Gran Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado

Gran Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado details

A romantic island retreat, the Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado is a truly great escape.

You may do a double-take when you arrive on Cayo Levantado. Dubbed Bacardi Island, this tiny green isle once starred in one of the drink’s adverts. With its coconut-white sands, turquoise-blue seas and nodding palm trees, it’s paradise.

The setting is romantic beyond belief. Serene, secluded and right on the beach, you can only get here by boat. Don’t worry, you’re not totally cut off, there are free shuttles back to the mainland, subject to availability. Though once you set eyes on the place it’s likely you’ll want to stay put. When you’re not sinking your toes into the sand, you’ve got two luxurious pools to pick from. Both sunk into spacious terraces, they’re flanked by comfy wicker sun loungers that sit under fluttering white drapes or palm shelters. And there’s also a whirlpool bath and pool bar on hand.

It’s not all about lounging here, though. An impressive list of activities reels off sports like tennis and there’s a state-of-the-art gym, too. You’ll also find plenty to keep you occupied in the water with windsurfing, sailing and kayaking just some of the offerings. And for romantic walks simply follow the sands hand-in-hand and do a circular tour of the beaches.

As for the hotel... from the sophisticated lobby with its polished floors to the sumptuous Moorish-style spa, it’s more like a roomy mansion. It’s the same story throughout. The bedrooms are big and stylish with a lounge area and 21st-century gadgets like a whirlpool bath or shower. And the four refined restaurants make the most of the scenery.

If you’re want to get starry-eyed and spoilt, let us whisk you away to this paradise isle. We can't think of a better place to get marooned.