Description

1. HAYMAN ISLAND, GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA

Hayman Island is a private island resort in the heart of the Whitsundays. The nearest island to the
Great Barrier Reef, Hayman Island is ideal for nature based activities and exceptional guest
experiences. Featuring 160 guest rooms, suites, villas and penthouses across three main
accommodation wings, Hayman Island presents guests the ultimate in barefoot luxury.
Restaurants and bars offer an array of local and international cuisines, while the spa and
watersports centre complete the island experience. Due to the impact of Tropical Cyclone
Debbie, Hayman Island is temporarily closed, but is re-opening soon as an InterContinental
Resort.

 Hotel website: Hayman Island

 Other accolades: Hayman Island also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels
in Australia, the world’s most amazing beach resorts, and luxury hotels with private
helipads

2. CALALA ISLAND, NICARAGUA

Tucked away in a little-known corner of the Caribbean (off the coast of Nicaragua), Calala Island
is a hidden gem featuring just four suites on the entire island, accommodating a maximum of
eight guests (suites can be rented individually or the entire Island booked exclusively). A
dedicated team of 30 staff for a 4:1 staff to guest ratio caters for guests’ every desire. Dining is a
moveable feast: on your terrace, in the restaurant, at the pool bar or on the beach. Expect
Michelin-inspired tasting meus in the evening and casual classics at lunch. The island is a nesting
site for the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles so expect to see them laying, hatching and
meandering to the sea during the various seasons.

 Hotel website: Calala Island

3. AMANPULO, PHILIPPINES

Accessible only by private plane, tropical Pamalican Island is around an hour from Manila, yet
feels a world away from anywhere. Managed by the famous Aman group – one of the most
luxurious hotel brands in the world – since December 1993, Amanpulo is the only property on
this Philippine island. Its 40 airy casitas and villas open to 5.5 km (3,5 miles) of coral sand that
encircle a jungled centre. With a convivial poolside Clubhouse, an Aman Spa, Dive Centre and a
laidback Beach Club, guests can be as active as they choose; a snorkel on your private
beachfront might be all the exertion required to complete a day of restorative lounging. Other
diversions include tennis courts, island hikes, turtle spotting and exploring the kaleidoscopic
reefs just offshore.

 Hotel website: Amanpulo
 Other accolades: Amanpulo also features in my top 10 list of luxury hotels with private
airports.
 Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early
check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and one a la carte lunch for 2).
4. JUMBY BAY ISLAND, ANTIGUA

Jumby Bay Island, an Oetker Collection property, is set in one of the most beautiful, undisturbed
places in the world, on a 300-acre private island 2 miles off the coast of Antigua. Reachable only
by boat, with no hint of urban intrusions and no indigenous population in sight, this privately
owned hideaway has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Nowadays, the entire island,
which comprises just 40 exquisitely appointed guest room and suites and a collection of villas
and estate homes, may as well wear a “Do Not Disturb” sign. The resort’s 250 local staff return
to the mainland every night, leaving just a sprinkling of staff, homeowners and guests.

 Hotel website: Jumby Bay Island

 Other accolades: Jumby Bay Island also features in my top 10 list of the most luxurious
resorts in the Caribbean.
 Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early
check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD spa credit).
5. COMO PARROT CAY, TURKS & CAICOS

COMO Parrot Cay, a favourite among celebrities, is an award-winning luxury resort set on its
own private island of 1,000 unspoilt acres with a mile-long powdery soft beach. This exclusive
island hideaway delivers foot-in-the-sand luxury with COMO’s service ethic, holistic therapies,
yoga, diving and world-class cuisine. All rooms and suites have whitewashed interiors furnished
with soft, cotton-covered chairs, airy four-poster beds and teak furnishing. The real stars are the
private villas, with their own pools, direct beach access as well as the 24-hour service of
COMO’s acclaimed butlers.

 Hotel website: COMO Parrot Cay

 Other accolades: COMO Parrot Cay also features in my top 10 lists of the most
luxurious resorts in the Caribbean and luxury hotels loved by celebrities.
 Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early
check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD hotel credit).
 Review: read my review of COMO Parrot Cay here.
6. NECKER ISLAND, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Sir Richard Branson’s 74 acre private island is unquestionably one of the most idyllic place in
Caribbean. Branson first purchased the island in 1978 and it is now part of Virgin Limited
Edition, Richard’s portfolio of unique retreats. There is a dedicated team of fabulous staff on the
island plus more than 200 flamingos who are all part of the Necker family! Necker Island can be
booked exclusively year-round. That’s just you plus 33 friends and family on your own private
Caribbean island. One word of warning: once you’ve seen the world in Necker colours, you
might not want to leave! Necker Island made news for all the wrong reasons in 2011 (when a
lightning strike set fire to the Great House) and last year, when the resort was ripped apart by
Hurricane Irma, but the private island resort will soon be open for business again after extensive
renovations.

 Hotel website: Necker Island

 Other top 10 accolades: Necker Island also features in my top 10 lists of the most
luxurious resorts in the Caribbean, the world’s most expensive hotels and luxury hotels
owned by celebrities.
7. &BEYOND MNEMBA ISLAND, TANZANIA

If you have ever harbored the secret wish of finding yourself the sole inhabitant of a beautiful
tropical island, but without the effort of having to lift a finger to fend for yourself, &Beyond
Mnemba Island is just the place for you. This romantic, private hideaway is an award-winning
barefoot beach paradise just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, that accommodates a maximum
of 24 guests at a time. Guest relax and unwind in the exclusivity of their own stretch of
beachfront, where 12 beachside bandas peep out onto unblemished sands from the dappled shade
of the casuarina pine forest and overlook the Mnemba atoll (a scuba diver’s delight). From
snorkeling, swimming, ands kayaking to massages in the beach, to doing nothing at all,
&Beyond Mnemba Island has something for everyone.

 Hotel website: &Beyond Mnemba Island

 Other accolades: &Beyond Mbemba Island also features in my top 10 lists of the best
luxury hotels in Zanzibar, the best luxury hotels in Tanzania, and Africa’s most
astonishing beach retreats.

8. LAUCALA ISLAND, FIJI

Set upon 3,500 exclusive acres Laucala private island resort is set amidst coconut plantations,
sandy beaches, rich green mountains and breathtaking natural beauty. True luxury is appreciated
in the privacy of the resort’s 25 Fijian-styled villas widely spread on the northern tip of the
island. Seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living creates an inspiringly relaxed yet
luxurious atmosphere. Laucala shows its most ethereal side in an iridescent kaleidoscope of
sporting and cultural activities. Diving in a unique underwater world, rain forest tours, horseback
riding, surfing, golfing on the 18-hole championship course, or meeting native artists.

 Hotel website: Laucala Island

 Other accolades: Laucala Island also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most
expensive hotels, the world’s most over-the-top hotel experiences, and luxury hotels with
private airports.

9. SONEVA JANI, MALDIVES

Inspired by a word that means wisdom in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani is located on Medhufaru island,
which is part of an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll. The Maldives’ most
exclusive hotel is fringed by pristine beaches, blanketed with lush tropical greenery, and
surrounded by a 5.6 km (3,4 mi) lagoon of crystal clear waters with uninterrupted 360° views of
the Indian Ocean. Each one of the 24 water villas has a private pool and opens to its own stretch
of lagoon, with some villas featuring slides going directly from the top deck into the lagoon
below. The highlight of the villas is the retractable roof in the master bedroom, which slides back
at the touch of a button so that guests can lie in bed and stargaze.

Contact me to receive a complimentary room upgrade at Soneva Jani at the time of booking.
  Hotel website: Soneva Jani
 Other accolades: Soneva Jani also features in my lists of the best luxury hotels in the
Maldives, the most fabulous overwater villas in the Maldives, the best new luxury hotels
of 2016, the most astonishing beach retreats in Asia, and my favorite hotels in the world.

10. NORTH ISLAND, SEYCHELLES

North Island is the world’s most exclusive hideaway and the best hotel I’ve ever been to. The
insanely beautiful island has only 11 opulent hand-crafted villas overlooking the pristine,
powder-white sands and turquoise waters of the Ile Du Nord eco-reserve. Raised off the ground
to catch the cooling Indian Ocean breezes, all villas open up onto your private garden and the
beach. Plunge pools and outdoor showers provide the finishing touches to your private
sanctuary. The island’s lounge and dining areas, scenically located health spa and gym, library
and dive centre, and a rim-flow swimming pool are all built into a granitic outcrop. The resort
was the decor for the honeymoon of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.

 Hotel website: North Island

 Other accolades: North Island Seychelles also features in my top 10 lists of the  best
luxury resorts in the Seychelles, the most astonishing beach retreats in Africa, the world’s
best luxury hotels,  the world’s most expensive hotels, the world’s best honeymoon resorts,
and my most phenomenal travel experiences of 2016.
.

1. Thatch Caye Island Resort (Belize)

If there’s ever been a time to call something “un-Belize-able,” it’s Thatch Caye Island Resort—a
private island property located a 25-minute boat ride from the coastal town of Dangriga, Belize.
Guests lucky enough to check out this destination will stay in one of only 10 rooms, and can
participate in complimentary activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling;
those hoping to explore further can scuba dive at the nearby barrier reef. Our favorite, though, is
the lobster-diving expedition where your catch is brought back and used for that night’s dinner.

2. Sunset Key Cottages (Key West)

The private island resort of Sunset Key occupies a 27-acre island a short boat ride from town.
The tropical atmosphere - including grand balconies, bamboo fans and indoor-outdoor spaces —
carries through the one to four-bedroom cottages, each conveniently located on the main Sunset
Key Beach. The property also features tennis courts, a pool and a full-service spa — the latter of
which offers a romantic couples package of massages and dinner on the beach.
3. Petit St. Vincent (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)

Located at the southernmost point in the Caribbean island country St. Vincent and the
Grenadines, the 115-acre tropical island resort of Petit St. Vincent draws visitors seeking digital
detox. Its 22 cottages and beach villas are free of telephones, Wi-Fi and TVs. In fact, one of the
signature traditions on property is the flag system — a way of communicating with the attentive
staff when guests need transportation, room service or privacy. With an emphasis on providing
guests a chance to experience a bit of local culture, the resort offers locally sourced meals,
weekly barbecues with live music, two yoga pavilions, boat charters and a Balinese luxury spa.

4. Vahine Island Private Resort (French Polynesia)

Those looking for some serious relaxation will love Vahine Island Private Resort in Tahaa,
French Polynesia. Located on a private island surrounded by vibrant Pacific waters, the resort
offers guests three types of accommodations: beach suites, beach bungalows, and overwater
bungalows—each just steps from the natural beauty of this picturesque area. Besides lounging in
one of the hotel’s many beachfront hammocks, complimentary activities for guests include
paddle boarding, naturalist tours, coconut shows and snorkeling.

5. JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa (Italy)

The familiar brand of JW Marriott offers a remarkably special experience at its Venice, Italy
property; located on a private island in the Venetian Lagoon, the impressive resort is a short boat
ride from the city center. The family-friendly property, designed by architect Italian Matteo
Thun, features five types of accommodations, a Michelin-starred restaurant, cooking academy,
rooftop pool deck, the largest spa in Venice and a series of breathtaking venues, including a
19th-century church. It’s a truly one-of-a-kind — and unforgettable — experience.

6. Pangkor Laut Resort (Malaysia)

When it comes to prestige and reputation, it doesn’t get much better than Malaysia’s Pangkor
Laut Resort, winner of multiple TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards. A real-life paradise, the
resort uniquely combines experiences — offering guests a retreat into nature while still
supplying them with modern comforts. Those staying on property are treated to overwater villa
accommodations, locally influenced on-site dining, a beachfront infinity pool, private beaches
and a full-service spa village — all while being surrounded by a lush rainforest. In fact, this is
one of the most important parts of the five-star resort: Although the entire island spans 300 acres,
the resort is only located on a small plot of land — allowing the natural landscape to thrive
alongside the resort development.
7. Chapwani Private Island (Tanzania)

Just off the coast of beach town Zanzibar, the Chapwani Private Island resort offers travelers an
eco-friendly beachfront escape. Guests of this secluded retreat can spend their days hanging out
on the private beaches, snorkeling, kayaking, lounging by the pool or experiencing a variety of
cultural activities in the area. The oceanfront seaside terrace rooms are ideal for couples, and the
large sunset villa is popular with families and larger groups.

8. Song Saa Private Island (Cambodia)

Just a stone's throw from the larger Koh Rong Island and a 35-minute boat ride from the
mainland, Song Saa offers guests an intimate environment to explore the stunning natural
landscape of Cambodia’s island communities. The property’s respectful relationship with the
land is embodied in its design aesthetic; the villas and furniture are built from recycled timber
and driftwood.

9. Denis Private Island (Seychelles)

Unlike many of the other resorts on this list, the Seychelles’ Denis Private Island is a true escape
from society — both in geography and in spirit. This means that guests won’t find cell phone
service, in-room internet or cable TV at this resort; instead, they’ll find opportunities to
reconnect with companions, themselves and the land around them — all 375 acres of it. Guests
can partake in activities on the island or in the surrounding waters, including tracking indigenous
wildlife with the local rangers, snorkeling in the lagoon and sport fishing out by the nearby
“Drop-Off.”

10. Kandolhu Maldives (Maldives)

After a 25-minute seaplane flight, guests clear a colorful reef to touch down at the island of
Kandolhu. Comprising just 30 villas, the resort is nothing short of breathtaking — the overwater
bungalows, event spaces, dining options, and recreational activities balance modern luxury with
the natural features of the island. Kandolhu is popular with wedding parties, honeymooners and
divers; the resort offers three daily dives at nearby sites.

11. Peter Island Resort & Spa (British Virgin Islands)

The ancient private island is pinch-yourself-beautiful — the kind of place that dreams (and big-
budget movies) are made of, featuring five white-sand beaches plus a private couples’ sanctuary,
beachfront rooms with patio hammocks and a 10,000-square-foot spa. While offering plenty of
creature comforts for the modern traveler, the resort operates with a small carbon footprint: Only
300 of the island’s 1,800 acres are developed, and Peter Island is a leader in implementing eco-
friendly technologies.
12. Lizard Island Resort (Australia)

If you only experience the Great Barrier Reef one way, make it from Lizard Island — a luxurious
private getaway for those seeking an unforgettable look at this underwater wonder. Highlights of
the property include picnics on a private beach and the option to receive health and lifestyle
assessments and packages at the spa. Its location makes the island a popular destination for
divers and the resort offers special dive packages for those planning to embark on resort
excursions