Luxury Buyouts Offer Options for Families

Got a big brood? It’s easy to gather the troops with a luxury buyout, although most don’t come cheap. From David Copperfield’s Bahamas beaut to Costa Rica’s lush rainforest, there’s plenty of fun to be had whether on land, by sea or even in a treehouse!

Musha Cay, Bahamas

A getaway at Musha Cay is downright magical thanks to the imagination of legendary illusionist David Copperfield. Seven hundred acres spread over four islands with 25 secluded beaches in the Southern Bahamas is available for exclusive rentals only, meaning no one else will crash your party. There are “Olympic” games, like swimming and running and classics like potato sack races; a “drive-in” featuring lounge chairs on the beach at night; and even an adventurous scavenger hunt written by Copperfield and his team that includes caves, hidden beaches, “pirates,” cliffs and a treasure map guiding guest to the islands of Copperfield Bay.

Broadmoor, Colorado Springs

There are a couple of options at the Broadmoor, where the natural rugged splendor of Colorado Springs meets refinement. At the Estate House, 12,000 square feet awaits in a 1930s five-bedroom home just a few feet away from the main resort’s campus. Each room has a king or two queens and private baths; original woodwork and art fill the halls; and there’s a private study and library. A grand parlor seats 60 for meals, and the dining room seats 16. The back lawn has croquet and a garden. A Cloud Camp buyout may cost you, but it’ll be an unforgettable family reunion or gathering of a lifetime. High atop Cheyenne Mountain, the 32-guest hideaway has stunning 360-degree views of Pikes Peak (the purple mountains mentioned in “America the Beautiful.”) Western art, fine dining and intimate log cabins — with all the modern amenities — await.

Villa Manzu, Costa Rica

With 30,00 square feet and a maximum of 22 guests, you do the math — it all adds up to tons of space per person to lounge about Villa Manzu, a luxury estate available for exclusive rentals only. The all-villa property is set in the middle of a tropical rainforest on the tip of Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo. Common areas include a living room, indoor and outdoor dining spots, a game room, two bars, a theater with movie library and a party room. There’s also a private chef, two heated pools and plenty of other active pursuits like yoga, hiking, biking, fishing and snorkeling.

© Musha Cay

Skylonda Lodge, Redwood City, California

Get healthy in groups of 14 or more on this 16-acre private wellness facility in the Redwood Forest between Silicon Valley and San Francisco. After a revamp this year, there’s even more ways to enhance mental and physical wellbeing thanks to Feng Shui in 33 guestrooms — 12 are in the main lodge and there are 21 treehouses spread throughout the property. There’s also a 1,000-square-foot fitness center, yoga pavilion, pool with Jacuzzi and saunas and an obstacle course. The whole-foods menu comes from foods ethically raised and harvested within 100 miles of the Lodge, with seasonal ingredients that promote healing.

The Caves, Negril, Jamaica

Caves don’t sound luxurious, but then again, Jamaica’s not like many other islands. Here, there are a dozen cottages and a grand villa, each decorated differently in island themes with ocean views. Adults-only and all-inclusive, it’s no wonder this is popular for weddings and honeymoons when not exclusively rented out. The on-site Aveda spa is the perfect place to chill out or grab whatever you want from the 24-hour open bar. You can even dine by candlelight in a cave — alone or with the entire gang!

Petit St. Vincent private island

Half the fun is getting there at Petit St. Vincent, where commuting to your own private island includes flying to Barbados and then taking a private boat. Twenty-two ocean-view cottages make for the perfect family reunion or even beach wedding with the kids and your second cousins. Seven beaches, a spa, two restaurants and bars and a large wine cellar are all manned by 130 staff members, so the service ratio is over 2:1.