The world’s best private island resorts have always been the height of luxurious travel. But with new normals like social distancing and capacity limitations in place, they’re more desirable and relevant than ever. At these exclusive private islands, from the Seychelles to the Florida Keys, there’s nothing but endless privacy and personal space. Without a soul in sight, all that’s left to do is take in the natural beauty and look forward to days of doing absolutely nothing.
All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
This gallery was originally published in July 2016. It has been updated with new information.
The Brando, French Polynesia
Actor Marlon Brando’s former private getaway in French Polynesia is now an ultra-luxurious, eco-conscious retreat, where travelers go to escape it all. Relax in one of 35 stylish, palm-thatched villas, each a grand fusion of indoor and outdoor space, where the beach is just footsteps away. Enjoy French- and Polynesian-influenced dining by executive chef Pierre Lecorne and nature tours led by in-house researchers. Explore the other islands of the Tetiaroa Atoll, which also belongs to the Brando family, where the untouched beaches and preserved reefs match the beauty Brando discovered in 1960 while searching for locations to film Mutiny on the Bounty.
2020 reopening date: July 15
Book now: From $3,168 per night, skylark.com
Fregate Island Private, Seychelles
Nature rules on this conservation-focused island in the Seychelles, a veritable Garden of Eden that’s home to more than 3,000 Aldabra tortoises, over 100 species of seabirds, and numerous rare and endemic creatures. While you’ll quickly fall in love with Fregate Island’s curious, wild residents, you’ll hardly see another human thanks to the island’s vast acreage and many white-sand beaches, often cited as the world’s very best. The 740-acre island houses just 17 villas, measuring 4,300 square feet apiece and constructed from native mahogany wood, each with a dramatic infinity-edged swimming pool, Jacuzzi, daybed pavilion, and an al fresco dining area overlooking the Indian ocean.
2020 reopening date: June 1
Book now: From $3,677 per night, skylark.com
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida Keys
Though private island resorts often require long-haul flights, let’s not forget about this slice of barefoot heaven in America’s backyard. Little Palm Island, Florida’s most illustrious resort, is now open after a three-year closure and exemplifies timeless tropical chic. Each of the 30 redesigned thatched-roof suites exude island elegance, many with four-poster beds and outdoor copper bathtubs. The enhanced dining room has sweeping sea views, and the spectacular new SpaTerre complex is underscored by a breezy, two-story atrium. Paddleboard or kayak through mangrove mazes as eagle rays and tropical fish swim by, laze the day away on a beachfront hammock, or simply enjoy the day while floating in a natural emerald lagoon or resting on a sleek poolside lounger.
2020 reopening date: June 1
Book now: From $1,337 per night, skylark.com
Islas Secas, Panama
At this secluded 14-island archipelago in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí, guests can choose from a handful of eco-minded villas or tented casitas and have exclusive access to the entire island chain. All development has been restricted to a single island, leaving the rest as private nature reserves for beach-hopping, snorkeling, sports fishing, hiking, or simply wandering around. On the main island, guests can enjoy meals in a stunning open-air beachfront restaurant, relax in the jungle spa, and play with the world’s latest and greatest water toys, including hydrofoils and flyboards.
2020 reopening date: December 16
Book now: From $2,000 per night, islassecas.com
Six Senses Laamu, the Maldives
Though the focus is typically on overwater bungalows in the Maldives, almost every resort could be considered a private island resort. At the Six Senses Laamu, the sole resort in the entire Laamu Atoll, sustainability is at the heart of everything. Triple-tiered overwater villas, constructed of local materials which support nearby island communities, branch out from Olhuveli Island, and take full advantage of the area’s natural beauty. Take a guided snorkeling tour with one of the on-island marine biologists, who work tirelessly to rehabilitate and protect the resort’s house reef and surrounding coral reefs. Feast on meals anchored by produce grown in the island’s organic gardens and day-caught seafood from local fishermen. Finally, enjoy a treatment at the Six Senses Spa, performed in colossal stickwork nests overlooking the ocean.
2020 reopening date: August 1
Book now: From $800 per night, expedia.com
COMO Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
This 1000-acre private island in the Turks & Caicos combines beachfront bliss with wellness and incredible gastronomy. On the mile-long sandy beach, you’ll find sun-worshippers, as well as people practicing yoga and Pilates. We recommend splurging on one of the butler-attended, minimalist-style private villas or residences instead of opting for a traditional room in the main hotel.
2020 reopening date: July 22
Book now: From $845 per night, expedia.com
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, Seychelles
Thanks to private island resorts like the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, the Indian Ocean has become a popular tack-on after a safari in Africa’s wildlife-rich plains. On this remote island, guests have exclusive use of all nine miles of coastline and surrounding waters. The hotel can organize some 70 activities, including superlative diving and deep-sea fishing. Of course, you could also lounge and day-drink around your pool—every suite has one—or amble along the beach or zigzag through island nature trails. For a longer Seychelles experience, consider combining a stay here with sister property Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Mahe, located on the island nation’s principal island and situated atop dreamy Petite Anse Bay, famous for its dramatic granite boulders and powder-like white sands.
2020 reopening date: Desroches, October 1; and Mahe, August 1
Book now: From $740 per night, expedia.com
Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, Qatar
Twenty minutes by boat from the city of Doha, this resort is built on a scale that’s decidedly Middle Eastern, with seven themed food and beverage outlets (including Al Nahham, dedicated to mezze platters, and Ted’s, a retro American diner) and sea amenities like HamacLands (floating, hammock-lined cabanas). There are also over-the-top room products, including three-bedroom seaview villas, festooned in ornate Arabian design and equipped with amenities like a private full-sized swimming pool.
2020 reopening date: Never closed
Book now: From $311 per night, expedia.com
Cayo Espanto, Belize
This seven-villa private island is an all-access pass to the crystalline waters, colorful marine life, and world-class fishing that surrounds the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Snorkel among immense schools of nurse sharks, permit, and angelfish at Hol Chan National Marine Park, and spend at least a day at sea on the house yacht, catching lunch in local conch and lobster fisheries (which staff will barbecue for you on a private beach). Back on the island, enjoy the comforts of your open-air waterfront villa, sublime sea views, and exceptional butler service.
2020 reopening date: TBD
Book here: Prices available upon reopening, skylark.com
Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
This veritable Indonesian paradise comprises six islands, three blue lagoons, and 13 unspoiled white beaches in the heart of the remote Anambas Archipelago, which is reached exclusively by seaplane. Take in the natural splendor from the comfort of a tricked-out tented jungle suite or a minimalist overwater bungalow. Look forward to sublime sunsets, dinners in the treetops, hikes through the Indonesian jungle, and island hopping via transparent kayaks.
2020 reopening date: TBD
Book now: From $1,773 per night, expedia.com
andBeyond Mnemba Island, Tanzania
The sparkling white sands and impossibly turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean envelop the 10 rustic chic villas of this petite island resort off the northern coast of Zanzibar. Thanks to a distinctive open-air design with limited wall space and glassless “windows,” the sights and sounds of the beach are always present. Delight in meals of just-caught seafood, watch the sunset from the comfort of a traditional dhow boat, and take one (or all) of the three daily snorkeling trips for a chance to swim with the wild dolphins that inhabit this dreamscape.
2020 reopening date: August 1
Book now: From $1,270 per night, andbeyond.com
Petit St. Vincent, St. Vincent & Grenadines
Little has changed in nearly 55 years at this under-the-radar Caribbean retreat, and that’s a good thing. While Petit St. Vincent’s 22 cottages have undergone tweaks over the years (and a spa and beach bar were added in 2012), the island remains void of cars and technology (read: no TVs or in-room internet), uses its original flagpole service system (raise a yellow flag for immediate service), maintains incredible reef quality (which can be explored through Jean-Michel Cousteau’s only dive center in the Caribbean) and proudly sports a timeless, classic Caribbean design aesthetic.
2020 reopening date: November 1
Book now: From $1,260 per night, petitstvincent.com
Laucala Island, Fiji
Laucala Island is a special place blessed with pristine blue lagoons, lush coconut groves, volcanic mountains, endless beaches, sugarloaf sands, and 25 over-the-top, design-driven Fijian bures (pronounced boo-rays), each with a private swimming pool. A personal house buggy facilitates access to the island’s 3,500 acres and is the main form of transportation to the island’s sensational spa facility, five bars and restaurants, par-72 championship golf course, and a cultural village where guests can participate in traditional Fijian ceremonies, rituals, and dances.
2020 reopening date: TBD
Book now: From $6,000 per night, skylark.com
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, Mozambique
On the faraway islands off Mozambique, it’s entirely possible to go off-the-grid, especially at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, a colossal private island paradise boasting a palm-laced coastline, jewel-toned waters, towering interior sand dunes, untouched coral reefs, and underwater deserts. Lose yourself in the natural grandeur and look forward to mind-blowing sunsets of purples, pinks, and reds, and fresh seafood feasts along the beach—or even out on a sandbar.
2020 reopening date: TBD
Book now: Prices vary, booking.com
Source: Read Full Article