Few escapes are as luxuriously indulgent and secluded as a private-island resort. We have rounded up our top five most opulent and impressive destinations, off-limits to all but the resort staff and a handful of other guests, to present you with the most alluring properties of their kind in the world.
North Island, Seychelles
The Seychelles’ North Island takes privacy to a whole new level, with just 11 villas on the entire three-kilometre-long island. The remaining space is left to the indigenous flora and fauna of the area, with over 200,000 species of endangered Seychellois plants and wildlife calling the island their home. Each of the villas has been designed using, where possible, reclaimed and recycled local materials to offer guests a home-from-home ambience that is nothing short of luxurious. Go for some of the most beautiful vistas you will ever set eyes on, the resort’s ‘no menu’ policy that sees the chefs design daily menus according to your preferences and the seasonal produce available, and the fact that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose this retreat as their honeymoon destination.
Cheval Blanc Randheli, the Maldives
Operated by LVMH Hotel Management, Cheval Blanc Randheli has made a name for itself as one of the most stylish resorts in the Maldives. Lavish interiors and a spectacular sense of space endow each loft-style villa with an unrivalled level of comfort and luxury. Reachable via a 40 minute seaplane transfer, Cheval Blanc Randheli boasts pristine beaches and crystal clear, aquamarine waters, and is a favourite of fashion industry stalwarts, Hollywood celebrities and international royalty.
Laucala Island, Fiji
Owned by the co-founder of Red Bull, Laucala Island is literally the paradisiacal playground of the rich and famous. Elle Macpherson chose the Fijian island as her wedding destination, favouring the 3,500 acres of coconut plantations, white sands and endless natural beauty over all other locations. 25 Fijian-style villas are set amongst the palms, beside beaches and overlooking the coral reefs of the South Pacific. Guests looking for some action can also enjoy a game of golf on the resort’s championship-level course and a flotilla of nine sea-craft from which to explore what lies beyond Laucala.
Azura Benguerra Island, Mozambique
Located in the heart of Bazaruto Marine National Park, Azura Benguerra Island is Mozambique’s first luxury eco-boutique retreat, offering guests complete privacy and escape from the rest of the world. Each of the 17 villas was built entirely by hand, in partnership with the local community and with respect to the environment of its surroundings. Situated right on the water’s edge, the Azura Benguerra is simply-elegant and sophisticated, offering unobstructed views across the Indian Ocean. Book the Presidential Villa to enjoy complete seclusion and your own private chef.
Parrot Cay by COMO, Turks & Caicos
Parrot Cay by COMO’s mile-long beach and refreshingly understated luxury have made it an understandable favourite of A-listers. Not that you would notice them here, as the 1,000-acre island offers enough privacy that you need never encounter another guest during your stay. Rooms, suites and villas all enjoy clean, refreshing interiors that draw the eye towards the intensely turquoise water beyond. Guests have the opportunity to try kayaking, paddle boarding and more, but when the pace of the island is this relaxing, perhaps the best activity is inactivity.
Text with permission of Wish hr partner, Quintessentially Lifestyle.
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