All photos are courtesy of  © Song Saa 

Location: Cambodia

Nestled in Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago, Song Saa Private Island is the ultimate tropical getaway. Wooden, over water villas reflect the natural beauty of the island while indulging guests in simple luxuries. In addition to world class amenities and stunning views, Song Saa is deeply committed to sustainable services. In fact, the Song Saa Foundation is a leading non-profit organization established to protect the people, land, and sea surrounding the Koh Rong Archipelago. From rebuilding the reefs, promoting local designs, or launching education programs, Song Saa is delivering ethical, sustainable barefoot luxury.

Song Saa Private island lets you be as active or as inert as you like. Idle on the pristine sands or take off on a diving adventure. Take a sunset cruise across dazzling seas or explore our rainforest trails and see the native plants and wildlife the prive island has to offer. At night, enjoy a quiet dinner for two, then retreat to your villa terrace, clinking glasses under the constellations. 

Location: Madagascar

Miavana is located on the largest of five islands in a remote archipelago off the northeastern coast of Madagascar, accessible only by helicopter from Diego Suarez and Nosy Be airports. This stunning private island resort blends raw natural drama with a level of finish that feels effortless.

This is the kind of place that feels thrillingly far from everywhere, in the best way possible. Dotted along the pristine beach, Miavana’s 14 villas are a masterpiece in luxury. Fringed by white sand shores and sprawling coral reefs, wide-open landscapes create a sense of scale you rarely find in private island resorts,

Each villa feels more like a private residence than a hotel suite, with airy interiors, private pools, and uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean that make doing very little feel incredibly satisfying.

Days might involve snorkeling pristine reefs, tracking lemurs, or taking a helicopter journey over Madagascar’s otherworldly terrain, all balanced by relaxed afternoons, open-air dining, and sunset cocktails back on the island.

Location: British Virgin Islands

Necker Island, the legendary private island paradise owned by Sir Richard Branson, stands as one of the world’s most exclusive private island hotels in the unspoiled British Virgin Islands. Few destinations in the Caribbean or anywhere else can match its iconic status.

It all started back in 1978 when Sir Richard Branson first visited Necker Island and envisioned it one of the most private and exclusive islands in the world – and his vision has certainly come to fruition. Today you can either exclusively hire the whole Necker Island or there are selected dates throughout the year when you can book an individual room, or a few rooms in your own Balinese house.

Reached only by boat from nearby Tortola (there’s no private runway here), Necker feels refreshingly low-key. Wrapped in dense tropical greenery, the island is dotted with Balinese-style villas, where no two rooms are the same, they all offer complete privacy and a spacious terrace. Some even have their very own plunge pool.

Perched at the island’s highest point, is the Great House, which houses eleven more bedrooms. This is where people come together, to dine, party or just relax. The house has a wraparound terrace with hammocks and sofas, and this being Necker Island, naturally you can expect a fully stocked bar. Up on the roof you’ll find a cosy four-person hot tub that is perfect for sipping champagne as you watch the sun set. 

Exotic wildlife roam free here on Necker Island, from resident flamingos to endangered lemurs and giant tortoises and powered by solar panels and wind turbines that keep everything beautifully off-grid. And located just across the crystalline blue waters is Richard Branson’s Moskito Private Island which has recently unveiled new villas. 

Location: Tetiaroa, French Polynesia

The Brando is a unique luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa – an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles northeast of Tahiti. The Brando is one of the most private island in the world with offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature. Access to the island is by private plane, the resort features 35 secluded villas with private pools on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds.

Every villa is on a white sand beach, has its own outdoor eating and private beach area, its own plunge pool, soft, cozy furnishings, large windows that let you savor the views. The Brando is arguably one of the best private island resorts, with 2 two restaurants showcasing Polynesian-inspired dishes, spa surrounded by serene lily-covered pond, an organic garden where fruits and vegetables for the resort’s restaurants are grown, lagoon view bar in the canopy of the palm trees, beach bar near a large infinity pool, tennis court,  library and so much more. To top it off sustainability is at the core of it all.

The island is surrounded by spectacular coral, stunning lagoons, and a variety of wildlife. On any given day you may see whales migrating, dolphins playing, or sea turtles nesting. The resort prioritizes protecting the local wildlife as well as Polynesian history and culture. Enjoy Polynesian-inspired dishes and accommodations while learning about the Tahitian royalty that also used to frequent the island. Read more here.

Related: Inside The Brando : Ultimate Eco Luxury Private Island Resort

Location: Fiji

Surrounded by Fiji’s dramatic landscapes and striking blue water, Laucala private island is set amid lush rainforest, volcanic mountains, white sandy beaches, and stunning mangroves and coral reefs. One of most private islands in the world, Laucala features 25 traditional Fijian villas all located around the northern coast of the island.

Eleven Plantation villas sit in a coconut grove beside a private beach; four Plateau villas crown Nawi Mountain, wrapped in rainforest with sweeping sea views; and seven Seagrass villas front a powder‑white shore. The Peninsula villa clings to a cliff and crescent beach, the Overwater villa floats above an emerald lagoon, and the Hilltop Estate commands one of the island’s highest viewpoints. Wherever they are, each villa features a natural‑material design and an infinity pool glowing with tiki torchlight at dusk.

This tropical paradise is also home to rare wildlife, coconut plantations, and organic farms that sustainably produces the greens, meats, spices, and herbs for the resort. Laucala’s Cultural village is a highlight of the island, showcasing and preserving one of the last traditional villages left on the island. It also offers an opportunity to take part in kava ceremony, listen to traditional music, or participate in Fijian arts for an invaluable look into true Fijian life.

Location: Turks & Caicos

Rich in hidden coves, pristine beaches and reefs, and world-class cuisine, COMO Parrot Cay is 1,000 unspoiled acres of luxury. The rooms, suites, and villas are a tranquil retreat, equipped with private pools and 24 hour service from acclaimed butlers.

In addition to a wealth of land and sea activities, COMO delivers world-class culinary experiences. The poolside Lotus restaurant serves Caribbean-inspired dishes during the day and Asian at night. The Terrace restaurant specializes in modern Mediterranean. For an exclusive experience, have a romantic meal on the beachside or have a chef serve you in your villa.

&Beyond is on a mission to provide travel experiences that share the unique cultures who inhabit natural environments that need preservation. Experience the unimaginable beauty of the local marine life with world-class snorkeling and diving. As a significant breeding site for sea turtles, track the footprints of the turtles at night and learn how the resort’s conservation team works to protect the nests. The island itself is remote, making it one of the most private islands in the world.

Location: Maldives

Located on a small island in the South Malé Atoll surrounded by a luminous turquoise lagoon, COMO Cocoa Island has taken the idea of private island resorts and turned it into a quiet, understated luxury rather than flashy “look at me” opulence.

A a quick 40‑minute speedboat from Malé, COMO Cocoa Island offers the intimate private island without a long transfer. The island itself is small and walkable in minutes, wrapped in powder‑soft sand and a luminous turquoise lagoon that feels like a natural infinity pool. It feels more like your own chic little sandbank hideaway than a typical Maldives private resort.

What sets COMO Cocoa Island apart are the villas, inspired by traditional Maldivian dhoni fishing boats, around 34 villas float over the striking turquoise water. It also leans heavily into wellness, with a sizeable portion of the island is devoted to the COMO Shambhala Retreat. Think open‑air treatment rooms, hydrotherapy pool all overlooking the lagoon.

Location: Fiji

For over 50 years renowned Australian property developer Lang Walker AO has lived and breathed this place. Now, together with his family, Lang has brought to life his vision to create ‘an island paradise unlike any other’. Kokomo Private Island Fiji is a place with just as much emphasis on the natural beauty of the landscape as there is on the resort.

The private villas are the epitome of privacy, luxury and space, each of the 21 exclusive Villas include their own private pool, tropical walled garden, ocean view and direct beach access. Each villa boasts a unique marriage of contemporary design practices and traditional Fijian nuances, alongside elegant stonework, and artwork by renowned artist Chris Kenyon.

The alluring backdrop the Great Astrolabe Reef is your chance to experience unparalleled magnificence of the local marine life. This tropical paradise has every land adventure and water activity covered. Adventurous travelers can kayak at sunrise, deep-sea fish, or hike a nearby island for views of a hidden waterfall. For a more tranquil trip, enjoy the secluded, pristine beach or choose a treatment at the Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary. 

It doesn’t end there Kokomo Private Island is also a charter hotspot, a natural stopover for superyachts cruising the South Pacific. Guests have the choice of arriving or departing via superyacht, or anchoring their vessel off Kokomo Private Island.

Location: Panama

Islas Secas the creation of conservationist Louis Bacon in Panama is located almost 20 miles from civilisation. Experience natural beauty of Panama’s wild Pacific Coast without sacrificing on any luxuries. Book the entire private 14-island archipelago for you and your family and friends, with Islas Secas offering this idyll escape for 24 guests. Stay is what is known as ‘Casitas’ that offer your own private sanctuary of modern comfort and barefoot luxury. The Casitas are nestled in tropical gardens with astounding views, with your own private plunge pool under a thatch-roof bohio, outdoor dining area and shower, giving you privacy and intimacy at all times of the day and night.

The focus point of the resort, is the Terraza which is an ideal spot to hang out at any time of the day. Grab some afternoon downtime on a hammock in the shade of the gardens, enjoy the outdoor cinema or a game of beach Scrabble. The beachside lounge overlooks the bay and is a natural meeting point for cocktails before dinner while the adjacent gardens are the atmospheric setting for regular movie nights under the stars.

 Islas Secas is an idyllic base from which to undertake marine safari. Explore the island by foot or access the endless ocean wilderness on a boat, there are countless activities and adventures from which to choose. With 75% of the archipelago left undeveloped and a property that is 100% powered by natural energy, Islas Secas is a model for sustainable tourism. 

Location: Seychelles

Set at the far north of an Indian Ocean archipelago, North Island is a remote tropical paradise that offers the ultimate luxury escape and consummate privacy. One of the most private island in the world, it is a haven if you are looking for bespoke, personalised experiences that evoke total relaxation and restoration. Featuring just 11 individually handcrafted villas that sit surrounded by granite peaks, white sands and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Immerse yourself in the unrivaled island experience, think of it as your home away from home where the only evidence will be your footprints on the untouched beaches. The complete privacy allows for extraordinary experiences at this barefoot luxury private island, including, kayaking, scuba diving and stand up paddling. Activities, lessons and guided excursions will all be included as part of your completely customised experience.

Location: Montenegro

Aman Sveti Stefan is one of Montenegro’s most beautiful private island resort. This luxurious Aman resort is located on Montenegro’s Budvanska Riviera surrounded by stunning coastal scenery. A unique resort-village type private island,  the cultural history and pristine coastline line of Sveti Sven make it one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Aman is world-renowned for its luxurious minimalist designs and this is evident all around the Sveti Stefan Island. Boasts 50 individually unique seafront chic cottages that are carefully restored from old-stone buildings from the medieval age and have rustic touches like exposed beams. The quaint island is surrounded by stone walkways and lush trees that allow guests to live like locals.

There are three private pools on the island including one that is cliffside and offers picturesque views. On the island, you will also find a restaurant called Avra that rests on a two-tiered terrace. Adjacent to the restaurant is the Rajika Bar and is the perfect place to watch the sunset. There is also another restaurant on the island called The Piazza which acts as a social hub for the island.

Location: Indonesia

Cempedak is a 17-hectare adults only private island 9km off the east coast of Bintan, Indonesia.  Surrounded by unspoilt islands it is one of only a handful of private islands along this beautiful coast making it most beautiful and exclusive private island in the world. It’s core ethos is rooted in sustainable and responsible hospitality.

This is “simple barefoot luxury” in a sublime natural setting. Ringed with white sandy beaches, every villa comes with its own private plunge pool, sweeping sea views, and direct access to white-sand beaches or rainforest fringes. 

The entire island has just 20 villas, each handcrafted primarily from locally sourced bamboo and traditional materials that embrace natural ventilation over air conditioning. 

The architecture is dramatic and unique. Bamboo has been used throughout and in ways not seen before. Crescent-shaped curved roofs made from a local grass provide a natural symmetry to the environment and at the same time protection from the elements. 

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