Escape to the Islands
When escaping the country isn’t a getaway enough on its own, you could hang your head in despair…
…OR you could rent an entire secluded island estate to experience real relaxation, comfort and privacy – and not all the prices are as ridiculous as you might imagine.
TripAdvisor brings you this list of private islands you can book all for yourself on your next holiday to turn this office desk daydream into a reality.
1. Villa L’Ilot – Mauritius, Africa
Located 1,931 kilometres off the coast of Africa, this luxury villa offers four bedrooms and a large terrace that boasts panoramic views of the turquoise Roches Noires lagoon.
Parts of the property are open-air, allowing guests to enjoy beautiful island scenery from the comfort of the couch or a chaise lounge perched in the sand.
Prices start from AU $623 per night.
“What a place! Absolutely stunning and unique location,” said one TripAdvisor traveller.
2. Sky Scalpay – Isle of Skye, Scotland
Just a short trip from Isle of Skye located in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, this quaint cottage comfortably sleeps four and offers a secluded coastal escape.
Recently renovated, this luxury rental comes with a cosy wood burning stove, cotton linens and more.
Prices start from AU $1,628 per night.
A TripAdvisor traveller said, “The cottage was immaculate, modern and cosy. The island really is a paradise; a real get-away from everything.”
3. Devil’s Elbow Cottage – Bluffton, South Carolina
Located on a 150-acre island within the gates of Colleton River Plantation, this cottage is nestled among massive oak trees overlooking the water of the Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge.
The comfortable cottage comes with cathedral ceilings and large windows where guests will enjoy magnificent views.
Prices start from AU $342 per night.
“The cottage is lovely, classy, clean and very comfortable,” said one TripAdvisor user.
4. French Louie Caye – Stann Creek, Belize STANN CREEK, BELIZE
Sheltered behind the Belize Barrier Reef, this private two-acre island is available for your exclusive use.
The beautiful private island offers a picture-perfect sandy beach and surrounded by some of the finest coral reef in the area.
The rental includes a caretaker who will cater to your needs, including catching and cooking fresh seafood for dinner, as well as kayak and snorkelling tours.
Prices start from AU $520 per night.
A TripAdvisor traveller commented, “A beautiful well maintained island surrounded by reef.”
5. Cayo Espanto – Ambergris Caye, Belize
Situated on an idyllic island 4.8 kilometres from San Pedro, this property boasts nine bedrooms and overlooks the cerulean surf and white sand beaches.
Guests are invited to relax in the comfort of their plunge pools, enjoy a day on the beach or take part in activities including snorkelling and scuba diving.
Prices start from AU $18,479 per night.
A recent guest remarked, “No five star resort comes close to our experience at Cayo Espanto.”
6. East Sister Rock Island – Florida Keys, Mexico
Located just over a kilometre off of the Atlantic shores of Marathon in the Florida Keys, this private island boasts a pristine vacation rental home that comes with more than 5,000 square-feet of living space, including a spacious veranda, boat dock, helicopter launch pad, swimming pool, and a 25-foot boat to get back and forth to the mainland.
Prices start from AU $1,369 per night.
One TripAdvisor was impressed, “Nothing else like it.”
7. Spectacle Island – Bar Harbor, Maine
Off the coast of Bar Harbor in Downeast Maine, travellers can enjoy a tranquil stay on Spectacle Island.
This six-acre private oasis offers sweeping ocean views and guests are invited to use the 16-foot sailboat or kayaks to explore the New England scenery.
Prices start from AU $2,089 per night.
A TripAdvisor traveller expressed their delight, “It’s hard to describe just how perfect Spectacle Island is if you are looking for the combination of northern outdoor adventure, the sea, great food, comfort, relaxation and superb hosts.”
8. Royal Belize – Belize Cayes, Belize
This luxurious private island offers three magnificent villas.
Located in the World Heritage Marine Reserve near central Belize, the opulent property will not disappoint.
Amenities include a personal chef, an outdoor bedroom, expansive windows where guests can capture the impressive views, modern décor and more.
Prices start from AU $7,118 per night.
One reviewer commented, “This is a once in a lifetime lovely, relaxing, fun and pleasant place to vacation.”
9. Cherry Island Luxury Estate – Rosseau, Ontario
This multi-million dollar cottage boasts six bedrooms, six bathrooms and lavish amenities both indoors and out.
Prices start from AU $12,451 per week.
10. Little Whale Cay – Berry Islands, Bahamas
About 160 kilometres southeast of Fort Lauderdale, Little Whale Cay hosts guests in three luxury villas that can accommodate up to 12 people.
Seated on 93 acres, this remarkable property boasts an infinity pool with coastal views, ornate furnishings, a gym, tennis court, blossoming gardens, private white sand beaches and even its own airstrip.
Prices start from AU $12,880 per night.
11. Fafarua Lodge – Tikehau, French Polynesia
Head to the middle of the South Pacific for a majestic island getaway in the Tuamotu Archipelago. Fafarua Lodge is what you’d see on a postcard: shimmering azure waters, rings of coral reef, white beaches and coconut palms.
You’ll enjoy an all-inclusive vacation, with full catering provided by the home’s staff.
Prices start from AU $1,458 per night.
A visitor to Fararua Lodge recently commented, “Breathtaking scenery and a huge and extraordinary lagoon.”
12. Isle East Indies– JAVA, INDONESIA
At first arrival in Jakarta you’ll be whisked away by the host’s 60-foot yacht as you head towards your secluded island escape in the Java Sea.
The serenity is Isle East Indies’ biggest draw, with stunning views day and night and open-air rooms throughout the multiple rental bungalows.
Prices start from AU $2,772 per night.
“Perfectly shaded by the trees; I can’t think of a better place to spend a relaxed afternoon curled up with a book,” raved a recent TripAdvisor visitor.
13. Aubrey Island – Gananoque, Ontario
Situated within the beautiful Thousand Islands National Park, this private island is home to two separate rental cottages.
Experience breathtaking views and an abundance of outdoor recreation like swimming, hiking, kayaking and fishing.
Prices start from AU $409 per night.
“Little Aubrey is by far the best cottage I have ever been to. The sceneries are amazing, there’s lots to see and lots to experience,” raved one guest on TripAdvisor.
Body Images: TripAdvisor.com
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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