Comments (0) Best Place to Get Away From It All - 2001
Forbes Island
Capri is too far away, you've had it with Hawaii, and St. Bart's is totally yesterday. So where does the overstressed San Franciscan go for a tranquil island sabbatical? Forbes Island, that wallet-friendly alternative to the Caribbean a Frisbee's throw from Fisherman's Wharf. Island chieftain Forbes Kiddoo himself picks you up in his launch from Pier 39, and after a quick jaunt past Pier 39's barking sea lions you're on his palm-strewn artificial island, sipping a mai tai. Before dinner take in the fabulous views of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the bay from the top of the disco-ball-equipped lighthouse. Dinner itself -- a pleasantly drawn-out and elegant affair -- is served by candlelight in bamboo-accented surroundings. Afterward descend into the Nemo-esque bar a league or two below sea level for a cognac with Pierre the bartender and whatever you can glimpse out the portholes. Fairly steep stipend, but it beats the airfare to Aruba.
