Melody Key Island: March to Your Own Drummer

Luxury Vacations: When Nick Hexum is on the road making music with 311, he rents out his private paradise, Melody Key Island. While Nick's band plays alternative rock, Nick's island is for alternative luxury travelers seeking an original esoteric escapade. The tropical retreat is a quick boat ride from the Florida Keys and approximately 125 miles from Miami. So, although it is private and remote, it is not like that Tom Hank's Castaway movie. So there is no need to bring volleyballs for companionship. With a masseuse and a private chef available as well as myriad water-sports activities, and pulsating nightlife on the Keys, the experience can be molded to fit a variety of vacationers' desires.

The four-tiered house has three bedrooms on its second level. The fourth or top level is a crow's nest that is perfect for viewing surroundings or stargazing. The master suite has a king-size bed, and the other bedrooms have queen-size accommodations. The breezy island residence has amenities comparable to a Manhattan luxury unit. It is equipped with a washer and dryer, commercial-level kitchen appliances, a plasma-screen HDTV with VCR, DVD, a DVD library and Tivo®. Wireless Internet service and a superb stereo system also are included. The third floor features a 300-gallon salt-water aquarium stocked with native tropical fish and invertebrates. The dining area looks out onto a 12 x 30 feet balcony that provides an awesome view of the surrounding islands, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. A fully equipped gourmet kitchen features a large side-by-side refrigerator, an island cook-top with grill, oven, and breakfast bar.

Money Island was the island's previous name before Mr. Hexum purchased it. No pets are permitted on the island. Maximum occupancy on Melody Key Island is six guests, and the minimum age requirement is 16 years old.

For LxM James Rothaar