Indulging in the height of luxury travel means retreating to a breathtaking 5-star hotel nestled on a private island. Among the world’s most exclusive hotel properties, the following ten elite resorts boast tropical seclusion, promising absolute privacy, extraordinary experiences, and top-notch service (all accompanied by price tags worthy of their esteemed reputation).
1. NORTH ISLAND, SEYCHELLES
At the pinnacle of exclusivity lies North Island, an unparalleled private island resort and one of the finest hotels I’ve ever experienced. With a mere 11 lavishly crafted villas, the island’s breathtaking beauty unfolds before you, offering panoramic views of the Ile Du Nord eco-reserve’s powdery white sands and turquoise waters. Elegantly elevated to catch refreshing Indian Ocean breezes, each villa opens to a private garden and beach, complete with plunge pools and outdoor showers for an ultimate sanctuary. Carved into a granitic outcrop, the resort boasts inviting lounges, dining areas, a scenic health spa, gym, library, dive center, and a rim-flow swimming pool. Notably, the resort served as the splendid backdrop for the honeymoon of Prince William and the Princess of Wales in 2011.
2. SONEVA FUSHI, MALDIVES
Nestled on the privately owned tropical island of Kunfunadhoo, in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi stands as the Maldives’ pioneering ‘Robinson Crusoe’ style hideaway. Spanning an impressive 1,400 meters in length and 400 meters in width, the island ranks among the largest in the Maldives. Its allure lies not only in the crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and tropical climate but also in the remarkably lush vegetation, offering a truly unique natural experience. Hidden amidst this verdant paradise, massive fairytale-like luxury villas and private residences blend harmoniously with the dense foliage, some resembling enchanting tree houses. Each villa opens to a private stretch of sugar-white sands, while many boast private seawater swimming pools. Adding to its allure, Soneva Fushi unveiled eight exquisite water retreats in the summer of 2020, claiming the title of the largest and most luxurious overwater villas worldwide.
3. TIME + TIDE MIAVANA, MADAGASCAR
Time + Tide Miavana is an unparalleled luxury escape located on a serene island in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Madagascar. This remote oasis offers the epitome of castaway experiences in a world of its own. Embraced by a stunning white sand beach and a vast coral reef, the resort provides an insanely beautiful sanctuary where guests revel in exclusive bespoke adventures, cocooned in complete privacy. Nestled along the pristine shoreline, 14 expansive pool villas stand as a testament to luxury and exquisite design. From their private decks, guests step directly onto powder-soft sand, witnessing breathtaking Indian Ocean sunsets stretching towards the distant contours of mainland Madagascar. Boat and helicopter transfers offer easy access to the mainland, where the resort’s guides unveil a realm of lemurs, chameleons, and hidden coves, waiting to be explored.
4. COMO LAUCALA ISLAND, FIJI
COMO Laucala Island Resort sprawls across an exclusive expanse of 3,500 acres, encompassing coconut plantations, pristine beaches, lush green mountains, and captivating natural wonders. The essence of true luxury is found within the seclusion of the resort’s 25 Fijian-styled villas, thoughtfully scattered along the island’s northern tip. Seamlessly merging indoor and outdoor living spaces, the ambiance exudes both relaxation and opulence. Embracing a vibrant spectrum of activities, guests can immerse themselves in scuba diving, sailing, fishing, tennis, cycling, golf, yoga, cultural events, guided tours, and a plethora of water sports. In harmony with the island’s resources, the resort’s philosophy infuses guest experiences with locally sourced products and ingredients, enriching the spa treatments and enriching the culinary delights offered in the five gourmet restaurants and bars.
5. THE BRANDO, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Nestled within the awe-inspiring beauty of French Polynesia’s private island, Tetiaroa, The Brando stands as a one-of-a-kind luxury resort. This atoll, adorned with a dozen small islands encircling a shimmering lagoon, lies 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Tahiti. To reach this carefree haven of opulence and unspoiled nature, guests embark on a 20-minute private plane flight from Tahiti. The resort’s 35 villas grace white-sand beaches, often frequented by sea turtles, manta rays, and exotic avian species. In true Polynesian style, the resort presents two restaurants showcasing delectable Polynesian-inspired dishes, East/West fusion, and classic French cuisine. Alongside, a luxurious spa and wellness center invite guests to rejuvenate their senses. In this enchanting wonderland, the iconic actor Marlon Brando discovered his cherished abode, forever making it his home.
6. BEYOND MNEMBA ISLAND, TANZANIA
Indulge in the secret desire of being the sole inhabitant of a stunning tropical island without the burden of fending for yourself at &Beyond Mnemba Island. This exquisite private retreat, located just off Zanzibar’s northeast coast, is an award-winning barefoot beach paradise, accommodating up to 24 guests. Embrace pure relaxation as you unwind on your exclusive beachfront, with 12 beachside bandas offering stunning views of unspoiled sands and the enchanting Mnemba atoll—a haven for scuba divers. Whether you prefer snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, beachside massages, or simply doing nothing at all, &Beyond Mnemba Island caters to every desire, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.
7. COMO PARROT CAY, TURKS & CAICOS
Nestled in the Turks and Caicos, COMO Parrot Cay holds the title of the northern Caribbean’s premier private island, a beloved retreat among celebrities. Enveloped in vast stretches of serene beaches and tranquil seas, this paradise spans 1,000 unspoiled acres, boasting a 1.5 km (1 mi) long, powdery-sand beach. Balancing luxury with an air of relaxation, the resort houses the region’s finest spa, the acclaimed COMO Shambhala Retreat, offering rejuvenating Asian-inspired therapies. With 72 distinct guest rooms, suites, villas, and beachside houses, each exuding understated elegance, guests find their perfect sanctuary. For the utmost seclusion, indulge in reserving a private residence, tucked away from the main resort. Complementing the experience, two gourmet restaurants serve delectable dishes, including the healthful and organic COMO Shambhala cuisine.
8. AMANPULO, PHILIPPINES
Pamalican Island, an idyllic tropical paradise, lies approximately an hour away from Manila, accessible solely by private plane. Despite its proximity to the bustling city, it offers a blissful escape from the outside world. Under the renowned management of the Aman group, known for its opulent hotels, Amanpulo stands as the sole property on this exquisite Philippine island. The resort boasts 40 spacious casitas and villas, each revealing breathtaking views of the 5.5 km (3.5 miles) coral sand surrounding the lush jungle at its heart. From a welcoming poolside clubhouse to an indulgent Aman spa and a laidback beach club, guests can tailor their experience to suit their preferences. Whether enjoying a tranquil day of snorkeling on your private beachfront or engaging in various activities such as tennis, island hikes, turtle spotting, or exploring vibrant offshore reefs, Amanpulo promises a rejuvenating and unforgettable retreat.
9. CALALA ISLAND, NICARAGUA
Nestled in a lesser-known Caribbean corner, off the coast of Nicaragua, Calala Island stands as a well-kept secret, boasting only four suites across the entire island. With a maximum capacity of eight guests, visitors can opt to rent individual suites or reserve the entire island exclusively. An attentive team of 30 staff members ensures a remarkable 4:1 staff to guest ratio, attending to every whim and desire. The dining experience is a delightful adventure, taking place on your terrace, in the restaurant, at the pool bar, or even on the beach. Evening meals dazzle with Michelin-inspired tasting menus, while lunch delights in casual classics. As a cherished nesting site for critically endangered Hawksbill turtles, the island promises a remarkable sight of these majestic creatures laying, hatching, and leisurely making their way to the sea during various seasons.
10. INTERCONTINENTAL HAYMAN ISLAND, GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA
Nestled at the heart of the Whitsundays, Hayman Island stands as a secluded private island resort, meticulously managed by the InterContinental Hotel Group. Being the closest island to the Great Barrier Reef, Hayman Island offers an unparalleled setting for nature-based activities and unforgettable guest experiences. Embracing the essence of barefoot luxury, the property boasts 160 guest rooms, suites, villas, and penthouses across three accommodation wings, ensuring an opulent stay. Restaurants and bars cater to diverse palates, serving an array of local and international cuisines, while the spa becomes a sanctuary for rejuvenation of both body and soul. The resort’s on-island experiences span an array of immersive activities, including nature-bound walking trails, wildlife tours, fish feeding, cultural weaving classes, and a curated selection of sports and fitness options, such as yoga, tennis lessons, and state-of-the-art golf simulator, allowing guests to craft their dream island escape.
