13 private island resorts you need in your life
It doesn’t get more luxurious than holidaying at a resort on its own private island. We’re talking off-the-grid tropical locations, overwater bungalows, and 5-star Venetian villas.
Keep reading to discover your next dream destination...
1. Hatchet Caye Island Resort (Belize)
If there’s ever been a time to call something “un-Belize-able,” it’s when describing Hatchet Caye Island Resort - a private island property located an hour by boat from the Placencia peninsula. Guests lucky enough to check out this destination stay in one of only 12 rooms, and can participate in complimentary activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkelling; those hoping to explore further can dive at the nearby barrier reef (there's an on-site PADI diving shop) or take the daily ferry to Placencia.
Travelzoo tip: Book our Hatchet Caye Island Resort deal, which saves 50% on regular rates and includes airport transfers.
2. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort (Florida Keys)
This 6-acre, adults-only resort in the Florida Keys is about as romantic as it gets - the private island’s luxurious spa, dining room, and thatched-roof suites are ideal for couples looking for a serious dose of R&R. Although the hotel offers plenty of modern comforts in terms of accommodations and on-site amenities, guests should be prepared for a technological detox - you won’t find any phones or TVs at this gorgeous getaway.
Travelzoo tip: Book Little Palm Island Resort & Spa through Travelzoo to get exclusive extras including a $50 daily resort credit, room upgrade, and early check-in/late check-out.
3. Sunset Key Cottages (Key West)
The private island resort of Sunset Key occupies a 27-acre island a short boat ride from the twon of Key West. The tropical atmosphere - including grand balconies, bamboo fans and indoor-outdoor spaces - carries through to the one-to-four-bedroom cottages, each conveniently located on the main Sunset Key Beach. The property also has 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.
Travelzoo tip: Book Sunset Key Cottages through Travelzoo for the best rate and no booking fees.
4. Petit St Vincent (St Vincent & the Grenadines)
Located at the southernmost point on 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. 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.
5. 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 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, nature tours and snorkelling.
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%.
6. 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 centre. The family-friendly property has five types of accommodation, 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 experience.
Travelzoo Tip: Book JW Marriott Venice Resort and Spa through Travelzoo for the best rate and no booking fees.
7. 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 Travellers’ 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 5-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.
8. Chapwani Private Island (Tanzania)
Just off Zanzibar, the Chapwani Private Island resort offers travellers an eco-friendly beachfront escape. Guests of this secluded retreat can spend their days hanging out on the private beaches, snorkelling, kayaking, lounging by the pool or experiencing a variety of cultural activities in the area. The oceanfront terrace rooms are ideal for couples, and the large sunset villa is popular with families and larger groups.
Travelzoo Tip: Rates vary based on season. For the best deals, travel on 15 June-15 July, 1 September-19 December, 7 January-31 March.
9. 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.
Travelzoo Tip: Take advantage of the many activities included in your stay, such as snorkelling, sea kayaking, sunrise yoga, island safaris and rainforest encounters.
10. 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 mobile 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. Activities include tracking indigenous wildlife with the local rangers, snorkelling in the lagoon and sport fishing out by the nearby “Drop-Off.”
Travelzoo Tip: Be sure to make use of the complimentary bicycles, ideal for exploring the stunning private island beyond the resort.
11. Kandolhu Maldives (Maldives)
After a 25-minute seaplane flight, guests clear a colourful 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 snorkelling tour and more.
12. 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 traveller, the resort operates with a small carbon footprint: only 300 of the island’s 1,800 acres are developed.
Travelzoo Tip: The resort’s 2017 special offers include 15%-30% off stays of five to seven nights in Ocean View and Beach Front accommodations.
13. 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.