Almost everyone would agree that packing their bags and heading to a private island for a few weeks sounds like an amazing vacation. For some reason, islands have an almost magical appeal. You get to immerse yourself in a completely new environment, surrounded by an infinity of water. You can’t help but feel like you really are somewhere else, somewhere entirely new, and entirely different from the rest of the world and all its problems. And after some thorough searching, we’ve gathered some of the most amazing island retreats for your perusal!
1) Thanda Island, Tanzania
For a truly African and truly private getaway, Thanda Island welcomes you with open arms. Voted the world’s leading exclusive private island by the 2016 World Travel Awards, this island resort boasts a variety of exciting experiences that you won’t soon forget. Swimming with whale sharks, exploring marine reserves, kayaking through reefs, and cruising around surrounding islands while sipping a glass of champagne in utter luxury are only a few of the vast array of incredible experiences waiting for you!
2) Cempedak Private Island, Indonesia
A 17 hectare Private Island located just 91km from Singapore, this island resort is sure to impress. Naturally layered with sandy beaches and a lush display of plant life, just reading the brochure is enough to begin unwinding you! The island also boasts a wide variety of water sports for you to partake in, including: guided snorkeling, windsurfing, and sailing, just to name a few. Enjoy fine dining while overlooking a clear and pristine ocean. A truly magical experience awaits as the natural beauty of the island is reflected at you by its surrounding waters.
3) Bora Bora, French Polynesia
There’s an old joke which says that Bora Bora is too beautiful for us to only say its name once. This small South Pacific Island located in French Polynesia remains a travel hotspot for anyone eager to experience an island getaway. A home for many resorts and retreats, Bora Bora as a whole remains a hub of amazing getaways. Bursting at the seams with experiences to be had, this famous island boasts a gorgeous turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef, ideal for scuba diving. The water is also so clear that it’s not uncommon for visitors to feel like they’ve wandered into a travel brochure.
4) Naladhu Private Island, Maldives
Located in the South Male Atoll Republic of Maldives, this private island offers timeless elegance while boasting true privacy. The island itself has just 20 houses, each with their own private pool. Embark on an in-house spa journey, or an unforgettable ocean voyage – in a private yacht, of course. Swim in crystal clear lagoons, or scuba dive and snorkel at untouched reefs. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, either way you’ll start each day on this resort the same way: by waking up in paradise!
5) Pacific Resort, Aitutaki, Polynesia
Another amazing island retreat, this award winning resort will have you wanting to extend your return flight indefinitely. Featuring spectacular views, white sand beaches, stunningly lush tropical foliage, Aitutaki’s world famous lagoon, and (let’s not forget) a private sundeck for each of the 27 available bungalows and villas. Every Wednesday night the resort celebrates its South Pacific culture with a live performance of song and dance by local Aitutakians. Immerse yourself not only in the food and entertainment, but also in the culture which brings it all to life.
6) Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Crete, Greece
With a jaw-dropping 152 luxury rooms and suites, plus an additional 71 rooms with pools, Abaton Island resort very quickly establishes itself as an incredible Island retreat. This resort boasts a world class spa, featuring five different treatment rooms and spa-therapies which focus on skin, body, and mind. Spend your afternoons taking in the view of the surrounding Greek islands and the natural beauty they seem to radiate. It’s understandable why travelers the world over are so eager to visit Greece, with resorts like Abaton, you can’t help but feel tempted to begin planning your next getaway.
Private islands are beyond interesting – they hold some sort of appeal that’s very hard to describe. Besides all the luxury and celebrity treatment you get, there’s something deeper to the experience which attracts us all, something that an ordinary hotel just doesn’t seem to match. Perhaps it’s the feeling of being surrounded by the ocean while still experiencing all that luxury. Whatever the reason though, it’s nice to know that if you were ever stranded at sea, there’s always a chance you might just float away to some sort of paradise!
