If you’re looking for an escape that combines luxury with seclusion, the best private island resorts offer a unique temple in paradise. These resorts mindfully selected by WIWT are built on exclusive islands, offering unparalleled privacy, personalized service, and natural beauty that’s unmatched. Guests can relax in remote settings, with only the sound of waves and incredible ocean views as their backdrop. From lush jungle islands to white sandy beaches, private island resorts are ideal for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in serene surroundings.
Our AI Travel Assistant has selected these best places to stay because of their dedication to exceptional service, luxurious amenities, and a variety of activities, from diving in vibrant reefs to exploring untouched rainforests. Ready to dream up your next luxurious getaway?
OUR 10 BEST PRIVATE ISLAND RESORTS
1. The Brando – French Polynesia
Located on the stunning Tetiaroa Atoll, The Brando combines luxury and environmental sustainability. This eco-friendly resort is powered by renewable energy and provides a perfect blend of nature and comfort.
Each villa has a private pool with views of turquoise lagoons and lush greenery. Marine life is rich, and guests can explore coral gardens and enjoy guided snorkelling tours led by marine biologists. This hidden paradise offers cultural experiences, including Polynesian dance performances and traditional cooking classes.
Why stay at The Brando?
- Exclusive eco-resort powered by renewable energy.
- Private pools and direct beach access from each villa.
- Rich cultural experiences with traditional Polynesian activities.
2. Miavana by Time + Tide, Madagascar
Located on Nosy Ankao, Time + Tide Miavana is an untouched paradise on Madagascar’s northeastern coast. This ultra-luxury resort boasts spacious villas with direct beach access and sweeping ocean views, each one designed with sustainable materials that reflect the natural beauty of Madagascar.
Guests can enjoy exclusive activities, including lemur trekking, whale watching, and snorkelling in vibrant coral reefs. Miavana also emphasizes conservation, with programs dedicated to preserving Madagascar’s unique ecosystems and supporting local communities.
Why stay at Miavana by Time + Tide, Madagascar?
- Stunning, eco-friendly villas with oceanfront views.
- Rare wildlife experiences, including lemur spotting.
- Commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism.
Planning a trip? Explore WIWT accommodation guides worldwide.
3. Lizard Island – Australia
Lizard Island is a luxurious retreat on the Great Barrier Reef, featuring 24 hidden beaches and offering easy access to coral gardens. The resort has luxurious suites with direct beach access, and its spa offers treatments inspired by the island’s natural environment.
Adventurers can explore the reef with private guided diving, enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour, or embark on a hike to Cook’s Look for panoramic views. This island paradise provides the ultimate balance of relaxation and adventure.
Why stay at Lizard Island?
- Close to the Great Barrier Reef for exceptional snorkelling and diving.
- Private beaches and luxurious ocean-view suites.
- Extensive spa and wellness programs for ultimate relaxation.
4. COMO Laucala Island – Fiji
The 3,500-acre COMO Laucala Island is a hidden Fijian paradise with 25 luxury residences, each offering expansive views, private pools, and lush gardens. Residences are uniquely located on beaches, hillsides, and cliffs, giving guests diverse options for seclusion.
COMO Laucala Island provides a wide variety of activities like scuba diving, horseback riding, and farm-to-table dining experiences. With an emphasis on sustainability, this resort ensures every detail reflects the local Fijian culture and natural beauty.
Why stay at COMO Laucala Island?
- Unique private residences with stunning beachfront or hillside views.
- Farm-to-table dining with organic produce from the island’s farm.
- Activities from diving and golfing to exclusive wellness programs.
5. Cayo Espanto – Belize
For those seeking the ultimate in privacy, Cayo Espanto offers a boutique luxury experience with only seven exclusive villas on this small island near Belize’s barrier reef. Each villa has its private dock, where meals can be delivered by boat for a fully personalized experience.
The clear Caribbean waters offer fantastic snorkelling and diving opportunities, and the resort’s all-inclusive service ensures guests’ needs are met without ever needing to leave their villa.
Why stay at Cayo Espanto?
- Exclusive overwater bungalows with direct Caribbean access.
- Personalized dining experiences delivered to private docks.
- Unbeatable snorkeling and diving near Belize’s barrier reef.
6. Islas Secas – Panama
Located off Panama’s Pacific coast, Islas Secas is a remote, eco-friendly luxury resort with only a handful of casitas that accommodate a small number of guests. With an on-site research facility dedicated to sea conservation, the island offers eco-conscious luxury amid breathtaking landscapes.
Activities include deep-sea fishing, whale watching, and guided scuba diving tours to observe the diverse marine ecosystem. The resort’s exclusivity and commitment to sustainability make it a unique tropical retreat.
Why stay at Islas Secas?
- Exclusive eco-lodge in a protected sea area.
- Rich sea life with guided diving and snorkelling tours.
- Private island feel with a focus on marine conservation.
7. Song Saa Private Island – Cambodia
Located in Cambodia’s pristine Koh Rong Archipelago, Song Saa offers a stunning, luxurious escape with overwater villas set above crystal-clear waters. This intimate resort is dedicated to preserving the local environment, with initiatives like a marine reserve and coral restoration projects.
Guests enjoy sustainable luxury with a locally sourced menu, yoga classes, and a unique spa offering Khmer-inspired treatments. Song Saa’s surroundings and eco-conscious focus make it an ideal escape for nature lovers and wellness enthusiasts alike.
Why stay at Song Saa?
- Overwater villas with stunning ocean views.
- Private marine reserve and coral restoration projects.
- Organic spa treatments and locally inspired cuisine.
8. Six Senses Laamu – Maldives
Located away in the Laamu Atoll, Six Senses Laamu offers an eco-friendly experience with luxury villas set over turquoise waters. Many of the villas come with private pools, and some have transparent floors for observing seagoing life below.
The resort is known for its sustainability efforts, including a zero-waste policy and a focus on coral reef preservation. From private dining under the stars to diving with mantas, Six Senses Laamu combines the Maldives’ natural beauty with first-class service.
Why stay at Six Senses Laamu?
- Stunning overwater villas with private pools and sea views.
- Focus on sustainability and marine conservation efforts.
- Unique dining experiences, including a beachfront cinema.
9. &Beyond Mnemba Island – Zanzibar
&Beyond Mnemba Island offers a castaway experience just off the coast of Zanzibar. This intimate island retreat features only a dozen bands (thatched cottages), with beach access and private decks.
Guests enjoy activities like snorkelling, diving, and dolphin watching, with an emphasis on sustainable tourism and community support. Mnemba’s natural surroundings and minimalist luxury make it a great option for those seeking a hidden yet socially conscious experience.
Why stay at &Beyond Mnemba Island?
- Simple, elegant bands with private beach access.
- Socially responsible tourism initiatives and local community support.
- Exceptional marine life experiences like dolphin watching and diving.
10. Kisawa Sanctuary – Mozambique
Kisawa Sanctuary in the Bazaruto Archipelago blends exclusivity with wellness and luxury. With only a handful of private bungalows, each villa has its own beach, infinity pool, and electric buggy for easy exploration.
Known for its wellness programs and environmental focus, the sanctuary offers tailored spa treatments, yoga, and mindfulness sessions. Kisawa provides a luxurious retreat that prioritizes sustainability, personal wellness, and natural beauty.
Why stay at Kisawa Sanctuary?
- Ultra-private bungalows with dedicated beach areas.
- Wellness-focused features with custom spa treatments.
- Commitment to environmental sustainability and local culture.
Our Final Take on the Best Private Island Resorts in the World
From the secluded luxury of Laucala Island in Fiji to the breathtaking marine life at Six Senses Laamu, these private island resorts offer some of the world’s most exclusive, eco-conscious, and luxurious experiences. Each island has been chosen by our AI Travel Assistant for its dedication to providing ultimate relaxation, personalized service, and breathtaking natural surroundings.
Ready for a private island escape? WISH I WAS THERE is here to help you discover your ideal island paradise. Book your next unforgettable experience with our curated list of private islands and the best places to stay, designed to immerse you in beauty and tranquillity.
If you’re interested in exploring more destinations for your next travel check out our 10 Best Eco-Friendly Hotels in Bali for sustainability-focused luxury or dive deep into the 10 Best Underwater Hotels in the Maldives for unparalleled marine adventures.