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The Top 11 Private Island Resorts Around the World

Aerial view of a large, rocky, green tropical island with a small beach, surrounded by clear turquoise ocean water.
Contents
  1. 1. The Brando, French Polynesia
  2. 2. Song Saa Private Island Resort, Cambodia
  3. 3. COMO Laucala Island, Fiji
  4. 4. Lizard Island, Australia
  5. 5. Six Senses Laamu, Maldives
  6. 6. Cayo Espanto, Belize
  7. 7. Islas Secas, Panama
  8. 8. &Beyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
  9. 9. Kisawa, Mozambique
  10. 10. Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles
  11. 11. Mamula Island Hotel, Montenegro
  12. Which private island resort is right for you?
  13. Discover your island paradise

Floating overwater villas, rocky outcrops, secret coves, sandy beaches, exclusive experiences set on luxurious private islands

Jess Kay

Picture yourself on an empty stretch of sand, infinite azure waves surrounding you on all sides. You’re far away from all your troubles and firmly planted in the present moment, with everything you could ever need right at your fingertips. This is the promise of the top private island resorts around the world – and believe us when we say that they deliver on it.

Every region of the globe has its own island escapes. There’s The Brando and COMO Laucala Island in the South Pacific; Song Saa and Six Senses Laamu in Asia; Cayo Espanto and Islas Secas in Latin America; &Beyond Mnemba Island, Kisawa and Six Senses Zil Pasyon in Africa; Lizard Island in Australia and Mamula Island Hotel in Eastern Europe.

Each of these exclusive island resorts invites you to leave your worries behind for a while, stepping into a sanctuary of sunlight and silence. Discover our travel designers’ favourite private islands for a secluded retreat and slow travel experience that you’ll never forget.

1. The Brando, French Polynesia

Aerial view of a luxury villa with a pool surrounded by dense green palm trees, next to a pristine white sand beach.
An aerial view of a private tropical beach resort villa nestled among dense palm trees, featuring a small pool and a stretch of white sand leading to turquoise water.

Set against a backdrop of fan-shaped palms and surrounded by the turquoise lagoons of the Tetiaroa atoll, The Brando is just 30 miles from Tahiti. Yet despite its proximity to French Polynesia’s largest island, it feels like a world apart. Each of the resort’s villas features a private plunge pool with ocean views, and the palatial Teremoana Residence is ideal for larger groups.

2. Song Saa Private Island Resort, Cambodia

Aerial view of a tropical island resort with lush green foliage, overwater bungalows, and a long wooden pier.
An aerial view shows a small, lush tropical island resort featuring overwater bungalows on one side and a long jetty leading to a covered structure on the other.

Located within a 100-hectare marine reserve off the coast of Cambodia, Song Saa Private Island Resort is a haven of a natural splendour. Wander along its sandy paths to discover the secrets of the ‘sweetheart islands’ or retreat to your overwater bungalow to spot turtles, parrot fish, seahorses, spotted rays and other wildlife in the crystal-clear waters right below you.

3. COMO Laucala Island, Fiji

Overhead view of thatched bungalows and a pool nestled in palm trees next to a white sand beach.
An overhead view of a tropical resort shows several thatched-roof bungalows, a pool, and tall palm trees lining a white sand beach leading to the turquoise ocean.

COMO Laucala Island is a far-flung hideaway in Fiji, with 25 stunning standalone residences scattered across the island. Some include a private piece of the white sand beach, while others are perched in the hills or on rocky outcrops above the cerulean sea. Discover the island’s verdant rainforests and coastline by hiking, horse riding or stepping aboard a graceful sailboat.

4. Lizard Island, Australia

Aerial view of several green tropical islands surrounded by a shallow, bright turquoise coral reef in a deep blue ocean.
An aerial view shows several lush green tropical islands surrounded by a vibrant, turquoise coral reef in the middle of a vast blue ocean.

There’s only one luxury island resort that’s set right on the Great Barrier Reef, and it’s called Lizard Island. This distinctive getaway is defined by its chic style, exceptional cuisine and world-class snorkelling and scuba diving. There’s also plenty to do on dry land, from visiting the coral reef research station to enjoying rejuvenating wellness rituals at the Essentia Day Spa.

5. Six Senses Laamu, Maldives

Aerial view of two long lines of thatched-roof overwater bungalows over a turquoise tropical ocean lagoon with a nearby white-sand beach.
An aerial view shows two long rows of thatched-roof overwater bungalows connected by wooden jetties across a turquoise lagoon in the Maldives. The bright white sand and lush green foliage of a nearby island are visible to the right.

The Maldives boast more than a few secluded island resorts, but Six Senses Laamu may just be our favourite. Located in the Laamu Atoll, it’s an eco-conscious escape ideal for remote travel, with nearly 100 villas and bungalows, many of which sit on stilts right above the glassy sea. There’s always something to do here, from snorkelling and surfing to sunset cruises and sustainability tours.

6. Cayo Espanto, Belize

Distant view of a small, flat tropical island covered in palm trees and small structures, with a dramatic cloud formation above.
A tiny, flat tropical island is densely covered with palm trees and dotted with small houses or structures, seen from a calm, turquoise ocean. A dramatic line of white cumulus clouds dominates the bright blue sky above the island.

If you’re looking for truly unparalleled privacy, Cayo Espanto is the place for you. Stay in its cosy overwater bungalow or one of six villas, which are arranged to give you a section of this tiny island near Ambergris Caye all to yourself. Meals are tailored to your tastes and delivered to your doorstep, so you don’t have to leave your little slice of paradise for even a second.

7. Islas Secas, Panama

Elevated view of a private infinity pool and lounge area overlooking a secluded, deep blue tropical cove and islands.
An elevated view captures a beautiful, secluded cove with deep blue water, surrounded by lush, tropical green hills. In the foreground, a modern infinity pool and lounge area overlook the ocean.

Some 20 miles off Panama’s west coast lies the extraordinary Islas Secas. Its seven tented casitas are concealed in a lush tropical forest, accommodating up to 24 people at a time. This exclusive setting allows wildlife to thrive and encourages guests to immerse themselves in nature. Islas Secas can also be privatised to make the entire island your playground.

8. &Beyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar

Isolated tropical island with dense green trees and a white sandbar, surrounded by clear turquoise water and bright clouds.
A panoramic view captures a small, isolated tropical island covered in dense green foliage, flanked by a white sandbar. The island is surrounded by clear, shallow, turquoise ocean water beneath a bright blue sky with large white clouds.

The idyllic &Beyond Mnemba Island is the stuff of desert island dreams. It’s one of the world’s top luxury beach resorts, boasting 12 rustic bandas (thatched dwellings) on a small isle off the coast of Zanzibar. There’s also a dive centre, wellness banda and special programme for children. Keep in mind that the resort closes briefly during the rainy season in April and May.

9. Kisawa, Mozambique

A person stands on the wooden deck of a curved infinity pool overlooking the ocean at sunset, surrounded by beach and trees.
A person stands by the wooden deck of a curved infinity pool at a beach resort as the sun sets over the ocean, with palm trees visible on the right.

Kisawa is among the world’s best luxury wellness retreats. Located in the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, this all-inclusive sanctuary boasts a dedicated personal service team to cater to your every whim. Just 11 residences are spread across the island, each of which comes with an exclusive stretch of sandy beach, an infinity pool and an electric mini moke for exploring.

10. Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles

Aerial view of a dark, modern luxury villa with an infinity pool built into a rocky, green cliff overlooking the ocean.
An aerial view of a modern, dark-colored luxury villa situated on a rocky cliffside, featuring an infinity pool and offering a wide view of the ocean.

Six Senses Zil Pasyon is the epitome of refined luxury in the Seychelles, with a unique combination of smooth sandy beaches and dramatic rocky landscapes. Its spacious pool villas are tucked into the trees, with private infinity pools that seem to flow directly into the sparkling sea. Don’t miss the exceptional spa, the elegant wine vault or the starlit outdoor cinema.

11. Mamula Island Hotel, Montenegro

An island fortress structure is silhouetted against a golden sunset, with a small tree visible on its roof and a large conical mountain in the background across the water.
Golden sunset behind a low island fortress with a single tree on top, viewed from the water with a mountain on the right.

There aren’t many luxury private island resorts in Eastern Europe, which only makes Mamula Island Hotel that much more special. Located in Montenegro’s Boka Bay, this one-of-a-kind resort is housed in a historic fort. It’s the perfect place to end a whirlwind tour of Croatia and Montenegro, imbued with a peaceful ambience that invites you to simply relax and recharge.

Which private island resort is right for you?

There’s no shortage of isolated island getaways around the globe. Luckily, our specialised travel designers know which of the world’s top private island resorts is ideal for every type of trip and traveller. Contact our team to find your perfect desert island destination, and let our dedicated concierges organise all the details.

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