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Unparalleled privacy, bespoke experiences and champagne shores: a private island escape spells the pinnacle of luxury. Whether you’re seeking romance, adventure or pure relaxation, leave the ordinary behind and live your modern-day Robinson Crusoe fantasy. From all-inclusive Maldives hideaways to celebrity-owned South Pacific retreats, discover our pick of the world’s best private island resorts.
JA Manafaru, Maldives
Named the Indian Ocean’s Leading 2024 Honeymoon Resort by the World Travel Awards, JA Manafaru is tucked away in the northernmost Haa Alif Atoll, offering a sense of seclusion for honeymooners that’s unrivalled in the Maldives. Lovers can enjoy the ultimate desert island experience by searching for one of the many messages in a bottle hidden across the island to win a daily prize or venture underground to The Cellar, a candle-lit subterranean wine cellar carved out of volcanic rock.
Insider tip: Visit between November and April to witness the surreal manta ray migration.
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Nestled within a 100-hectare marine reserve in Cambodia’s twin ‘Sweetheart Islands’ of Koh Bong and Koh Ouen, Song Saa Private Island is a study in sustainable luxury. Embark on an educational nature treasure hunt by collecting clues scattered in the lush rainforests and seek spiritual solace with a traditional Buddhist monk blessing ceremony, offered in serene settings across the island.
Insider tip: Snorkel at night to witness bioluminescent plankton glowing beneath the water.
The Brando, French Polynesia
Once owned by ‘The Godfather’ Marlon Brando, this hyper-exclusive eco-retreat on the South Pacific’s Tetiaroa Atoll combines sustainable design with minimalist luxury. Practise the craft of weaving palm fronds, learn to tie and dye a pāreu and gain a deeper insight into Polynesian culture through fireside storytelling sessions. Don’t miss out on a dining experience inspired by Brando’s film ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ at Les Mutiné, designed to resemble an up-scale sailboat and starring French-Polynesian cuisine curated by chef Jean Imbert.
Insider tip: Join a Polynesian jam session and learn to play the ukulele or pahu drum.
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, Maldives
Situated in southern Maldives with a natural lake at its heart, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is in many ways the ultimate all-inclusive island playground with its 80-bottle wine wall. Find inner peace with floating yoga, blending age-old Hatha and Vinyasa techniques. For immersive luxury, sleep beneath the Indian Ocean in the two-level Aqua Villa and be greeted by an open view of myriad marine life vistas each day.
Insider tip: Dive and discover Gaafu Alifu Atoll’s underwater magic, the only place in the Maldives’ where you can spot up to 13 species of sharks.
Discover Maldives
Intercontinental Hayman Island, Australia
Nestled in the heart of the sun-drenched Whitsundays, the Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort offers direct access to the Great Barrier Reef. Adventure seekers can snorkel and explore the vivid reef aboard private catamaran charters, while serenity seekers can lounge by one of the largest swimming pools in the southern hemisphere. Explore the island’s nocturnal beauty on a wildlife tour spotting rock wallabies and owls.
Insider tip: Take a helicopter tour over the Heart Reef for an unforgettable aerial view.
Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles
A striking fusion of coral-fringed beaches and dramatic granite cliffs, Six Senses Zil Pasyon is a secluded eco-luxury retreat on Félicité Island. Dine on Creole cuisine inspired by the Seychelles spice route and witness the enchanting, seasonal spectacle of turtle hatchlings making their way to the ocean. Thanks to the resort’s rewilding efforts, birdwatchers can spot rare species like the Seychelles magpie robin and Seychelles paradise flycatcher in their natural habitat.
Insider tip: Keep a lookout for coco de mer trees, renowned for producing the world’s heaviest seeds.
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
Barefoot luxury meets sustainability at Soneva Fushi, a celebrity-favourite retreat in the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. Spark your creativity with a glass-blowing session at So Glassycle, the Maldives’ first hot glass studio. Come sundown, discover the secrets of the stars on an astronomical dinner cruise, guided by the resident astronomer. From 60 rotating ice cream flavours to the world’s first fine-dining zipline, Flying Sauces, here culinary artistry takes flight.
Insider tip: Discover secret surf breaks with the world’s first eco-friendly surfing program.
Yasawa Island Resort and Spa, Fiji
Named after the Fijian word for ‘heaven’, Yasawa Island Resort & Spa is an adults-only sanctuary offering unrivalled seclusion just moments from 11 private beaches. Nestled in the sunniest and driest part of Fiji, the resort enjoys an endless tropical summer – a rare delight to soak up in the ever-balmy South Pacific. Guests can experience traditional kava ceremonies and witness an evening meke dance performance.
Insider tip: Visit the Blue Lagoon Caves, a stunning location made famous by the Brooke Shields film ‘The Blue Lagoon’ and hidden beneath a volcanic peak.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, United States
America’s only private island resort, Little Palm Resort & Spa offers an adults-only oasis situated off the Florida Keys that’s inspired by the British West Indies. Sports-fishing enthusiasts can head to the backcountry flats, looking for the elusive big three – tarpon, permit and bonefish. For the perfect adrenaline rush, skydive over the Atlantic coastline and the Florida reefs.
Insider tip: Explore Looe Key Reef, the world’s third-largest barrier reef, on a snorkelling or diving adventure.
Featured image: Soneva Fushi, Maldives
