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This was my view at Deep Water Cay, a private island playground sitting in the shadow of McClean's Town at the far eastern edge of Grand Bahama Island.

The magic at Empyrean Villas starts with the location, literally across the street from Whitby Beach, one of the finest beaches in North Caicos.

I didn't notice Chez Gisèle et Philippe at first. Once I did, though, I couldn't take my eyes off the red-roofed home just above la plage.

Tequila Sunrise Villa, Anguilla is an impeccably designed, sophisticated but not stuffy, luxury experience on a hidden gem of an island.

In name alone, private islands suggest remoteness, isolation; a true escape far, far away from it all. Not everyone can get down with that, of course.

It's a lot easier to get to Barbados these days. For UC readers, it's also a lot more affordable to stay here in style thanks to our friends at Cotton House 2.

It sits a hefty stone's throws from mainland Grand Bahama, yet Deep Water Cay espouses every bit of an exclusive and secluded private island feel.

Every year, it seems, a "new-to-us" enclave of quintessential Bahamian style and hospitality crops up on our radar. This year, it's Pineapple Fields.

Exclusive doesn't do The Residences by Grace Bay Club justice.