There are some places so extraordinary that you have to see them to believe they exist. And if you’re lucky enough to spend your vacation with a stay in any of these exclusive, private-island resorts, you’d be among the few to experience barefoot luxury at its finest.
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Amanpulo, Philippines
Accessible only by private plane from Manila, Amanpulo’s remote setting and powdery white sand beaches are perfect for those seeking to swim in pristine, calm seas or just lounge on the beach.
Incorporating traditional Filipino design, Amanpulo’s accommodations consist of 26 units that range from treetop casita to four-bedroom villa.
Anantara Bazaruto, Mozambique
Anantara Bazaruto is the ultimate Indian Ocean getaway, located in the Bazaruto archipelago, off the coast of Mozambique. The resort’s elegant design offers 44 beach, sea view, and pool villas as well as a saltwater pool overlooking a stunning beach.
The resort also offers a number of unique activities, including dune boarding in sand dunes.
Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives
Created by the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy group, Cheval Blanc Randheli offers a collection of 45 modern, open-air island villas, water villas, and garden water villas.
Reachable from Male by seaplane, Cheval Blanc Randheli embodies the French “Art de Recevoir”, offering exceptional hospitality as well as cuisine, most notably at 1947, its signature French restaurant. Stay here and, just maybe, you’ll bump into Prince William and Kate on a return visit to the resort.
Fregate Island Private, Seychelles
Home to one of the world’s largest populations of Aldabra giant tortoises, Fregate Island is a unique destination offering 16 luxury villas with private infinity pools.
The resort grows more than 50 different types of organic fruits and vegetables as well as creates its own spa products to complement the therapies and treatments of its Rock Spa.
Whether it’s relaxing on one of seven beaches, going on nature walks, or enjoying the resort’s stargazing program, there’s no shortage of activities, even in a place so remote.
Laucala Island Resort, Fiji
Owned by Austrian billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz, Laucala’s 25 Fijian-styled villas have a fantastic setting situated between lush rainforest and white sand beaches.
Located just off the southeast coast of Nadi, no expense has been spared at Laucala, as evidenced by the state-of-the-art miniature submarine, which guests can freely access for 360 views of life beneath the sea.
Each villa also has its own infinity pool and buggy for convenient exploration of this 3,500-acre island.
Musha Cay, Bahamas
David Copperfield’s Musha Cay is a private island paradise located in Exuma, Bahamas. With five luxury, plantation-style villas and a 30-person staff, the resort seamlessly caters to its guests every need.
Take a walk on one of seven private beaches or partake in a number of water activities, such as deep-sea fishing. Experiencing Musha Cay is nothing short of “magical”.
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
The home of Sir Richard Branson, Necker Island’s atmosphere is more like staying at a friend’s mansion than a hotel. Popular with many celebrities, the 74-acre island has seven houses, six Balinese-style villas, and two beautiful beaches.
The island is also home to more than 140 species of animals, from lemurs to flamingos.
The Brando, French Polynesia
Known as Marlon Brando’s private island, The Brando is a unique luxury, eco-friendly resort that incorporates seawater air-conditioning and renewable technologies.
The resort also offers world-class dining with a fusion of Polynesian and French cuisines. With 35 luxury pool villas, overlooking their own private stretch of beach, sit back and relax in carefree luxury on your own fantasy island.