If you’re worried about crowds during the pandemic, renting out a resort is your best bet for creating a chic summer travel experience.

Creating Your Chic Summer Travel Experience

Are you itching for a chic summer travel experience but are still nervous about crowds? Opt for an international getaway with private perks by renting out the resort and having the entire place all to yourself. Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding, company incentive trip, or a celebration of any kind, a full resort buyout allows you to customize your getaway for an escape so private and personalized, you’ll feel right at home while you’re worlds away. From the stunning sanctuaries at Jade Mountain in St. Lucia to the snowcapped peaks of Iceland, these boutique resorts are available for guests to rent out and make their very own.

Jade Mountain

Soufriere Bay, St. Lucia / www.jademountain.com

Arguably the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experience, Jade Mountain is a secluded retreat known for its 29 spectacular ‘sanctuaries,’ which are inspired by the cosmos with names like Galaxy, Sun, Moon, and Star. Missing their fourth wall so guests are totally open to the elements and surrounding nature, the sanctuaries come with perks like en-suite infinity pools, giant four-poster canopy beds, private butler service, and sweeping views of the majestic twin Pitons and Caribbean Sea. Built into the side of a towering cliff, the resort features beautifully landscaped bridges that guests must cross to reach their private sanctuary. Personalized wellness and culinary experiences that draw from St. Lucia’s rich local culture round out the resort’s offerings, from yoga and Piton hikes with a private butler in tow, to scuba diving, organic farm tours, and a Chocolate Lab that makes signature sweets. Rates from $45,000/night, plus $166 per person daily to add an all inclusive meal plan. Buyouts include a minimum stay requirement of 4 nights.

Caerula Mar Club

South Andros, Bahamas / www.caerulamar.com

Hidden on a gorgeous stretch of beach without footprints on The Bahamas’ least inhabited island, Caerula Mar Club is a boutique escape that envelopes guests in the area’s stunning natural beauty. The epitome of barefoot luxury, this simple, yet chic hideaway was originally built in the 1960’s and restored by Bryan and Sarah Baeumler of HGTV fame, who transformed the once-abandoned property into one of the region’s most stylish resorts. Features include six private villas and 18 Clubhouse Suites just steps from the turquoise shoreline, dinner menus that change nightly based on what’s currently in season, and experiences that range from blue hole cave diving to private helicopter tours over the islands. Though with a locale this beautiful, you’ll just want to lay there and soak it all in.

With its own international customs, getting to Andros is a breeze whether you’re flying commercial or private charter. Caerula Mar Club opened its doors in February and has since been named among the world’s best new resorts. Travelers who want a preview can tune into HGTV on June 7th for the premiere of Renovation Island, which chronicles the makings of the resort. Buyouts can accommodate up to 56 guests and include daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all beverages excluding cellar wines & Champagne, non-motorized water sports, private airport transfers, coordination of events and celebrations. Rates from $32,000/night.

W Punta de Mita

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico / www.marriott.com/pvrwh

Groups seeking an escape that screams authentic Mexico while offering a much 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 119-room property features amenities for days. From beachside ceviche-making to 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, it’s the perfect place to get a dose of local culture…in style. With a bold design & colorful decor that pay homage to indigneous influences and the area’s local surf culture (think: beds with headboards made of surfboards), you’ll automatically feel cooler after staying at this chic surfer’s haven. It’s the perfect place for a wedding, incentive trip, or any major celebration. Rates from $369/night + $28,500 daily F&B minimum or purchase of all-inclusive meal plan. Guests must book a minimum of 90 rooms.

Casa Palopo

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala / www.casapalopo.com

Casa Palopó is perched above spectacular Lake Atitlán — famous for its natural beauty, three mesmerizing volcanoes and 12 colorful Mayan villages that dot its shores, each with its own personality. The private home turned boutique hotel offers just 15 uniquely decorated guest rooms, adorned with colorful walls, Latin American artwork and handwoven textiles made in Guatemala — all perfectly complemented by breathtaking views of the lake and the three volcanoes directly across. It is the first and only Relais & Chateaux property in Guatemala, guaranteeing an escape as exclusive as it is unique. Three of its most magnificent suites are found in Villa Palopo, which is perched higher on the mountain and complete with its own infinity pool and two helipads. Travelers can currently book the entire property for $5,555 per night, plus taxes. The package represents a 15% discount per room, and includes a family style breakfast, complimentary tortilla bar experience, personalized activity and exclusive use of all amenities. For the utmost exclusive experience, arrange for a private helicopter transfer from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan where you’ll indulge in a bird’s eye view of the lake Aldous Huxley coined “too much of a good thing.”

Origin & Theory by Ecoventura

The Galapagos / www.ecoventura.com

Intimate and exclusive for just 20 guests, the identical luxury expedition yachts, Origin & Theory by Ecoventura are named after Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and Origin of Species. They are managed like floating boutique hotels and are the only Galapagos vessels to have joined the ranks of the esteemed Relais & Chateaux collection. The seven-night itinerary includes daily excursions and educational briefings led by two certified naturalists — the most favorable passenger to naturalist ratio in the Galapagos. Daily activities include beautiful snorkeling opportunities, kayaking, beach walks and hiking tours that bring you up close and personal to the destination’s most fascinating species. Wildlife wanders freely and fearlessly throughout the archipelago, so travelers frequently find themselves swimming with sea turtles, sun bathing with sea lions or face-to-face with the famous blue-footed boobies. Origin & Theory by Ecoventura operates two unique itineraries departing every Sunday morning. Itinerary A follows a southern/central role and itinerary B follows a northern/western route. The two itineraries can be combined for a two-week journey visiting all corners of the Galapagos Islands. To incentivize charters, Ecoventura is offering a reduced week-long charter rate of $96,600 for up to 16 guests. It’s normally $161,000 for the week for up to 20 guests, so when you calculate the savings, it’s an unprecedented 40% off per charter. This is available through December 13, 2020, with no deposit required and guests can cancel up to 31 days prior.

Renting a resort for family and friends is a fabulous option to guarantee a chic summer travel experience and the choices may be more affordable than you think.

Jade Mountain

Caerula Mar Club

W Punta de Mita

Casa Palopo

Origin & Theory by Ecoventura