On the evening of May 15, I had the pleasure of attending an intimate dinner that transported me—culinarily and conversationally—to two of the most sought-after private island resorts on Earth: Ambergris Cay in the Turks & Caicos and Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives. Over fine wine and elevated fare, I was introduced to the vision behind each property by the executives who shape these sanctuaries of seclusion and sophistication. While both offer barefoot luxury, their approaches to design, wellness, and experience offer entirely distinct takes on what it means to escape.
Ambergris Cay is not just a destination—it’s a private island lifestyle. Situated on 1,100 pristine acres in the southeast corner of the Turks & Caicos archipelago, this all-inclusive hideaway offers a seamless blend of ultra-luxury and eco-conscious living. What struck me most during our conversation was the island’s commitment to personalization. Everything—from your itinerary to your dinner menu—is tailored to your preferences.
Arriving at Ambergris Cay is part of the luxury: a complimentary flight from Providenciales takes you directly to one of the Caribbean’s longest private runways. Alternatively, you can fly in by private jet. Once there, each guest is assigned a dedicated island host (a private butler, essentially) and given a personal golf cart to explore at their leisure.
The accommodations are designed for both comfort and privacy, ranging from oceanfront bungalows to multi-bedroom villas. The new Dream Estate—a 10-bedroom, 18,905-square-foot villa—embodies the pinnacle of island indulgence, complete with four pools, two private chefs, a personal gym, a spa, and a full sports bar. For something slightly more intimate, the Dream Pavilion offers six luxurious bedrooms with access to a secluded cove, while still boasting two pools, a rooftop lounge, and butler service throughout your stay.
Ambergris Cay champions a “do-everything-or-nothing” approach. Complimentary daily activities range from sunrise yoga and e-biking trails to kayaking, snorkeling, and bone fishing—all thoughtfully integrated into the island’s calm rhythms. Wellness offerings span oceanfront treatments at Elevate Spa to outdoor fitness pavilions with Peloton bikes and calisthenics trails.
And the dining? Impressive without pretension. Meals are personalized—designed to suit your tastes and dietary preferences—with global flavors infused with Caribbean flair. The Club House and Calico restaurants each offer elevated menus, while experiences like the Floating Hangover Bar and private bonfire dinners add a playful, memorable edge to your stay.
Beyond the design and service, Ambergris Cay’s green initiatives genuinely stood out. Over 60% of the island is preserved for nature, home to flamingos, rock iguanas, and endemic plant species. Efforts include solar farms, a water bottling plant, biodegradable amenities, and a ban on single-use plastics—proving sustainability and luxury need not be at odds.
If Ambergris Cay embodies tranquility through tailored service, Finolhu Maldives is its kaleidoscopic, art-driven counterpart. A proud member of the Design Hotels™ portfolio, Finolhu is located in the Baa Atoll—an area famed for its coral reefs and manta ray migration. It's not just a place you visit. It's a space that awakens every sense.
Finolhu (which means "sandbank" in Dhivehi) is unlike any other Maldivian resort I’ve seen or heard described. A total transformation in 2020 by the London-based Muza Lab infused the property with bold color palettes, bespoke artisan touches, and architectural moments that feel both whimsical and refined.
The villas—many perched overwater—are outfitted with all the luxuries you’d expect, yet each features contemporary design rooted in natural hues. The Two-Bedroom Rockstar Villas, in particular, are a maximalist’s dream, complete with disco balls, cocktail bars, and oceanfront terraces. For a celestial twist, the Beach Bubble offers a one-of-a-kind night under the stars on a secluded sandbank—a transparent dome fitted with all the comforts of a hotel suite.
Culinary adventures abound. Kanusan seduces with modern Japanese in a romantic overwater setting, while Arabian Grill serves up richly spiced Middle Eastern flavors amidst the greenery. Crab Shack—a short dhoni ride or sandbank stroll away—is the ultimate toes-in-the-sand spot for lobster rolls and Sri Lankan crab curry. And 5° North, situated exactly five degrees above the equator, offers private dinners with a personal chef and butler surrounded by the tranquil lagoon.
The Fehi Spa—inspired by the Maldivian word for “green”—is a serene oasis tucked into the island’s foliage. Treatments here blend Eastern and Western techniques and are framed by sustainability and healing.
But where Finolhu truly excels is in its connection to the sea. Set within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort partners with the Manta Trust and Olive Ridley Project and employs its own marine biologist, guiding guests through reef dives, semi-submarine explorations, and coral restoration initiatives. The nearby Hanifaru Bay offers one of the world’s most exhilarating wildlife encounters: swimming alongside dozens of manta rays during migration season.
Families and creatives aren’t left behind. The Oceaneer’s Kids Club makes island life magical for younger guests, while the Art Studio invites guests of all ages to paint, glaze pottery, or tie-dye beachwear. Meanwhile, the new indoor golf simulator and personal training sessions offer options for those who prefer their leisure with a sporty edge.
Two very different islands. Two shared commitments to luxury, sustainability, and transcendent design. My dinner with the teams from Ambergris Cay and Finolhu gave me a glimpse into what the future of elevated travel looks like: intentional, immersive, and inspiring.