As I’m getting ready to head to Jumby Bay, an award-winning private island in the Caribbean near Antigua, I’m thinking about the other top private islands featured in the TRAVEL THERAPY book and how remote and exclusive doesn’t always mean budget busting. If you’re looking for a special romantic escape or you just need to get away and disconnect and rejuvenate, a private island paradise is a fantastic TRAVEL THERAPY escape that literally forces you to slow down and relax. There’s a whole chapter about Private Islands Vacation in my  new book TRAVEL THERAPY: Where Do You Need to Go?

The first time I ever visited a private island was about twelve years ago when I wanted to get away to the Caribbean but I was a strict budget. I had checked out the hotels in the area I was interested in and they were too pricey so I decided to charter a small sailboat and sail around the islands instead, sleeping on the boat.  People are always surprised when I tell them this is actually an affordable option. We chartered with Moorings and also signed up for a captain so we could relax and the for a week on the water, including food, drinks and tip it came to about a $1800, that’s just $900 a  piece for a one week vacation! This kind of sailing adventure is still one of my favorite TRAVEL THERAPY choices! 

For our sailing adventure we chose the British Virgin Islands because the island there had some of the top resorts in the world. Our plan was to visit the islands, check them out and then go back on the boat to sleep and then we could decide which resort we loved the most and save up and come back. 

PETER ISLAND  

The island top on my list to visit was Peter Island. I had read about this stunning private island and couldn’t wait to get there and the only way there is by boat or helicopter. On Peter Island there’s only one small resort with 52 rooms and some new private villas. The resort allows sailors to use a section of the private beach and if you make reservations ahead you can come ashore for dinner. For my first trip I just spent some time on the beach and had a fantastic dinner but the experience was magical and I promised someday I would be back. 

About ten years later when I finally got smart and figured out how to make travel writing my job I went back to Peter Island for a cover story I was doing for U.S. Airways about exploring seven islands in seven days and this time I got to stay on the island and enjoy a beautiful junior suite. 

But the highlight has to be the last time I visited, a few months ago, when I stayed in the new spectacular six bedroom villa that has just opened called Falcon’s Nest. This beauty (pictured) is perched on the hillside overlooking the Caribbean and it includes everything you could wish for and more! For a stay here you’ll have your own private chef and butler and there’s even a spa room and workout room.

So if you’re reading all this and thinking “great, but I can’t afford THAT,” think again! If you’re watching your bank account one of the best ways to visit a top rated private island like Peter Island is to keep an eye on the properties internet site for specials. Yes, even private islands offer specials. On Peter Island’s site you’ll find a link to “special promotions” and “package deals”.

Usually you’ll find the best rates right before or right after high season and that’s when you can save substantially, sometimes more than 50 percent! My favorite time to go is at the tail end of hurricane season because you can score some great finds. Okay, sure there is the weather to worry about but what are the odds the few days you go will be the days there would be any problems.

Think about it. How often have you heard about Peter Island in the news when it comes to hurricanes? Exactly. Another options if you want to enjoy a private island for an affordable vacation is to limit your stay. Maybe you can’t afford a seven day trip but four days on an island like Peter Islands is better TRAVEL THERAPY than seven days at an average property.

You also don’t have to get the most expensive room on the island. Start with a standard room, all the rooms are great, and how often are you in your room anyway? Another way to save money is that often time the top private islands are all inclusive so you pay one price up front and know what you’re getting into and can afford. So you don’t have any sticker shock when you get there!

JUMBY BAY

The private island of Jumby Bay is the same, all inclusive, and at this private island all drinks, including top shelf cocktails, are included so can relax when you arrive knowing everything is already paid for. For more on Jumby Bay read the last post and get ready to book a trip because this island is fantastic.  

GUANA ISLAND

Another island private island in the Caribbean worth checking out for a TRAVEL THERAPY escape is called Guana Island, a 850 acre private island resort with 7 beaches and rooms for 36 guests. This island is also a wildlife sanctuary and makes you feel like you’re living your own episode of LOST.   

DESROCHES ISLAND, SEYCHELLES

If you want to venture outside the Caribbean then head to the Seychelles and the private island called Desroches. Featured in my new book TRAVEL THERAPY: Where Do You Need to Go? Desorches is special because on this quiet island the unspoiled beaches seem to stretch on forever and the water is so turquoise blue it’s almost unbelievable. The resort on the property, while exclusive, isn’t pretentious. There’s a laid back vibe here that makes you feel at home. There are only  twenty suites on the island so you’re guaranteed your privacy. If you get tired of laying on the beach you can also do some  kayaking or windsurfing or just sip an island cocktail and toast the sunset!