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10 Incredible Resorts That Are Literally Private Islands

A secluded island is the ultimate escape. To be clear, we’re not talking about Cast Away. (Although, volleyball might be involved.) The luxury getaway du jour entails idling on a near-empty beach with just a handful of other guests as the doting staff brings you another piña colada. Pretty sure that’s the exact definition of #vacationgoals.

In the spirit of fantastical trips, here are ten of our favorite utterly exceptional private island resorts to make your Swiss Family Robinson dreams come true.

HOW TO TRAVEL THE CROATIAN ISLANDS LIKE A MILLIONAIRE (ON A PLEBEIAN BUDGET)


soneva fushi
Courtesy of Soneva

1. soneva Fushi (maldives)

Soneva Fushi is a magnet for A-listers. The guestbook reads like a who's who of high-profile honeymooners and Hollywood heavyweights. Everyone from Liv Tyler to newlyweds Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner have gobbled up sushi, stargazed and snoozed in swanky villas at the OG deserted island hideaway.

vakkaru maldives maldives
Courtesy of Vakkaru Maldives

2. vakkaru Maldives (maldives)

Set within the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, only 30 minutes north of Male International Airport by seaplane, Vakkaru Maldives feels like a world away with its peaceful atmosphere and pristine natural beauty. Think: white-sand beaches, lush foliage and azure tides. Overwater bungalows seal the deal. 

azura benguerra benguerra island mozambique
Courtesy of Mr & Mrs Smith

3. azura Benguerra (benguerra Island, Mozambique)

For an off-the-grid getaway look no further than Azura Benguerra, a member of Mr & Mrs Smith that’s miles from the mainland. Good luck returning to real life after a few days of swimming in the crystalline lagoon and lounging by the infinity pool. On the bright side, you'll be able to scroll through all the gorgeous photos from your trip.  

como parrot cay parrot cay turks caicos
Courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts

4. como Parrot Cay (parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos)

It legitimately doesn’t get more lust-worthy than holistic therapies, sunrise yoga sessions, scuba diving and mouthwatering cuisine in Turks & Caicos—unless, of course, all that goes down on a freakin’ private island. Insert COMO Parrot Cay, an award-winning resort encircled by turquoise waters.

amanpulo pamalican island philippines
Courtesy of Aman

5. amanpulo (pamalican Island, Philippines)

Perched on Pamalican Island and accessible only by private plane (so baller, right?), Amanpulo is synonymous with clandestine luxury. Palm trees fringe sandy beaches that stretch into the Sulu Sea. Casitas combine indigenous design elements, contemporary comforts and spectacular views. Don't pass up the opportunity to go kitesurfing or explore the colorful marine habitat just offshore. 

thanda island tanzania
Courtesy of Mr & Mrs Smith

6. thanda Island (tanzania)

Thanda Island raises the bar on exclusively. Part of the uber-posh LHW portfolio, it’s a next-level haven of seclusion with its own coral reef and a single sprawling manor—perfect for groups who want to relish lavish comforts, aquatic activities and wildlife peeping away from, well, everyone else.

vomo island fiji fiji
Courtesy of Mr & Mrs Smith

7. vomo Island Fiji (fiji)

Not only is Vomo Island Fiji a seductive retreat with jaw-dropping scenery that’s shockingly accessible, it's also a member of Mr & Mrs Smith. (Clued-in travelers know that means a lot.) Hours fly by sunbathing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and hiking. Simply put: you’ll never want to leave.

six senses krabey island krabey island cambodia
Courtesy of Six Senses Krabey Island

8. six Senses Krabey Island (krabey Island, Cambodia)

Since debuting in March 2019, the Six Senses Krabey Island has established itself as the foremost purveyor of barefoot bliss. Constructed using sustainable materials, jaw-dropping villas feature eco mattresses, plunge pools and sundecks. There’s also an expansive spa with a menu of locally inspired treatments. 

lizard island great barrier reef australia
Courtesy of Mr & Mrs Smith

9. lizard Island (great Barrier Reef, Australia)

Surrounded by the incomparable splendor of the Great Barrier Reef, 17 miles off the coast of Queensland, Lizard Island ranks among the dreamiest destinations ever. Active guests can partake in epic fishing, kayaking and diving adventures, while serenity-seekers unwind on the ivory shores and soak in the remote ambiance. 

san clemente palace kempinski venice italy
Courtesy of San Clemente Palace Kempinski

10. san Clemente Palace Kempinski (venice, Italy)

Flipping the script on the tropical trappings typically associated with a private island resort, San Clemente Palace Kempinski occupies a privileged perch in the Venetian Lagoon. Solidifying its status as *the* place to stay in the floating city, this refined and relaxing refuge is a quick boat ride from St. Mark’s Square.



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Freelance PureWow Editor

Lindsay Cohn is a travel writer and serial trip planner who has visited 46 countries across six continents (and counting). When not globetrotting, she’s most likely either doing...