10 Exclusive Private Islands to Get Away from It All

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation where you can find serenity and escape the crowds, an island is a near-perfect solution. Here are ten exclusive private islands where you can get away from it all.

10. Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

This private island retreat in the Koh Rong Archipelago places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Its 24 private villas and overwater bungalows are made from reclaimed timber and decorated with upcycled items. They each have their own pool. The beaches are pristine, and marine life fills the sea. Tour nearby Prek Svay village with the resort’s conservation team.

9. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida

Only accessible by boat or seaplane, this pristine four-acre islet is the only luxury private island resort in the United States. Your check-in begins with cocktails at the Shore Station. Then, you’ll settle into your own luxury bungalow. Water-based activities abound, including snorkeling, diving, kayaking, sailing, dolphin spotting, and skydiving. Enjoy the indoor-outdoor spa.

8. Pine Cay Meridian Club, Turks and Caicos

This small island encompasses 800 acres of co-op-owned land encircled in white sand. Its sole resort, The Meridian Club, contains only 12 rooms and suites that are situated just 150 feet from the ocean. Guests have easy access to some of the most picturesque, untouched, and private beaches in the Caribbean. Explore the sandy roads which lead to secluded coves.

7. The Brando, French Polynesia

Actor Marlon Brando fell in love with Tetiʻaroa, an atoll of a dozen untouched islets. It’s surrounded by a turquoise lagoon. Brando purchased it in 1967. The private resort features luxurious villas. Take a jungle or bird discovery tour with a naturalist guide. Learn about the marine life from on-site scientists, and explore the lagoon by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.

6. Islas Secas, Panama

archipielago de islas secas — Photo by Alessa Ciraulo

Islas Secas is part of a tropical archipelago composed of 14 volcanic islands. Thirteen of the islands are unoccupied and untouched and are home to abundant wildlife. Guests stay on the single occupied island within one of only seven elegant casitas that sleep 2-8 guests. There is also gourmet dining, spa treatments, and nature tours.

5. Monkey Island Estate, England

Monkey Island Estate is the historic former retreat of monarchs, aristocrats, and artists. Only a short distance from London on the River Thames and close to Windsor Castle, access to the island is via a footbridge. It features elegant guest rooms and a floating spa housed inside a canal barge boat. There’s also a traditional Sunday roast dinner.

4. Amilla, Maldives

Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences is situated within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. There’s privacy galore as 70% of the island is composed of untouched, lush rainforests and pristine beaches. Villas include overwater, poolside, and treetop options. Relax in a clear inflatable pod set in the jungle with access to a bathroom, showers, plunge pool, steam room, and sauna.

3. Lizard Island, Australia

Lizard Island is the only resort within the 2,503-acre Lizard Island National Park. It includes part of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Take a guided nature walk with on-site experts. Visit the Lizard Island Research Station. Water-based activities abound, including snorkeling, diving, fishing, and chartered boat trips. The resort features restaurants and a spa. Do some stargazing with the in-room telescope.

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2. The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island, Georgia

Part of Georgia’s Golden Isles, this island’s 11-acre landscape is virtually untouched with diverse wetland ecosystems, maritime forests, and sand dunes. You can tour with a naturalist guide. The island’s only hotel accommodates 32 guests within six rustic and cozy cottages. Relax on the beach, fish, boat, or go birdwatching.

1. Moskito Island

Richard Branson’s Moskito Island hosts three available private estates. The Oasis Estate sleeps 18 and features a wrap-around infinity pool and swim-up bar. The Branson Estate houses three villas sleeping 22 people and has a private cove. The Point Estate accommodates 14 adults and eight children and features a hot tub and beach access.