Sanderling Resort, North Carolina
Fresh from a major renovation, this lovely Outer Banks resort has never looked better Sanderling Resort in North Carolina’s Outer Banks recently unveiled the results of a multi-million dollar resort rejuvenation that touched every aspect of the property. After purchasing the property in 2012, Northview Hotel Group rebranded and redesigned every aspect of the resort. The ensuing facelift, completed in May 2013, added seven new poolside guest rooms, two renovated restaurants, and extended the amenities to include an adults-only pool and a family lagoon-style pool. Guests can also enjoy the award-winning spa, yoga, and on-site fitness center. Rates start from $159 per night in the low season and $399 per night in the high season. Three-, four-, and six-bedroom homes are available from $600 per night with a two-night minimum stay, sanderling-resort.com.
Mooney Bay, Virgin Gorda
MOONEY BAY, VIRGIN GORDA
Mooney Bay, a 22-acre freehold property, is the largest private estate on Virgin Gorda. Located in the North Sound with spectacular views of Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island and newest acquisition Mosquito Island, the estate, which opened this year as a Driftwood Resorts Villa, is only accessible by boat. Six suites sprawl across manicured lawns, fronting a white-sand beach and tranquil Caribbean waters. The estate embodies the barefoot chic nature of Virgin Gorda, where comfort and luxury mesh with island simplicity for a rustic elegance. Enjoy gourmet meals, oceanside massages on the swim dock, sand castles with the kids, and tubing runs on the estate’s boat. Traditional wooden louvers opening to sweeping views, cool distinctive tile floors, and Balinese furnishings take guests back to a bygone era of simplicity. Additional amenities include an oceanfront pool, grass tennis court, greenhouse, and caretaker’s cottage. Weekly rates range from $12,000 to $30,000. Ownership from $11.9 million, homebuyvi.com.
Jubilation Villa, Jamaica
JUBILATION VILLA, JAMAICA
Jubilation Villa is the latest reason to enjoy a Jamaican vacation at The Tryall Club. This newly created tropical retreat is elegantly furnished throughout with carefully selected antique treasures and uniquely crafted local woodcarvings. The Villa’s soaring ceilings and cool travertine floors project a warm and welcoming old-world feel. Jubilation has two master bedrooms featuring king beds and four additional bedrooms with two queen beds each. All six bedrooms have walk-in closets and en-suite bathroom with bathtub, shower, and double copper sinks. The villa’s lower level features a large entertainment room with a widescreen TV, games, music, books, and folding doors opening onto the lower veranda, a bar, and pool area. When guests are ready to explore, Jubilation has two golf carts, providing easy access to the private beach, world-class golfing, tennis courts, restaurants, a kids’ club, and boutiques. Weekly rentals range from $15,000 to $30,000 per week, tryallclub.com.
Pink Shell Resort, Fort Myers Beach, Florida
PINK SHELL BEACH RESORT, FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina has opened a new state-of-the-art marina, providing deepwater, direct, and fast access to the Gulf of Mexico. The new Fort Myers Beach, Florida, site offers pump-out services, a full-time Dock Master, trained service personnel, and supply store. Accommodating boats up to 100 feet long and offering full resort access makes the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina a true boating paradise. Featuring 41 floating slips, each with power pedestals, the marina can provide 30, 50, and 100 amp service, water, HD Direct TV, wireless Wi-Fi, and all slips are ADA compliant. The Pink Shell is located along a quarter mile of powder-white sands with 213 beachfront studio and condo style accommodations, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the barrier islands of South West Florida, Sanibel, and Captiva. When docking at the Pink Shell Marina, guests enjoy full access to Pink Shell Beach Resort, complete with concierge services, pools, fitness center, shower facilities at Aquagene Spa, free beach chairs, pool towels, laundry facilities, and game room, pinkshell.com.
The Pearl, Rosemary Beach, Florida
THE PEARL, ROSEMARY BEACH, FLORIDA
New luxury hotel, The Pearl, offers 55 beautiful rooms in the idyllic town of Rosemary Beach, on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Guests can choose from traditional rooms with one king or two queen beds; cabana rooms opening directly into a private poolside cabana and spa area; suites, some with glorious rotundas; or the signature Pearl Suite. Guests enjoy private balconies with views of the Gulf of Mexico, rainfall showers, and a complimentary iPad featuring an interactive and integrated guest services app for use during your stay. The property features a destination restaurant focused on regional cuisine of the Gulf of Mexico, a rooftop bar and lounge, spa, and pool with spacious cabanas. Rooms at The Pearl start from $279 in the low season to $459 in the peak spring and summer months. The property welcomed its first guests in July 2013, thepearlrb.com.
Hotel Renew, Waikiki, Hawaii
Hotel Renew, Waikiki, Hawaii
A new boutique hotel in the heart of bustling Waikiki offers a fresh take on modern design. Aston Hotels & Resorts has taken over operations of Hotel Renew in the heart of Waikiki, just steps from the ocean. Rebranded as Hotel Renew by Aston, the property offers 72 rooms with ocean, mountain or city views, artfully designed by San Francisco designer Jiun Ho to incorporate natural elements such as sand-blasted oak woods, cool limestone, and a palette of monochromatic colors. Hotel Renew by Aston is a unique property that offers sophisticated serenity throughout its freshly designed rooms. Situated at the center of Waikiki’s vibrant shopping and dining area, the boutique hotel is a retreat that promotes wellness and rejuvenation with natural elements reflecting the beauty of Hawaii. The hotel’s numerous amenities include a fitness center, two resort pools, beach gear, PlayStation 3, Blu-ray consoles with unlimited movies and games, morning coffee and tea service, and a weekly cocktail mixer. Rates start at $199 per night, hotelrenew.com / astonhotels.com.