When we look for a vacation spot or a second home, we’re normally seeking a sense of peace or a more relaxed state of mind. It might be a luxurious beach house in St. Kitts or a small intimate villa in Barbados, but there’s one thing most people’s dream getaways will have in common — a peaceful serene environment, beyond the reaches of our modern fast-paced lives.

Gisele Bündchen, the world’s highest paid Supermodel and wife to football star Tom Brady, has found such a place in Costa Rica. An advocate of living a healthy lifestyle that nurtures a person both inside and out, she used Costa Rica as inspiration when developing her personal line of skincare products called Sejaa.

The promotional video for Sejaa was filmed mostly in Costa Rica, in what Bündchen considers a peaceful environment, so as to embrace the true essence behind Seeja. In the video, Bündchen can be seen living her tranquil Costa Rican lifestyle: surfing, riding horseback along the beach, sitting poolside at her home, meditating, and even practicing Tai Chi.

Take a peek:

It’s easy to see how attractive such luxurious getaways can be. Costa Rica in particular has gained a reputation as being the ideal place to find and restore personal well-being to an otherwise hectic life. Stunning beaches and crystal-blue waters offer the perfect platform for peace and tranquility while an endless supply of nature, wildlife and outdoor activities offer fun and adventure, if that’s more of what you seek.

Indeed, Costa Rica’s charm lies in its ability to be whatever you need it to be. For Bündchen, it’s a serene paradise where she can work on her personal well-being and spirituality and enjoy time with her family away from a hectic LA lifestyle. Her second home in Costa Rica is where Bündchen can breath and relax.

Other celebrities and high-profile people have turned to Costa Rica to find their own slice of paradise as well. Most recently, Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon found enchantment in the Northern Province of Guanacaste, joining the ranks of Sting, Harrison Ford, and others who have come to call Costa Rica home, at least for a little while. And several Costa Rica beaches were recently voted “Best of Latin America” in Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.

What about you? Where will you find your peaceful retreat? Perhaps Costa Rica holds a piece of paradise for you as well.

The Developer has done a superb job of integrating all the traditional components that make Bermuda a special second home destination. The Roger Rulewich designed championship 18-hole golf course at Tucker’s Point Golf Beach & Tennis Club is already considered the best on the island and a 1,900 square foot Spa and Fitness Centre offers an escape within an escape where members and guests can receive hydrotherapy, massage, styling and a list of indulgent treatments. Members will also enjoy exceptional culinary experiences courtesy of “award winning” Executive Chef Serge Bottelli at The Point Restaurant, replete with twin outdoor fireplaces and available private dining rooms which help to capitalize on its location.

Tucker’s Point Club leaves no stone unturned on its path to luxurious living. From the real estate, spas, activities and cuisine, members will undoubtedly be enjoying the very best Bermuda has to offer. Tuckers Point offers numerous real estate ownership options including Estate Homes priced from $3.2 million and luxury fractionals at The Residence Club consisting of luxury two, three and four bedroom, fully furnished villas overlooking either the golf course and Harrington Sound or on Castle Harbor overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Residence Club fractional shares start at $355,000. If you plan to visit, current room rates start at $430/night.

Tucker’s Point Club, 441.298.6900 www.tuckerspoint.com
Tucker’s Point Hotel & Spa, 866.604.3764 www.tuckerspointhotelandspa.com

The name Zacapa is well-known throughout the rum world. It has many things to recommend it, including its blending pedigree, its signature palm leaf-wrapped bottle and its near-mythical aging process that happens “above the clouds.” And thanks to its distributor Diageo, you can find the Zacapa label nearly anywhere in the world.

What you can’t find easily, though, are its small-batch limited editions. Released once a year for sale within Guatamala and only a handful of select markets around the world, Zacapa’s limited edition rums are quality direct from the source.

The limited edition Reserva Limitada builds on the reputation and flavor profile of Zacapa’s 23-Year blend. Those familiar with the 23 shouldn’t expect a mere imitation.

To begin with, the limited edition is a blend of rums aged between six and 24 years in American white oak barrels that formerly held sherry, Pedro Ximenez wines and American whiskeys.

The Reserva Limitada offers a rawer, wilder quality over the tame 23. Its color is closer to molasses than caramel, with hints of vanilla and spice coming through the flavor. Its oaky, peppery finish brings a warmth not found in the off-the-shelf variety as well.

Sipping the Reserva Limitada, one gets the sensation that they are tasting something truly special. And well worth the trip to Guatemala to acquire it.

Specifically engineered for the water with Schiller’s unrivaled design, technology and engineering, the S1 Water Bike is the world’s most advanced production water bike.  A high quality aquatic cycling vehicle, this bike is designed to deliver and exhilarating, fast and safe ride by using Schiller’s proprietary drive train, integrated handle bar steering and rugged inflatable pontoons.

“Where every ride on the water feels like a vacation.”

Schiller’s S1 Water Bike is quiet, human powered and eco-friendly.  Its light-weight design makes it easy to use, store and take with you anywhere you go!  Dubbed the “world’s best water bike”, you’ll enjoy a vacation every time you take a ride on the water.

Designed for salt water environments and perfect for fitness or recreation, this bike is made in the USA in a catamaran meets ultimate cycling design.

Take the ride of your life with the Schiller S1 Water Bike!

Visit schillerbikes.com for ordering information

There is something restorative about the beach-the sand, sun and sea have the power to revive us even after long hours of working and months of cold weather back home. Whether you enjoy splashing in the surf, sunning on the shore or simply listening to the waves from the terrace of your villa while relaxing with a cool drink, beach living is about as blissful as it gets.

The Caribbean and Central and Latin America are blessed with some of the finest beaches in the world. Only hours away from most major U.S. and European cities, these beaches offer the added bonus of being easily accessible. For many, it’s an simple choice to own a vacation home or retire to a beach in paradise-not only are these stunning beaches easy to reach (yet worlds away from reality), but many of the countries have a lower cost of living and offer financial incentives to make retiring in paradise more desirable than ever.

Last year, Luxury Living International brought you our expert picks for the Top 10 Places to Live in Paradise. Now, we delve further into life in paradise, providing a detailed look at the Top 10 Beaches to Live on Paradise. From the Turks and Caicos to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, these are the best beaches, beachside developments and beachfront properties that you would love to call home-and actually can. Our picks represent the best of beach living in paradise-each of these beaches offers luxury, accessibility, great properties and, above all, sublime beauty.

Coson Beach, Las Terrenas, D.R.

Perhaps the Caribbean’s best-kept secret, the once-sleepy fishing village of Las Terrenas is becoming one of the hottest spots for vacation homes in the Caribbean for those in-the-know. Some are even calling it the San Tropez of the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic boats some of the best beaches in the world and Las Terrenas and the Samana Peninsula have the best of the best, including Coson Beach, or Playa Coson, a long, luscious stretch of untouched sand dotted with gently leaning palms. Besides beautiful beaches, Las Terrenas entertains with an eclectic mix of international restaurants and shops and outdoor pursuits from fishing and diving to hiking and whale watching. Los Nomados, the Samana Peninsula’s premier gated community, is the place to find that paradise dream house and own a slice of virginal Playa Coson. Villas such as the sprawling, modern-meets-Caribbean-chic Villa del Mar enjoy a prime spot right on the sands of Playa Coson.

Langosta Beach, Guancaste, Costa Rica

Langosta beach, located down the sand from bustling town of Tamarindo in Guancaste, Costa Rica, is a paradise for surfers, nature-lovers and beach bums alike-and those seeking R&R in the exclusive properties on Millionaire’s Row overlooking the beach. Surfers enjoy the right and left point breaks that curve off the mouth of the river, and a short boat ride up this river takes you to into a forest home to wild howler monkeys. The wide, sandy beach is big enough for surfers and beach lovers to enjoy it and never feel crowded. Millionaire’s Row overlooks the best beachfront real estate in Costa Rica. Private and gated, Crystal Sands on Millionaire’s Row has 20 luxury and exclusive villas designed to enjoy every inch of the stunning beach.

Juanillo Beach, Punta Cana, D.R.

White sand, bright turquoise water, green palms-the colors synonymous with an amazing beach seem turned up just a little brighter at Juanillo Beach in Punta Cana, D.R. Protected by a coral reef, the calm waters of Juanillo Beach can soothe even the most frazzled of nerves. Punta Cana’s Cap Cana resort offers a variety of luxury properties. Found within the gates of the massive Cap Cana luxury community-which features beach villas, resorts, Trump estates, a full-service marina, and many fine dining options-Juanillo beach remains pleasantly undeveloped, a reminder to why we love coming to paradise in the first place. Owning a villa in Cap Cana gives you access to Juanillo Beach, which is revered by locals, travel experts and editors alike as one of the best beaches in not just the D.R. or the Caribbean, but the entire world.

Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Visitors to Harbour Island know you don’t need to stray far from home to experience one of the most remarkable beaches in the world. The Bahamas are only 50 miles from Miami, and just a 30-minute flight from Nassau and 1.5 hours from the U.S. is Pink Sand Beach, whose pink-hued grains make it truly one-of-a-kind. Pink is all the rage on Harbour Island-the pink-shelled conch is the local delicacy, try it served up as “cracked conch.” While quaint and laid back, Harbour Island is also a high-end Bahamian Out Island, home to million-dollar villas, luxe resorts and big-money fishing tournaments. Prime real estate opportunities can be found along Pink Sand Beach. One- to three-bedroom villas in Romora Bay allow owners to enjoy resort amenities in their beachside residence.

Rodney Bay Beach, St. Lucia, West Indies

People travel to St. Lucia to fall in love-it’s a top destination for weddings and honeymoons-but they end up falling in love with the near-perfect island, perhaps the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Beaches range from black volcanic sand to those with low-slung palms reminiscent of the South Pacific. Then there’s Rodney Bay, with its big crescent-shaped beach on the north end of the island that’s brimming with new marinas, restaurants and resorts and flanked by a white sand beach. The Landings St. Lucia, a Rock Resort property, brings luxury to Rodney Bay and offers up 122 one-, two- and three-bedroom villa suite condo residences, some with plunge pools and all with balconies overlooking the beach below.

Cabo San Lucas Beach, Los Cabos, Mexico

It’s hard to go wrong with Los Cabos, Mexico, when it comes finding excellent beach living. With its sweeping natural rock formations, Cabo is the backdrop for many a great photograph and those who take up residence on the beach can enjoy this constant “screen saver” of natural beauty. Cabo San Lucas enjoys the vibe of a chill, Mexican beach town that’s turned into a cosmopolitan escape. The luxurious Cabo del Sol development boasts beachfront home sites, villas and condominiums. The community puts a premium on golf as well with a Nicklaus-designed ocean course, a Weiskopf-designed desert course and a 40,000 square foot clubhouse.

Treasure Cay Beach, Abaco, Bahamas

Those who relate the Bahamas with the massive resorts Nassau and Freeport don’t know the real Bahamas-the unhurried pace and natural beauty of the Out Islands are what living in paradise is all about. In the Abaco Islands, New England architecture brought over by Loyalists during the American Revolution lends a charming appeal to this part of paradise. Treasure Cay Beach, located on the eponymous Treasure Cay, earned a superb beach ranking from National Geographic. Treasure Cay Real Estateoffers beach lots for sale along this more than three-mile-long white sand heaven. Beyond the sand, the Treasure Cay Resort has an 18-hole golf course, full-service marina, retail center and more.

St. Jean Beach, St. Barths

St. Barths is an island rich in French culture, fortune and beaches-14 beautiful beaches in total on the small, exclusive island. The massive (and massively popular) St. Jean beach is split in two by The EdenRock hotel in the middle. The beach is stacked with cafes, resorts and luxury villas. Long and set on a wide bay, it’s the ideal spot for those who enjoy their beach equal parts luxurious and lively. The island has a reputation for being postcard-perfect and safe. If fine dining, high-end shopping, celebrity flair and utmost privacy are what you’re after, St. Barths fits the bill.

Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

The immaculate Grace Bay Beach on the Turks and Caicos island of Providenciales seems so perfect and clean (and the water so clear and refreshing), that you think surely this must be a protected state park. What a surprise when you turn around and your villa is right there, kissing the sands of the lovely Grace Bay Beach. The all-suite Grace Bay Club, on Grace Bay Beach, of course, offers luxe properties for sale along the beach. The Estate of Grace Bay, a collection of 22 custom-designed, high-end residences opened last year. Just south of the Bahamas, this beauty of an island is easy to get to, and scuba divers will have a blast exploring the waters of the Turks and Caicos.

Anse Marcel Beach, St. Martin

Tucked between rolling hills on the northernmost tip of French St. Martin is the secluded village and beach of Anse Marcel. A winding, steep road is the only entrance to Anse Marcel, keeping crowds at bay unless they are coming to visit a dive shop, boutique resort or the protected marina found here. Villas and town homes are available steps away from the beautiful, quiet beach-a favorite secret spot among locals and in-the-know vacationers. This off-the-beaten-track location affords complete relaxation while the high-end shopping found in Marigot Bay the excellent cuisine of Grand Case are only minutes away by car.

After revolutionizing kayaking in 1997 with the Hobie® MirageDrive® , Hobie is now taking stand up boarding to new levels with the just introduced Mirage® Eclipse, the world’s first leg-powered stand up board. Making stand-up boarding as easy as walking, you simply “Step on and go!”

Bringing all the advantages of Mirage kayaking to the boarding world, the Mirage Eclipse is both stable and fast with sleek handlebars and intuitive fingertip rudder controls that make this board easy to steer, even in modest winds, and the innovative design eliminates the learning curve often associated with stand-up boarding.

According to Hobie’s Director of Engineering Jim Czarnowski, “We designed the Mirage Eclipse so anyone from a beginner to a more athletic expert user can all have a great experience.”

The Mirage Eclipse comes in two models, the 10.5 and 12. The larger version is 12 feet long and 35 inches wide, rated for 275 pounds. The 10.5 is 33.5 inches wide and ten and a half feet long. The capacity for the more compact model is 225 pounds, and it weighs about 5 pounds less than the larger model.Both boards are sporty and eye-catching, constructed of glossy but tough Advanced Composite Epoxy (ACX) and both boast sleek, water piercing bows with square tails and flat bottoms that enhance their stability.

You will enjoy an exhilarating and new experience riding the Mirage Eclipse as you glide across the water with ease and precision.

This board is yet another world’s first for Hobie, just like the modern foam core surfboard (1958), the Hobie Cat sailboat (1968), the Mirage kayak (1997), and the hybrid Adventure Island (2006), plus many more!

Additional features include a leash attachment, hull vent and stern handle.  Optional accessories include a protective board bag and a cart with light duty wheels or sand tires. A cup holder and universal phone mount are available to keep riders refreshed and ready to capture every memory.

The Hobie Mirage Eclipse 10.5 ($2499) and 12 ($2599) will be available at Hobie dealers around the world later this spring. Visit www.hobiecat.com/stand-ups/mirage-eclipsefor more product and ordering information

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.

Think expansive luxury fit for kings is impossible to achieve on the high seas? Burgess Yachts, founded by worldwide sing-handed ocean racer Nigel Burgess, assures us it’ll be a Cakewalk. The 180 foot/55 meter stunner has recently undergone a $2.5M retrofitting that makes sailing the seas as easy as…. Well, a Cakewalk.

Originally built in 2003, the 2015 overhaul of the yacht included exterior, interior, technical and mechanical upgrades that make it one of the most luxurious rides on the waters today. Its steel hull, aluminum superstructure and teak decking, all completed by Benetti Yachts in-house team, are just the beginning.

With four decks, each appointed with careful style and grace, Cakewalk leaves little to be desired in the way of outdoor luxury. The expansive sundeck features a pool, a large Jacuzzi, an enclosed gym and a variety of other spaces for guests to enjoy entertaining, dining, working out, relaxing and simply living. For more formal occasions, the Maindeck’s casual sophistication makes it the perfect place to host guests or conduct business without the usual land-based distractions.

The bridgedeck is the perfect place for conversation or recreation in an atmosphere of comfortable elegance and includes a VIP stateroom that boasts panoramic views and voluminous spaces in which to read, work and lounge.

Of course, on a yacht of this size, accommodations are not hard to come by. The lower deck accommodates up to twelve guests in six elegantly appointed staterooms that bear the distinctive mark and style of renowned yacht designer Stefano Natucci. The full-beam, split-level owner’s suite alone is worth the price of admission.

Technically speaking, the Cakewalk does not disappoint. The twin screw diesel super yacht is able to reach a maximum speed of 16 knots, while its maximum cruising speed is still a swift 14 knots. Its 7000 nautical mile range at 12 knots, though, means you can just as quickly make the seas your home, should you decide living on land is not the life for you. To put this into perspective, a typical trans-Atlantic crossing is expected to end up in the region of 4500 to 5000nm, which Cakewalk would manage comfortably with her twin 1850hp Caterpillar engines.

The newly re-christened M/Y Cakewalk debuted this year at the Monaco Yacht Show, where it joined racing cars, £1million Dragon submarines, helipads and other luxury add-ons for the world’s wealthiest. Current asking price is €21,950,000 (US$23,260,000) though it should be noted that the super yacht is not for sale to US residents while it is lying in US waters.

For complete specifications on the M/Y Cakewalk, visit BurgessYachts.com.

Experience the surfing without the ocean with the Carver, an electric powered jet board. The Spanish watersports brand, Onean dreamt of carving turns through calm glassy water and have invented the new sport that is flat water surfing. The Carver is built for those who have a need for speed, having reached 40 km/h in testing. Glide through the water and have complete control of the speed by using the handheld wireless controller. Its battery life gives 20 mins of ride time, and with its integrated electric-powered jet propulsion system which was designed by Bizintek Innova and 4400 Watt dual-core noiseless motor, this board was designed to turn any piece of water into your very own slalom course.

For the more casual surfer looking for a more relaxed cruising experience there is the Manta, which benefits from increased stability and reaches around 8 km/h with 2 hours of battery life. Both the Carver and Manta boards come with a wireless remote, battery, charger, leash, footstrap and fin set for the bottom of the board.

Marking their 10th anniversary, the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman has launched its ultra-exclusive Grand Cayman Penthouse Suite – now the largest and most luxurious suite in the Caribbean. On the top floor of the Seven Mile Beach resort’s south tower is the 3 bedroom suite. With 8,000 sq-ft of indoor and outdoor space it has the capacity to offer ultimate comfort to up to eight people. Upon exiting the Penthouse’s private elevator, the presence of the ocean is clear, and the interior’s soft textures and color palette blend seamlessly with the property’s sweeping ocean views.

It features; a full size kitchen complete with Gaggenau Kitchen appliances, wraparound porches, a screening room, a library, and more. Aside from that are the luxe finishes throughout the suite from its Bolivian rosewood flooring to its marble bathtubs and leather upholstered walls.

With guest comfort in mind and being able to provide clients with “the ultimate luxury escape,” the Johnson Studio out of Atlanta, Georgia has transported the island’s iconic crystal blue waters and white powdery sands inside to create a color palette of deep blues and greens. Couple this with a natural look from the use of the finest woods and materials from around the world, and the residence breathes an air of contemporary sophistication.

The Penthouse experience continues with luxurious amenities which include; private outdoor space with hot tubs, fire pits, private cinema, lounge seating, and access to a beachfront cabana.  A personal assistant is at hand to ensure your every wish is granted.

Hotel chefs will work their magic to fulfill any dining request and give you recommendations from a world-class wine list hand-picked by the resort’s award winning Sommelier.

Known for their legendary service, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman promises to make their guest’s experience into a memorable one. The Hotel and Resort spans 144 acres and has 365 guestrooms. It has been an AAA Five Diamond award winner since its opening.

The Penthouse can be booked separately or combined with the adjacent suite — nearly 20,000 square feet and 11 total bedrooms — creating the largest suite in the Caribbean.

For more information visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/grand-cayman/rooms-suites/grand-cayman-penthouse