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| Melanie Beach Club has a 1,500-square-foot fresh-water pool and jacuzzi. |
When we think ultimate luxury getaway, two words come to mind: Private Island.
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| All Five King Beachfront Villas are steps away from the ocean. |
Once an invitation-only destination, Royal Island can now be enjoyed by affluent travelers looking to escape to a luxury oasis of sand and sun. Cuvee Escapes has created an all-inclusive experience allowing guests unlimited access to the 430-acre private island. Not to worry, there are only five villas available for rent, ensuring a peaceful and exclusive stay.
All of the beachfront villas (charmingly named after sea creatures such as starfish and sea turtle) boast 180-degree views of the ocean and the surrounding island. Each villa is approximately 1500 square feet with a king-size bed and large wraparound deck. Villa bathrooms are suited with double vanities, ball and claw tubs, separate walk-in showers, and upscale bath products—a place to unwind after a long day of soaking up the rays. Hint: The Nautilus Villa is a touch above the rest, with an additional deck and private Jacuzzi.
Villa refrigerators come stocked with bottled water and fresh fruit, and for something a bit more potent, a customized minibar is included. For those who insist on staying plugged-in, each villa is fitted with Wi-Fi, satellite HDTV, iPod docking stations and a Keurig coffee maker. A business center is also available on the island. In addition, guests will enjoy room service, nightly turndown service, unpacking service, daily housekeeping and minibar restocking.
The Royal Island creates custom itineraries for each guest. The options are endless, with an array of activities and amenities included in the nightly rates. Guests can hit the water for snorkeling, jet skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, bone fishing and more. For land lovers, the island is yours to explore, and mountain bikes are provided upon request. Golf excursions can be arranged at the One&Only Ocean Club on nearby Paradise Island. A trip to nearby Harbour Island is also included for a day of shopping, dining and hitting the beach, as well as a sunset cruise for an evening of cocktails and relaxation. For a romantic evening out, catch a movie at the outdoor moonlight cinema or grab a cocktail and dance to the beat of beachside live music.
Royal Island’s relaxing spa treatments and massage therapies are a must. We hear Claudine Barry is the best of the best, offering relaxing treatments in the fitness pavilion, your own private villa, poolside, or on the beach. Note: Spa treatments are available at an additional cost, and should be booked at least two weeks in advance. Other activities, such as scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and excursions to surrounding islands are also available for an additional cost. Guests can board a private boat to Nassau, where bustling nightlife and the Atlantis Casino await, or to Finlay Cay for a beach picnic on this secluded private island.
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| Royal Island Beachfront Villas boast contemporary island décor and are equipped with many luxurious amenities. |
The Royal Island Restaurant is situated beachfront at the Melanie Beach Club, serving up dishes that use local, organic ingredients. A gourmet five-star chef is onsite, catering only to Royal Island guests. Dining is included in the nightly rate, and upscale tasting menus and wine pairings are tailored to guests’ tastes. Think toasted potato gnocchi with butter-poached lobster and spicy tomato sauce. If that’s not enough to make your mouth water, the resort even gives guests the option of harvesting their own conch to be included as an appetizer crafted by Royal Island chefs. It really doesn’t get any fresher than that.
Guests can also head to the Driftwood bar for relaxing outdoor dining. A private bartender is ready to satisfy your thirst with signature cocktails such as the popular Banana Rum Goombay—yum. For a more intimate dining experience, indulge in a gourmet meal at the water’s edge or opt for a private picnic on a remote sandbar. Dining is customizable, with family-style dinner, continental breakfast buffet and fine dining options available. To top it all off, guests can head to the beachside fire pit for after-dinner digestives—perhaps a cigar or a glass of cognac.
For an intimate celebration, Royal Island staff will customize any milestone experience, whether it is a family reunion or a beach wedding ceremony on a remote sand bank. Tailor-made reception packages are available for groups of up to 30, including overnight accommodation for wedding parties of up to five couples.
Guests of Royal Island will enjoy complimentary luxury transfers to and from the North Eleuthera International Airport (ELH). You will be whisked away in a Cadillac Escalade by a Royal Island chauffeur before embarking on a short scenic yacht ride to the island. The North Eluethera International Airport can also accommodate private jets and helicopters. Commercial flights are available from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Nassau.
Note: It is recommended to book at least two weeks in advance. The hotel is closed during peak hurricane season, from August 15 until September 30. Luxury travel advisors can contact Kevin Mullen (kevin@cuveeventures.com; 720-708-2203) with any questions.