Over-saturation tourism is a real thing and thank god I’m here to give you some island alternatives for your summer sojourn!

April, 2024
Photo of crowded Parthenon, Greece

Instead of The Ranch Malibu, why not consider The Ranch Hudson Valley:

Photo of The Ranch Hudson Valley Hotel

You say boot camp, I say butt camp, why can’t we just agree the hottest luxury wellness retreat has made its way east!  The Ranch Hudson Valley, a 40,000 sq ft stone mansion, was built in 1902 by J.P. Morgan and given as a wedding gift to his daughter when she married Alexander Hamilton’s great grandson (who said connections don’t matter)!  Both locations offer a vigorous program of long hikes, communal plant-based meals (no sugar, no gluten, no alcohol, no mercy), spa treatments, exercise programs and energy healing in luxurious surroundings.  Hopefully, you will emerge as a healthier, happier, slimmer, stress-free individual at the end of your stay.  While the Ranch Malibu has a 7 night minimum requirement, the Ranch Hudson Valley offers a more flexible 3 or 4 night package.

Breaking News: while coffee used to be strictly off limits, apparently, that was a bridge too far and a high-antioxidant, caffeinated Nicaraguan “Ranch Roast” is  now available to guests .

Instead of Paradise Island, why not consider Harbour Island:

Photo of Harbour Island, Bahamas

Color me bamboozled! How on earth has a gem like Harbour Island in the Bahamas managed to play hide and seek with fame for so long? It’s like discovering an unopened treasure chest in your backyard! The beaches aren’t just pink, they’re blushing with beauty. The hotels don’t just have class, they’ve graduated magna cum laude in sophistication. And the restaurants? There’s a smorgasbord of culinary delights that would make even the most seasoned foodie’s head spin!

Take the Eleven Bahama House for instance. This elegant 11-room retreat is so perfect for a buy-out, you’ll be tempted to pack the concierge team in your suitcase when you leave. Then there’s Dunmore Beach, a Ralph Lauren-inspired hideaway that’s as chic as a 15-cottage beachfront catwalk. And let’s not forget the Ocean View Clubit’s not just fashionable, it’s Instagram’s best-kept secret – a laid-back hidden gem that’s small in size but big on charm. Getting around this uber-friendly island is a breeze. Everyone zips around in golf carts, and if Lady Luck smiles on you, you’ll land the luxury cart – the Rolls Royce of golf carts, complete with all the bells and whistles! When you’re ready to turn your daydreams into reality, give me a shout. I’ve got the inside scoop on the best restaurants, bars, and boutiques that Harbour Island has to offer.

Instead of Capri, why not consider Ischia: 

Photo of Ischia, Italy

Just a hop and a skip(or a 50 minute hydrofoil ride) from Naples, this under-the-radar volcanic island is a time capsule of rustic allure, untouched by the modern world’s hustle.  It’s a place where time takes a leisurely stroll and retains the charm and authenticity that has eluded other destinations. Wellness warriors can soak their cares away in the myriad of thermal baths, slather on the healing mud or simmer in the hot springs of luxury. History hounds and cinema buffs can spend the day at Castello Aragonese, a fortress from yesteryear (474 BC, to be exact) which was the film location of Cleopatra starring  Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall of this ancient castle!). Nature enthusiasts, prepare to be enchanted by the Giardini la Mortella, a botanical wonderland brimming with exotic flora. For active travelers, trek up Mount Epomeo, the highest point on the island,  where ristorante La Grotta da Fiore is located with a beef bruschetta that will bring tears to your eyes…and while Capri might be the crowded cousin, Ischia’s beaches are serene sanctuaries, the hotels ooze sophistication and you can actually get into some of the best restaurants in Italy without making a reservation a month in advance! This is the place where anti-trendy is the new black!

Instead of Ibiza or Mallorca, why not consider Menorca: 

Photo of Menorca, Spain

In a land where concrete jungles sprawl, Menorca stands out as an unspoiled exception, thanks to a spell of strict rules and a sprinkle of planning magic that have cocooned its old-world charm from the claws of commercial beasts. It’s not just protected; it’s a UNESCO-anointed Biosphere Reserve, a badge it wears with pride. Here, the green-thumbed guardians and eco-warriors unite to keep the island’s natural treasures – from its sun-kissed beaches to its whispering forests – untouched by time. Menorca is a haven for souls seeking serenity, a canvas of natural splendor and a lifestyle that’s as leisurely as a lazy Sunday morning. For the adventurers at heart, there’s the Cami des Cavalls – a trail where horses once trod – offering a kaleidoscope of coastal vistas, cliffside wonders and pastoral scenes straight out of a storybook. And when it comes to slumber, forget the cookie-cutter hotels; here, you’ll rest your head in converted farmhouses or chic rural manors. So, if your heart yearns for loyalty points and branded stays, you might just have to trade those dreams for the rustic embrace of Menorca’s charm.

Instead of Mykonos, why not consider Folegandros: 

Photo of Gundari Luxury Resort, Greece

Nestled in the heart of the Cyclades, Folegandros is a secluded paradise, reachable solely by the waves of the sea or the whirl of helicopter blades. This unspoiled treasure boasts a quaint, historic town cradled by untamed natural beauty, whispering tales of a bygone era. Until now, there was only 1 luxury hotel called the Anemi Hotel with only 44 rooms. This summer, however, the Gundari is opening and will be an option for sophisticated travelers, including villas with up to 4 bedrooms.  Embark on a journey to this island before the world catches on and claim the privilege of being among the pioneers to bask in what’s destined to become Greece’s crowning jewel of travel. 🌟

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Contact Jody Bear at info@bearandbear.travel for her take on travel.