Travel Guide

If you're looking to really unplug, this is the place for you. This 10,000-acre private island may only be a fifteen-minute boat ride from the Hampton River Marina, but once you arrive you'll truly drop off the grid and step into a place that exudes early-1900s country charm. The family-owned property is committed to conservation and sustainability, and today the island is limited to just thirty-two overnight guests (all-inclusive rates start at $600 per night double occupancy and include meals, drinks--including alcohol--and all activities; littlestsimonsisland.com). Accomodations include the more modern River Lodge, where rustic cabin rooms look out over the river and the glowing south Georgia sunsets, and the Helen House, a historic 1920s tabby house with romantic antiques and a courtyard. Wherever you sleep, though, the main attractions are outside. Botany and garden tours, night walks on the beach to look for nesting turtles, bird watching, and fishing are just some of the activities available to guests. In addition to the organic garden, refillable Camelbak water bottles (that you take home as gifts), and the on-site naturalists' dedication to wildlife preservation, the lodge has installed sustainable geothermal heating and cooling systems for some of the buildings. The island can be bought out for events like family reunions, but most nights of the year it's a mix of families and couples just looking to get outdoors and connect with nature. --Jackie D'Antonio