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bq | R&R | ISLAND GETAWAYS
World
Paradise Found A top 10 list of some incomparable, anonymous retreats and getaways that will offer you all the privacy and exclusivity that you crave By Shereen D’Souza, Doha
Amanpulo, The Philippines Named after the Sanskrit word for peace, aman, and the Tagalog word for island, Amanpulo is a serene retreat offering the pure white sands, turquoise seas and endless blue skies for which the Philippine archipelago is famed. The entire island of Pamalican is dedicated to Amanpulo, fringed by seven square kilometres of pristine coral reef and lapped by the tranquil Sulu Sea. Amanpulo’s facilities enjoy a spacious layout complementing their natural surroundings. The resort’s casitas are situated on the beach, amongst the treetops or on the hillside overlooking the Sulu Sea. Each has its own private buggy allowing independent travel on the island. The island is packed with activities and luxurious amenities, including a spa. Rates: Start from QR3,200. Reservations: +63 2 976 5200
Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos is among the Caribbean’s pre-eminent islands. The Turks and Caicos are located in the northern Caribbean, an archipelago of eight principal islands and more than 40 smaller cays, of which Parrot Cay is one. The islands are positioned some 925km south east of Miami, which is a 70-minute flight away. It’s wrapped in sweeps of sands and peaceful seas featuring a spa and exceptional cuisine. There are over 100 acres of unspoilt wetlands and a powdered beach. Accommodation in white wash with chic teak finishing includes beachside villas, some with private pools. The aesthetic is pared down and sleek, four-posters wrapped in soft cottons that billow with the breeze. Activities include complimentary yoga and pilates classes, non-motorised sports, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boards, floodlit tennis courts and water skiing. Rates: Start from QR1,700. Reservations: +1866 388 0036 (toll free) www.bqdoha.com