Paradise Island
There is something magical and often mystical about exploring the planet’s islands. Norah Casey charts a course through the strange, the stunning and the most secluded islands in the world
The Taj Lake Palace Hotel Udaipur, India
>> THE MOST ROMANTIC The Taj Lake Palace Hotel Udaipur, India This surely must be one of the most romantic hotels in the world and I got a chance to visit it a few years ago. The Lake Palace is built in the middle of Lake Pichola from white marble, made famous when it featured in the James Bond film Octopussy. It was originally built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar – believed to be descendants of the Sun God. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli Mountains on one side of the lake, and lofty palaces on the other, the Taj Lake Palace spreads across a four-acre island – an almost surreal vision in marble floating on the still waters of the lake. ‑ is heritage hotel has 66 luxurious rooms and 17 grand suites. Its location on an island in the midst of a lake affords every room breath-taking views of the neighbouring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir. Visit taj.tajhotels.com.
>> THE MOST ELEGANT Hotel Cipriani, Venice My late husband Richard harboured a longstanding ambition to stay at the Cipriani. We’d been to Venice many times over the years staying at less salubrious establishments and he gazed jealously at the well-heeled guests of this fine Venetian jewel. In his final weeks he described his perfect night, sipping Bellinis the terrace at sunset and dining at the Cipriani’s Michelin star Ora Restaurant. Sadly, he never got to fulfil his dream. A few months after he passed away Dara and I went on a special journey to this elegant hotel to share a meal, designed by Richard.
It was a bittersweet evening, Dara wore his dad’s favourite suit, which we had altered, and we swapped stories and shared a memorable dinner in his honour beneath the glittering Murano glass chandeliers and the golden ceiling of the Ora. The Belmond Hotel Cipriani is a very special place. Built on the Island of Giudecca in the 1950s (a collaboration between a group of friends including the Guinness family) the hotel has both a stunning location and an unrivalled reputation for service. And unlike any other hotel in the city it has a large garden (where Casanova romanced his loves), a tennis court and a swimming pool. Arrival is by private water taxi from Piazza San Marco – a journey of less than five minutes. Visit belmond.com.
>> SECLUDED SANCTUARY Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Just an hour from Miami lies the private hideaway of Parrot Cay, which was built as a sanctuary for the soul as well as a nature reserve. Along its 1,000 unspoilt acres, is a milelong powdered beach where guests can watch egrets pick through the shallows or even watch whales cruise by. They can then take a yoga class with the world’s leading teachers or enjoy a deep muscle massage from specialist therapists. For those seeking greater privacy Parrot Cay has six private homes which come complete with private butlers, stunning ocean views and total seclusion. Visit parrotcay.com.
>> SNORKELING IN STYLE Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef Set alongside the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, Hayman is one of the world’s most luxurious private island resorts. It’s a tropical paradise and a unique experience offering indulgence, adventure and natural beauty. Its beautiful rooms, suites, and penthouses look over the lush gardens, pools, ponds, and white sandy beach. It offers everything the discerning traveller could wish for, including fine dining, a full equipped spa with expert therapists and consultants. Guests arrive by boat, plane or helicopter. Visit haymanisland.intercontinental.com.
>> AN UNSPOILED PARADISE Pangkor Laut, Straits of Malacca, Malaysia Pavarotti, who knew about the finer things in life, described it as Paradise and Condé Nast Traveller agreed declaring it Number One in the World. is eco-friendly resort blends beautifully into the two-million-year-old rainforest that covers most of the island. Pangkor Laut is a privately owned island just a few miles off the West Coast of Malaysia in the Straits of Malacca. Luxurious Malaysian-style villas dot the hillside and line the beach while eight magnificent Estates nestle in a secluded cove. Guest lodgings cleverly use wood and foliage to merge with the forest bringing the island’s wildlife to the doorstep. As the island is only accessible to guests it makes the perfect private holiday getaway. Visit pangkorlautresort.com.
>> BEST OF THE SEYCHELLES One of my favourite places in the world is Bird Island, an amazing sanctuary for sooty terns, land tortoises, turtles and intrepid travellers. This eco-friendly island in the Seychelles has 24 chalets where you can relax and be one with nature – no phones, no TV, no Wi-Fi. Visit birdislandseychelles.com.
We travelled by ox cart to our hotel on La Digue, a tiny island without cars or airstrip which boasts one of the most photographed beaches in the world, Anse Source D’Argent. We took a ferry from Praslin (which has a stunning rain forest) and cycled every corner of this beautiful paradise and its iconic beaches with massive granite boulders. We stayed at La Digue Island Lodge which has a beautiful beach and spectacular nightly sunsets. Visit ladigue.sc.
>> THE BEST FOR ADVENTURE The most famous island of them all, Robinson Crusoe Island (formerly Más a Tierra) a couple of hours’ flight from Santiago de Chile was the inspiration behind Daniel Defoe’s famous book. Voted one of the best secret islands of the world, this nature sanctuary island awaits the adventurous. Visit crusoeislandlodge.com.
>> LIVE LIKE A QUEEN Don’t let the name Dark Island put you off staying at this exclusive castle in Upstate New York. Nestled among the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River the former Singer Sewing Machine magnate built a hunting lodge on Dark Island and you can stay in the VIP suite for circa €650 per night. Visit singercastle.com.
>> SINGING ON THE BEACH Mamma Mia island of the Abbainspired movie fame is a little known gem called Skopelos just a short ferry journey from Skiathos in Greece. Singing on Kastani Beach is optional! Circa €150 per night, visit adrinaresort.com.
>>A LUXURIOUS RETREAT Huvafen Fushi, North Malé Atoll, The Maldives Positioned on the edge of its own lagoon on the tropical paradise island of North Malé Atoll, Huvafen Fushi (meaning dream island) resort is simply stunning. Arriving at the island either by seaplane or speedboat, guests are offered the choice of staying in a bungalow on land or one that stands over the water. Each lodge is beautifully designed combining modern contemporary styling with traditional Maldivian patterns. And each has its own pool. Taking in views of the dazzling Indian Ocean, both above and below the waterline, it was the first hotel in the world to boast an underwater spa. There is also a yoga pavilion, a butler service, three restaurants and just about any water sport imaginable. Visit huvafenfushi.com.
>> WALKING WITH LIONS Mauritius Perhaps the most memorable experience on an island was walking with Lions in Mauritius. We spent an action-packed week there some years ago and loved the lush forests and laid-back life to the south of the island. Armed with walking sticks, experienced lion handlers and a bucket of courage we walked for an hour or so with these magnificent animals. I have never been up close and personal with a lion before and maybe I won’t ever do it again, but it was a once in a lifetime experience. Visit caselapark.com
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