Your drinks order is radioed ahead to this tiny, luxurious resort so that when you arrive - after a seven-minute boat transfer from San Pedro - they are poured and ready, along with cooling face towels, for your welcome by a line-up of staff.
The staff/guest ratio is two-to-one with a personal houseman assigned to each of the six wooden villas (the island sleeps a maximum of 16). Casa Estrella, the main house, has a large sitting area with shutter-walls that open onto sea views, the bedrooms are decorated with fresh flowers and the beds draped with mosquito nets. Casa Olita is the most secluded of the villas and the newest addition is Casa Ventanas on the eastern side of the island, where there is a short stretch of sandy beach (although most people sunbathe on their jetties). The four-acre island is close to a coral reef for snorkelling and fishing. Popular excursions include private beach picnics, where the chef will barbecue your morning's catch. The menu includes fruit platters and waffles for breakfast, plus salads, barbecued pork, chicken dishes and sorbets.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
January to May, when prices are lower (avoid the rainy season in October)
PRICE
Villas from around £520 per night. Exclusive use of the island from around £5,420 per night
CONTACT
Cayo Espanto (00 1 910 323 8355; www.aprivateisland.com).
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