Exclusive Beach Destinations

Off-the-beaten-path vacations

Large crowds are good for parties, but not so great when you’re trying to unwind, to enjoy some peace and solitude…or participate in activities without waiting in line for 50 other guests to go before you. And some vacationers prefer the natural beauty of a destination to a horizon filled with high-rise hotels. So, for clients who wish to step off the heavily treaded path of touristy vacation spots, we’ve sent staff writers Joe Pike and Mark Rogers on location to scout out some hidden treasures.

A cozy bedroom at Geejam in Port Antonio, Jamaica.

Jamaica
Port Antonio is considered by many to be the birthplace of tourism in Jamaica, its heyday being the turn of the 20th century. And not very many people have fully rediscovered this great spot and its spectacular beaches. Port Antonio is within immediate proximity to Fisherman’s Cove and minutes away from the equally impressive Blue Lagoon beach. One of the area’s most popular resorts, especially for music lovers, is Geejam, the latest addition for the Island Outpost brand. (The only drawback is that it is a two-hour ride from Kingston Airport or a 15-minute connecting flight to Port Antonio Airport with an additional 30-minute ride to follow.) Guests can jet ski, scope out the waves on a surf safari or just relax with a champagne picnic in a private cove while rafting down the Rio Grande. Geejam was founded by music producer Jon Baker as a recording hideaway for such notable musicians as No Doubt, Bjork and the Gorillaz, among others. It sits on six acres and extends from the foothills of the John Crow and Blue Mountain chains to the Caribbean beachfront. Steve Beaver and Jon Baker are the owners. There is not a direct landline available to Geejam at this time; however, guests are given a cell phone to use during their stay. Rooms start at $495 a night. Call 800-OUTPOST for reservations.

A canopied bedroom at Goldeneye in Jamaica.

The Ian Fleming Beach is another lesser-known beach in Jamaica and is only accessible to guests staying at Goldeneye’s Ian Fleming Villa, named for author the author, who inked several of the James Bond spy novels at this 15-acre property. Four villas stand on a bluff over the Caribbean Sea, while Fleming’s former home, which comfortably fits six people, overlooks a secluded cove. Errol Flynn, Elizabeth Taylor and Truman Capote were among Fleming’s guests here. And today, the property remains a celebrity hot spot. Most visitors fly into Montego Bay Airport, a two-hour drive from Goldeneye. Ground transportation also can be arranged from Norman Manley Airport in Kingston, an estimated two-and-a-half hours from Goldeneye. Additionally, there is a small airport at Boscobel, just a 10-minute drive from Goldeneye. Airplane and helicopter transfers are readily available. The starting rate for Goldeneye’s Ian Fleming Villa is $2,500 per night. Rates include breakfast, lunch, dinner, fruit juice, house wines and spirits. Jenny Wood is the general manager. The direct number to Goldeneye is 876-975-3354 and the e-mail is goldeneye@cwjamaica.com.

Rustic and elegant work together in a bungalow at Goldeneye in Jamaica.

Turks and Caicos
Gibbs Cay is one of the uninhabited islands of Turks and Caicos, where visitors can enjoy the beach and snorkel with stingrays. On the Atlantic side of Grand Turk, Gibbs Cay is thought to be the location of a French gun emplacement during the 1780s and has shown evidence of native Indian occupation. Gibbs Cay is also the site for famed Caicos conch visits where guests learn to free dive for conch and then grab their catch. Back on the boat, the captain will show guests how to crack the conch and will then prepare a fresh conch salad, served at a beach barbecue on the island. For free-diving lessons and conch adventures, contact Silver Deep at 649-946-5612 or www.silverdeep.com. Rates for Silver Deep’s Conch Cruise are $79 per adult and $49 per child (ages 3-11). Agents can call Silver Deep’s Reservations Manager Nikki Seymour at 649-946-5612. There are three daily 90-minute direct flights from Miami, a US Airways direct flight from Charlotte, daily direct flights from New York and weekly flights from Dallas, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Toronto to the island of Providenciales. Inter-island air travel can then be arranged to Grand Turk using Sky King. Local tour operators provide trips to Gibbs Cay.

The Grand Turk Inn is perhaps the best resort near Gibbs Cay. Its five oceanfront suites each have a living area, full kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Nightly rates for two people at family-owned and family-operated The Grand Turk Inn are $250 in the summer and $300 in winter. For reservations, call owners Sandy Erb and Katrina Birt at 649-946-2827.

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