The Big Island’s Best Resorts and Suites

1. Villa de France, Cheval Blanc, St-Barth

Selected for its prime location on Flamands Beach, the 7,000 sq. ft. Villa de France offers five large bedrooms for convivial gatherings and many services such as a dedicated Majordomo to craft each detail at any hour of the day. 

It's a residential experience with a dining room for up to 10, a private spa and fitness treatment room, and two private infinity-edge pools. It's also part of Cheval Blanc St-Barth, part of the LVMH group, which owns luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Dom Perignon, among others.

The two-floor villa includes a Master bedroom facing the ocean, opening onto a private terrace with an infinity-edge pool, a bathroom, and a dressing room. Each of the four additional bedrooms has a private bathroom with a bathtub, rain shower, and a spacious dressing room. 

The living room offers panoramic ocean views, and there is a complete private kitchen. Sky-high ceilings, fine crafts, bespoke furniture, carefully curated pieces of art enhance the sense of place.

There's a private spa treatment and fitness room which offers an in-villa experience of the Cheval Blanc Spa's signature treatments created with Guerlain and unveils state-of-the-art Technogym equipment. Included is a complimentary Guerlain Haute Parfumerie Experience, a 60-minute customized spa treatment per person.

Choose two dedicated Mini Cooper or two dedicated Moke at guests' disposal during the whole stay.

And of course, you have access to the resort's facilities, including the La Case and La Cabane restaurants, Carte Blanche service to the villa, The White Bar, the Fitness Centre, and the two swimming pools, and complimentary access to the tennis court, about five minutes away by car.

Guests can also discover the island's underwater sights onboard a luxurious yacht or catamaran. Along the journey, savor a copious Caribbean picnic admiring Petite Anse des Salines beach and a last cocktail facing Colombier's white sandbank.

2. Moskito Island, British Virgin Islands

Moskito Island, at 125 acres, is Sir Richard Branson's latest luxury retreat, offering three private estates as well as communal facilities.

Four Hundred’s Abrams says it's the perfect combination of revelry and relaxation under the Caribbean sun. End the day with a bonfire on the beach, then take a private boat for a day voyage to explore the British Virgin Islands. Hold your tennis tournament and celebrate the winner at night with a personal fireworks display.

The Branson Estate

The Branson Estate is perched on a dramatic outcrop commanding elevated sea views at the northeast tip of the island and made up of three spectacular standalone villas, each with its own master suite and full kitchen. Cleverly connected by elevated wooden walkways and conveniently located next to the island's communal recreational facilities, it sleeps a total of 22 guests. Each bedroom has its own ensuite full bathroom. It even has its own private beach.

The Point Estate

Nestled cliffside, boasting exclusive access to the island's iconic beach, The Point Estate is one of the most impressive private Caribbean retreats. Free-standing guest houses sleep up to 14 adults and eight children. An open communal hub sits at the heart of the estate, surrounded by a jaw-dropping infinity pool with underwater skylights.

Across the sprawling four-tiered estate, there are seven guest rooms and a bunk room. The standalone guest houses have either one or two bedrooms connected via a comfy shared lounge. All the guest rooms have ensuite bathrooms and large private terraces with loungers. Some even have outdoor baths and showers. Soak up the spectacular sea views from every room and even catch a glimpse of resident sea turtles down on Lime Tree Bay beach.

There are two magnificent master suites, both with spectacular sea views but located at opposite ends of the estate – one at the highest point and the other on the lower edge of the cliff, both spoilt with picturesque sea views. Each has a separate lounge, an impressive outdoor terrace, and the option of an indoor or outdoor shower. Hilltop Master also features a statement winding wooden staircase leading to your very own study.

The Oasis Estate

Situated at the very peak of Moskito Island with broad-sweeping island vistas, The Oasis Estate is the sleekest of contemporary hideaways with breathtaking 360-degree Caribbean views. Sleeping up to 18 guests with ample social space, an immense wraparound infinity pool with a swim-up bar connects Poolside Pods to the striking four-story main house. Floor-to-ceiling windows and doors seamlessly blend the indoors with the outdoors and transport natural light from every angle.

There are nine guest rooms, including a spectacular Master Suite designed around an incredible wraparound infinity swimming pool. With floor-to-ceiling glass doors, every room on The Oasis Estate has spectacular views. The Master Suite's retractable glass walls showcase the incredible panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, and the three unique Poolside Pods have direct access to the beautiful wraparound infinity pool. There are five further luxurious guest bedrooms in the Main House – all of which have a spacious terrace, separate living area, kitchenette, and ensuite bathroom.

3. Villa Silver Sands, Turks & Caicos

Located in Thompson Cove on an extremely quiet section of the beach, the 10,000 sq. ft. Silver Sands Villa has its own artificial reef and natural areas of snorkeling also frequented by pelicans, who seem to have made their home there. If you don't want to be snorkeling under the water, then take advantage of the numerous kayaks and stand-up paddleboards and explore the coastline. Da Conch Shack is within walking distance, where you can experience local food and music in the form of local artists, including a rip saw band.

Abrams tells us, "Silver Sands Villa is a spectacular, spacious eight-bedroom family home that has been extended and renovated with love, a European design flair, and imagination. It features three master bedrooms, two with ocean views and balconies overlooking the beach, and one garden view master. The living area and indoor and outdoor dining are situated on the upper floor, with panoramic views of the turquoise waters. For an even more spectacular view, venture to the third-floor viewing deck for quiet relaxation and sunsets.”

The chef, butler, and housekeeper staff will pander to your every need and prepare food in line with preplanned menus from the professional chef's kitchen. The beautiful, well-kept gardens are planted with native species, including lignum vitae (wood of life), providing a stunning entrance to Silver Sands to be enjoyed by all. The property has over 200 feet of beachfront, featuring a stainless-steel pool with waterfalls, an area for beach tennis, volleyball, and a hammock grove where you can sit, relax, and listen to the waves gently lapping on the shoreline.

4. VIP Contact