Best Private Island Deals!

Copyright Karen Schaler all rights reserved

Heading out early this morning to the airport to catch a four and a half hour flight to Antigua and then a private boat to Jumby Bay, a top-rated private island in the Caribbean and a favorite TRAVEL THERAPY destination! When I arrive on the island I’ll practically have the entire resort to myself. Here’s why.  

Jumby Bay officially closed in June for a major renovation and expansion project so the resort’s main 42 suites are closed down. The resort has kept its dozen villas open along with a few select estate homes you can rent and that’s where I’ll be staying as I check out what’s happening at the island.

Since it is TRAVEL TUESDDAYS and this is the day I always take this chance each week to talk about the best travel deals and fabulous finds, it just makes sense to see what kind of deals you can get right now at some of the top private islands in the Caribbean.

These exclusive properties rarely offer traditional “discounts” but what they are doing right now is offering value added incentives so discriminating guests can know they are getting the most for their travel dollars. These top TRAVEL THERAPY destinations are featured in my new book TRAVEL THERAPY: Where Do You Need to Go? and are ideal for celebrating special occasions like honeymoons and anniversaries because the vibe is quiet, romantic and laid back.

 When a lot of people think of a private island vacation they automatically assume they could never afford to go, but I’m going to show you in this TRAVEL THERAPY feature today that if you find the right special a private island vacation won’t cost you more than a stay in middle of the road chain hotel.

Jumby Bay hasn’t officially released prices for its re-opening this winter but there’s talk of offering some super specials to show off the new luxury resort so it’s a great chance to stay at Jumby Bay. If you budget can’t swing staying an entire week at Jumby Bay you can always stay at a hotel on Antigua for a few days and then come over the Jumby Bay for a two night splurge. Trust me, it’s totally worth it. Even one night at Jumby Bay will leave you feeling transformed.  

PETER ISLAND

Another top rated private island in the British Virgin Islands is Peter Island. Peter Island is known for catering to the jet-set but right now this private island paradise is offering some fantastic deals. You have to keep in mind that on a private island if your room is $400 or $500 a night for two people don’t freak out and think it’s out of  your budget because that price includes everything, food, drinks, entertainment, you name it and it is included.

If you stay at a “regular” chain hotel in the Caribbean you can easily spend several hundred dollars a night and then be forking out even more money for food and drinks and all your entertainment, racking up an even larger bill than you would have had at a private island.The key is never paying full price and always taking advantage of any special packages. Here are a few great deals going on right now at Peter Island that are worth checking out.

Best Travel Specials and Deals

Peter Island’s Reconnect with Family Special:

·   Book between:         20 February – 31 May 2009

·   Stay between:          07 July – 19 December 2009

Now through 31 May 2009, book your first room at standard daily or package rate and receive your second room at 50% off.  Available in both Ocean View Rooms and Beach Front Junior Suites. Love it! I’ve stayed in the Junior Suites and they are phenomenal! Worth every penny!

Peter Island’s Two for One Special

·   Book between:         20 February – 14 April 2009

·   Stay between           01 April – 14 Apr 2009 

Enjoy a double occupancy room and stay at single occupancy rate in our Ocean View Rooms !  Book now through 14 April 2009 for a stay between 01 April and 14 April 2009 in our Ocean View Room accommodations ONLY and receive this added value.   As a special bonus:  Our Easter Holiday rates have been lifted.  Book your stay for Easter week in our Ocean View Room accommodations ONLY and receive a savings of $520 per night!   

GUANA ISLAND

Guana is another fantastic private island TRAVEL THERAPY escape with a more rugged twist. This unique 850 acre private resort is the home of a wildlife sanctuary. With 7 beaches and only 36 guest rooms this is where you want to go if you love connecting with nature.

They have a great saying on Guana that goes like this, “Imagine the Caribbean before it went public,” and that pretty much sums up the authentic atmosphere.

On Guana you can rent rooms, beach cottages and villas or even rent out the entire island. My advice for your first time is to go during “off season” and grab a simple room at a great price so you can get a feel of Guana and then if you want to come back you can always upgrade another time.

One of the best deals going is a hill top room for two people for $700 a night but before you gasp that includes:

·        All your meals

·        Wines for lunch and dinner

·        Unlimited use of tennis courts, sailboats, kayaks, windsurfers, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment and pedal boats

·        Beach BBQ’s and Old Movie Nights

·        Laundry service

·        Roundtrip Transfers from Tortola

Also in the summer they offer Kids Week where kids under 8 stay free.

SCRUB ISLAND

Another private island to keep an eye on that’s opening in October is Scrub Island, also in the BVI. I visited this private island resort a few months ago and got to see all the new villas and suites going up. This will be the first new resort in the BVI in 15 years and when it finally officially opens  it’s going to be a stunner. A few models were completed when I was there and they looked sensational and there were promises of great deals coming up for the opening!

So the bottom line is don’t rule out private islands when you’re searching for a special TRAVEL THERAPY destination. While they might not be for your everyday vacation private island resorts can make a great choice when you want to celebrate something memorable.

Here’s your TRAVEL THERAPY checklist for getting a great deal at a private island resort.

ü Visit off season for best rates

ü Check websites for discounts and call and ask about the latest specials

ü Chose the most affordable room

ü Buy travel insurance if you’re worried about weather

ü Consider all the price includes before deciding you can’t swing it

ü Only stay a few days on a private island—even a few days is worth it

I would love to hear about any private island you love or have your eye on. Now I’m off to catch my flight! I’ll have more on what’s happening at Jumby Bay coming up!