Precious Private Islands

Desroches Island is the main island of the Amirante Islands, part of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. Few places on earth can be described as paradise until you come across destinations like Desroches Island. Pristine fine sand beaches, unique wildlife, and unspoilt vegetation all make up a part of this jewel in the Indian Ocean.

 

Royal Belize is a seven acre private island, the entire staff works for you and only you, located in beautiful Central America on the western Caribbean coast. With every comfort and amenity you can conjure, Royal Belize is a true retreat for the mind, body and soul. Every single spot is reserved for your private use, and you also get the privilege of being right near the second largest coral reef in the world! 

 

Laucala is a private island in the Fijian Pacific archipelago and the site of the exclusive Laucala Resort. Icing sugar-like beaches, dazzling turquoise lagoons, rich green mountains, scenic panoramas, swaying palm trees, and continually smiling people greet you at this secluded private island.

 

For the small price of $54,500 a night, Necker Island can be all yours! A small island in the British Virgin Islands, it is owned by Sir Richard Branson, famous for his Virgin brand. Accommodating up to 28 guests the island has two private beaches, private pools, tennis courts, breathtaking views, a personal chef, a team of about 60 staff and a multitude of water sports equipment.

 

Tetiaroa is a private island in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, in the Pacific. Once the vacation spot for Tahitian royalty, the island is famous for having been purchased by Marlon Brando. The only permanent resident is Simon Teihotu Brando, Brando's 48 year old son and the island's caretaker.

 

Musha Cay is an exclusive private island resort over 4 islands owned by illusionist David Copperfield. Located in the Exuma chain of southern Bahamas, this little slice of paradise boasts 700 acres of lush natural beauty. Copperfield's site is proud to say "Surely it's one of the most secluded spots on earth, yet everything you want is provided... then quietly, unobtrusively replenished."

 

Parrot Cay is a private island, and is part of the Turks and Caicos. It combines nature – 1000 unspoilt acres, including a mile-long powdered beach – with understated style, cosseting service and smiling staff. The island has eight private houses owned by Christie Brinkley, Keith Richards, Bruce Willis, and Donna Karan just to name a few...

 -Tracy Smith

The most fascinating ruins

Ruins; impressive structures made by man and destroyed by time, have always fascinated me. There is something truly interesting about walking around ancient ruins and imagining what life must have been like at the time. Below are just a few of my favorites and quite frankly all ruins and the stories behind them interest me.

Timgad was a Roman colonial town in North Africa founded by the Emperor Trajan around 100 AD. It is located in modern-day Algeria, about 35 km east of the town of Batna. Located at the intersection of six roads, the city was walled but not fortified. Originally designed for a population of around 15,000, the city quickly outgrew its original specifications and spilled beyond the orthogonal grid in a more loosely-organized fashion.

 

Palenque was a Maya city state in southern Mexico that flourished in the 7th century. The Palenque ruins date back to 100 BC to its fall around 800 AD. After its decline it was absorbed into the jungle, which is made up of cedar, mahogany, and sapodilla trees, but has been excavated and restored and is now a famous archaeological site attracting thousands of visitors.

 

The Ayutthaya Historical Park covers the ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya, Thailand, which was founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of the country until its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767. According to historians the city rivaled even Europe's capitals at the time. So prosperous was the kingdom that Burma burned and sacked the city in jealousy.

 

Palmyra is in the heart of the Syrian desert. An ancient Syrian city, it played an important role during the age of antiquity. It had long been a vital caravan city for travelers crossing the Syrian desert and was known as the Bride of the Desert. The most striking building in Palmyra is the huge temple of Ba'al, shown here, and the theater.

 Tikal in Guatemala is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centres of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya.The ruins lie among the tropical rainforests of northern Guatemala that formed the cradle of lowland Maya civilization.

 -Tracy Smith

4 small nations you will want to visit again and again.

Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is a Polynesian island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and Australia. A real place for a recluse, Tuvalu has one hotel; the Vaiaku Lagi Hotel which faces the Funafuti lagoon.

 

The Marshall Islands is a Micronesian nation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Although people have been on the islands for over 3000 years there is little known of the islands' early history. They are best known for the site of nuclear tests run by the US on Bikini island in the '40s and '50s.

 

Seychelles is an island country spanning an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. The Seychelles is a world leader in sustainable tourism. The country holds a record for the highest percentage of land under natural conservation. With spectacular marine life, seabird colonies, reptiles and endemic plants, we can see why their conservation efforts are so strong!

 

Malta is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the center of the Mediterranean with its closest neighbor being Sicily. Malta is internationally renowned as a tourist resort, with infinite recreational areas and historical monuments, including nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, most prominently the Megalithic Temples which are the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

 -Tracy Smith

5 Must-See Islands

Isla De Vieques - Puerto Rico

Isla de Vieques, is an island municipality of Puerto Rico in the northeastern Caribbean. Unspoilt beaches and wildlife are abundant on the island but what makes Isla de Vieques so special; Of the seven bioluminescent bays in the world, Puerto Mosquito is said to have the most impressive thanks to the clarity of the water found here!

A view of Vieques from the air

 

Aside from the incredible bioluminescent bay, Vieques is home to a number of beautiful unspoiled beaches. When traveling there it is almost a crime to not visit Navio beach. We recommend renting a truck and driving down the dirt roads to isolated beaches with those amazing crystal clear blue waters. Park your rental under a palm tree and you may not see another person for the remainder of the morning.

 

Isla de Vieques is also famous for its feral horses, which roam free over parts of the island. These are descended from stock originally brought by European colonizers.

 

If you can find the Stonehenge in Vieques it is well worth the trip. There is an inexplicable collection of boulders in the middle of the island taught to have been created by the Taino people. One of Vieques most important discoveries the Ferro Man was found buried between the massive rocks.

 Ischia - Italy

Ischia is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is Located at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples. The island for over 2000 years has drawn people to its thermal hot springs and volcanic mud which have been said to have curative properties.

 

The Castello (Castle) Aragonese was built on a rock near the island of Ischia in 474 BC. In 1441 Alfonso D’Aragona built on top of the ruins of the old fort. This fortified castle was used to protect Ischia’s population from pirate attacks which happened frequently until the 18th century.

 

The Gardens of La Mortella are in Forio-San Francesco. The gardens include wonderful views over the city and harbor of Forio. Originally the property of English composer William Walton, wonderful tropical and Mediterranean plants were planted in 1946 when he first reached Ischia, and some have now reached amazing proportions.

 

The Giardini Poseidon has been deemed the most beautiful thermal park in the world. The hydrothermal heritage of Ischia is one of the richest in the world. The thermal hot springs captured the attention of the ancients right from the beginning and for centuries now people have been bathing here to cure their illnesses.

 

Chiloé

Chiloé Archipelago is made of several different islands off the coast of Chile. The main island is Chiloé Island. Having evolved for centuries isolated from mainland Chile, the "Chilotes" developed a strong, self-reliant culture, rich in folklore, mythology and tradition. This very identity is what constitutes the island's major attraction for domestic tourists in Chile and increasingly, for international tourists.

 

To the west of the island of Chiloé is the Valdivian rainforest. The Abtao national park is inhabited by indigenous people, who manage the campsites which consist of their homes. No trip to Chiloé is complete without visiting the rainforest and tourists can only hope to see its monito del monte, Pudú, and kodkod.

Monito del Monte

Pudu: the world's smallest deer

The elusive Kodkod

 Penang - Malaysia

Penang, Malaysia enjoys a year round tropical climate. But this is not why you should go there, Georgetown, Malaysia's food capital offers a unique fusion of the different cultures that make up this beautiful island. This is also evident in Penang's unique architecture, a durable testament of its history with the British and immigrants that have come to call this island home.

 

Gurney Drive is a popular seafront promenade in Georgetown, Penang. The road is also one Penang's most popular tourist destinations, famous for the "hawker food" sold from food stalls. Enjoy a delicious melange of Malaysian, Chinese, Indian and European flavors. The most famous Penang dishes you must try are: Penang Laksa, Tai Burger Lor Bak, and Satay.

 

Penang National Park is on the northwestern end of Penang island. Its best features are the meromictic lake, wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs, turtle nesting beaches, and Monkey Beach; named after the monkeys you will see loitering around! For the adventurous there are challenging hikes. For those just wanting to relax, the beaches are among the best on the island.

 

The Penang Botanical Gardens have the most beautiful cascading waterfall. The original gardens were established in 1884 from an old quarry site. There are many special species of both flora and fauna here most notably the cannonball tree, the rain tree seen right at the entrance, and playful monkeys can be seen scattered throughout the gardens.

 

Fort Cornwallis is an old star-shaped fort located on the northeastern coast of Penang. Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in Malaysia. One of Penang's major attractions, this fort was built in 1786 and is considered an ancient monument and important historical site.

 Iceland

Iceland is a European island country in the North Atlantic. Volcanically and geologically active, Iceland is home to the oldest geyser in the world as well as many volcanoes with an eruption once every 5 years. Iceland has been deemed one of the most beautiful 'natural' countries on earth.

The erupting "Great Geysir" in Haukadalur, it is also known as the oldest geyser in the world

 Swimming in the Blue Lagoon is one of those life experiences that will remain with you forever. The lagoon is Iceland's famed geothermal pool set among black lava fields just outside Grindavik and is easily Iceland's most photographed site. The geothermal seawater here is a warm 104F (40C) and has been known for its curative powers.

 

What is considered the greatest puffin show on earth is in August on the island of Heimaey in southern Iceland's Westman Islands. Puffins tend to exhibit amusing antics and maneuvers both in the air and on land. Perhaps it is this combination of beautiful colors and funny behavior that make them so lovable. If you are traveling to Iceland in August, a little to side trip to Heimaey is well worth it.

 

Cove Nautholsvik in Reykjavik is a sandy thermal beach and a sheltered, heated lagoon. The water temperature of the lagoon usually is between 18-20°C, and 30-35°C in the hot spots. Walking and jogging paths stretch right along the shoreline, the perfect place for a fun filled family day.

 -Tracy Smith