By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor
It’s the ultimate Caribbean dream: your own sun-drenched, private island. So we’ve rounded up seven sandy spits where yours will be two of only a select few footprints on the sand. Your Caribbean kingdom is calling; go now.
Cayo Espanto
Paradise lies just three miles from San Pedro, Belize at this secluded four-acre enclave. A clutch of just six villas are located beachfront, each with a private dock. But it’s Casa Ventanas, the dreamy over-water bungalow, that we’re eyeing for our next romantic retreat.
Fowl Cay
A mere half-dozen villas share two beaches on this 40-acre all-inclusive island in the Bahamas’ Exumas archipelago. But you won’t have to share the 17-foot boat that’s included with each cottage.
Jumby Bay
No crowds, no room keys, no problem at this 40-room Rosewood retreat two miles north of Antigua that’s accessible only by boat. If you tire of the resort’s two beaches, island hop to nearby Barbuda or Montserrat.
Palm Island
Five beaches, three hiking trails and all the food and drink you can imbibe: Have it all at this Grenadines all-inclusive south of St. Vincent. From Miami, you’ll need to take two planes, a golf cart and a boat, but Palms turquoise water, talcum sand and swaying palms make it worth the trip.
Parrot Cay
There’s a reason why Donna Karan and Bruce Willis own villas on this 1,00-acre Turks and Caicos retreat where the mile-long stretch of sand has seen the footprints of guests including Donatella Versace and Howard Stern. Settle into one of 72 rooms or maximize your privacy in one of 13 private residences.
Petit St Vincent
You’ll no doubt be impressed by the natural beauty and solicitous service at this 11-acre Grenadine where 22 luxury villas stud the coastline and hillside; five beaches beckon your bum; and a spa delivers muscle-melting therapies. But the daily delivery of fresh-baked cookies to our suite is our favorite perk.
Royal Belize
At this isle off Belize’s rugged coast, you’ll be the only (lucky) guests on the seven-acre outpost. Three villas accommodate you and your gang, and are serviced by a solicitous staff who’ll arrange snorkeling, sailing or diving the nearby barrier reef, the second-longest in the world.