Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its original publication date. (2024)

Private hotel perks are what dreams are made of. Couture experiences that will have you coming back for more, or thrill you enough to move on to the next. We’ve done our research and pulled together a list of a dozen luxury experiences available at hotels around the world. Most importantly taking into account staying safe,while traveling during these trying times. These perks are sure to tickle your fancy, whether you’re an epicurean explorer, a fitness buff, or looking for the luxury of a private island getaway. There is something special for everyone. 

You don’t have to just pick one…enjoy!

A beachfront spa just for one on Bahamas’ least inhabited island 

The first-ever luxury resort to debut on the barely inhabited Bahmanian island of South Andros, Caerula Mar Club is a secluded escape that was built for social distancing before it was ever a thing. Located on an expansive stretch of beach without a single footprint, the property features six private villas and 18 suites steps from the crystal-clear ocean and a boutique oceanfront spa with room to accommodate just one guest at a time. An intimate hideaway shaded by towering palm trees with unobstructed ocean views, the spa at Caerula Mar is the perfect spot for pampering with an emphasis on nature and sustainability. Treatments use a special line of bath products designed just for the resort that feature tropical scents like vanilla + grapefruit and tea tree + lavender that channel Bahamian vibes in a lush, tranquil setting. 

A culinary tour of Jalisco 

The newly renovated Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa offers a private ‘Jalisco at your Table’ culinary experience which draws much of its influences from the region. A kitchen full of chefs at the resort local to Jalisco have curated a seven-course menu inspired by meals from their childhood, time spent in their abuelas’ kitchens and the area’s traditional ingredients. Think gourmet tamales alongside a warm cup of atole, zarandeado fish – a traditional wood-fired beach snack served on a stick-, creamy, roasted corn soup and birria tacos. This culinary homage to the state of Jalisco is an authentic and delicious add on for all travelers who appreciate the opportunity to take a bite out of the local culture. Jalisco at your Table is available by request only and tastes even better when coupled with a tequila tasting with the resort’s own tequila sommelier (and tequila). Additionally, guests with a broader palate can opt for a private Dine Around the World dinner paired with sommelier-selected wines.

Pro tip: Book your private dinner in the resort’s intimate outdoor herb garden.

Spa, surf, sleep…repeat! 

Travelers seeking an escape that screams authentic Mexico while offering a 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  property features offers endless private perks ranging from Mesa1 — a chef’s table where up to six guests can enjoy a private dinner under the stars, to ceviche-making, 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. As an added bonus, any guest who books a spa treatment gets 30-minutes of private access to the spa’s outdoor relaxation area, where they can soak in hot & cold plunge pools decked out with flowing waterfalls and have the place all to themselves. Take things up a notch and book one of the resort’s Oceanfront Oasis Suites, which feature private plunge pools and ocean access. 

Slay in your sanctuary 

St. Lucia’s most mesmerizing resort experience, Jade Mountain is known for its stunning guest ‘sanctuaries’ that feature perks like ensuite infinity pools and private butler service, plus a missing fourth wall so guests are entirely open to the elements. The opulent cliffside hideaway features an array of experiences designed so guests almost never have to leave the comfort of their over-the-top suites —  from a Six in Your Sanctuary six-course, in-room chef’s dinner to private yoga classes, chocolate making, Ayurvedic wellness consultations, and more. It’s also home to St. Lucia’s only helipad for guests looking to arrive privately…in style. 

A stellar stargazing experience in Iceland

While Iceland is known as an optimal place to experience the Northern Lights for approximately 8-months of the year, it is also the ultimate stargazing destination for the same reason: a pure, unspoilt night sky offering visitors ideal views. Thus, Hotel Rangá is not only one of the best places in the world for lights chasers to stay, but also aspiring astronomers given its secluded countryside location providing less light pollution and its own state-of-the-art observatory located on-site. On most clear nights one of Iceland’s leading astronomy-experts, is on hand to guide guests through the constellations and celestial stories behind the stars using high-spec telescopes that peek through a roll-off roof into new worlds floating above. Guests can also book a one-on-one session with the astronomer weather permitting for a more intimate understanding of the night sky. Other private experiences are available, such as dinner in one of the hotel’s renowned continent-themed suites (from Africa to Antarctica) and various activities, including exploring the nearby caves of Hella.

Sail away to a private island

The all-inclusive oceanfront oasis that is Couples Tower Isle on the tropical island of Jamaica gives visitors access to endless luxury, romance and secluded experiences. The adults-only paradise sprawled across 19 acres in Ocho Rios elevates the secluded romantic experience, especially when booking the Signature Oasis Villas equipped with private personal plunge pools, outdoor showers, and private sun terraces. When lovebirds want to break away from their villa, they can go on a sailing excursion to Couples’ clothing optional private island for soaking up the sun, sipping cocktails and enjoying beachside bites. When you aren’t whisking your significant other away to a private island, savor the island’s flavors at one of six on property restaurants, enjoy one of four pools with swim up bars or even take a watersports adventure on a paddleboard, kayak, hobie cat or jet ski. Everything is included and the options are endless at Couples Tower Isle. 

Wild Flower Foraging Program: Tuscany’s Botanical Delicacies

Invest in your well-being with an extremely unusual introduction to wild plant identification just a hop, skip and jump away from Il Salviatino, a hand-restored 15th century villa turned luxury hotel that overlooks the city of Florence, Italy. In partnership with Tuscany Again, Il Salviatino is offering a new program for guests to go on a private hunt for wild plants and flowers, alongside an expert botanist. Grab your natural ingredients and put them to good use in the kitchen with a unique cooking class. This hands-on cooking experience works to create a delicious meal based on the natural wild herbs and plants hand-picked by you. The one-of-a-kind outdoor experience will not only ensure a delicious meal to indulge in, but also give you better insight into identifying wild ingredients that add a highly beneficial element to day-to-day meals. Book directly for specials via reservations@salviatino.com. 

Privacy in Paradise 

Only a short flight from any major US city, travelers looking for a much-needed vacation in a secluded, tropical setting should head to Puerto Rico. Set on a peninsula made up of 17 acres of lush tropical gardens sits Caribe Hilton, one of the islands most iconic resorts and the birthplace of the piña colada in 1954. Guests staying at the famed beach resort can unwind by the expansive beach and oceanfront swimming pools, lounge at the beach side hammocks or indulge at the Zen Spa Oceano and onsite dining options. Keeping with the overall secluded feel, the property will roll out a few private experiences including night swimming, culturally infused traditional games, outdoor movie nights, customizable beach side picnic baskets, and an interactive chef’s table kitchen experience.

Villa Wellness Retreat 

Wymara Villas, located on a coveted shoreline overlooking the protected waters of Turtle Tail, offer travelers four- and five-bedroom accommodations that sleep up to nine guests each and the perfect setting for a socially distant vacation. Just a short drive from the resort’s main grounds, the swanky villas draw inspiration from the island’s powdery sands, exuding an airy, breezy aesthetic complemented by designer furniture. The focal point? Private oceanfront infinity pools flanked by an over-the-water swim platform with direct ocean access. For added luxury, guests of Wymara Villas can reach out to the attentive, on-site villa manager who can arrange everything from in-villa spa treatments, fitness classes, and chef-cooked meals — all without having to leave the comfort of your Turks & Caicos abode. 

A private poolside Peloton session complete with your own butler 

Located inside Fort Lauderdale’s newest and tallest skyscraper, Hyatt Centric Las Olas, offers a sophisticated escape in a chic, sky-high setting with a design that pays homage to the area’s local yachting culture. Guests who want to stay fit can opt for a private Peloton session at the hotel’s Elev8 pool deck, complete with a ‘Cool Down Concierge’ who brings cold towels and beverages throughout their ride to help keep the momentum going. The property opened in April 2020 and is the first hotel to debut on vibrant Las Olas Boulevard – a hub for nightlife and entertainment –  in more than 70 years. 

Book four suites, get the entire floor to yourself

Located directly along the sultry shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach, W Fort Lauderdale, invites travelers to live it up in true VIP fashion with its new ‘Buy Four, Get The Floor’ promotion. Book four of the hotel’s stylish two-bedroom Residential Suites and the hotel will block off the rest of the floor, ensuring a full floor of privacy at just $2,000 per night. Ideal for extended stays, these bold and beautiful suites include two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic waterfront views. The W Fort Lauderdale promotion also includes insider access to ‘The Spot’, a bespoke lounge with complimentary continental breakfast. After checking in, steal the scene at WET East, the Insta-worthy rooftop pool where VIP day bed experiences await, or pop over to WET West for a more secluded pool area with plenty of space to stretch out and soak in the sun. 

Oyster bed tours, archery lessons, and beachfront bonfires…oh my! 

Located along the coast of Cape Cod, Ocean Edge Resort has launched a new lineup of private experiences to ensure complete peace of mind for travelers. These carefully curated activities take place across the resort’s 429-spacious acres, and are perfect for guests looking to enjoy outdoor and upscale experiences sans other resort guests (aka – a perfect social distancing getaway.) A few examples include: private oyster tours in the Brewster Flats; individual archery lessons; private ocean view dining on the second floor of The Mansion with a private balcony and three-course prix-fixe menu; private beach fires during sunset with s’mores kits, beach attendant and beach chairs; private golf instruction on the Nicklaus Design golf course; private yoga class on the resort’s 700-foot stretch of private beach; and more. For ultimate privacy, travelers should be sure to book one of the secluded one-, two-, or three-bedroom villas. The one-bedroom Britterige villas are fresh off a $5.5 million renovation. With a perfectly balanced trifecta of private accommodations, spacious grounds and plethora of outdoor activities, this resort naturally sets the scene for a secluded and luxurious escape on the Cape. 

Travel safely and travel well!