and bar venues on the island, sport and leisure facilities, three pristine sandy beaches and a phenomenal spa. A buyout of the hotel starts at $370,000 USD per week. For that, 20 guests get the pick of the island’s villas and residences, bespoke menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and full access to the island’s wealth of facilities.

1. SONEVA FUSHI, MALDIVES

Soneva Fushi, the first luxury hideaway in the Maldives, is set on a private tropical island in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The island – which is 1,400 m (4,600 ft) long and 400 m (1300 ft) wide – ranks among the largest islands in the Maldives. Apart from the crystal clear waters, white beaches and tropical climate, the island’s unusually rich vegetation offers a unique natural experience. Massive, multi-bedroom, fairytale-like luxury villas and private residences are hidden among dense tropical foliage. In keeping with the castaway theme, many are built to resemble tree houses. All open to their own private stretch of sugar white sands, and most boast their own private seawater swimming pools. Intuitive service is provided by Mr/Ms Friday butlers who know what you want before you want it. A stroll on the island’s spotless beaches invariably summons up Robinson Crusoe stories. Guests can “buy out” Soneva Fushi starting at $100,000 USD per night.

Contact me to get complimentary Soneva ambassador benefits at Soneva Fushi (e.g. resort credit and two personalized Soneva experiences).

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