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Outside Magazine December 2004

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Destinations: Private Islands
360-Degree Beach Vu (Cont.)

6. ISLAS SECAS » PANAMA
In the little-visited Las Secas archipelago, off Panama's Pacific coast, lies lush Isla Cavada, a ladle-shaped 1,000-acre enclave with jagged cliffs and waterfalls that's home to a one-year-old, low-impact resort for just 12 guests.
Hideaway: Stay in one of six secluded, cove-front, canvas-sided casitas, each with a queen bed and full bath. Dine on seafood specialties, including the superb ceviche de corvina—raw white sea bass marinated in lime juice—in the open-air cocina,

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or in your casita.
Exploring: Deep-sea fish for giant black marlin and tuna; scuba-dive among sharks, dolphins, and 400-pound jewfish; search for humpback whales; or surf the epic barrels at Morro Negrito, a 12-mile boat ride away.
The Fine Print: Doubles, $600 (four-night minimum), including all meals and some activities; 805-729-2737, www.islassecas.com

7. WILSON ISLAND » AUSTRALIA
Just north of the Tropic of Capricorn and a 40-minute boat ride from Heron Island, this coral platter in Great Barrier Reef Marine Park welcomes only 12 guests at a time.
Hideaway: Six permanent tented cabanas with raised wooden floors offer king beds, battery-operated lamps, and water views. Simple meals of fresh fish and local fruit are served family-style in the community tent.
Exploring: The emphasis is on appreciating the fragile environment, with snorkeling, birdwatching, and, from December to April, guided walks to view the hatching of green and loggerhead turtles.
The Fine Print: The five-night Wilson Island Experience ($1,425 per person) includes two nights on Heron Island and three nights on Wilson Island, all meals included; 800-225-9849, www.wilsonisland.com

8. DOLPHIN ISLAND » FIJI
A ten-minute cruise from the north end of the Viti Levu mainland, this nine-acre coral islet hosts just two couples at a time. Hideaway: A pair of elevated, open-to-the-breezes bures are decorated Fiji-style with tapa cloth and lashed beams. One has two double suites for sleeping; the other is where chefs work magic: Think papaya, mud crabs cooked in coconut milk, and poisson cru. Exploring: Kayak around the island, look for clownfish on the reefs, sail a Hobie Cat, and scuba-dive sites like Dream Maker, where sheer walls sport multihued soft corals.
The Fine Print: $1,540 per night for two, $1,940 for four (four-night minimum); 011-64-7-378-5791, www.dolphinislandfiji.com

9. MOTU HAAPITI RAHI » BORA BORA
A nearly perfect circle of coconut palms and white sand, this islet in the coral barrier reef encircling Bora Bora is only big enough for two houses—the owner's and a three-bedroom cottage that holds up to five guests. Hideaway: Decorated with traditional bamboo furnishings, the solar-powered house sits on stilts just 15 feet from the clear lagoon. Buy groceries en route to the island, and cook at home.
Exploring: Kayaks, fins, and masks are at your disposal; the snorkeling—look for eagle rays and giant wrasses—is superb. Buzz over to Bora Bora by motorboat for scuba diving, water-skiing, and horseback riding.
The Fine Print: Rent the house for $550 per night; 011-689-74-24-73, www.private-island.net

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