13 Resorts With the Best Perks

Jade Mountain's private sanctuary

St. Lucia’s most mesmerizing resort experience, Jade Mountain is known for its stunning guest ‘sanctuaries’ that feature perks like en-suite infinity pools and private butler service, plus a missing fourth wall so guests are entirely open to the elements. The opulent cliffside hideaway features an array of experiences designed so guests almost never have to leave the comfort of their over-the-top suites from a six-course, in-room chef’s dinner to private yoga classes, chocolate making, Ayurvdedic wellness consultations, and more. It’s also home to St. Lucia’s only helipad for guests looking to arrive privately in style. 

• Jade Mountain's private sanctuary
• Couples Tower Isle's clothing optional private island
• Wymara Villas' wellness retreat
• A beachfront spa just for one on Bahamas’ least inhabited island
• Il Salviatino's foraging and culinary program
• W Fort Lauderdale's Private In-suite concert overlooking the Atlantic
• W Punta de Mita's spa, surf…repeat!
• Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa's Jalisco culinary tour
• Playa Largo Resort & Spa's private eco-luxe adventures
• A stellar stargazing experience in Iceland
• Conrad Punta de Mita's spirits of Mexico private tasting
• Hyatt Las Olas Fort Lauderdale's private poolside Peloton session
• Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club's wine and charcuterie baskets

Couples Tower Isle's clothing optional private island

The all-inclusive oceanfront oasis that is Couples Tower Isle on the tropical island of Jamaica gives visitors access to luxury, romance, and seclusion. The adults-only paradise sprawled across 19 acres in Ocho Rios elevates the secluded romantic experience, especially when booking the Signature Oasis Villas with private personal plunge pools, outdoor showers, and private sun terraces. When lovebirds want to break away from their villa, they can go on a sailing excursion to Couples’ clothing optional private island for soaking up the sun, sipping cocktails, and enjoying beachside bites. Back at the primary island visit one of the property's six restaurants, enjoy one of four pools with swim up bars, or take a watersports adventure on a paddleboard, kayak, hobie cat or jet ski. Everything is included at Couples Tower Isle.

Wymara Villas' wellness retreat

Wymara Villas, located on a coveted shoreline overlooking the protected waters of Turtle Tail, offer travelers four- and five-bedroom accommodations that sleep up to nine guests each and the perfect setting for a socially distant vacation. Just a short drive from the resort’s main grounds, the swanky villas draw inspiration from the island’s powdery sands, exuding an airy, breezy aesthetic complemented by designer furniture. The focal point? Private oceanfront infinity pools flanked by an over-the-water swim platform with direct ocean access. For added luxury, guests of Wymara Villas can reach out to the attentive, on-site villa manager who can arrange everything from in-villa spa treatments, fitness classes, and chef-cooked meals — all without having to leave the comfort of your Turks & Caicos abode. 

A beachfront spa just for one on Bahamas’ least inhabited island

The first-ever luxury resort to debut on the barely inhabited Bahmanian island of South Andros, Caerula Mar Club is a secluded escape that was built for social distancing before that was a thing. Located on an expansive stretch of beach, the property features six private villas and 18 suites steps from the crystal-clear ocean and a boutique oceanfront spa with room to accommodate just one guest at a time. An intimate hideaway shaded by towering palm trees with unobstructed ocean views, the spa at Caerula Mar is a perfect spot for pampering and puts an emphasis on nature and sustainability. Treatments use a special line of bath products designed just for the resort that feature tropical scents like vanilla nd grapefruit and tea tree and lavender. Channel Bahamian vibes in a lush, tranquil setting.

Il Salviatino's foraging and culinary program

Invest in your wellbeing with an unusual introduction to wild plant identification just a hop, skip, and jump away from Il Salviatino, a hand-restored 15th century villa turned luxury hotel that overlooks the city of Florence, Italy. In partnership with Tuscany Again, Il Salviatino is offering a new program for guests to go on a private hunt for wild plants and flowers, alongside an expert botanist. Pair the experience with a cooking class where you create a delicious meal based on the natural wild herbs and plants you picked. The one-of-a-kind outdoor experience will not only ensure a delicious meal to indulge in, but also give you better insight into identifying wild plants and appreciate local, seasonal ingredients. Book the “Dream Now, Travel Later” package and save 10% on 2021 stays, plus receive a €90 spa voucher when you book directly with reservations@salviatino.com.

W Fort Lauderdale's Private In-suite concert overlooking the Atlantic

For those seeking to turn up the volume on a traditional hotel stay, W Fort Lauderdale has the answer. The hotel has partnered with EntertainmentResource.net to launch its latest add-on private amenity, a new lineup of in-suite live music experiences, aptly titled “Suite Sounds.” Choose between five different musical experiences: a DJ, saxophonist, keyboardist, acoustic guitar duo, or violinist; and live it up with a private concert on the suite's balcony overlooking the Atlantic. Song requests are welcome, allowing you to further customize the experience. Prices start from $350 for a 30-minute performance (DJ from $450), with options to add a second performer for an additional fee. Bottle service can also be added at an additional cost. This experience is available to those who book one of the hotel’s bold and beautiful Oceanfront Suites. Booking must be made seven days in advance. Maximum number of people who can be in the suite during the performance is dependent on suite capacity. To book, call the hotel's welcome desk at 954-414-8200. Other terms and restrictions apply. 

W Punta de Mita's spa, surf…repeat!

Travelers seeking an escape that screams authentic Mexico while offering a quieter alternative to popular Puerto Vallarta should visit W Punta de Mita. Located on a secluded beach in the culturally rich region of Riviera Nayarit, the property offers endless private perks ranging from a chef’s table where up to six guests can enjoy a private dinner under the stars, to ceviche-making, surf lessons, Mezcal tastings, and a spa edged with lush jungle where guests can unwind after hitting the waves or exploring nearby Bohemian beach towns. As an added bonus, any guest who books a spa treatment gets 30-minutes of private access to the spa’s outdoor relaxation area, where they can soak in hot & cold plunge pools decked out with flowing waterfalls and have the place all to themselves. Take things up a notch and book one of the resort’s Oceanfront Oasis Suites, which feature private plunge pools and ocean access.

Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa's Jalisco culinary tour

The newly renovated Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa offers a private ‘Jalisco at your Table' culinary experience which draws much of its influences from the region. A kitchen full of chefs at the resort local to Jalisco have curated a seven-course menu inspired by meals from their childhood, time spent in their abuelas' kitchens and the area’s traditional ingredients. Think gourmet tamales alongside a warm cup of atole, zarandeado fish (a traditional wood-fired beach snack served on a stick), roasted corn soup, and birria tacos. This culinary homage to the state of Jalisco is a delicious add on available by request only and tastes even better when coupled with a tequila tasting with the resort's own tequila sommelier (and tequila). Additionally, guests with a broader palate can opt for a private Dine Around the World dinner paired with sommelier-selected wines. Pro tip: Book your private dinner in the resort’s intimate outdoor herb garden.

Playa Largo Resort & Spa's private eco-luxe adventures

With its prime bayfront real estate along mile marker 97, Playa Largo Resort & Spa, an Autograph Collection Hotel, is perfectly situated for exploring Key Largo's natural ecosystem. Sitting on what used to be the nation's largest pineapple farm, Playa Largo's design-focused rooms bring the outdoors in with a signature beach-chic feel noted by indigenous materials like driftwood, coral rock, and capiz shells incorporated throughout. While lounging in one of the resort's beachside tripod hammocks is sure to waste a few hours, nature lovers will want to set aside time for private eco tours and snorkeling with a marine biologist. The first includes a three-hour ride aboard a 17-foot rib boat designed to navigate the shallow waters of the Florida Bay. Playa Largo's on-property environmentalist teaches guests about native wildlife, from the flora & fauna to the exotic birds, manatees and dolphins. The resort can also arrange a private snorkeling tour with Marine Lab, an organization aimed at fostering environmental awareness and stewardship of the Florida Keys' unique ecosystem. The four-hour experience includes a private charter with a marine biologist to explore the area's stunning underwater reefs and marine life. After a few hours at sea, guests can indulge with a little poolside R&R in a VIP cabana and end the night with the resort's Star Gaze S'Mores Kit, complete with throw blankets, Adirondack chairs, wine, a charcuterie board.

A stellar stargazing experience in Iceland

Iceland is known as a great place to experience the Northern Lights, but for nearly eight months out of the year, it's also an ultimate stargazing destination for the same reason: a pure, unspoilt night sky offering visitors ideal views. Thus, Hotel Rangá is not only one of the best places in the world for lights chasers to stay, but also aspiring astronomers given its secluded countryside location providing less light pollution and its own state-of-the-art observatory located on-site. On most clear nights one of Iceland’s leading astronomy-experts, is on hand to guide guests through the constellations and celestial stories behind the stars using high-spec telescopes that peek through a roll-off roof into new worlds floating above. Guests can also book a one-on-one session with the astronomer (weather permitting) for a more intimate exploration of the night sky. Other private experiences are available, such as dinner in one of the hotel’s renowned continent-themed suites (from Africa to Antarctica) and exploring the nearby caves of Hella.

Conrad Punta de Mita's spirits of Mexico private tasting

While tequila is synonymous with Mexico, there are actually over 270 different species of the agave plant which produces some of the most unexpected and delicious spirits around. From raicilla, to mezcal, to sotol and everything in between, the best way to discover the multifaceted flavor profiles is by tasting them of course. At the brand new Conrad Punta de Mita, travelers can indulge in private tastings at the jaw droppingly beautiful and intimate Agave Studio, where the resort’s resident agave expert takes guests on an inspiring journey through Mexico’s intricate world of spirit production and distillation. Sample Codigo, a rosa blanco tequila made from the blue agave, Jurame an artisan mezcal with a heartwarming and romantic love story (so rare only a select amount are produced per year), and Flor Del Desierto a sotol that’s cured with rattlesnake venom.

Hyatt Las Olas Fort Lauderdale's private poolside Peloton session

Located inside Fort Lauderdale’s newest and tallest skyscraper, Hyatt Centric Las Olas, offers a sophisticated escape in a chic, sky-high setting with a design that pays homage to the area’s local yachting culture. Guests who want to stay fit can opt for a private Peloton sesh at the hotel’s Elev8 pool deck, complete with a ‘Cool Down Concierge,’ who brings cold towels and beverages throughout their ride to help keep the momentum going. The property opened in April and is the first hotel to debut on vibrant Las Olas Boulevard, a hub for nightlife and entertainment, in more than 70 years.

Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club's wine and charcuterie baskets

Located along the coast of Cape Cod, the AAA Four-Diamond Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club invites guests to stretch out and dine in private with its new menu of picnic baskets. Not your average sandwiches and sodas, these baskets are filled with premium edibles, such as Maine lobster, hand-crafted selections of local cheeses, fresh fruit, wine and more. Choose from three pre-made options: the wine & cheese basket with a fresh summer berry bowl, crostini, bottle of wine, and a charcuterie board with blackberry jam, honeycomb, grain mustard, toasted cashews, and more; the New England Lunch Cooler with Maine Lobster sliders with tarragon aioli and New England style rolls, potato salad, bottled water, and signature Cape Cod chips; or the Mediterranean-inspired snack cooler with hummus, grilled vegetables, cucumber, and watercress tea sandwiches, french onion dip, fruit with honey yogurt and more. All baskets can be further elevated with Ocean Edge wine or locally brewed Devil's Purse beer. Enjoy the food on the expansive five-acre front lawn, or for a seaside setting, savor these upscale bites on the resort's 700-foot stretch of private beach.