Life, Love, and the Pursuit of the Next Great Vacation: Island Outpost

For my very first "real" post, I thought it would be fitting to kill two birds with one stone--tell you a little about my wedding and give you some great travel ideas!

Island Outpost is a group of boutique hotels and resorts owned by music executive, Chris Blackwell. These seven unique hotels in the Bahamas and Jamaica certainly live up to what would be expected of the man that is credited with discovering Bob Marley! You're guaranteed to find romance, seclusion, and of course, the "hippy" vibe!

What does this have to do with my wedding, you ask? We'll, we're taking the plunge at one of these resorts! Read on to learn more!

Goldeneye

What's that? That name sounds familiar? Reminds you of James Bond, perhaps?

That's because this resort is the former home of Ian Flemming, the author of the James Bond series of books. In fact, he is said to have written 17 of the Bond books at this home in rural Jamaica.

The resort is now composed of Flemming's main house in addition to four additional villas. On site you'll find authentic jamaican food, idyllic surroundings, and even a masseause if you so request.

Rates for the villas are definately in the luxury price range ($700-3800/night), but split it with a few friends, and it's much more attainable.

If visiting isn't quite enough for you, you will soon be able to purchase villas on the Goldeneye property. Ranging from $600,000-$3.5 million, the properties are built to please!

Jake's

Rated, "The chicest shack in the Caribbean" by Vogue, arguably, the most unique of the Island Outpost resorts, Jake's lies on the Southern coast of Jamaica. The 13 villas the make up this rural resort offer almost complete seclusion and some of the most incredible views in the Caribbean. Get ready for a completely unique experience!

And beyond the amazing experience, as a great bonus, rates are EXTREMELY reasonable! Ranging from $95 for a one bedroom garden view to $950 for a four bedroom villa, the rooms are SURE to please--most even have their own patio overhanging the sea! Check out the pics!

Strawberry Hill

Set up in the moutains of Jamaica, the 12 cottages that comprise Strawberry Hill are the ultimate in relaxation. An infinity pool, daily yoga, and an Aveda salon add to the calming atmosphere.

Rates range from $395 to $595 nightly and the resort is open April through December. Check out these amazing photos! I get relaxed just looking at them!

Pink Sands

Set on the pink sands beach of Harbour Island in the out islands of the Bahamas, the all-inclusive Pink Sands was rated one of Travel + Leisure's top 100 hotels.

The resort offers both cottages and garden-view rooms. If you're looking for a luxury resort in a unique location, Pink Sands may be the place for you. Rates range from $600-1600 in the off season and $750-2350 in the high season.

The Caves

This luxury all-inclusive resort is set on the cliffs on the west end of Negril, Jamaica. In addition to the 10 luxurious sea-front villas, you'll also find a sea-front jacuzzi, a jacuzzi in a cave, and a salt-water pool.

Rates range from $494 to $1282 nightly.

Compass Point

By now, you may be asking what all of this has to do with my wedding? Well, ::drumroll please:: this is where my fabulous fiance and I will be taking the plunge! :)

Compass Point is a set of sea-front villas about 30 minutes outside of Nassau in the Bahamas. Besides being stunningly beautiful, this unique resort has some very unique history--it also boasts a recording studio where the whos who of the recording industry have recorded! Clients include Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, and AC/DC (The Back in Black album was recorded in its entirety here). It's also been listed in 1000 Places to See Before You Die!

My bridesmaids and I will be getting ready in a GORGEOUS elevated sea-front villa, God (weather) willing, we will be married on the beautiful pier, and we will host a cocktail reception on the tiki-torch lit pool deck (we are travelling to the Bahamas by cruise ship, so we will have dinner on the ship, and will host an after-party at a local hot spot!--more about all of this in an upcoming post)

Rates range from $215 for a studio hut in the low season to $500 for a sea-view elevated 2 bedroom hut in the high season.