30 of the most epic private island resorts
(Contributed by Jennifer Sung) The world as we know it has changed. The post-Covid-19 scene will certainly feature a different travel landscape to what existed pre-pandemic. But even when borders do eventually open up, you may be wary of traveling to popular destinations. So why not isolate in style on a private island?
A private island resort is best booked with experts who can ensure taking care of the (often complex) private plane and boat transfer logistics of reaching your destination. Many are so exclusive, they only allow bookings through verified and accredited partners, such as ourselves at The Suite Life. For assistance, email chinmoy.lad@thesuitelife.com.hk
Some can be booked online – click here to book
Even without the hassle of the Coronavirus and all the restrictions it brings, private island resorts are a great way to unwind after the chaotic holiday of a multi-destination trip featuring adventure, historic/cultural discovery, or hectic city. Let’s be honest, sometimes we need a vacation… while on vacation. And private island doesn’t necessarily have to mean super expensive or beach (though, indeed, most are).
We’ve listed some of the coolest private island resorts in the world below, starting from North America, and (very loosely) going north to south, west to east. Enjoy the journey!
NORTH AMERICA
1. Sonora Resort, Canada
Starting off with something non-tropical, deep in the pristine Canadian wilderness lies Sonora Resort, acessible only by water and air: a ‘camp’ for marine watching and wildlife viewing featuring eagles, bears, whales and more.
2. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, USA
THE CARIBBEAN, CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
3. COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos
4. Petit St Vincent, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
5. Jumby Bay, Antigua and Barbuda
6. Islas Secas, Panama
7. Cayo Espanto, Belize
EUROPE
8. Monkey Island Estate, United Kingdom
See? Private islands don’t have to be all beach and tropical, or even completely inaccessible. The stately Monkey Island Estate sits on a private island in the River Thames in the historic village of Bray, Berkshire, and was a former creative haunt for artists, actors and writers.
9. Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
Technically an islet rather than a private island, but we’re counting it because of it’s unique nature – and entry is certainly restricted to those with reservations, either at the hotel or at the restaurant. It is arguably Montenegro’s most recognisable monument: the centuries old former fishing village exudes a beautiful charm. Aman adds another feather to its cap by also offering the nearby, quieter and also historic Villa Milocer, formerly the Queen’s residence, as an option as well to stay at.
AFRICA AND INDIAN OCEAN
10. Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles
12. Fregate Island Private, Seychelles
13. Denis Private Island, Seychelles
14. Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, Seychelles
15. Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort, Mozambique
16. Azura Quilalea Private Island, Mozambique
17. AndBeyond Mnemba Island, Tanzania
18. Time + Tide Miavana, Madagascar
ASIA
19. Batu Batu, Malaysia
Private doesn’t don’t have to mean a (major) dent in your pocket. A short drive and ferry ride from Singapore sits one of the best value for money private islands in the world – Batu Batu.
Best accessed via Singapore, this group of six islands in the Anambas Islands Regency in Indonesia offers one of the world’s most incredible eco-luxe getaways. One of the islands, Elang Private Residence, is scheduled to open as an even more exclusive mini-private island shortly.
Read our review of Bawah here
21. Amanpulo, Palawan, Philippines
Read our review of Amanpulo here
22. Pangulasian Island Resort, Philippines
El Nido Resorts’ private island outpost offers a chance to experience both the privacy and exclusivity of its nearby neighbour Amanpulo, but sets itself apart by also offering a chance to explore one of the world’s most unique destinations: El Nido.
PACIFIC ISLANDS
23. Orpheus Island Lodge, Australia
24. InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Australia
25. Lizard Island Resort, Australia
26. Vomo Island, Fiji
27. Kokomo Private Island, Fiji
28. Laucala Island, Fiji
29. Vatuvara Private Islands, Fiji
30. The Brando, French Polynesia
This list only covers resorts on private islands that CAN be rented exclusively if desired, but generally also offer accommodation for double occupancy (or greater) with a selection of multiple one-bedroom casitas, rooms or multi-bedroom villas. If that’s still a little too public for you, stay tuned for our article coming up soon on private islands that can ONLY be exclusively rented for you and your party only – so if you see some of your favourites from the list missing, that is why!
We have also excluded the Maldives as almost every luxury resort there is a private island resort! For our favourite Maldives resorts, click here.