Ocean Resorts

The Omphoy Ocean Resort is angling to establish a South Beach culture in affluent and refined Palm Beach.

 

Early returns for the oceanfront Omphoy, which, we are told, is set to open at the end of May, are positive. The boutique property offers guests stunning views of the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway. Water views aren’t limited to outside the hotel: A waterfall that falls a full story to the spa backs the pool. Note: Spa goers will ease into their treatments by first passing by three reflecting pools brimming with koi fish.

The interior of The Omphoy, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, promises the same level of tranquility and coolness, as it keeps the theme of the ocean close to heart. (Hallway carpets are designed to feel like seaweed running down the corridors.) Top rooms here are the suites overlooking the ocean. Besides all the normal luxury trappings (such as 37-inch plasma TVs), small, but not to be overlooked, perks include plantation shutters and netting scarf, which rings the beds. Top Touch: Floors of each room feature porcelain-bronze-infused tiles said to “bring the energy of the earth inside.” Director of Sales and Marketing Suzanne Epps (sepps@obadon hotels.com; 561-540-6440, ext. 201) will clue you in on specific room numbers once the property is underway.

Destined to be the three stars of Omphoy are the O-Bar Club, Exhale Spa and signature restaurant, Michelle Bernstein’s at The Omphoy. Bernstein’s eponymous restaurant will be a destination for all South Florida gourmands (Bernstein, in 2008, won the James Beard Award for “Best Chef in the Southern United States” for her culinary toils at Miami restaurant, Michy’s). We hear her menu will consist of surfside cuisine, which can only mean the freshest seafood fare.

O-Bar is the place to enjoy exquisite ocean views while sipping a perfectly concocted cocktail (ask for the Omphoy Om-Tini, sure to become a Palm Beach classic). Bernstein’s bistro menu will also be served at the bar, while an Italian “Vitale” pool table awaits pool sharks.

The three-treatment-room Exhale Spa, an outpost of the New York favorite, will feature meditation gardens with meditation pods. We predict that the deep-tissue massage will be the perfect post-complement to the core fusion sport class, which combines lateral and twisting movement and increases aerobic capacity. Note: Pre-opening, agents can contact Felicia Shields ([email protected]; 561-289-8626) for spa-related queries.

 

Grace Bay Club in Turks and Caicos has long been a favorite of those looking to escape the doldrums of winter. Now, there is even more reason for jetsetters to head down. Grace Bay has launched a new luxury component, The Estate, a collection of 22 residences, which debuted in February and is part of a $250 million expansion and renovation of Grace Bay.

Each suite offers unfettered ocean views and luxe design, such as 11-foot-high ceilings. Top Dig: We hear the 7,000-square-foot Penthouse Residence is the end-all of accommodations at The Estate. Not only are there the requisite touches befitting a penthouse (terraced bedrooms, media room, Jacuzzi tub, rain shower, private study), but also the simple pleasures like a grill located on a private terrace. Guests can either cook their own feast here, or have the property prepare it for them. Ultimate Option: Guests can enjoy dinner by candlelight directly on Grace Bay’s stretch of beach. This experience is reserved for one couple or one group per night; beforehand, the chef sits with you to customize menus to your personal taste. This treat can be arranged by contacting Raj Subramanian ([email protected]; 649-946-5050), director of guest experiences.

For couples, a Junior Suite is the perfect accommodation and includes an oceanfront bed/sitting area with terrace, as well as an outdoor rain shower (ideal for washing off the sand from a day at the beach). There are also three- and four-bedroom residences, including the striking four-bedroom, beach-level pool residence, which is a real winner with its private oceanfront plunge pool. Luxury travel advisors can contact Assistant Reservations Manager Angella Tyson ([email protected]; 649-946-5050) with any further questions.

Want more? All guests staying at The Estate have access to the Personal Concierge Program, which prides itself on offering intuitive bespoke service. Estate guests also have access to Grace Bay’s services and facilities, which includes the adults-only Anacaona restaurant (hint: opt for the conch or lobster, or both). Diners say they come to the restaurant as much for the ambiance as for the food. Tables are tiered under circular open-air palapas, which are conical, thatched-palm roofs.

Guests of The Estate will also want at least one day in the 5,000-square-foot Anani Spa featuring six treatment rooms and two spa tents. We hear the signature Anani Custom Massage is invigorating. Note: Guests are asked to book treatments, preferably, upon arrival at the hotel; an adult must accompany guests under 16. Contact Spa Director Sonia Hestie (sonia@gracebay club.com; 649-946-5050, ext. 1045) with questions or to make pre-bookings.

Fly clients into Providenciales International Airport, which is 15 minutes by car from The Estate at Grace Bay Club.

For a true exotic ocean resort experience, Western Australia’s Injidup Spa Retreat is still an undiscovered diamond in the rough—or sand. This remote property, part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is about three hours southwest of Perth on a secluded beach at Injidup Bay in the heart of the Margaret River Wine District. Note: Luxury travel advisors can make reservations here through SLH’s GDS code, LX. 

Often, groups will take over the entire Retreat, which can host an intimate 38 people. Groups can then tailor each of their meals in consultation with Injidup’s house chef. There are a total of 10 villas, all with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. If your clients are lucky, they’ll catch a glimpse of a Southern Right whale; each evening, they can expect a ruby-colored sunset.

The suites are typified by timber walkways, heated polished concrete floors, shutter windows and, what we think, the most splendid private plunge pools going. Each deck also has its very own expansive deck area with barbeque.

Injidup is also one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world. As such, the property can arrange for eco-helicopter tours that take passengers over the southwest coast before stopping in at four acclaimed wineries, including Vasse Felix. Retreat Manager Alana Lwin (011-61-08-9750-1300) will take care of all arrangements.

Wine plays a notable role at Injidup. In fact, the Wine Deli’s Monthly Degustation Wine Dinner is the perfect evening for even the most jaded gourmand. On the first Friday of each month, a leading regional vineyard is invited to the property to showcase their most outstanding wines. The wines are then matched with courses prepared by chefs from nearby Bathers Restaurant. Reservations for this experience are required in advance. Luxury travel advisors can contact Lwin or Operations Manager Lisa Maclaren ([email protected]), who can also clue agents in on other property details.

 

High season at Injidup falls over Christmas and Easter; bookings should be made well in advance for these periods. Fly clients into Busselton Airport or Margaret River Airport, both within 30 minutes of Injidup, as Perth International Airport is a full 167 miles away.