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8 Private Island Escapes That Leave Ordinary Resorts Behind

These eight private island resorts offer a rare privilege: every shore, sunrise and hidden cove belongs solely to you and your chosen few.

Footprints in untouched sand. Waves that seem to crash just for you. A breakfast table set on your own stretch of beach, without another soul in sight. Private island resorts transform the concept of exclusivity into something tangible—a place where luxury meets solitude in the most magnificent way.

While these secluded havens might sound like the exclusive domain of billionaires and celebrities, they’re increasingly becoming an attainable luxury, especially when shared with friends or family. Split between a group, these otherworldly escapes often cost less per person than a high-end resort in the Maldives or Bora Bora.

Eight Private Island Resort Sanctuaries

From intimate coral atolls in the South Pacific to forested retreats in the Caribbean, each of these eight extraordinary properties tells its own story. Some celebrate milestone moments like weddings, where your guests have the run of an entire island, or significant birthdays, where time seems to stand still.

Others offer what might be the world’s most perfect setting for those seeking to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with what matters most.

But at the end of the day, these eight private island resorts rewrite the rules of seclusion, where every corner of paradise answers to you and yours alone.

1. Necker Island — Caribbean

Let’s start with the best of the best. Step onto a 74-acre tropical paradise where turquoise waters meet powdery white sand. Spend your days kiteboarding, snorkeling vibrant reefs or enjoying an open-air massage as the Caribbean breeze drifts past. Evenings bring starlit dining, cocktails in hand, with lanterns glowing and waves gently lapping the shore.

At Necker Island’s highest point, the Great House offers a stunning Balinese-style retreat with sweeping ocean views, spacious rooms and a top-floor master suite featuring a private hot tub. Scattered across the island, Balinese houses provide intimate settings and breathtaking scenery. Hosting up to 48 adults and six children, the island is perfect for families, groups or an unforgettable wedding.

Every inch of Necker Island is for you to explore. Start your day with yoga, a tennis match or a sailing trip to a nearby cay. Wildlife lovers can admire 140+ animal species, including endangered lemurs and flamingos. As night falls, the island transforms with bonfires, themed parties and personalized dining experiences.

All stays include gourmet meals, top-shelf drinks and a dedicated staff ready to fulfill any request, from sunset picnics to surprise beach parties. Arrivals are via boat from Beef Island or Virgin Gorda, where guests are welcomed with a glass of “Necker Water”—a playful name for champagne.


2. COMO Laucala Island — Fiji

Dreaming of a tropical paradise? COMO Laucala Island in Fiji delivers. Spend your days horseback riding, snorkeling vibrant reefs or enjoying farm-to-table dining. As the sun sets, unwind in your private villa, where Pacific breezes and thoughtful comforts create pure relaxation.

The resort features 25 standalone residences, each offering a private pool, spacious sundeck and outdoor bath. Interiors blend traditional Fijian design with natural materials like thatched sago palm roofs and locally crafted timber floors.

The island is also a playground of tailored experiences. Tour the resort’s 240-acre farm, exploring fruit orchards, coconut groves and hydroponic gardens. Golfers can challenge themselves on an 18-hole championship course designed by David McLay Kidd.

With five distinct restaurants, guests enjoy a variety of cuisines, all highlighting the island’s homegrown produce. Meals, house wines and non-specialty spirits are all part of your stay, ensuring a carefree culinary journey.

International flights land at Nadi International Airport, where guests are welcomed into the resort’s private lounge before boarding a 55-minute flight on the resort’s aircraft to the island’s private airstrip. 


3. Kokomo Private Island — Fiji

Nestled on Yaukuve Levu Island, Kokomo blends modern comfort with traditional Fijian charm. Choose from 21 beachfront villas, each with a private infinity pool, tropical garden and direct beach access. For groups, expansive residences like the six-bedroom Sunset Residence offer panoramic ocean views and spacious living areas.

Indulge in gourmet meals at the resort’s diverse dining venues. The Beach Shack serves fresh, local cuisine all day, while Walker D’Plank offers Asian-inspired dishes in an intimate overwater setting. All meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included.

Explore the Great Astrolabe Reef with snorkeling and diving adventures, or try deep-sea fishing. On land, enjoy guided rainforest hikes, tennis or rejuvenate at the Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary, which offers holistic treatments inspired by Fijian traditions.

Access to Kokomo is via a 45 to 60-minute flight from Nadi International Airport on the resort’s private seaplane or helicopter. Guests are welcomed at the resort’s exclusive lounge before their transfer. 


4. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa — Florida Keys

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Florida Keys is an exclusive retreat, accessible only by seaplane or boat. Upon arrival, you are greeted with a cocktail at the Shore Station before a short journey to your private oasis.

The resort features 30 thatched-roof bungalows inspired by British West Indies design. Each suite offers ocean views, air conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, a separate bathtub and a private furnished deck. To ensure tranquility, there are no televisions or telephones in guest rooms or public areas.

Dining at the resort’s restaurant provides fantastic views and culinary masterpieces, with a menu featuring seafood, produce and spices sourced from the islands. When you’re ready to relax, the on-site SpaTerre offers a two-story atrium with carved architectural details and a handcrafted tile fountain, providing a serene environment while you get an exotic massage or facial.


5. North Island — Seychelles

Located approximately 30 kilometers north of Mahé, this private island resort boasts 11 ocean-view villas, each providing direct beach access and over 450 square meters of space. The villas are designed with beautiful natural materials and you’ll get both seclusion and stunning Indian Ocean views.

During your stay, you can explore the island’s pristine beaches, try water activities like snorkeling and diving, or relax in your private plunge pool. Even more, the resort emphasizes conservation, allowing you to experience unspoiled nature up close.

Dining is a personalized experience, with chefs tailoring meals to your preferences using fresh, local ingredients. Whether a beachside picnic or a formal dinner, each meal is crafted to delight your palate. Access to North Island is typically via helicopter from Mahé, offering a swift and scenic transfer to this secluded paradise. 


6. Song Saa Private Island — Cambodia

Spanning Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, connected by a footbridge over a marine reserve, this resort offers an intimate island escape. Its 27 villas blend seamlessly with nature, including Jungle Villas in lush rainforest, Oceanview Villas with panoramic sea views and Overwater Villas above lapping waves. Each features a private pool, spacious sundeck and direct beach or lagoon access.

The resort’s restaurants serve fresh, locally sourced dishes, including island-grown produce and seafood. Guests can enjoy meals in various settings, from intimate indoor dining to beachside tables under the stars. Explore coral reefs, kayak through mangroves or hike the rainforest. For relaxation, the spa offers treatments using traditional Cambodian techniques with natural products.

Song Saa is committed to sustainability, from reclaimed materials in construction to conservation programs supporting local communities and marine life. You’re invited to learn about and participate in these efforts during your stay.

Access to Song Saa Private Island is via a 45-minute speedboat transfer from Sihanoukville on the Cambodian mainland. The resort offers scheduled transfers to ensure a seamless journey to this secluded haven.


7. Moskito Island — British Virgin Islands

Dubbed the “most exclusive all-inclusive,” Moskito Island is a 125-acre private resort in the British Virgin Islands featuring a collection of luxury estates, each offering a unique take on high-end island living.

The Branson Beach Estate includes three villas linked by walkways, accommodating up to 22 guests with infinity pools and private beach access. The Oasis Estate sits at the island’s highest point, boasting panoramic ocean views, a wraparound infinity pool and open-air living spaces. The Point Estate is perched cliffside, with a swim-up bar and space for up to 14 adults and 8 kids, and The Village Estate caters to large groups, with multiple guest houses surrounding a central gathering space.

Each estate includes a private chef, concierge, personalized dining, spa treatments and activities. Guests enjoy shared amenities like a gym, tennis courts, hiking trails, and a water sports center with paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. A social hub offers a pool, bar and dining areas. Access is via a 30-minute boat ride from Tortola or a private helicopter charter.


8. The Nautilus — Maldives

The Nautilus Maldives offers a bespoke escape in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This exclusive resort features 26 beach and ocean houses, each designed for privacy and luxury. Accommodations include spacious living areas, private pools and direct access to pristine beaches or the house reef.

Dining is an unscripted experience with no set menus or fixed hours—guests indulge whenever and wherever they choose. The overwater Solasta Spa offers tailored wellness programs like yoga and meditation while surrounding waters invite exploration of marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks at nearby Hanifaru Bay.

With a dedicated house master attending to every need, your stay at The Nautilus is crafted entirely around your desires, ensuring a truly unique and liberating experience. 


Snapshot Summary

Private island resorts offer exclusive luxury and solitude, from Richard Branson’s Necker Island to COMO Laucala’s Fijian retreat. Destinations like Kokomo Island, Little Palm Island and North Island blend privacy with breathtaking views and personalized experiences. Song Saa, Moskito Island and The Nautilus Maldives feature unique accommodations and conservation efforts. These havens, ideal for milestone celebrations or reconnecting with loved ones, are surprisingly accessible when shared with friends or family, offering unparalleled experiences amid nature’s beauty.

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