Luxury living: Tropical escapes

This Venetian-style palace on Nassau Harbour on Paradise Island, Bahamas, was recently renovated by celebrated interior designer Steven Zelman. Situated in the exclusive resort community of Ocean Club Estates, the stately main residence is complemented by two guest houses, lush landscaped gardens, an oversized pool, and private dock with a 30,000 lb boat lift and Jet Ski lift. Property owners enjoy access to the Ocean Club Estates’ amenities, including the Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course, tennis courts, and private beach club on Paradise Island Beach.

Villa Caju is a spectacular refuge within the UNESCO Mata Atlântica Biosphere Reserve on Brazil’s Bahia coast. Surrounded by a tropical rainforest just steps from the sea, this idyllic property blends luxurious modern comforts with the simplicity of beach living. Crafted with natural, locally sourced materials, the villa is perfectly integrated into its environment. The living spaces extend to more than 10,000 square feet, with an additional 5,000 square feet of decks and terraces. Beyond are five acres of tranquil gardens with a pool, atelier, staff cottage and beachfront pergola.

This private oceanfront estate on Hawea Point, West Maui, is situated on 10 acres of conservation land bordered by an additional 12 acres of open space in the prestigious Kapalua Resort. Reconstructed in 2017, the property — also pictured at the top of this story — offers 12,000 square feet of flawlessly designed, turnkey accommodations. The interior spaces include a game room, gym, four guest suites with lanais, two bunkrooms, and a caretaker’s suite. Outside is a resort-style pool and spa with sun lounge, and a barbecue and entertainment area. Protected by Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, the promontory setting is breathtaking. 

An architectural marvel in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Cascade Villa was designed to fully appreciate the endless vistas from its hillside setting. The 9,800-square-foot, six-bedroom home, built by award-winning architect R.A. Shaw, opens to an expansive living area showcasing the pool and ocean beyond. The pool is two distinct geometric shapes joined by a narrow strip of water to form the swim-up bar. Water from the upper pool cascades down the walls of a staircase into two wading pools below. Steps away are the white sands of Babalua Beach and the turquoise waters of Princess Alexandra National Park marine preserve.

Villa Playa is a beautifully appointed beachfront home on the island of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. The 3,552-square-foot villa has five en suite bedrooms, a contemporary kitchen, and an expansive open-plan living and dining area. The interiors open to serene outdoor spaces, which include sea-view terraces, tropical gardens, and a spectacular 60-foot-long infinity pool with Jacuzzi. The villa has a prime coastal setting in a small, private community with 24-hour reception and security, just 15 minutes from Koh Samui Airport.