We are booked to return to Laucala for ten days in April. Staying in a different villa, Bebe, so there will be new environs to experience. Yet, I began to wonder what other options might afford (!) themselves at the Laucala price point and difficulty of travel from SFO. So, I poked around here and there targeting venues of high tropical beach luxury closer to home with villa and private pool (not measly plunge).

Seychelles have seductive properties but travel from SFO simply is not in the cards, some 27 hours or so. Ditto Maldives and Southeast Asia. Possible Caribbean options but have not yet stumbled across just the right place. Amanyana, maybe but unconvinced and the ethos underwhelms. The Bahamas always beckon. We repair often to both coasts of Mexico (Casa Que Canta, Las Amandas, Maroma) so prefer a different country. Hawaii lacks the level of luxury wanted. Open to Greece and Corfu, etc. Great Barrier Reef (travel issues)? Polynesia?

Not interested in a stand-alone villa rental in not-resort venue.

Delight will accrue in returning to Laucala so this post is an exploration in curiosity.

The Brando in French Polynesia? I don't have experience myself. Just been reading about it.

I was at La Samanna a year ago and they now have some very substantial villas on the bluff overlooking the beach. Although I'm no fan of Sint Maarten/StMartin I do love this hotel and think the grounds and the huge beach are top notch. As for the food, classically French included scrambled eggs with sea urchins . . . the best food experience in many years.

Completely understand if Hawai'i is not a place you wish to visit, but there are villas at Hualalai that would be considered very luxurious.

Have you looked at St Barts? Would it be topographically problematic?
http://www.letoiny.com
http://stbarthisledefrance.chevalblanc.com/en

Maybe Mustique (although perhaps no easier to get to than Laucala)?
http://www.cottonhouse.net/the-cotton-house/residence

Oberoi Mauritius
- villas with pool
- excellent service and aminities
- island has culture/food/adventure
- easy to get there via LH-group airlines

Forgot the link:
http://www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-mauritius/

Extra pro:
Lots of complimentary activities
Small scale hotel

Downside: bit of a drive from the airport

How about a villa or home at Jumby Bay? In addition to having access to all of the resort amenities, some also come with a full staff including private chef. You could even select one with a private pool and private beach.

https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/ju...antigua/villas

Thanks, all, for these options. Hualalai is a ratrace, a victim of its own success. Never again.

I hope I get to try the Brando soon (had to re-schedule), but I hear it's really beautiful. Very different compared to Hawaii. You should give it a try!

The Brando is about three hours less flying time so that's a plus. But their private pool is a large plunge pool so that's a negative.

Alrighty then.... Never to be mentioned again.

I believe the Four Seasons Costa Rica has villas with larger pools and spectacular views. We had a fabulous stay there. Search out the trip report if interested.

does OP require (pool) villa itself to be beachfront

brando - what are the dimensions of the villa pools?
FS costa rica - only top villa/estates have decent pool
amanyara - few beachfront (more $ vs laucala, like FS)

One-Bedroom villa - 10sqm. I have the exact dimensions somewhere but need to find the document.