Some holidays are special. And then there are private island escapes - where the only footsteps in the sand are your own, the service is so seamless you barely notice it, and the ocean is an uninterrupted stretch of blue just for you. These aren’t just resorts; they’re entire islands dedicated to indulgence, privacy, and the kind of experience that stays with you long after the tan has faded.
We’ve carefully chosen five of the best private island retreats, each with its own brand of exclusivity. Whether it's overwater villas in the Maldives, the storied retreat of a Hollywood legend, or a Caribbean paradise accessible only by boat, these destinations redefine luxury.
Velaa Private Island, Maldives
This is where billionaires go to feel like they’ve arrived. Velaa Private Island is a 50-acre sanctuary in the Noonu Atoll, designed with impeccable taste and an obsessive attention to detail. From above, the resort takes the shape of a turtle - a nod to the island’s native sea life. Below, 47 private villas and residences blend Maldivian charm with high-end European design.
The Romantic Pool Residence is the crown jewel - accessible only by boat, it’s pure, uninterrupted seclusion. A world-class golf academy (designed by José María Olazábal), a snow room in the spa (yes, in the Maldives), and a wine collection that would impress the most seasoned collector complete the experience. The resort also features one of the Maldives’ most extensive dive programs, offering encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, and vibrant coral gardens.
Velaa’s surrounding lagoon is equally remarkable, offering crystal-clear waters for snorkelling, paddleboarding, and deep-sea fishing. Guests can take a private yacht to explore nearby atolls or spend an evening dining under the stars at Tavaru, the resort’s striking overwater restaurant and wine cellar. Every experience is curated for the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity.
The Brando, French Polynesia
When Marlon Brando fell in love with Tetiaroa, he wasn’t thinking about five-star hospitality. But decades later, his vision of a sustainable sanctuary became reality. The Brando is a 35-villa retreat that masterfully balances barefoot luxury with environmental responsibility.
Set within a breathtaking atoll of a dozen motus (islets), Tetiaroa is a secluded haven encircled by a crystalline lagoon, its waters teeming with marine life. The island’s unspoiled beauty is its greatest luxury - palm-fringed shores, white coral beaches, and a pristine reef that forms part of one of the most biodiverse marine sanctuaries in the Pacific.
Each villa has its own infinity pool, direct beach access, and a design that whispers, rather than shouts, luxury. Villas feature Polynesian-style interiors, expansive outdoor living areas, and bathrooms that open to lush private gardens. Guests can unwind at Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa, which is nestled within a serene pond and offers holistic treatments inspired by ancient Tahitian traditions.
Amidst this tranquility, The Brando exists in harmony with the natural world. Polynesian guides lead guests on immersive tours of their ancestral lands, offering a rare opportunity to connect with the island’s deep-rooted traditions. From guided reef explorations to cultural storytelling under starlit skies, every experience here fosters a profound, genuine connection to the land and its people. Conservation isn’t an afterthought - it’s woven into the very essence of the resort, ensuring that this paradise remains unspoiled for generations to come.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island
Some islands have to be reached. Desroches is one of them. A 35-minute flight from Mahé delivers you to this coral island, where the Four Seasons has created an intimate, nature-first retreat.
Sixty-one villas, suites, and residences are scattered across 14km of pristine beaches, offering uninterrupted ocean views and the kind of privacy that’s increasingly hard to find. Each villa comes with a private plunge pool, sun-drenched terraces, and personal bicycles to explore the island at your own pace.
Desroches is a natural wonder, home to lush coconut groves and protected ecosystems. Guests can visit the Aldabra giant tortoise sanctuary, kayak through hidden mangroves, or embark on guided diving excursions to explore spectacular underwater caves. The Lighthouse restaurant, housed in a historic structure, serves some of the freshest seafood in the Seychelles, while the wellness centre offers immersive treatments inspired by the rhythms of the ocean.
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
For those who like their exclusivity with a side of sustainability, Kudadoo Maldives is the answer. Designed by Japanese architect Yuji Yamazaki, this all-inclusive retreat features just 15 overwater residences, each with private infinity pools and uninterrupted ocean views.
The entire island runs on solar power, and the ethos here is about indulgence without excess. ‘Anything, anytime, anywhere’ is their approach to service - whether it’s dining on a floating platform at sea, enjoying a tailored wellness programme at the spa, or taking a private seaplane to a remote sandbank for a castaway picnic. The spa features the Maldives’ first Himalayan salt chamber, and the wine and cheese cellar ensures guests are never without the finest indulgences.
Beyond its luxury credentials, Kudadoo places an emphasis on marine conservation. Guided snorkelling tours take guests into manta ray cleaning stations, while eco-conscious diving experiences showcase thriving coral gardens that are part of the resort’s restoration initiatives. Every element of Kudadoo is designed with sustainability in mind, proving that luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Jumby Bay Island, Antigua
Few places in the Caribbean can match the exclusivity of Jumby Bay Island. Accessible only by boat, this private island off the coast of Antigua offers 40 suites, 13 villas, and 21 private residences, making it a playground for those who value discretion as much as they do luxury.
Here, days are spent cycling through coconut groves, snorkelling in turquoise waters, or indulging in a spa treatment inspired by indigenous traditions. The resort’s open-air infinity pool offers sweeping sea views, while guests can also enjoy complimentary rum tastings and guided sailing excursions.
Jumby Bay is more than just a secluded retreat; it’s a fully immersive island experience. The resort’s private beaches are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, while guided nature walks introduce guests to the island’s rare wildlife. The Estate House, a 19th-century plantation home, serves elevated island cuisine, while The Veranda is perfect for a relaxed beachside meal. And for those who love a touch of conservation, Jumby Bay is home to one of the region’s most successful Hawksbill turtle preservation projects, allowing guests to witness the magic of baby turtles hatching under the moonlight.
Final Thoughts
Luxury is often about space - both physical and mental. These private island resorts offer an escape that’s measured not just in the quality of the service or the calibre of the cuisine, but in the silence between the waves, the untouched stretches of beach, and the feeling of being somewhere utterly and completely yours.
For those who seek the ultimate indulgence, these are more than just destinations - they are rarefied experiences, waiting to be discovered.
