United States' Only Private Island Resort Launches Exclusive Wine, Culinary Experience

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Florida Keys is a taste of paradise, offering guests a relaxing and blissfully reclusive experience as the only private island resort in the United States, and that paradise just got a little bit sweeter for wine lovers thanks to a new experience launched by the resort.

Last weekend, Little Palm Island hosted its first Vintner's Voyage weekend, welcoming a small group for an exclusive and immersive wine and culinary experience curated by a Michelin-starred chef, a Master Sommelier, and a high-profile group of winemakers.

Little Palm Island

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Little Palm Island is the only private island resort in the United States. One of just 16 hotels in the United States to earn three Michelin keys, the world-renowned resort allows guests to step into an exclusive paradise to enjoy the sunshine, the sea breeze, and the crystal blue Caribbean waters.

The adults-only resort allows guests to stay in spacious thatched-roof bungalows amidst a tropical forest of swaying palm trees, where they can enjoy the beauty and tranquility that the island has to offer.

"Once a coral reef, then a haven for presidents, poets, and dreamers. Today, Little Palm Island continues its quiet legacy as a private island getaway for those who seek something rarer: pristine nature, thoughtful seclusion and time that feels entirely their own," Little Palm Island writes.

Whether it's birdwatching on the docks, kayaking through the mangroves, relaxing with a spa ritual, or simply soaking up the sun on the white sand beaches or by the pool, Little Palm Island is a true oasis for relaxation and reconnection.

Vintner's Voyage

As if Little Palm Island's paradise wasn't enough, the resort has partnered with Michelin-starred Chef Julien Lefebvre as well as Master Sommelier Desmond “Des” Echavarrie and Napa's Scale Wine Group to create what it describes as a multi-day immersion into ultra-luxury dining and world-class wine, all set on the beautiful island.

“Vintners’ Voyage is designed for those who seek the exceptional,” said Seán Carney, Managing Director at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, in a news release. “Blending Chef Lefebvre’s artistry and Des Echavarria's expertise, this experience offers a rare chance to dine, wine, and discover alongside some of the world’s most accomplished talents.”

The experience was highlighted by three world-class dinners created by Chef Julien and Island Chef Rodrigo Alborno paired with exclusive wine selections from the Pinault family’s Champagne Jacquesson, one of the oldest and most respected houses in Champagne, as well as Eisele Vineyard, a Napa Valley icon, paired with boutique wines from winemaker Sam Kaplan of Memento Mori, MAXEM, and Vida Valiente.

In addition to the luxurious dinners and tranquil setting, the Vintner's Voyage included several immersive and exclusive experiences, including a wine tasting with a Master Sommelier, a cooking demonstration from a Michelin-starred chef, and a performance from a Grammy-nominated artist.

Wine Tasting

Desmond “Des” Echavarrie, who is in an elite group of fewer than 300 Master Sommeliers in the world, led a wine tasting masterclass where he shared his own inspirational journey and offered expert insight while walking through a variety of wines, teaching even the most novice of wine-lovers how to taste, enjoy, and compare wines using samplings from his Scale Wine Group portfolio.

Cooking Demonstration

Michelin-starred Chef Julien Lefebvre of the gourmet restaurant L'Âtre in Honfleur, France, led a demonstration where he walked guests through the techniques behind his most signature dishes, including his truffle-stuffed poultry ballotine with dauphine potatoes and poulette sauce, and his roasted lobster glazed with marmalade, fennel shavings, MAXEM Pinot Noir 2022 reduction, and French caviar.

Private Concert

Three-time Grammy-nominated artist Grace Potter, whose song "Something That I Want" is featured in Disney's Tangled, gave a private beachside performance to guests, offering an intimate, close-up show that highlighted her dynamic fusion of rock, blues, and soul.

This was the first Vintner's Voyage experience hosted by Little Palm Island. While there are not yet concrete details for another follow-up event, there will be more events in the future.