Top 5 luxury private Caribbean properties

Considering a relaxing holiday in the Caribbean?  Looking for somewhere luxurious and yet secluded, too? The Caribbean offers an excellent year-round destination in which you can truly relax. Take a look at our pick of five of the best luxury private Caribbean properties that you can stay in. Sugar Beach, St Lucia Nestled on the west coast on the pristine island St Lucia, the tropical paradise of Sugar Beach sits on the foundations of an 18th Century sugar mill, amongst rainforest carpeted mountains and powdery white sands. Surrounded by the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, Sugar Beach is the perfect place to immerse yourself in tranquil seclusion and the utmost luxury. The beautiful white colonial architecture blends perfectly with the bright green flora with interiors boasting enormous claw foot free standing baths, polished hardwood floors and white furnishings creating a perfect modern elegance. With the most spectacular views from every angle and a personalized butler service to cater for your every need, the icing on the cake is the world class rainforest spa offering good enough to eat honey and chocolate body polishes, hot lava shell massages and an Amerindian temascal steam dome. Golden Eye, Jamaica The culturally rich island of Jamaica is renowned for its beautiful bays, mouth-watering food and vibrant atmosphere, but for a real Jamaican gem the luxury resort of Golden Eye sits just outside Oracabessa on the north east coast of the island, just walking distance from the legendary James Bond beach. The retreat is tucked in amongst dense tropical palms and includes a beautiful private beach and lagoon, with miles of coral reefs lining the crystal clear waters, making this the perfect place for snorkelling. Stay in either Fleming’s own five bedroom villa or choose from the range of lagoon villas and cottages, all exuding a deliciously cool Caribbean vibe with locally sourced hand-crafted wooden furniture and private decks perfect for gazing at the sunset. Caribbean dining is at its finest at Golden Eye, with the resort’s open air tree-house style gazebo restaurant the top place to tuck into some freshly caught lobster and delicious Jamaican specialities, washed down with a piña colada, of course. Necker Island, British Virgin Islands Famously known as Sir Richard Branson’s private holiday hot spot, Necker Island is sprawled over 74 acres and the luxury retreat is available for both exclusive hire and individual bookings during selected weeks of the year with shared use of the island escape. Built with authentic Balinese style, the villas and main house are of inevitably decorated to the highest standards with beautiful interiors encompassing ultimate luxury. If rented exclusively you’ll have free roam of Temple House, Sir Richard’s private residence, complete with a lavish freshwater infinity pool overlooking the ocean. This luxury island getaway caters for a unique experience, which can be customised to suit exactly what you’re looking for in a private island paradise. A dedicated team of staff are equipped to look after your every need and offer a truly indulgent experience, with just them, you and the only island locals – 200 flamingos. Jumby Bay, Antigua This stunning private 300 acre islet is just 2 miles from the north coast of the Caribbean hot spot of Antigua and is the place to go for complete tranquillity, away from the usual bustle of most Caribbean resorts. Jumby Bay comprises 40 rooms and suites along with a handful of estate houses – the resort operates a strict policy allowing only hotel guests, staff and residents on the island guaranteeing the highest sense of seclusion. All suites feature panoramic views of the ocean, while villas include their own private beaches and sweeping infinity pools for complete privacy, with an unlimited open bar, meals and concierge service still available. Thatched huts and hammocks are dotted around the island’s beaches making it impossible not to find your own private spot to enjoy the powdery beaches and calm, crystal clear waters and unique experiences such as a champagne picnic or private dinner on the beach can be arranged on request for the perfect romantic meal come sun or starlight. To top it off, the island’s Pasture Beach is the chosen nesting ground for the protected hawksbill turtles – guests are notified of hatching and are encouraged to witness this beautiful and rare occurrence. Peter Island, British Virgin Islands 1,800 acre Peter Island is brimming with pristine private beaches and dense tropical jungle, delivering the ultimate island paradise experience. Situated south-west of Tortola Island and just 20 minutes away from 30 of the British Virgin Island’s best dive sites, Peter Island is in the perfect position to either indulge in peaceful seclusion or explore the other BVI’s. Surrounded by vast coral reefs, this is the ideal Island for snorkelers, with the clearest waters imaginable, and for a real sense of romantic isolation Honeymoon beach allows only two people at any one time. Accommodation ranges from beach front suites sitting on the powdery sands to multi-room villas for those travelling with a larger party – incredible views included. All rooms have a beautiful casual elegance with modern, luxurious interiors complimenting the surrounding palm trees and tranquil sound of waves lapping at the shore. Excursions include private beach picnics, a thrilling helicopter ride over the BVI’s and diving trips, or if relaxation is what you’re after, the islands expansive spa has it covered with speciality Caribbean treatments and yoga classes. Tom Marchant is Co-founder of Black Tomato. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.