The old saying, “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey,” isn’t always true. Sometimes it’s both. And a water arrival could be just the thing to level up your next vacation. Here’s a look at a few resorts that you can reach via an adventure on the water.
Four Seasons Nevis – St. Kitts & Nevis
Nevis is one of the most unspoiled islands in the Caribbean. With blue skies and empty beaches, Nevis has a pace that encourages you to stop and take in all of its beauty.
After arriving in St. Kitts, hop on a Four Seasons Resort Nevis transfer service. Then, head off on a breathtaking and scenic 15-minute ride to Christophe Harbour. There, enjoy a drink before boarding a Four Seasons speedboat to the resort, with spectacular views of Nevis Peak.
Most public boats, small cruise ships and ferries also travel to Charlestown (the capital), where it’s easy to find transportation to other hotels.
If you want to travel on your own schedule, book a water taxi from Reggae Beach, on the southeast peninsula of St. Kitts, and dock at Oualie Bay, on the north of the island.
Finch Bay Resort – The Galapagos Islands
Finch Bay Resort is all about nature – and this begins before you even arrive. The journey to the resort allows you to witness all that this remarkable location has to offer.
After arriving to the Galapagos Islands, it’s time to journey to Finch Bay. Your luggage is whisked away, and your guide helps you load up into the resort’s own panga.
The hotel is located in a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, and a panga ride there is a fitting arrival to one of the most unique places on the planet. Bonus: While arriving by water, you may actually see the blue-footed booby and be able to check it off your must-see list.
Bürgenstock Hotels and Resort – Obbürgen, Switzerland
Bürgenstock is perched on the top of a mountain that you can see in the distance as you jump on the ferry to take you across Lake Lucerne. During your journey to this dreamy Swiss destination, you’ll see stunning Medieval architecture and snowcapped mountains.
Your journey doesn’t stop there. Once you reach the shore, you must get to the top of the mountain resort by funicular, a type of cable railway system.
The hotel, in the heart of central Switzerland, feels like a fantasy world, with private residence suites, four luxury hotels, nine restaurants and bars, two spa areas and one remarkable wellness center.
Cayo Espanto – Belize
Cayo Espanto is located on its own private four-acre island, just seven minutes by boat from San Pedro. It’s the ultimate luxury goal – a vacation to a private island.
Once you land in San Pedro, your “houseman” meets you at the plane. You are escorted to a golf cart, which will bring you to your own private boat, stocked with towels and water. This scenic ride takes you to your villa.
When I visited Cayo Espanto, the staff was ready and waiting for us by our private dock, refreshing drinks in hand. Every last detail was accounted for, from wrapping cocktails in cloth napkins to carrying your luggage from the boat to the bungalow. All we had to do was relax and enjoy.
Casa Vieja Lodge – Puerto San Jose, Guatemala
Imagine arriving at a boutique, luxury lodge not in the water, but above the water – in a private helicopter. That’s how you start this Guatemalan vacation.
A helicopter brings you to Guatemala’s Casa Vieja Lodge and arrives waterside near the marina. This is only appropriate, as Casa Vieja combines unbeatable fishing with high-quality hospitality. In fact, it’s considered the most luxurious, all-inclusive fishing lodge in the world.
Anglers who choose the helicopter upon arrival in Guatemala City also have the opportunity for a thrilling, 45-minute tour. It takes you past the volcanos (Pacaya, Agua, Fuego), ancient Antigua and marina before you land at the lodge.
Resorts World Bimini – The Bahamas
Travel by sea to your personal playground, Resorts World Bimini, only a two-hour ride from Fort Lauderdale on the Balearia Caribbean ferry. Enjoy drinks and snacks on the scenic ride. Or up the luxury and arrive on your own personal yacht.
This resort is only 50 nautical miles offshore from Miami, but it feels a world away. Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to the coastal United States.
Glide over the calm Gulf Stream waters and then step off on the resort’s private marina or the Hilton Dock, steps away with direct access to the Lagoon Pool – from water to water. No vacation time is wasted when the journey is half the fun.
