Avoid the Crowds: 13 Private Island Resorts

Going on vacation is always great to relax and have some downtime, and what’s better than heading to fully private and secluded resorts on faraway islands to get away from your daily worries? Especially after the past couple of years we’ve been through, there’s been a rising trend in private islands as a safe and secure option. While non-private islands such as Fiji, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, French Polynesia, and Turks & Caicos offer pristine beaches and ocean views, they can be crowded at times.

If you’re looking to avoid the busy and crowded tourist spots, and traps that go along with them, keep reading. Between luxurious Greek resorts high up on an island, overwater villas with views of sea turtles, seaplane adventures, or a secluded private beach, you’re sure to find both peace and adventure among our round-up of private island resorts (all with plenty of fun activities for the whole family or for a luxurious romantic getaway).

Velaa Private Island, Maldives

Tucked away in the Indian Ocean, this island comes with extensive white sandy beaches and bright blue water. The Maldives is a classic spot for a luxurious and relaxing vacation. Now part of VistaJet's Safe Havens collection, VistaJet Members have the exclusive opportunity to head to the Maldives’ Velaa Private Island on an all-inclusive, week-long stay.

Developed with privacy and comfort at its core, the Velaa Private Island has private villas suspended over water, a personal butler service, in-villa dining, relaxing hammocks, boat charters, and spa treatments, and a romantic pool residence that can only be accessed by boat. This luxe island retreat is perfect for couples.

During your stay, there are plenty of other activities you can take part in, such as golfing at the Velaa Golf Academy, which was designed by pro golfer José María Olazábal, and experiencing the Maldives’ only snow room in the Velaa Spa.

Santorini Sky, Santorini, Greece

Located 2,000 feet above the Aegean Sea, the Santorini Sky boutique luxury resort is made up of eight amazing private villas. Built on the highest point on the Greek island, each villa has beautiful panoramic views, indoor and outdoor showers, and a private terrace with a jacuzzi plunge pool. Don’t forget to book your sunset cruises or scuba diving lessons.

The Main Villa also has the highest infinity pool on the whole island. The resort is located in the center of the island, meaning you’re far enough away from the overcrowded main tourist spots, making it the perfect destination if you’re looking for guaranteed privacy and relaxation.

The villas are a quick five-minute drive from the winding streets, local shops, and famous tavernas of Pyrgos. They are also only a 15-minutes drive from the new airport and from the beautiful famous beaches. A little longer of a trip will have you in the stunning town of Oia in 30 minutes.

Urashima Village, Kagawa Prefecture of Japan

The Urashima Village is a remote inn located in the Kagawa Prefecture of Japan, in the Seto Peninsula. This destination is a luxury ryokan experience with décor that includes tatami floors, modern amenities, and the famous Japanese omotenashi. Urashima is the perfect vacation spot that blends both beachside living and mountain forestry.

During the stay at the inn, guests can head out onto Maruyama Island during the day. Famous for its stunning turquoise blue waters and bold red and orange sunsets, this trip can only be done twice a day during low tide. The inn is made up of three spacious, two-floor buildings that can accommodate groups of up to 11 people.

Club Med Seychelles, Republic of Seychelles

Escape to the private island of Sainte Anne in the Republic of Seychelles and head to the island’s first resort, the Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept. Consciously integrated along a preserved Marine National Park and stretching across 50 acres, the property boasts luxurious, nature-immersed villas.

These come with a private pool, outdoor shower, and outdoor terraces for sunbathing and enjoying outside dinners next to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the island’s white sandy beaches. Activities available during guests’ stays include exploring the untouched nature through glass-bottomed kayak rides, snorkeling experiences, and locally inspired cuisine.

The resort, which is eco-certified, also has a large variety of wellness treatments that use products inspired by the nature of the island and provide nature conservation experiences, such as marine conservation and turtle nesting.

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Nassau, Bahamas

This luxury oceanfront resort, while not located on a private island, offers day trips to private islands. Guests staying at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau can hop on a five-minute boat ride and arrive at the resort’s own private island, Long Cay, for a day trip that can consist of a wide variety of activities.

An offer that’s exclusive to the resort’s guests, the island day-trip includes waterside bungalows, a private beach, a natural saltwater pool, and other activities such as snorkeling, jet surfing, and paddleboarding.

On the island, guests can also take advantage of private butler service, island delicacies served by a personal chef, and beachside spa upon request. On the northern side of the island, you can find amazing secluded beaches, with transparent turquoise waters and pristine white sand. On the southern shore, you’re likely to encounter flocks of flamingos feeding on the sandy bottom of shallow water close to the flats.

Altamer Resort, Anguilla

Nestled in the eastern Caribbean Sea, Anguilla is a hidden paradise for those looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy a reserved and relaxing vacation. Famous for its ecologically significant coral reefs, white sand beaches, rich culture, and amazing cuisine, visitors are sure to find themselves learning about a whole new paradise. For the ultimate luxurious and private experience stay at the hidden secret of the 16-mile long island, the Altamer Resort. Currently, there are two villas available for short and long-term stays.

First up, The Antilles Pearl is a 10,800 square foot villa that can host up to 10 people. It also has direct access to Shoal Bay West, one of the most stunning beaches on the island that is private. You can also take advantage of private tennis lessons, a private pool, workstations, and more.

The second villa is the smaller The Petit Topaz. With a more personal environment, it has 1.5 bedrooms with a private hot tub, private beach access, a private courtyard, and access to tennis courts.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda, BVI

Hidden away in 500 acres of lush tropical gardens in the remote island of Virgin Gorda, BVI, Exclusive Resorts’ six private luxury villas at the Rosewood Little Dix Bay provide visitors with the ultimate private island vacation. The villas can accommodate eight people, making them family-friendly, and have beautiful views of the stunning blue Caribbean waters.

Amenities such as ensuite bathrooms for each bedroom, private balconies and outdoor showers, private pools, gourmet kitchens, and complimentary golf carts to ride around the resort are included.

If you’re looking for a fully private vacation you can make use of The Club’s new phone app, which gives guests the opportunity to enjoy a discreet vacation with 100% contactless service. The service lets you arrange everything from housekeeping preferences to having a private chef cook a gourmet meal, in-residence.

Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, Mexico

With the natural beauty of the Baja Peninsula and the Sea of Cortez surrounding it, Loreto Mexico has been kept a local secret that offers the most luxurious space to relax. Situated on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, visitors can enjoy the destination without the crowds.

Located within Danzante Bay, Villa del Palmar stretches across 4,447 acres, complete with an 18-hole golf course, four restaurants that serve fresh, local cuisine, a 39,000 square foot Sabila Spa and five sparkling pools. There are multiple different suites and penthouses guests can choose from during their stay.

During the stay, it is possible for Villa del Palmar and Danzante Bay to organize tours to the islands situated close by, as well as dives to get to know the amazing underwater wildlife natural to the surroundings of the island.

Intercontinental Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Located right in the heart of Whitsunday, Hayman Island is a private island resort, managed by the Intercontinental Hotel Group. The closest island to the Great Barrier Reef, this is the perfect spot for nature-based activities and wonderful guest experiences.

Spread out across three main accommodation wings, there are 160 guest rooms, suites, villas, and penthouses, giving the guests the ultimate experience of barefoot luxury. The restaurants and bars have a variety of local and international dishes available, while the spa is a heavenly experience for the body and soul.

During the stay, there are plenty of activities to take part in, for example, you can take part in nature-bound walking trails, immersive wildlife tours, fish feeding, cultural weaving classes, and a range of sports and fitness activities, such as yoga, tennis lessons, a state-of-the-art golf simulator, among others.

Calala Island, Nicaragua

Yet another hidden remote spot in the Caribbean, off the coast of Nicaragua, Calala Island is the secret treasure with only four suites on the entire island. The resort only hosts eight guests at a time and the suites can either be booked individually or the entire Island can be rented out exclusively. With a staff team of 30 members, the staff ratio of 4:1 guarantees the guest’s every need is attended to.

For meals, you can expect Michelin-influenced tasting menus. It’s also possible to request to dine on your terrace, in the restaurant, at the pool bar, or on the beach; it’s entirely up to you.

The island is the nesting base for the endangered Hawksbill turtles, so you’ll be able to catch them laying, hatching, and strolling back to the sea during different points of the year.

Amanpulo, Pamalican Island, Philippines

So exclusive it’s only reachable by private plane, the tropical Pamalican Island is roughly an hour away from Manila, yet feels a world away from everywhere in the South Pacific. Managed by the famous luxury hotel managing Aman group, Amanpulo is the single property located on the island.

It has 40 airy casitas and villas facing 3,5 miles of coral sand that encircle a jungled center. At the resort, you’ll be able to enjoy a convivial poolside clubhouse, an Aman spa, a dive center, and a relaxed beach club.

Guests can also engage in activities like snorkeling on your private beachfront, playing tennis at the courts, island hikes, turtle spotting, and exploring the kaleidoscopic reefs just offshore.

&Beyond Mnemba Island, Tanzania

If what you’re looking for is a fully private tropical island where you don’t have to take care of anything, &Beyond Mnemba Island is the place you need to go to! This private hideaway is a romantic award-winning barefoot beach paradise located right off the northeast coast of Zanzibar.

The resort only offers space for 24 guests at a time, creating a truly exclusive environment. During their stays, guests get to relax and unwind in their own private stretch of beach, where 12 beachside bandas look out onto the untouched sands from the dappled shade of the casuarina pine forest and overlook the Mnemba atoll.

Activities at the resort include anything from snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking to massages at the beach, or simply lounging into deep relaxation, &Beyond Mnemba Island has something for each guest.

Time + Tide Miavana, Madagascar

Possibly the most remote luxury castaway in the world, Time + Tide Miavana is located on a peaceful and picturesque island off the coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by an especially stunning white sandy beach and extensive coral reef, the reef represents an insanely beautiful paradise where guests can enjoy unique tailored experiences in complete privacy.

All along the spotless beach, the resort’s 14 massive pool villas are a model in luxury and design. From their private decks, guests can head straight out onto the soft sand and take in the beautiful panoramic sunsets over the Indian Ocean, that extends to the faraway shores of mainland Madagascar.

If guests so require, the resort also offers boat and helicopter transfers to the mainland, here you can follow the guide provided by the resort and discover a world of lemurs and chameleons, and a range of undiscovered coves.

Plan Your Next Trip

Move over Florida; we can guarantee any of these amazing remote islands will give you the relaxing and private vacation you're looking for! With all the amazing amenities and beautiful sights, we bet you’ll be booking your next trip as soon as it’s over.

If you’re in need of a new suit for your private island getaway, check out our website to see what’s in stock and start looking at our trendy, stylish swimwear options for the trip. If you’re taking part in any of the more active offerings, such as surfing or snorkeling, have a look at our rashguards for a more protective style! And for getting to and from the beach check out our cover-up collection to keep you stylish and comfortable in between relaxing and your room.

Shop all the styles at La Blanca, and find your perfect suit today!

Sources:

Discover The World's Most Secluded Island Paradises | Forbes

Thermal Suites: Ice and Snow Rooms | Good Spa Guide

"Omotenashi": The Philosophy of Japanese Hospitality | Toki Tokyo