THESE SECLUDED ISLANDS Await Summer Travelers

As summer sun seekers search for destinations that offer privacy and seclusion from crowded beaches and congested swimming pools, they often opt for exquisite island paradises that are off the beaten path. From a luxurious resort perched high atop a Greek Island to a private beach with a natural salt water pool, these island resorts offer guests both serenity and adventure. There’s no better time than now to book your reservation.

Velaa Private Island, Maldives

Nestled in the Indian Ocean with sweeping white sand beaches and luminous cyanblue water, the Maldives is the ultimate destination for truly restful getaway. Recently unveiled as part of VistaJet’s Safe Havens collection, VistaJet Members have the unique opportunity to experience the Maldives’ Velaa Private Island on an all-inclusive week-long getaway. Designed and curated with privacy and comfort as its guiding principles, Velaa Private Island features private villas suspended over water, personal butler service, in-villa dining and spa treatments and a romantic pool residence that can only be reached by boat. Other activities for guests to enjoy in private include golfing at the Velaa Golf Academy designed by pro golfer José María Olazábal and experiencing the Maldives’ only snow room in the Velaa Spa.

Santorini Sky, Santorini, Greece

Introducing Santorini Ski, a brand new boutique luxury resort made up of eight magnificent private villas situated high above the stunning Aegean Sea. At 2,000 feet above sea level, it’s the highest point on the Greek island of Santorini. Each villa features sensational panoramic views, indoor and outdoor showers and a private terrace with jacuzzi plunge pool. The Master Villa even boasts the highest infinity pool on this famously beautiful island. Santorini Sky enjoys a unique position in the center of the island. Away from the often-overcrowded main tourist spots, this is the place to come for the utmost in privacy and relaxation. While guests will feel on top of the world, the villas are just a five-minute drive from the winding streets, local shops and famous tavernas of Pyrgos. Situated an easy 15-minute drive from the new airport, Santorini Sky is also only 15 minutes from the most beautiful beaches on the island, and 30 minutes from the picture-perfect town of Oia.

Urashima Village, Kagawa Prefecture of Japan

Newly opened, Urashima Village in the Kagawa Prefecture of Japan is a remote inn located in the Seto Peninsula. A luxury ryokan experience with tatami floors, modern amenities, and filled with the famed Japanese omotenashi, Urashima is an idyllic spot that seamlessly blends beachside living and mountain forestry. During the day, travelers can step onto Maruyama Island, famed for its turquoise blue waters and vibrant red, orange sunsets and only accessible twice a day during low time. Each of Urashima’s spacious three, two-floor buildings can accommodate groups up to 11 people.

Club Med Seychelles, Republic of Seychelles

Retreat to the private island of Sainte Anne in the Republic of Seychelles with the March debut of Club Med Seychelles, the island’s very first resort and newest Exclusive Collection resort from Club Med – the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept. Respectfully integrated along a preserved Marine National Park and spread out across 50 acres, the resort features luxurious, nature-immersed villas, each complete with a private pool, outdoor shower and outdoor terraces for sunbathing and dining al fresco, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian ocean and white sand beaches. Guests can also explore the virtually untouched destination through glass-bottomed kayak rides, snorkeling experiences, and locally-inspired cuisine. The eco-certified resort also features a wide range of wellness treatments using products inspired by the native flora and offers nature conservation experiences, like marine conservation and turtle nesting.

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Nassau, Bahamas

Guests staying at this luxury oceanfront resort can set sail on a five-minute boat ride to the resort’s private island and hidden gem, Long Cay. Exclusive to resort guests, a day-trip experience to Long Cay includes waterside bungalows, a private beach, natural saltwater pool and activities like snorkeling, jet surfing and paddle boarding. Guests can also enjoy private butler service, island delicacies served by a personal chef along with beachside spa services upon request. There are great secluded beaches on the north side, with crystal clear water and clean white sand. Flamingos flock on the banks of the south shore and feed in the sandy bottom of shallow water near the flats.

Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, Mexico

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Baja Peninsula and the Sea of Cortez, Loreto, Mexico has remained a hidden gem locale that provides the ultimate luxury of space as people ease back into travel. Located on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, travelers are able to explore the charming destination without the crowds. Part of Danzante Bay, Villa del Palmar boasts 4,447 acres, complete with an 18-hole golf course, four restaurants featuring fresh, local cuisine, 39,000 square foot Sabila Spa and five sparkling pools. Guests can choose from an array of suites and penthouses. Villa del Palmar and Danzante Bay can organize tours to the nearby islands as well as dives to explore the incredible underwater wildlife found off of the islands.

Getaway to Yates

The Best Ways to Spend Spring in the Finger Lakes Countrysides

Who’s to say spring break is limited to a set week? Our long winter months tend to linger, so cure that cabin fever by planning an escape before the busy summer months hit and your schedule fills up. The spring season is an underrated time to visit the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York, and there’s many reasons why. Think fewer crowds, lower rates and the chance to see vineyards, farmlands and small towns come to life again.

Venture on a wine tour, fishing trip, or romantic getaway to reset your mind and discover new experiences you never knew you needed. In addition to spending quality time with who you’re with, here are some suggested activities for your spring stay in the Finger Lakes Countrysides that will encourage you to opt outside.

Plan a wine tour along a Wine Trail

Take a tour at Fox Run Vineyards in Penn Yan

There are two established wine trails that border Yates County, Keuka Lake Wine Trail and Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Be sure to plan ahead as certain guidelines are in place to keep wineries open safely. Some require reservations and visitors should keep their groups small. Taste world-class wines and take in the view of country roads and growing vines with a Riesling or Dry Rosé – perfect warm weather sippers you’ll want on hand.

Fishing for days

Whether you’re a beginner or a novice, you’ll enjoy your time and the stunning scenery that surrounds you. April and May offer ideal conditions to fish for species like Trout, Pike, Perch and Atlantic Salmon. Shore-fishing, boat rentals and guided fishing charters are all possibilities you can take advantage of.

Treat yourSweet Tooth

Treat your sweet tooth with homemade ice cream from Seneca Farms, but only after you indulge in their famous fried chicken. Choose to take a seat at their ample outdoor space or utilize the drivethru and enjoy the deliciousness where you’re staying. Locals love their seasonal sundaes and limited time flavor twists.

Shop ‘til you Drop

Take a walk along the sidewalks of downtown Penn Yan where you’ll discover plenty of small shops to browse and find unique items made by local artists and creatives. The first and friendliest farm and craft market in Upstate New York, The Windmill, is a must stop to easily dive into the local agriculture scene that opens for the year at the end of April.

Rent through Finger Lakes Premier Properties

Fresh Air

therapy by foot, bike or boat

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors, some well-known and others are hidden gems! Outdoor enthusiasts love the Finger Lakes for its natural surroundings, pristine lakes, and rolling hills as far as the eye can see. Take a boat tour on Keuka Lake for one of the best points of view you’ll have on your trip.

Rent a bike, kayak or paddleboard from Shoreline Rentals in Penn Yan

Find an appreciation for Local Art

Visit art galleries, pottery studios and small shops that sell local handcrafted items you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll find that the Finger Lakes is not only known for local art, but also for its historic buildings and remarkable architecture. If you’re looking for inspiration, take a drive out to Garrett Memorial Chapel on Keuka Lake for stunning views and great photo opportunities.

There is a diverse selection of accommodations available from private rentals and cozy bed and breakfasts to camping and large chain hotels.

For travel planning and Covid-19 safety resources, visit www.fingerlakescountrysides.com

Catch You Next Time

Fishing in the Finger Lakes

It’s no shocker here that the Finger Lakes is a prime destination for planning your next fishing trip or spot to see your children cast for the first time. Fishing has always been a favorite past time and hobby for many, and in 2020 it became a popular activity perfect for peace, quiet and social distancing.

Where are the best spots?

The opportunities that the Finger Lakes region has to offer for aspiring or experienced anglers are endless. It may be the beautiful scenic waterway of the Keuka Outlet that runs between Keuka and Seneca Lakes, from Penn Yan to Dresden. This waterway offers a bounty of spring run trout from Seneca Lake in April and fall run trout usually starting in October. The outlet is also home of many stocked trout species, large and small mouth bass, and pan fish species.

If the open air and water are your pleasure, try casting a lure or live bait for the variety of trout the lakes have to offer. Pan fish, perch, crappie, bass, landlocked salmon and pike species are prevalent in the area, and can be caught year-round. Seneca Lake is known as the “Lake Trout Capital of the World” and Keuka Lake also has plenty of them.

When is the best time to fish?

What’s great about fishing is that you can do it year-round. Many find pure enjoyment during the warmer months setting out on a boat for the day, moving around the lakes at their leisure. During the colder months of the year, ice fishing may be another fishing opportunity for you. A bounty of pan fish, perch, pickerel, pike, crappie and bass are there for catching. Most of the lakes will freeze over near the shoreline in the winter, but Seneca Lake does not freeze due to its size and depth.

Be sure to plan ahead

Please visit the Department for Environmental Conservation for fishing regulations that may apply, license information and more in depth details on fishing in the Finger Lakes.