Inside the Caribbean’s Ultra-Exclusive Calivigny Island
Where do you go with an unlimited budget to get away from it all? I recently discovered the lure of Calivigny Island in Grenada. The private island – which sleeps up to 40 guests - is a gastronomic paradise spread over 80 acres, with private chefs, a full staff to cater to every need, and activities galore.
Thanks to Dominique Debay Hotels and Resorts, I joined a group of 10 travel insiders on a dream weekend there. None of us had heard of Calivigny, which was part of the intrigue. It’s a place where mega-celebrities go to disappear or to celebrate in a big way. It didn’t take long to see why.
Calivigny Island reflects the soul of Grenada: unspoiled beauty, genuine hospitality, a relaxed vibe. Closer to South America than to Florida, the lush “Spice Isle” avoids the hurricane patterns that much of the Caribbean faces, making it a year-round tropical destination. Locals are proud of their community spirit. It’s one of the reasons why Calivigny’s owners fell in love with Grenada and purchased the land in 2000.
Another draw is its proximity to the airport. Grenada has direct flights from New York, Miami and London. Within 20 minutes of leaving Maurice Bishop Airport, I was ushered into my private speedboat cruising towards my weekend oasis, 10 minutes away.
In the open waters, the emerald island gradually came into view. The gently sloping rooftops of the main Beach House stood out first, a blend of Balinese and French Colonial elegance. To its left, a stretch of golden sand led to the Overhang House, the second residence. Fuzzy dots lined the approaching dock. As they came into focus, I realized that the staff was waiting to welcome me with broad smiles and cold-pressed juice. The first sign of gracious island living.
The manager Anais escorted me to the Beach House. Along the way, she pointed out the shimmering infinity pool with wet bar, the state-of-the-art kitchen, the billiards room, and the gym.
No expense was spared in creating Calivigny Island. Persian rugs accented the hand-cut marble floors; art and antiques adorning the walls. We rode the elevator up two flights. Anais pushed open two majestic cherry wood doors to reveal the Cocoa Suite.
My duplex was enormous. It was framed by a 30-foot arched window overlooking Woburn Bay. Designer Richard Frinier filled the interiors with brushed velvet furnishings, silk curtains and richly carved wood. A polished spiral staircase connected the upstairs loft bedroom with the living room, dining room and outdoor deck below.
I quickly changed to meet the others by the rotunda for a champagne toast. Dominique Debay greeted us and began sharing the history of the island. The owners, a French couple, dreamed of finding the ultimate escape for their growing family. They wanted a place where everyone --young and old -- felt free to do as they pleased. One day while in Grenada, the wife swam to the uninhabited island and fell in love with it. She called her husband right away when she found out it was for sale.
They built the opulent Beach House with 10 magnificent suites. Then added the more modern Overhang Residence with nine suites and three two-bedroom bungalows with a private beach. The nearly 4,000 square-foot master suite comes with an over-the-top marbled Jacuzzi room.
On our first night, we experienced one of Calivigny’s top draws: gastronomy. The owners hand-pick some of their favorite Michelin-starred chefs to cook for guests during their stay. Tonight, we feasted on creations by Chef Frederic Simon, a Joel Robuchon protégé: beetroot tartare, roasted lobster with coconut bouillon, beef with tapenade, and roasted pineapple with local honey. Meals were served alfresco along an exquisitely decorated family-style table.
The next morning began with sunrise yoga on the beach. With every pose, thoughts of breakfast kept creeping into my not-so-still mind. After class, my new friends Udo and Laura admitted the same as we hurried past manicured grounds to the breakfast table.
Truffled scrambled eggs, anyone? It was Chef Alexi’s signature dish and we eagerly passed it around savoring each pillowy mouthful. Every morning we woke up to a lavish spread of fresh baked goods, house-cured salmon, delicious cheeses, and fruit from the island’s organic garden.
In between meals, we had plenty of options to keep entertained. Unwinding by the infinity pool, cooling off at the wet bar, and jet skiing through the yacht-lined harbor for starters. Guests can enjoy massages, tennis lessons, cooking classes (with Michelin-starred chefs), hiking, biking, yachting, water sports, and outdoor movies. Buggies can zip you around the island to tour the organic farm or pick eggs from its prized chickens. Kids have full reign of a deluxe treehouse complete with bunk beds. A new spa is in the works too.
We celebrated our final night with a fresh lobster barbecue on the beach against a roaring bonfire. The local band Solid was brought in from the mainland. After dinner, staff and guests boogied to the sounds of Soca and Reggae. By then we were just one big family.
Full island buyouts start at $132,000/night (accommodations for up to 40 guests). Calivigny Island supports sustainability. The island runs an organic farm, a desalinization plant to create drinkable water locally, and a workshop to build the island’s furniture.