9 Incredible Private Islands You Can Actually Stay At

Dreaming of leaving the world behind on your next vacation? While there are plenty of islands where you can travel to soak up the sun and escape the crowds, nothing says “off the grid” like booking a getaway to a private island. Look no further than these nine private islands that you stay at — or even rent out entirely — on your next tropical vacation. 

Cayo Espanto – Belize

Covering only 4 acres, Cayo Espanto is a tiny, ultra-exclusive private island tucked off Ambergris Caye, Belize’s largest island. It’s a quick eight-minute boat ride from Ambergris Caye, but the moment you arrive, it feels worlds away from your typical island resort. Seven elegant wooden villas and bungalows are set along the island’s edge, and the generous spacing between them makes it possible to never cross paths with another guest. Each one features its own private dock and loungers, beachfront access, an outdoor plunge pool, and airy, open interiors. 

The private island resort’s excellent kitchen customizes meals to guests’ tastes, using fresh tropical ingredients for a menu that changes daily. Days here can be active or laid-back, with snorkeling, kayaking, fishing charters, bird-watching, and scuba diving all right at your doorstep. And if you’re traveling with a large group, the entire island can also be rented exclusively for up to 18 guests.

Song Saa – Cambodia

Travelers often visit Cambodia to see cultural treasures such as the temple ruins of Angkor Wat, but many skip over the islands off the coast of the backpacker-frequented town of Sihanoukville. They’re missing out: These islands — part of the Koh Rong archipelago — beckon sun-seeking travelers with clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches fringed with emerald jungle. Among them is the private slice of paradise called Song Saa, home to a 24-villa resort. 

When designing the resort, sustainability was front and center — including crafting felled timber into the bungalows and upcycling driftwood into room decor — but luxury never takes a backseat here. The overwater and jungle villas boast infinity pools, sun decks, day beds, and spacious bedrooms and living areas with lofted ceilings. Outside the villa walls, guests can partake in activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, nature safaris, yoga, bioluminescence trips, and Buddhist ceremonies.

Kokomo Private Island – Fiji

There’s no shortage of private islands and luxury resorts in Fiji, an island nation made up of more than 300 islands. While five-star stays are easy to find, Kokomo Private Island stands out from the pack. A 45-minute helicopter or seaplane ride from Nadi International Airport, the picture-perfect island is fringed with powdery beaches and rises into dramatic interior peaks, with hiking trails and hidden waterfalls built into the landscape. Accommodations range from 21 beachfront villas — each with infinity pools and tropical gardens — to five hilltop luxury residences with sprawling views of the South Pacific and neighboring islands. (Buggies are needed to navigate the steep terrain.) 

Kokomo is known for its commitment to wellness and sustainability, from dock-to-dish and farm-to-table dining to a spa inspired by ancient Pacific island healing traditions. Guests can also enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, and jungle hikes, or venture farther on guided trips to nearby islands for waterfall hikes and cultural village walks.

Thanda Island – Tanzania

After marveling at Tanzania’s incredible land-dwelling animals, sail across the Indian Ocean for a stay on the privately-owned Thanda Island. The five-bedroom villa with an outdoor pool is the only accommodation on the teardrop-shaped island off the coast of East Africa. It’s an ideal holiday beach house for small groups or families (babysitting services are even available). Villa rental also allows access to two nearby bandas (traditional tented beach chalets) for guests to experience an authentic slice of Tanzanian life. 

A protected marine reserve surrounds Thanda Island, and visitors can book water excursions like swimming with whale sharks, scuba diving and snorkeling with tropical marine life, or sailing on a traditional Arab dhow boat. Refuel with meals crafted by a private chef with a focus on fresh seafood like lobster, crab, tuna, and snapper caught off Thanda — and finally, finish with ice cream made with homemade coconut milk. 

Isla Palenque – Panama

Set in the Gulf of Chiriquí, this lush island resort may feel remote, but it delivers polished, five-star luxury. Isla Palenque (“Sanctuary Island”) is home to old-growth forest and wildlife that captivated its now-owner Ben Loomis, who spent nights sleeping in a hammock on Palenque Beach before transforming the island into a thoughtfully designed retreat. 

Today, Isla Palenque features eight beachfront casitas and six luxury villas with artisanal furnishings. Dining at Las Rocas Restaurant and Bar showcases Panamanian cuisine, island-grown produce, and sustainably sourced seafood, with experiences like beachfront picnics and sunset cocktails available on request. Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, jungle hiking, whale watching, and guided nature tours are also available to guests. 

Amilla – The Maldives

The Maldives may be the world’s flattest country, but with roughly 1,200 islands making up 26 different atolls, you’ll find paradise at nearly every turn. The island nation is home to a whopping 132 private islands, most with just one resort per island. Built on the oblong islet of Amilla in 2014, Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences is one of the most spacious among them and has a focus on eco-friendly and sustainable practices. 

Guests stay in light-filled, ocean-facing villas or tree-top bungalows, surrounded by the cerulean Indian Ocean and reefs teeming with marine life. Snorkeling and scuba diving, cultural activities, and divine culinary experiences are popular, but the 58-acre resort island is also an ideal place to just relax by wandering amongst the coconut trees and sunbathing on sugar-sand beaches while gazing out at the seemingly endless horizon.

Little Palm Island – Florida Keys

Billed as America’s sole true private island resort, Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys is accessible only by boat or seaplane. This adults-only escape is designed for those who are looking to truly unplug — the thatched-roof bungalows are free of TVs, and the use of electronics is gently discouraged (although Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort). Instead, guests enjoy candlelit dinners, long conversations, and deep relaxation free of distractions. 

Dining is al fresco, with ocean views and a rotating menu from a chef who has worked in Michelin-starred establishments. Each of the 30 bungalow suites offers private beach access and cabanas. Two lagoon pools anchor either end of the island, while a tranquil spa sits beneath a soaring, jungle-shrouded atrium. Offshore, guests can scuba dive, kayak, paddleboard, fish, or hop on a sunset cruise. The island can also be booked for private retreats or full buyouts for up to 60 guests, making it an ultra-exclusive setting for weddings or special celebrations.

Moskito Island – British Virgin Islands

British business magnate Richard Branson purchased this Caribbean jewel in 2007 and transformed it into the Branson Beach Estate on Moskito Island. The three villas at this luxurious Balinese-inspired property can be reserved individually or all together to ensure the most exclusive stay. Each bungalow sleeps six to eight people and offers direct beach access, miles of ocean views, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, and an infinity pool. 

The property spreads across 19,000 square feet, and guests can access a fully-equipped gym, tennis courts, walking trails, private beaches, and beach barbecue facilities. Deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kite surfing, sailing, and day trips to nearby islands can be arranged on request. 

Medjumbe Island – Mozambique

Part of the protected Quirimbas Archipelago, Medjumbe is a tiny private isle off Mozambique’s northern coast. Less than a mile long and only a few hundred feet wide, this swirl of white sand and lush greenery is home to the ultra-exclusive Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort. The island has just 12 beachfront villas, each with a thatched roof, African-inspired design, a private plunge pool, an outdoor shower, and sweeping ocean views. 

Getting here is part of the experience: Guests fly into Pemba, then take a scenic helicopter ride or short domestic flight straight to the island’s private airstrip. Life on Medjumbe moves slowly, with days spent diving and snorkeling among pristine reefs, sailing, deep-sea fishing, dolphin and whale watching, or hopping over to nearby islands. Dining is equally special, whether it’s a private meal with your feet in the sand or an intimate dinner in the open-air lounge overlooking the ocean. Remote, serene, and elegant, Medjumbe is truly a bucket-list destination.