Choose your own private island from the most exclusive tropical paradises available for rent.
Île des Deux Cocos, Mauritius
Surround yourself with tranquil turquoise water and pearl white sand in the tropics of Mauritius at Île des Deux Cocos.
Liked a jewelled pendant nestled among coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, this residential island stuns guests with private retreats oozing British and Moroccan charm, projecting you into an exclusive oasis free from outside interruptions.
“Whoever said life is about the journey, not the destination, probably didn’t own a private tropical island retreat,” Île des Deux Cocos’ site states. “Smell the sea, feel the breeze, hear the ocean and be at ease.”
Guests are greeted with refreshing towels and welcome drinks before immersing themselves in the pristine paradise – whether it be through reclining on a sun lounger, taking gentle tour in a glass-bottom boat or exploring the island in your very own private speedboat.
While Île des Deux Cocos, which means The Island of Two Coconuts , is simply breathtaking, it is also steeped in rich heritage. The British Governor of Mauritius Sir Hesketh Bell built the villa in the 1920s.
The stunning Moroccan-style retreat features a fragrant garden, swimming pool and stairs leading straight from the quaint courtyard to the warm ocean – perfect for a day visit or exclusive events.
Île des Deux Cocos from RS$35,000 (A$667) p/n
Thanda Island, Tanzania
Tucked off the coast of Tanzania sits one of the world’s most exclusive havens boasting luxurious villas, traditional African huts, a grand piano and more.
Thanda Island, which means ‘love’ in Zulu, has been a secret oasis after its founders spent a decade uncovering and developing the unique destination before welcoming guests to the secluded retreat in 2016.
“Situated in its own marine reserve, you can bathe in blue heaven with the gentlest giant of the ocean, the whale shark, and watch sea turtles nesting,” Thanda Island’s site states. “Shades of turquoise infuse your days and tropical spices your nights.”
The idyllic private destination is surrounded by coral reefs and boasts a glass-rimmed pool, aquarium, grand piano, spa treatments, gym, tennis court, jet skis, sail boats, outdoor showers and a cocktail bar.
Swedish owners Christin and Dan Olofsson wanted their hidden oasis to be a “sumptuous retreat and private getaway” with candle-lit lanterns hanging in the palm trees and a copper bath resting on the silky sand.
The quaint island is only one kilometre in circumference making it the ultimate exclusive escape with one luxury villa and five suites – spacious enough for up to 10 adults and nine children. Two traditional Tanzanian banda-style beach huts feature hand-carved furniture and fabrics from Mafia Island and can accommodate eight additional guests.
Thanda Island from US$25,000 p/n
The Brando, French Polynesia
Deemed one of the most striking exclusive retreats on the planet, The Brando is nothing but an extravagant and unique luxury resort with a private plane as the only access to the island.
Nestled among the French Polynesian islands not far from Tahiti, the sanctuary that sits on an atoll surrounded by a sparkling lagoon, and is frequented by exotic birds and sea turtles.
Boasting 35 secluded villas with private pools on sandy shores lapped by the South Pacific Ocean, two restaurants, luxurious spa and wellness centre, a serene lily-covered pond, infinity pool, beach bar, organic garden bursting with fruit and vegetables and library, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Enthralled by the Polynesian lifestyle, actor Marlon Brando established the paradise in 1967 after he became enchanted by the hidden gem while filming Mutiny on the Bounty and began a mission to preserve Tetiaroa’s natural beauty.
“Tetiaroa is beautiful beyond my capacity to describe. One could say that Tetiaroa is the tincture of the South Seas,” Marlon Brando said. “My mind is always soothed when I image myself sitting on my South Sea island at night.
“If I have my way, Tetiaroa will remain forever a place that reminds Tahitians of what they are and what they were centuries ago.”
The Brando from €2,600 p/n
Ariara Island, Philippines
Touted as being the ultimate off-the-beaten-track destination, Ariara Island seduces guests with its wild beauty.
Situated off the coast of the Philippines between the South China Sea and Sulu Sea, the tropical idyll lies hidden in an untouched corner of the Far East.
The retreat features four beach cottages with vaulted ceilings, marble bathrooms complete with either a wooden bath or hand-carved marble bath made from a block of Romblon marble, and private terraces with secluded pocket gardens.
The exclusive island, home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is thought to be one of the last pristine locations in the Asian country.
The tranquil property accommodates up to 18 guests, making it perfect for a special getaway for any occasion.
“Take life at your own pace, whether you prefer action and adventure or peace and relaxation. It’s your choice,” Ariara Island’s site invites.
Ariara Island from US$715 (p/p for six guests) p/n
Coco Privé, Maldives
Soak up the sun and leave your footprints in the finest white sand while you lose all sense of time in the middle of the Maldives.
Enjoy your very own piece of luxury at Coco Privé Kuda Hithi, a truly secluded destination that is only accessible by a plane followed by a 35-minute yacht ride. With your own private chef, private luxury yacht, heavenly spa treatments, cocktails on demand, wine cellar, library and a 40-metre pool, you will never want to leave.
Scattered across the 1.4-hectare island deep in the Indian Ocean, the resort has five villas and a master residence, perfect for 12 guests, that were designed by award-winning architect Guz Wilkinson to provide the ultimate comfort and indulgence.
Uninterrupted ocean views, split-level retreats, bespoke furniture, private jacuzzi, discreet butler services, sunrise yoga and a cinema under the stars will cast you away to an intimate world like no other.
“There’s nowhere in the Maldives, or anywhere on earth, quite like Coco Privé; an entire island that is dedicated to you, your families and friends,” the website states.
Coco Privé price on application
Jumby Bay Island, Antigua
If freedom and space is what you’re after, then Jumby Bay Island in the heart of the West Indies has you covered.
Once an ancient coral reef, this tropical island off the coast of Antigua was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 who then named the island after Santa Maria de la Antigua.
“Its spirit captures you somewhere between the head and the heart,” Jumby Bay Island’s site states. “The ultimate in discreet, understated luxury living and loved by those who have discovered it, for what it doesn’t have.”
Deemed as being the ultimate in casual luxury and one of the finest resorts in the Caribbean, guests are welcomed with a tropical cocktail followed by a private yacht tours, gourmet dining and sleek, multi-million-dollar refurbished guest houses designed by renowned Brazilian interior designer, Patricia Anastassiadis of Anastassiadis Arquitetos.
The oasis, which is only accessible by boat with no cars in sight, features rattan furniture, nautical-inspired designs, a plunge pool, lush greenery and airy tones encompassing its signature casual elegance.
There are several private villas and private homes including Morning Glory , Lazy Lizard , Jabberwocky and Blue Belle to relax in, whether it is for a family escape or romantic getaway.
Jumby Bay Island from US$2,990 p/n (winter rate)
Little Harvest Caye, Southern Belize
Touted as being the private islands to end all private islands, Little Harvest Caye is a quaint escape off the southern coast of Belize, Central America.
Marrying beach charm with five-star resort luxury, the idyllic cottages offer panoramic views in all directions and encompass Maya Mountains as well as serene blue ocean.
The exclusive island, which opened in May 2016, will capture hearts with five private bedroom suites, pool and bar, private chef, concierge and daily maid services with space to accommodate up to 12 adults.
If you’re looking for more adventure, you can take a five-minute boat ride to Placencia Village.
Surrounded by the soothing waters of the Caribbean Sea, just your own guests and staff will be at the retreat during your getaway – creating the ultimate private island experience.
“This private island, luxury villa, is by far the most stunning and exciting 1.2-acre island in the entire area,” Little Harvest Caye’s website states.
Little Harvest Caye from US$10,620 p/w
East Sister Rock Island, Florida
Nestled off the coast of Florida, US, is a “dream come true” if you want to escape reality.
East Sister Rock Island is a self-sufficient, fully sustainable island that uses wind and solar power to produce unlimited electricity to the house, enabling guests to enjoy the comfort of the retreat.
Relax on the soft white sand with a gentle Atlantic Ocean breeze skimming your sun-kissed skin or explore the surrounding coral reefs.
A Bahamian-style house sprawls across most of the island with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, providing a comfortable escape for nine people, and features a helicopter launch pad and extravagant verandah complete with inviting hammocks.
“Play with the sights and sounds of the ocean all around you,” East Sister Rock’s site states. “Watch the sun climb out of the ocean in the morning and sink to the most spectacular sunset you have ever seen.”
Whether it’s fishing, watersports, watching TV with almost 100 channels or flicking some pages of a novel under the sun, the island has something for everyone.
East Sister Rock Island from US$7,500 p/w
Over Yonder Cay, Bahamas
To really feel in the lap of luxury, this expansive white villa-mansion with infinity pools, jacuzzis and a library at your disposal on one of the most stunning, secluded islands in the world will meet all your desires.
Over Yonder Cay sits in the heart of the Bahamas and boasts four striking villas – all with private beaches – and offers barefoot luxury by providing an eco-friendly, sustainable resort.
With generous space to fit between two and 30 guests, the unique retreats are powered by state-of-the-art renewable energy systems that includes three wind turbines and a 1.5-acre solar field.
The private marina can house yachts up to 55 metres and guests can enjoy the tropical sunshine with a variety of water sports, private alfresco dining or the warmth of a fire pit and hot tub in the evening.
Enjoy spending time on the nine-par golf course, beach club with floodlit tennis and volleyball court or take to the air in the nine-passenger seaplane to get breathtaking views of the island below.
Spa therapists, yoga classes, exhilarating sails, Bahamian guided excursions or a sunset cruise on the elegant 34.8 metre superyacht, Tenacious, will leave you wanting more.
Over Yonder Cay from US$50,000 for 12 guests p/n
Add some sustainability to your vacation island by choosing from one of these magical locations.
