The World's Most Exclusive Private Island Resorts

Top Island Resorts: Tiny Islands  Luxury Escapes

In a world of over-touristed beaches and crowded cities, nothing says “you’ve made it” like having an entire island (almost) to yourself. Scattered across the world’s bluest waters, some of the most remarkable resorts sit on private, previously uninhabited islands—now transformed into self-sustaining, remote retreats offering ultra-luxury, sustainability, and pure seclusion.

Whether you're chasing barefoot luxury or Robinson Crusoe vibes with 5-star service, these are the top small islands that have been reimagined as remote, unforgettable resorts.

Nihi Sumba – Indonesia's Wild Luxury Escape

Once an off-the-map surf haven known only to insiders, Sumba Island in eastern Indonesia has emerged as one of the world's most extraordinary travel destinations. It’s now home to Nihi Sumba, a world-class eco-resort that redefines barefoot luxury. More than just a high-end retreat, Nihi is deeply rooted in sustainability and community empowerment, offering travelers a meaningful connection to nature and culture while indulging in top-tier amenities and unforgettable experiences.

• Vibe: Untamed, soulful, and immersive—think jungle-fringed villas, wild horses on the beach, and a sense of true remoteness. It’s barefoot elegance with an adventurous spirit.
• Why It’s Special: Nihi Sumba is not only luxurious but also deeply involved in the local community through the Sumba Foundation, providing healthcare, education, and clean water. The resort blends opulence with purpose, where every stay helps uplift the island.
• Top Experiences:
  • Surfing the famous Occy’s Left break
  • The signature “Spa Safari” trek to cliffside open-air treatment rooms
  • Horseback riding along untouched beaches at sunset
  • Exploring traditional Sumbanese villages and megalithic culture
• Perfect For: Ideal for eco-conscious travelers, luxury seekers looking for off-grid magic, honeymooners, adventurous couples, and culture lovers wanting something beyond Bali.
• Best Time to Visit: The dry season from May to October offers sunny skies and great surf. If you prefer lush landscapes and don’t mind a tropical downpour, November to April brings fewer tourists and vibrant greenery.
• Getting There: Fly into Bali (DPS), then take a one-hour domestic flight to Tambolaka Airport (TMC) on Sumba. From there, it’s a scenic 90-minute drive through rolling hills and rural villages to the resort.
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Often ranked among the best resorts in the world

2. The Brando – French Polynesia's Ultimate Eco-Luxury Island

Once the private hideaway of actor Marlon Brando, the secluded atoll of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia has been transformed into The Brando, a carbon-neutral resort that blends cutting-edge sustainability with unmatched luxury. This former royal retreat, once inhabited only by Polynesian chiefs, is now a serene and solar-powered haven in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience with minimal environmental impact.

• Vibe
  Sophisticated, serene, and sustainably elegant—every detail exudes understated tropical luxury with a deep connection to Polynesian culture and nature.
• Why It’s Special
  The Brando is a leader in eco-tourism. It’s fully powered by renewable energy (including solar panels and deep-sea water cooling), has a world-class eco-research station, and supports reef conservation and local communities. The villas offer private pools, ocean views, and absolute seclusion.
• Top Experiences
  • Snorkeling with reef sharks and rays in crystalline lagoons
  • Visiting the on-site Ecostation and learning about marine conservation
  • Enjoying Polynesian spa rituals at Varua Te Ora Spa, set in a lush jungle
  • Private picnics on uninhabited motus (islets) around the atoll
• Perfect For: Honeymooners, privacy-seeking celebrities, eco-luxury travelers, and wellness lovers who want complete disconnection with first-class service.
• Best Time to Visit: May to October is the dry season with balmy temperatures and minimal rainfall. November to April brings warmer, wetter days, but still remains a stunning escape.
• Getting There: Fly into Tahiti’s Faa'a International Airport (PPT). From there, The Brando arranges a 20-minute private flight directly to Tetiaroa on their chartered aircraft.
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A consistent winner in global "best resort" lists, The Brando is considered one of the most exclusive and forward-thinking island resorts on Earth.

3. andBeyond Mnemba Island – Zanzibar's Barefoot Castaway Paradise

A tiny private island off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is a tranquil, white-sand paradise operated by &Beyond. Once an untouched coral island, it’s now a dreamy luxury retreat that stays true to its wild roots—offering total seclusion and barefoot elegance to a maximum of 24 guests at a time. Surrounded by a marine conservation area, the island is as much about relaxation as it is about ocean adventures.

• Vibe
  Intimate, rustic-luxe, and romantic—think driftwood decor, outdoor showers, and the gentle sound of waves as your soundtrack.
• Why It’s Special
  With just 12 beachfront bandas, Mnemba offers a true escape from the modern world. No roads, no crowds—just you, your villa, and a pristine coral reef teeming with marine life. The resort supports conservation of sea turtles and reef restoration efforts.
• Top Experiences
  • Snorkeling or diving the Mnemba Atoll, a protected marine reserve
  • Swimming alongside dolphins in the wild
  • Freshly grilled seafood dinners under the stars
  • Witnessing green turtles nesting and hatching on the beach
• Perfect For: Couples seeking ultimate romance, honeymooners, ocean lovers, and mindful travelers looking for simple luxury and deep nature immersion.
• Best Time to Visit: June to October is the ideal dry season, with calm seas and great visibility for diving. December to March also offers warm, sunny days and marine activity.
• Getting There: Fly to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ), take a 90-minute drive to the northeastern coast, followed by a short boat transfer to Mnemba.
• Rating
  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Mnemba Island is one of East Africa’s most exclusive resorts and a dream destination for travelers craving privacy and authentic island beauty.

4. Cayo Espanto – Belize's Overwater Jewel

Nestled just off the coast of San Pedro, Cayo Espanto is a tiny private island that packs a serious luxury punch. Once an uninhabited speck in the Caribbean, it has been reimagined as an ultra-exclusive resort where privacy is paramount and every detail is tailored to you. With only 7 villas, including a stunning overwater bungalow, Cayo Espanto is more like having your own island home—with a five-star team at your service.

• Vibe
  Ultra-private, romantic, and tranquil. Think turquoise water, white sand, personal butlers, and zero crowds—your only neighbors are sea birds and tropical breezes.
• Why It’s Special
  Cayo Espanto is all about bespoke service. Gourmet meals are designed daily based on your preferences, and every villa has its own private dock or beach. Want to see no one during your entire stay? You can. It’s the essence of personalized island luxury.
• Top Experiences
  • Lounging in your hammock over the sea with a cocktail in hand
  • Snorkeling or diving the Belize Barrier Reef (second-largest in the world)
  • Private yacht excursions and fishing trips
  • Sunset dinners served on your dock by your private chef
• Perfect For: Honeymooners, celebrities, introverts, and high-end travelers looking to disappear from the world—quietly, and in total style.
• Best Time to Visit: December to May offers dry, sunny days with gentle sea breezes. June to November is wetter but still warm and quieter with fewer tourists.
• Getting There: Fly into Belize City (BZE), take a 15-minute puddle-jumper flight to San Pedro, then a quick boat ride to the island. Transfers are coordinated by the resort.
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – An iconic hideaway with a reputation for delivering true five-star service and solitude.

5. Gladden Private Island – The Most Private Island in the World

Located in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Placencia, Belize, Gladden Private Island is what happens when complete seclusion meets superyacht-level luxury. Originally a pristine patch of land in a remote reef system, Gladden has been carefully developed into a single-villa private resort—meaning you’ll never share the space with another guest. Even the staff live on a nearby islet, only coming over when summoned.

• Vibe
  James Bond hideout meets barefoot luxury. Completely off-grid, totally private, and absolutely dreamy.
• Why It’s Special
  It’s billed as the “world’s most private island resort” for a reason. There’s only one villa—and it’s all yours. From the moment you land via helicopter, your every whim is catered to without ever seeing a crowd. It’s ideal for total disconnection.
• Top Experiences
  • Watching whale sharks migrate right past the island (seasonal)
  • Stargazing from your infinity pool with zero light pollution
  • Chef-prepared meals featuring freshly caught seafood
  • Paddleboarding and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
• Perfect For: Luxury-seekers, honeymooners, ultra-private travelers, and those celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime event like a milestone birthday or proposal.
• Best Time to Visit: March to June is the peak season for whale shark sightings and offers great weather. The dry season runs December to May, making it the most popular time overall.
• Getting There: Fly into Placencia or Belize City, then take a helicopter or boat arranged by the resort to the island. It’s remote—but worth every minute.
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A favorite among A-listers and luxury travelers wanting the kind of escape that doesn’t exist anywhere else.

6. Fregate Island Private – Seychelles' Eco-Exclusive Eden

Once an untouched island in the Indian Ocean, Fregate Island Private has been reborn as one of the world’s most unique eco-luxury experiences. With only 17 villas spread across an island filled with lush jungle, granite cliffs, and rare wildlife, it’s part luxury resort, part conservation sanctuary. Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely, and you might even have entire beaches—yes, plural—to yourself.

• Vibe
  Jurassic Park meets luxury safari lodge—minus the dinosaurs, plus all the five-star indulgence. Wild, intimate, and eco-conscious.
• Why It’s Special
  Fregate offers seven pristine beaches (you can reserve them for private use), a marine ecology center, and villas with private pools and panoramic ocean views. It’s as much about restoring nature as it is enjoying it.
• Top Experiences
  • Guided nature hikes through jungle trails and rare bird habitats
  • Kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving the rich reefs offshore
  • Stargazing from a beach lounger with a bottle of wine
  • Interacting with giant tortoises and learning about conservation work
• Perfect For: Eco-travelers, luxury honeymooners, families who love nature, and anyone wanting complete isolation with a side of wild adventure.
• Best Time to Visit: April to October is the best window, offering warm temps and ideal water visibility for marine life. November to March sees some rain but plenty of wildlife action.
• Getting There: Fly into Mahé International Airport (SEZ) in Seychelles, then take a 20-minute helicopter transfer or charter flight to the island. The transfer is part of the luxury experience.
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – One of the world’s most exclusive eco-resorts, beloved by elite travelers and nature lovers alike.

7. Kokomo Private Island – Fiji's Coral Reef Fantasy

Tucked away in Fiji’s stunning Kadavu archipelago, Kokomo Private Island is a postcard-perfect island that once lay undeveloped, known only to local fishermen. Today, it’s a full-fledged luxury retreat where opulence meets raw natural beauty. Ringed by the Great Astrolabe Reef—one of the largest and healthiest reefs on the planet—Kokomo is where your castaway fantasies meet private butlers, infinity pools, and gourmet dining.

• Vibe
  Sophisticated island luxury with a tropical soul. It’s barefoot glamour, infused with heartfelt Fijian hospitality and reefside serenity.
• Why It’s Special
  Kokomo is one of the few private island resorts in the world where reef conservation, local culture, and lavish design blend seamlessly. Each of its 21 beachside villas and residences offers absolute privacy, ocean views, and direct access to white-sand beaches.
• Top Experiences
  • Scuba diving the untouched Great Astrolabe Reef
  • Snorkeling with manta rays in cobalt-blue waters
  • Visiting local Fijian villages by private boat
  • Rejuvenating at the Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary with organic treatments
• Perfect For: Families, honeymooners, reef divers, and luxury travelers looking for an unspoiled slice of the South Pacific with no compromises.
• Best Time to Visit: May to October is the dry season, with sunny skies and optimal conditions for diving and snorkeling. November to April brings occasional showers but fewer crowds.
• Getting There: Fly into Nadi International Airport (NAN), then hop on Kokomo’s private seaplane or helicopter for a scenic 45-minute flight directly to the island.
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A new benchmark in Fijian luxury, Kokomo Private Island consistently tops lists for sustainable indulgence and reef adventures.

8. Calala Island – Nicaragua's Secret Caribbean Gem

Once a nameless, wild speck in Nicaragua’s Caribbean Sea, Calala Island has been transformed into a discreet luxury haven that blends castaway charm with Caribbean sophistication. With just four beachfront suites and space for only 8–10 guests, it’s one of the most intimate resort experiences in the world. Think of it as your own private island with five-star amenities—no passport stamp needed for Americans or Europeans.

• Vibe
  Off-the-radar Caribbean bliss. It’s relaxed, intimate, and stylish without trying too hard—barefoot vibes with a luxury touch.
• Why It’s Special
  Calala Island operates as a "Private Island Resort Experience," meaning the island is booked either per villa or in its entirety for a complete takeover. Personalized service, an all-inclusive gourmet menu, and the warm hospitality of the local Creole staff make every stay unforgettable.
• Top Experiences
  • Lobster dinners under the stars
  • Paddleboarding and kayaking in shallow turquoise waters
  • Snorkeling colorful reefs steps from your suite
  • “Off-grid” reading and hammock lounging with ocean views
• Perfect For: Couples, micro-weddings, ultra-private travelers, or groups of friends who want to rent the entire island for themselves.
• Best Time to Visit: December to April offers the best weather—sunny, breezy, and ideal for outdoor living. May to November sees some rain but fewer visitors.
• Getting There: Fly into Managua (MGA), take a domestic flight to Bluefields, then a boat transfer to the island—all organized by the resort. It's a bit of a journey, but the payoff is total privacy.
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – One of Central America's best-kept secrets, Calala Island is a rising star for Caribbean luxury with an authentic, off-grid twist.

9. Song Saa Private Island – Cambodia's Ethical Island Oasis

Located in Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago, Song Saa began as a dream to create a sustainable island retreat—and it has exceeded all expectations. Once two tiny, uninhabited islets, these have been joined by a footbridge and now house one of Southeast Asia’s most impactful eco-resorts. Song Saa merges five-star comfort with a deep environmental and social mission, supporting marine conservation and the local Khmer community.

• Vibe
  Zen-inspired, spiritual, and eco-luxe. Imagine reclaimed wood, thatched roofs, and infinity pools hovering over the sea.
• Why It’s Special
  Song Saa is Cambodia’s first private island resort and a model for sustainability in the region. Villas are crafted from recycled materials, the resort runs its own marine conservation program, and its philanthropic foundation supports education and healthcare for nearby villages.
• Top Experiences
  • Snorkeling protected coral reefs just off the beach
  • Kayaking through mangroves at sunrise
  • Buddhist blessing ceremonies and guided meditation
  • Enjoying gourmet Khmer-fusion cuisine with ocean views
• Perfect For: Conscious travelers, wellness seekers, honeymooners, and Southeast Asia explorers looking to add a tranquil island chapter to their adventure.
• Best Time to Visit: November to April is dry season, with calm seas and sunny days. May to October is the green season—lush and quieter, with the occasional tropical storm.
• Getting There: Fly into Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh, then take a boat (or private speedboat) from Sihanoukville pier. Transfers can be arranged by Song Saa’s concierge.
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Award-winning and deeply impactful, Song Saa offers a soul-nourishing luxury experience with a purpose.

10. Nukutepipi – French Polynesia's Ultra-Private Escape by Cirque du Soleil's Founder

Once just a remote speck in the Pacific Ocean, Nukutepipi has been transformed into one of the most exclusive private island retreats in the world. Owned and envisioned by Guy Laliberté, the founder of Cirque du Soleil, this private atoll in French Polynesia is more than a luxury resort—it’s a curated experience of art, sustainability, and seclusion for just one group at a time.

• Vibe
  Artful, remote, and surreal. It’s part high-design fantasy, part tropical wilderness, all wrapped in exclusivity.
• Why It’s Special
  Nukutepipi is not available per room—it’s rented only in full. Accommodating just 52 guests max, it offers a private chef, a cinema, spa, astronomical observatory, and custom activities curated to your group. The island is fully self-sustaining and dedicated to leaving no footprint.
• Top Experiences
  • Private stargazing with a professional astronomer in a custom observatory
  • Outdoor cinema nights under the palm trees
  • Snorkeling untouched reefs around the atoll
  • Enjoying a rotating gallery of contemporary art installations throughout the island
• Perfect For: Ultra-high-end group trips, destination weddings, artists’ retreats, and families or friends looking for complete island buyout experiences with world-class curation.
• Best Time to Visit: May to October is the dry season with cooler, breezier days. The warmer months, November to April, bring lush vegetation and fewer visitors.
• Getting There: Access is arranged exclusively via private jet or chartered flight from Tahiti (PPT) to Nukutepipi’s private airstrip. Transfers are coordinated directly by the resort’s elite concierge team.
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A playground for the ultra-wealthy and creatively inspired, Nukutepipi is less a resort and more a living masterpiece.

🌴Where Tiny Islands Become Big Dreams

These ten remote island resorts prove that small really is spectacular. From the coral-fringed coasts of Belize to the wild beaches of Indonesia and the far-flung Pacific atolls, these once-forgotten islands have evolved into sanctuaries of luxury, sustainability, and escape.

Each island offers more than five-star service—they offer a feeling. A return to stillness, to nature, and to a sense of wonder that the modern world often forgets. Whether you're searching for barefoot romance, eco-conscious adventure, or your own private kingdom, there’s a converted island paradise waiting with your name on it.