Gladden Private Island

A dream come true. A private island in the middle of the sea, created just for two people and with all the comforts of a luxury resort. A place to spend a holiday alone, surrounded by a natural world of sea, sun, sea breeze and secluded beach. Far from the world, from indiscreet eyes and crowded destinations, in a heavenly place for a holiday that is very unconventional but, above all, unforgettable: this is Gladden Private Island, a private island that delivers an extraordinary experience. Generally, getting to most private islands takes many hours of flight across time zones to the end of the world, but Gladden Caye offers the beauty of unspoilt nature and the tranquillity of a Polynesian atoll in just four hours from Miami. Leaving Belize City by helicopter, you fly over the incredible barrier reef and enjoy exquisite views. A swirl of turquoise lagoons cradle Gladden Caye, the island fringed with white sandy beaches just 20 miles north-east of Placencia, in the heart of Belize’s barrier reef, the longest in the western hemisphere and second largest in the world. Gladden is the furthest island from dry land and the nearest to the protected side of the barrier reef, where the water is calm and clear: one of the most beautiful in the world. From seeing it for the first time in flight to the first steps on the island, dreams slowly come true. In the light of the sun its natural beauty is revealed: the white sand melds gently into the turquoise sea and surrounds the island, together with green palm trees and lush verdant vegetation that contrasts with the intense blue of the ocean. Gladden is composed of two separate but very close islands. The main island, the largest, houses a single building of 3,000 square metres, which is

a modern, Mayan-inspired villa, perfect for a couple and equipped with all comforts: bedroom, bathroom with shower and bath, living room, kitchen, dining area, large outdoor areas and terraces for sunbathing or dining in the open air and fully enjoying the island from every side of the villa while taking in the breathtaking views of the ocean. The staff members (two managers, chef, 24-hour butler and concierge) reside unseen on the second, smaller island behind Gladden Caye, ready to respond to any request at a moment’s notice. A “privacy meter” indicates if a member of the team is on the main island for any reason. All support structures on the smaller island are hidden from sightlines of the main house, and there are no neighbours to be seen in any direction, so guests can focus solely on the astonishing views in total privacy. Meals are prepared by a group of visiting chefs from renowned restaurants and accompanied by a sommelier-curated wine collection. The on-site concierge will arrange everything from spa treatments to snorkelling and scuba diving, including scuba certification, exploration of the protected marine reserve and boat trips to nearby Gladden Spit, one of the few places where whale sharks congregate in the spring. More adventurous guests can head to dry land where staff organise a series of activities for experiencing the interesting culture of Belize. Although the villa was designed for a single couple, it offers a second suite for two people - friends or family - and a single bedroom on the small island for a babysitter or personal body guard. Gladden Private Island is one of the most incredible places in the world, a gem of an island, a veritable private sanctuary for regenerating body and mind.