5
Jul 18
Sand Dollars – Inside The Caribbean’s Most Spectacular Villas

Why settle for mere luxury when over the top indulgence can be had – for a price, that is. Rife with opulent amenities and sparkling with privilege, these three Bahamian escapes are the swoon-worthy vacation destinations to explore when the sky’s the limit and the tropics call.
Over Yonder Cay, Bahamas
When privacy and seclusion is paramount, it’s hard to beat an entire island to call your own. a Forget about the bustling cruise ship crowds, for an utterly exclusive Bahamian experience the private island of Over Yonder Cay is a veritable wonderland of tropical luxury. Home to four elegantly designed villas, each with it’s own hot tub and some with private infinity pool, Over Yonder Cay can accommodate you and up to twenty-seven of your closest friends for an escape that redefines luxury living. With weekly rates in the $700K range, being the master of your own private island doesn’t come cheaply – but is does come with full use all the island’s extensive amenities including massages, yoga classes and the ministrations of a private chef and staff plus activities like golf on Over Yonder Cay’s nine-hole course, kite and windsurfing, private film screenings, sailing excursions aboard the 19 and 29-foot crewed sailboats, fishing aboard a 48-foot crewed Merritt, SCUBA, snorkeling and a day spent on Tenacious, the impressive, 114-foot super yacht available to Over Yonder Cay’s fortunate guests. Over Yonder Cay even ensures that you’ll feel good about the environment as you’re reveling in indulgence – the island is powered by a state-of-the-art renewable energy system, which includes three wind turbines and a 1.5-acre solar field.
The Islands of Copperfield Bay, Musha Cay, Bahamas
The eye-popping luxury that awaits you on Musha Cay is no trick. Illusionist David Copperfield created this hedonistic hideaway in the Exumas out islands to appeal to the wonder in all of us. Spread over 700 acres and encompassing eleven private islands, Musha Cay can accommodate up to 24 guests in five villas filled with Balinese elegance and pure, island magic. While there, guests can rack ‘em on a billiard table once owned by Harry Houdini, play in turquoise waters, catch a movie on a two and half story screen beach front screen, race goldfish (yes, goldfish) or visit with the comical, mystical residents of the island’s own secret village. Inhabited by a band of impossibly clever, adorably friendly spider monkeys, the furry posse entertains guests by performing a bevy of tricks, doing some mind-bending mind reading… even sketching portraits of their awe struck visitors’ faces. Rates begin at $39,000 per day for up to twelve guests (four-night minimum) and includes the primate portraiture, activities, fine dining and just about anything else one might need to conjure up a magical vacation.
Innocence Island, Bahamas
What a lofty dream, to recover one’s Innocence. Dream no longer, Innocence is one of the last, pure pearls that comprise the breathtaking Exuma islands. From a perch 90 feet above sea level and sprawling across 681 acres, Innocence guests are afforded unforgettable views while spending sun filled days exploring their own private island. The six bedroom, six bath luxury villa offers a pool, gym and a full staff dedicated to satisfying the whims and wishes of the island’s guests. And when it comes to Innocence, getting there is half the fun – the island has its own, 2700-foot airstrip so guests can arrive directly from the comfort of their privately owned or chartered jet. The ideal spot for rest and relaxation, if you can rouse yourself from the tranquility of Innocence, the surrounding waters are a fisherman’s dream and should you desire, bonefishing and deep sea fishing guided excursions may be arranged upon request. Rates to rent the island range from $3,000 to $10,000 per night.
By Gina Samarotto