Paradise Found: The World’s 7 Best Private Island Resorts

1. The Brando, French Polynesia

Set on the breathtakingly pristine atoll of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia, The Brando, once Marlon Brando’s private sanctuary, marries an unparalleled blend of luxurious seclusion with an eco-conscious elegance.

Accessible only by private plane, there are just 35 exquisite beachfront villas on the island, each with its own private plunge pool, outdoor bathtub and direct access to powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear lagoons. The resort’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its solar energy system, seawater air conditioning and organic gardens, all without compromising on comfort – luxury amenities include the Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa, world-class dining helmed by Michelin-starred chefs and a variety of immersive activities from snorkelling with tropical marine life to guided cultural tours of the island.

2. Pelorus Private Island, Australia

Curious as to how the other half live? The latest hospitality venture of rich lister Chris Morris, Pelorus is the Great Barrier Reef’s first private island residence, and home to five opulent suites for 11 guests amidst 400 hectares of untouched land.

Accessible only by private plane or superyacht, naturally, you’ll find it just off the coast of Townsville. Guests are treated to Champagne and strawberries on arrival before being led to their sea-facing rooms, which come adorned with natural linens, custom furniture and luxurious ensuites. There’s direct access to the house reef from the house, where keen snorkellers can swim among the likes of rays, turtles and a whole myriad of fish. Motorised and pedal- or paddle-powered toys also allow guests to explore their waterworld from every vantage point.

As a quintessential Australian beach retreat, however, this property invites a relaxed pace. Enjoy leisurely mornings with sunlit breakfasts and exceptional espresso from Hawkins, explore the wine wall, featuring an array of Australian wines and Champagne, during lunch, and let the afternoons unfold at your own rhythm.

3. Miavana by Tide + Time, Madagascar

A private island sanctuary off Madagascar’s northeastern coast that spans 2,500 acres of pristine wilderness, Miavana - Madagascar’s premier luxury destination offers a captivating blend of adventure, wildlife and indulgence. Stay in one of the 14 spacious, next-generation villas, designed by the team behind Seychelles’ North Island, while culinary offerings are tailored to guests' preferences, featuring Madagascar’s finest produce including succulent mangoes, premium vanilla, pink peppercorns, and the exclusive Madagascar Rova Caviar.

With activities galore, guests can embark on heli-surfing escapades on undiscovered waves, dive with majestic humpback whales or tackle custom extreme challenges like island races, if you’re feeling up to the challenge. For those preferring a gentler experience, the vibrant house reef, teeming with vivid corals and marine life, rivals the best of the Maldives, while Lemur treks, chameleon sightings and orchid hunts are also par for the course.

If you can drag yourself away from the island for the afternoon, its fleet of boats and helicopters provides access to remote, uninhabited jumping off points just waiting to be explored. Just be sure to carve out a little time for yoga in the forest, sunrise sound baths and sunset drinks atop a historic lighthouse.

4. Islas Secas, Panama

If you’d rather not see another soul on your vacation (we don’t blame you), be sure to check out Islas Secas. A secluded 14-island archipelago in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí with no more than 24 guests allowed on at once, choose from one of four casitas ranging in size from one to four bedrooms, or three tented suites, all which grant access to the entire island chain.

Amenities here are hard to beat, with a stunning open-air beachfront restaurant, slick jungle spa, open-air movie theatre, stargazing lounge, hummingbird garden and water sports centre just some of the highlights. As such, it caters to every type of traveller from active types, beach lovers, hikers, birdwatchers, archaeological explorers and more. What more could you ask for?

5. Mamula Island, Montenegro

Let’s be honest – most private island resorts are something of a dream except for the lucky few. That’s not the case at Mamula Island which, with rooms starting from £658, is much more accessible for a special occasion.

A former prison camp-turned-ultra luxury hotel, this exquisitely restored 19th century fortress stands sentinel on its own island at the entrance to one of the most beautiful series of bays in the world, easily reached by speedboat from the mainland. There are just 32 rooms, and lucky guests are spoiled with three zero-edge pools, a private beach with plush double loungers, three restaurants and even more bars. As part of the Design Hotels group, it also happens to be extremely aesthetically pleasing too – expect raw and earthy interiors that look plucked directly from a design magazine.

6. Cayo Espanto, Belize

While the Caribbean may be full to the brim with picturesque palm-fringed islands, they don’t get more private than Cayo Espanto. Just 3 miles off the coast of Belize, this luxe resort is home to just seven rooms, all of which come with a personal butler, your own private dock area and meals whipped up by an on-island chef. There’s also a spa serving up tropical treatments, while at extra cost, there’s a chance to go out on a private boat, snorkel the barrier reef, then help catch your own dinner for a sunset service on the beach. If it’s good enough for Brad Pitt…

7. COMO Laucala Island, Fiji

Think striking blue lagoons, lush coconut groves, towering volcanic peaks and endless stretches of beach, the 3,500-acre COMO Laucala Island is one of the South Pacific's most breathtaking retreats. Scattered across this magnificent landscape are 25 lavish, design-focused Fijian bures (traditional thatched villas), each featuring a private pool and world-class amenities befitting one of the most exclusive resorts on the planet.

Highlights include a personal submarine and a jaw-dropping lagoon-style pool, starting with an elevated 80-foot glass lap pool that gently transitions into the sandy shores. Guests can explore the island with their own buggy, accessing the spa, several bars and restaurants offering both local and global cuisine, a par-72 championship golf course and a Cultural Village where traditional Fijian ceremonies and dances from nearby Qamea Island are celebrated.