12 Private Island Resorts You Need In Your Life

It doesn’t get more luxurious than vacationing at a resort on its own private island. We’re talking off-the-grid tropical locations, overwater bungalows, and 5-star Venetian villas.

Whether you want to stay as close as Key West or go as far as Tanzania, there’s a private island resort for you. Keep reading to discover your next vacation destination.

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.

Travelzoo Tip: Petit St. Vincent’s current promotion offers seven nights for the price of five.

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.

Travelzoo Tip: Save more when you stay longer; reservations of four nights or more during main season are discounted 25%, while reservations of five nights or more during high season are discounted 20%.

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.

Travelzoo Tip: To make you feel even more like a VIP, the resort has a private pier in St. Mark's Square where you can take the complimentary shuttle.

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.

Travelzoo tip: Here's how to score a complimentary 50-minute couples massage during your stay.

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.”

Travelzoo Tip: Guests are offered complimentary use of property bicycles, ideal for exploring the stunning private island beyond the resort.

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.

Travelzoo Tip: Those planning to stay on property for the duration of the trip can save with the ultimate inclusions meal plan, which includes three meals daily, wines, spa discounts, a private snorkeling tour, and more.

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.

Travelzoo Tip: If you book early, you can get up to a 30% discount on stays and a resort credit.

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.

Travelzoo Tip: Stays at Lizard Island Resort include a laundry list of complimentary activities, including tennis, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, motorized dinghies, and more.