Review of Parrot Cay, by The TI Review Team

Christina Ong, maitresse of the COMO Shambhala empire, knows how to mix up the perfect hybrid of spirituality and high style-and has a decided eye for the kind of drop-dead gorgeous settings in which to stage it. In this case, a 1,000-acre private island: Parrot Cay is her easy, breezy, beautiful paean to Caribbean life: white stucco villas with warm terracotta tiles, strong along a low bluff on the water. The mix of Asian and Island is curious (dreadlocked staffers greeting you with palms pressed in namaste mudra? Wow), but somehow works.

Parrot Cay is about two things: relaxation and water. The waters are renowned for their marine life, and the resort offers myriad ways to capitalize at the Water Activities Center, from bonefishing to catamaran rides and windsurfing lessons to hikes along the coast. And there are activities galore for little ones, from seashell crafts classes to Water babies swimming lessons.

After an ambitious dive, guests can utilize the COMO Shambhala Retreat-indulging in a reiki session or a four-handed Thai massage, or partaking of an ashtanga yoga class. (Yes, that is Donna Karan next to you-she owns a villa here; so does Bruce Willis, but he's in the gym next door. And yes, that is yoga superstar Rodney Yee teaching - he regularly brings students down for retreats.)

A plunge in the Japanese baths is a must before your dinner of fresh seafood-steamed cod, tuna tataki, chilli-marinated mahimahi-and locally-grown organic produce at Lotus, Parrot Cay's restaurant, or The Terrace, its more casual indoor-outdoor cafe.

Even the garden view doubles are spacious, with antebellum-style verandas furnished with teak tables and chairs. But angle for one of the one-bedroom suites, which have massive living-dining rooms and two baths along with a generous bedroom, with king-sized bed draped in sheer white muslin. Or book a one-bedroom beach house-a Hamptons-esque study in whitewashed walls, slip-covered sofas, and sisal underfoot. (Not to mention private decks and pools). Bathrooms have deep, inset tubs and rain can showers; many have retracting walls, to open up to the elements.