Paradise Found

In tranquillity on secluded shores, time surrenders its hurried nature and gifts precious moments just for two…

Words: BEVERLEY LENNON

Islas Secas, Panama

Some 20 miles off Panama's west coast, in the Gulf of Chiriquí within the Central American Pacific, lies the extraordinary Islas Secas – a vision brought to life by conservationist Louis Bacon. Approaching the island by boat, it appears untouched by human presence. It’s only upon setting foot on land that you can discern the seven tented casitas discreetly concealed within a lush tropical forest.

Only 24 guests are welcomed to Islas Secas at any given time, creating an exclusive setting that also allows wildlife to thrive. Bacon has created a retreat where guests can immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world, including the annual migration of humpback whales.

A commitment to environmental stewardship is evident. The resort is powered by solar-generated energy, every scrap of food waste finds purpose through recycling initiatives, and wastewater undergoes a transformative journey, finding new life in the irrigation of the island’s lush landscapes.

Choose to spend your days exploring one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems, perhaps asking the staff to arrange a surprise beach barbeque as the sun sinks towards the horizon.

It’s possible to completely privatise Islas Secas, making the entire island your playground, free from distractions except than the sound of the waves.

The Brando, French Polynesia

Set against a breathtaking backdrop of fan-shaped palms and surrounded by azure lagoons, The Brando, a private island resort in French Polynesia, is just 30 miles from Tahiti. Yet despite its proximity to the archipelago’s largest island, Tetiaroa feels like a world away. Accessible exclusively by a quick light plane flight, this pristine sanctuary is a champion of outstanding conservation practices, proudly holding French Polynesia’s first LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

At the heart of this tropical paradise, 35 beachfront villas and one private residence stand in perfect harmony along a stretch of fine caster-sugar sands. Offering one, two, or three bedrooms, every lodging features a private plunge pool with views over the world's largest body of water: the Pacific Ocean.

Varua Te Ora Spa invites you to experience holistic Polynesian-inspired therapies and a range of wellness treatments. Massages at Fare Manu – a suspended bird nest resting in the treetops – allow couples to connect with both nature and each other in an intimate, private setting.

Although there's hardly any reason to leave your cocoon, venturing out by boat allows you to discover the treasures of the neighbouring isles, including impressive bird colonies (depending on the season). Along the sea's surface, protected barrier reefs teem with vibrant marine life, schools of turtles, stingrays and sharks.

The Brando's acclaimed dining, curated by French chef Jean Imbert, presents modern twists on classics, highlighting Tetiaroa's locally sourced ingredients and authentic Polynesian flavours. Barefoot private dining on an islet elevates the romance, a table for two set at the water's edge.

Song Saa, Cambodia

Bid farewell to the lively rhythm of Sihanoukville as you step onto a private speedboat. Over the next 45 minutes, you slice through the Gulf of Thailand, heading towards the Koh Rong archipelago off the southern coast of Cambodia. As a series of primaeval islands come into view on the horizon, the twin islands of Song Saa emerge from the ocean, set amid a 100-hectare marine reserve.

In the embrace of Song Saa’s natural splendour, 27 villas are meticulously designed to blend with the pristine surroundings. Wander along the sandy paths and you'll discover a unique sense of seclusion and privacy. A series of one and two-bedroom overwater bungalows snakes out to the sea, below them turtles leisurely grazing on seagrass alongside schools of parrot fish, sea horses and spotted rays.

Song Saa’s ethos is rooted in sustainability. Virtually every facet of each structure, and nearly every piece of furniture, features upcycled local wood sourced and the craftsmanship of local artisans.

The Song Saa Foundation is a non-profit organisation with a mission to safeguard the habitats of the Koh Rong Archipelago and enhance the well-being of its communities through a diverse range of conservation and humanitarian initiatives. Join their conservation team for a tour of Prek Svay village on the neighbouring island, where you can witness firsthand the foundation's commitment to supporting the local community.

Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique

To understand the true meaning of paradise, you need to look no further than Kisawa Sanctuary. This slice of heaven is set within 300 hectares on the southern tip of Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago –Mozambique’s first marine national park. Here, time exists in its own fluid rhythm. The clock's ticking is replaced by the rustle of palm leaves. Watches are rendered meaningless as the sun takes charge, orchestrating the flow of hours. At this all-inclusive sanctuary, a dedicated personal service team stands ready to cater to your every whim at any time of the day or night, as days effortlessly blend into a harmonious continuum.

A cap on the guest count means Kisawa feels perennially quiet. Just 11 bungalow residences are spread across the island, some of which sit on the calmer side of the cove, others perched amidst the dunes by the ocean. Each residence comes complete with an exclusive stretch of soft-sand beach, an infinity pool and an eclectic mini moke.

The range of bespoke experiences and activities at Kisawa includes hikes with a nature guide to spot more than 150 bird species and climbing the red dune for sunrise.

As night falls, moonlight barbeque dinners on the beach and wild dune glamping beckon, or the “pizza tuk tuk” delivers slices to your residence.

If you travel in search of natural wonders, you’ll find them in astonishing quantities in Mozambique. Dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, dugongs: you never know what you’ll see in these waters. Adding to the spectacle, humpback whales grace the seas with their majestic presence during their annual migration from July to October.

The wealth of wildlife here has captivated oceanic researchers. As a guest at Kisawa, not only does your stay contribute to vital research funding, but you also have the opportunity to join marine scientists from the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory) as they strive to protect the future of this delicate ecosystem.