WORLD’S BEST PRIVATE ISLANDS

With the world in turmoil and seclusion, privacy and safety now at the top of everyone’s travel list, a private island is the only logical solution. Accommodating just you, some very discreet hotel staff and sometimes a few other guests, these islands are some of the most luxurious hideaways to escape from the rest of world.

ONE&ONLY OCEAN CLUB, BAHAMAS

Embracing younger visitors as readily as it does grown-ups, seeing a third generation of families return since its opening in the 1960s, the One&Only Ocean Club is the dream Bahamas experience. Having recently undergone a major refurb, with the Hartford Wing redone by Jeffrey Beers and a new rectilinear pool installed, the club retains a rightful adult-air in its manicured grass and medieval statues. While the kids are tucked away in the Kids Club, adults are encouraged to enjoy the excellent spa for a Balinese massage and book a table at Dune, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's breezy sea-view restaurant, for a sushi lunch.

BAWAH ISLAND, INDONESIA

The recently opened Bawah Island is a collection of five islands, three lagoons and 13 stunning white beaches in Indonesia’s Riau archipelago. Staying in one of the 35 villas, 11 of which are stilted above the water, enjoy days spent snorkelling and kayaking through electric-blue corals, brushing past clownfish, triggerfish and perhaps even some incredible green turtles. Spend nights enjoying deliciously fresh seafood and salads plucked from the islands’ organic gardens, before relaxing under a sky lit not just by the moon, but by the unaffected glow of the milky way. Enjoy spa treatments, stunningly smart interiors and a sense of remote peace in this miraculous new hideaway.

AZURA QUILALEA, MOZAMBIQUE

A spa overlooking the ocean; four sandy beaches; baobab trees and coral reefs. What more could you want from a private island? Emerging fresh from a spectacular refurb, Quilalea looks and feels better than ever. Take a night snorkelling trip, enjoy a picnic on Turtle Beach or take fascinating scenic helicopter tours. Unwind in the evening in the new dining space, with a menu that boasts mangrove crabs and crayfish tails, before retreating to a villa that blends a Robinson Crusoe castaway feel with pure African elegance and premium luxury. Take the best parts of castaway exploring and the comforts of a luxury stay to make for the ideal island retreat.

GLADDEN, BELIZE

Gladden is ideal if you want to feel like the only people on the planet. With a single villa on one of two mangrove-ringed islets, and staff residing on the other, guests are left to enjoy the tranquillity of the turquoise waters and the view of the Maya Mountains. A chef, manager and concierge are just a two-minute boat ride away if needed. A private light signals if the housekeeper has popped in to make up the room, the spa therapist is setting up for a massage in the palapa or a barbecue is being lit for a supper of chargrilled lobster and salad from the garden. Otherwise, this is a truly reclusive escape.

OWNER'S VILLA, CHEVAL BLANC RANDHELI

Joining the incredibly stylish Cheval Blanc Randheli, the magnificent three-bedroom Owner’s Villa is a new addition on its own immaculate little island. A high-ceilinged, light-filled living room with sail-shaped room dividers and super slick contemporary art define the villa’s character, while a one-bedroom beachfront villa with its own cinema and dining terrace act as an additional escape. The villa’s black-stone swimming pool stands in stark, but beautiful contrast to the white sand beach. Relax as the team of 30 staff, including chefs, a yoga master and therapists tend to your every need, before you enjoy an evening indulging in Maldivian fish curries in your private dining room or screening your favourite movies under the stars.

VATUVARA PRIVATE ISLANDS, FIJI

Made up of three one-bedroom villas, Vatuvara Private Islands are perfect for creating a completely private island hideaway. Delana, the incredibly grand main villa, will see guests nestled away in a self-contained paradise, with a stone-edged infinity pool, a dark-stone spa room, a hot tub and twin massage beds. The two other villas, though smaller but still with their own private pools, and all decorated in the same plush South Seas tropical style, make for a trio of astonishingly secluded hideouts. Spend your days snorkelling, fishing for wahoo, tuna and marlin, playing golf, or skim across to one of the neighbouring islands. Vatuvara is yours to explore.

LAUCALA ISLAND, FIJI

Owned by Dietrich Mateschitz, the creator of Red Bull, Laucala Island is the perfect destination for a more action-packed island retreat. With a championship level golf course, a 5,000 square-metre swimming pool (the largest in the South Pacific) and a flotilla of nine craft – ranging from three jet-skis to a game-fishing pleasure cruiser – there’s endless opportunity for adventure. Simultaneously though, with each of the 25 villas boasting their own private pool, and an unrivalled wellness programme including a breath-taking spa garden, there’s plenty to help you unwind, too – this is a retreat for everyone. 

NECKER ISLAND, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Richard Branson’s Necker Island is the crown jewel of the private islands in this archipelago.  With 74 acres home to 200 flamingos, 60 resident staff and a maximum of 28 guests, it’s a wonderfully idyllic getaway. Spa treatments on request, freshwater infinity pools, tennis courts, water sports lessons and swim-up bars mean you’ll never be bored at Necker Island, and a Disco DJ included on one night during your stay makes this the perfect place for a luxurious group get-together.

FREGATE ISLAND, SEYCHELLES

Home to 16 gorgeous palatial teak villas, you’ll never be completely alone on Frégate Island, mainly due to its eclectic wildlife. Lie back as giant tortoises stroll right by you, scarlet fodies flit around, and fruit bats glide through the skies. Channel your adventurous side with island races on hobie cats, diving, fishing or exploring the luscious forest. Dine anywhere you please, from the branches of a banyan tree to the soft sandy beaches, and totally immerse yourself in nature on Frégate Island.