
Unabashedly contemporary in feel with its polished concrete, terrazzo and teak, this Asian-inflected resort on the shores of a nature reserve has an away-from-it-all feel.
If you picked up the most private Hamptons-esque beach houses you could think of and dropped them onto a rustic and rather wild Caribbean island, the harmonious result would most certainly be Ambergris Cay. This is essentially how the island began its life after all, acting as an exclusive Caicos Banks playground for well-heeled homeowners to retreat to for some R&R.
It then gradually evolved to become one of the few resorts worldwide to offer an all-inclusive luxury villa concept. Where twelve generously sized residences and bungalows provide the lucky few who venture here with opportunities to kayak, sail and simply unwind across five white-sand beaches, where the gentle rhythm of island life unfolds.
Ringed by white sand that melts into crystal-clear ocean, Ambergris Cay feels closer to the Maldives than the Caribbean, in style at least. Barefoot luxury is the order of each and every day, with impeccable and intuitive service working alongside idyllic surroundings, inviting everyone to unapologetically switch off from busy schedules and want for nothing.
Unlike a polished Maldivian resort, however, there’s a rustic and wilder quality to Ambergris; purposely kept that way in a bid to help conserve the island’s indigenous flora and fauna in collaboration with San Diego Zoo.
Endless horizons may prove the isolated status of this island, but what’s on offer while staying here certainly doesn’t. The all-inclusive nature of the property opens doors to unrestricted à la carte dining and premium beverages, meaning guests can sip and eat until their hearts are content from breakfast to supper. In way of entertainment, complimentary activities include the likes of yoga, tennis, and non-motorised water sports, plus some fun games at the Club House activity centre. And in the villas and bungalows, the likes of forever-stocked fridges, stargazing telescopes, dedicated hosts for each lodging, and golf carts to zip around the island make life easy-breezy.
While the island isn’t short of places to unwind, the Elevate Spa – where the likes of bespoke wellness rituals, couples' massages and facials fill the menu – has to be one of the most relaxing, perched beside the water with sweeping ocean views. But if a cool hangout with good vibes and even better rum punch is more your idea of taking a load off, then the Hangover Tiki Bar is the place to be. Though not technically ‘on location’, it’s just offshore and easily accessible by boat.
Sharing the environment with some rare and beautiful creatures, Ambergris offers guided nature walks and bird watching to get to know the island’s animal residents; like the Rock iguana and Southern Bahamas boa, and migratory birds like osprey and white-tailed tropicbirds who nest on the east cliffs each spring. January to March is a particular highlight for nature lovers though as humpback whales fill the water. Alongside the resort’s expert team, head out with camera in hand ready to capture every moment these gentle giants breach the surface and listen to their soothing song with a hydrophone.
Unabashedly contemporary in feel with its polished concrete, terrazzo and teak, this Asian-inflected resort on the shores of a nature reserve has an away-from-it-all feel.
An A-listers’ favourite, this private island paradise includes celebrity-owned private estates with a select few available for rent. Although the spa is the real star here.
This rainforest escape in the embrace of the UNESCO-listed Pitons is a place where travellers commune fully with the natural world, without foregoing life’s little luxuries.









