There are few better ways to spend a vacation than on your own private island, and these top-rated resorts are some of the world’s best for doing just that. You can bask in the sunshine at far-flung locales like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to the picture-perfect British Virgin Islands and ultra-romantic shores of Fiji. These top private island resorts around the world are the ultimate in luxury, offering secluded settings and bucket list-worthy scenery.
InterContinental Hayman Island - Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Offering one of the most incredible luxury vacations around the world, Hayman Island is a stunning private island. It has a premier location for a front window seat of the Great Barrier Reef, set right within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, stretching for more than 1,400 miles along the Queensland coast in the Whitsunday Islands. It’s also internationally renowned as one of the most magnificent stretches of tropical coastline on the planet. A stay on this island means lots of attention to detail and elegant resort living set within three distinct areas, each designed to make the most of the awe-inspiring island views and natural surroundings. Feast on innovative cuisine in a variety of restaurants and take part in all sorts of thrilling activities including helicopter and seaplane adventures, diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, sailing, and more. The resort also features Hayman® Spa, a fitness center, tennis courts, and a driving range.
Scrub Island Resort - British Virgin Islands
A top-rated resort in the Virgin Islands, Scrub Island Resort is spread across most of Scrub Island in the British Virgin Islands and offers the ideal private island resort, surrounded by four pristine white sand beaches and shallow coral reefs for easy access to some of the best diving and snorkeling sites on Earth. You can have your pick of three to five-bedroom villas that feature vibrant-hued decor, high-end toiletries and teak wood furnishings, impressive private infinity pools and expansive verandas, as well as an attentive porter and chef service. During the day, stake out your spot on a hammock or chaise lounge chair along the water, charter a catamaran to explore the neighboring islands, or enjoy relaxing treatments at Ixora Spa.
COMO Parrot Cay - Turks & Caicos
The exclusive, five-star COMO Parrot Cay, located on a private island northeast of Provo in Turks & Caicos, can only be reached by private boat. The property offers the ultimate in a customized, highly personalized vacation experience with a wide variety of packages that include excursions designed just for you as well as intimate dinners. You can choose to eat in your villa, in one of the on-site eateries, or on the beach. The cuisine is organic whenever possible, fresh and Caribbean-inspired. By choosing the COMO Shambhala Spa Retreat, you can arrange for a hot river stone massage or a private yoga class. Those who want to get more active can take out complimentary snorkel gear or kayaks. Guest rooms, suites and villas all offer elegant features throughout, like private verandas and four-poster beds draped in white voile. As you stroll the island, keep an eye out for stars – celebrities like Keith Richards, Paul McCartney, David Copperfield and Demi Moore have all stayed here.
Petit St. Vincent - St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Petit St. Vincent is a 113-acre private island resort framed by two miles of pristine white sands that is one of the best couples resorts in the Caribbean. The lack of room TVs, phones, and even planned activities is especially appealing for those who want to indulge in their most luxurious private island fantasy. Choose from beachfront cottages, complete with alfresco living and dining areas, some of which sit on a bluff overlooking the sea. Should you wish complete privacy, just hoist your red flag, which signals staff to stay away. If you hoist the yellow one, you’ll probably receive whatever your heart desires, from a lift to the beach bar to food and drink. You can use the same system at the beach, just raise the yellow flag and you can have a picnic lunch, or drinks brought right to your hammock. The full-service spa offers Balinese massage, and you can also enjoy sailing, kayaking, diving, fishing trips, hiking, yoga, and more.
Cotton House - Mustique, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Mustique is a private island in the Grenadines that’s considered to be one of the most exclusive in the world, and the Cotton House is its only full-service hotel. This bubble of complete and total luxury at the edge of turquoise waters is known as a haven for celebrities and royalty as it’s renowned for its seclusion. In fact, Prince William and his wife Catherine spent several days here. This coral-white boutique resort combines French West Indies architecture with Caribbean trimmings, with most of its distinctive rooms and suites boasting private plunge pools along with the ultimate in modern comforts and luxury.
Matangi Private Island Resort - Fiji
Matangi Private Island Resort is considered to be one of the top resorts in the entire South Pacific, providing an especially unforgettable vacation or honeymoon experience. The only resort on this 240-acre horseshoe-shaped private island, it offers the chance to stay along the beach or among the trees in its famous treehouse with an outdoor Jacuzzi and lava rock shower. Visitors can enjoy exploring the rain forest as well as snorkeling and diving in the crystalline waters. The “Vale-ni-Kana Dining Room provides breathtaking ocean views and cuisine largely influenced by the tropical surroundings, Fijian heritage, and unique flavors of the South Pacific. Indulge in the “Ocean Spa,” with its overwater deck and a wide variety of treatments reflecting the natural surroundings and Fijian culture.
Cayo Espanto - Belize
Cayo Espanto, a tiny little four-acre island accessed via a short boat ride from the mainland of Belize, is surrounded by crystal clear Caribbean waters. One of the best couples resorts in the world, it’s an idyllic escape to unwind and enjoy the ultimate in pampering. You’ll be greeted at the dock by the entire staff, including your own personal divemaster and butler. Paddle the waters in a kayak, do some bonefishing, and, if you stay in the overnight villa, you can even commune with the underwater world through a glass window on the bedroom floor. The property’s seven villas, sitting at the edge of the cerulean waters, each feature an infinity plunge pool. Before you arrive, you’ll receive a questionnaire to fill out so the resort has an idea as to your culinary tastes. Once you’re there, an award-winning chef will create a daily menu of customized dishes that can be savored anywhere on the island. All your drinks are also brought to you where and when you want – have cocktails brought out to sea, while you sit on a pier, or when you’re lounging in a hammock.
Sonora Resort - British Columbia, Canada
This private island all-inclusive resort may not offer the warmth of the tropics, but it’s a true hidden jewel in some of Canada’s most alluring, unspoiled environments, combining the insular solitude with the beauty of the North. At Sonora Resort, you can expect unparalleled service and five-star facilities, including spacious suites with amazing water views. To get here, you’ll have to take a water taxi or a helicopter ride from Vancouver, but once you arrive you’ll have the opportunity to see grizzly bears, kayak among orca whales, go fly-fishing or take a wilderness tour. All fine dining meals, most drinks and all resort facilities, including stocked fly-fishing ponds, saunas and tennis courts, are included in its all-inclusive package.
