Where do you send a client when money is no object? Consider renting an entire private Caribbean island for up to 50 friends and family. Our Calivigny Island in Grenada is a secret paradise with direct flights from New York, Miami and London. We recently shared a dream weekend there with 11 luxury agents, wedding and event planners, and influencers. The island is deliberately kept hush-hush, but has been making a splash with celebrities looking for the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity. Within 20 minutes of leaving Maurice Bishop Airport, we were in our private speed boat cruising towards our weekend oasis, only 15-minutes away. The island first appeared as we turned the corner off the mainland. An elegant main house, gazebo and large deck slowly came into view. The staff lined the dock, eagerly waiting to greet us with warm smiles and cold pressed juices. The first signs of gracious island living. This theme would continue all weekend.
No expense was spared in creating Calivigny Island. Blending French Colonial and Balinese styles, the main house holds 10 sophisticated suites with stunning views. Interiors, designed by Oscar de la Renta and Richard Frinier, are filled with brushed velvet antiques, silk curtains, marble floors and cherry wood finishes. The nearly 4,000 square-foot master suite comes with an over-the-top marbled Jacuzzi room. A full gym, billiards room, and state-of-the-art kitchen also are located in the main house. The owners originally bought the property as a getaway for their family. They wanted a place where everyone- young and old- felt free to do as they pleased. They built the main house first. Then the Overhang Residence which holds nine suites, and three luxury bungalows with a private beach.
Meal time is a gastronomic experience prepared by some of the owners’ favorite Michelin-starred chefs. Every morning we woke up to a lavish spread of fresh baked pastries and breads, house cured salmon, delicious cheeses, and fruit from the organic garden. Chef Alexi insisted that we try his signature truffled scrambled eggs; we became addicted from the first bite. Each of the three master chefs spoiled us with culinary marvels: roasted cod with caviar; black angus beef with fresh caponata; tender asparagus picked in Provence the day before; and French cheeses flown in that morning from Paris.
To while away the hours in between meals, we had plenty of options. Of course, there was plenty of lounging by the infinity pool and cooling off at the wet bar with a refreshing mojito. Jet skiing around the island was exciting too. We felt like 007 weaving around the yachts in the harbor. There are massages, tennis lessons, cooking classes (with Michelin-starred chefs), yoga, hiking, biking, outdoor movies. Buggies can zip you around the island to tour the organic garden, or to pick eggs from the chicken farm. Kids have full reign of a deluxe tree house complete with bunk beds. A new spa is in the works too.On Saturday night we were treated to a fresh lobster BBQ on the beach against a roaring bonfire. The local band Solid was brought in from the mainland. After dinner, staff and guests boogied to the sounds of Soca and Reggae. By then we were just one big family.
Limited buyouts available for Festive 2018. Kindly inquire for rates.
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