Ocean views, gentle breezes, and not a soul in sight— welcome to your private island. Well, almost private. It may be difficult to get an island all to yourself these days, but you can get pretty close. For a stress-free vacation, check out these five practically private islands.
Royal Belize, Belize
Available to rent for small groups only, this island is completely private making it one heck of a getaway. You and your entourage can spend a week relaxing at Royal Belize, a private island 30 minutes off the mainland. Groups of 10-16 people can book the entire island, which comes equipped with seven staff members, including an island manager, private chef, and licensed boat captain. With only three villas, a bunkhouse, and the main lodge, guests can rest in air-conditioned luxury before spending their days snorkeling, sunning themselves, or sailing away on a catamaran.
Pulau Macan Eco Village and Resort, Indonesia
A two-hour boat ride from Jakarta, the Pulau Macan Eco Village and Resort is a remote getaway, with six open-air huts and three sea cottages on 2.5 acres. With a going rate of $180/night per person, it's also a more affordable option, as far as private islands go. From the convenience of your secluded bungalow, you can snorkel straight out of your door or watch the sunset from a hammock. And as an eco-conscious resort, Pulau Macan experiments with sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting and coral planting.
Petit St. Vincent, The Grenadines
Privacy is the name of the game at Petit St. Vincent in the Grenadines. Boasting 115 acres and only 22 cottages, the island offers plenty of space for peace and quiet. With no telephones, wifi, or television, a week at this island paradise is the ultimate way to unplug from the rest of the world. Instead, island communication relies entirely on a unique flag system. Hoist the yellow flag when you need something from a staff member, such as room service or transportation, and raise the red flag when you want to be undisturbed. When you decide to venture out of your cottage, there are yoga pavilions, a luxury spa, and boat charters available daily.
Wax Cay, Exuma, Bahamas
Embrace rustic island vibes at this tiny island within the Exuma chain of the Bahamas. Vietnamese-inspired structures are spread throughout the sandy cay, with each of the 10 Private Villas containing their own private gazebo and section of beach for ultimate seclusion. Enjoy easy access to other stunning islands in the Exuma chain, where you can swim with pigs or snorkel in underwater caves, or embrace the isolation and luxury of your private stretch of sandy cay.
Chapwani Private Island, Tanzania
A tiny island 20 minutes from Zanzibar, Chapwani Private Island offers all the advantages of a remote location without the hassle of travel. Each of the 10 rooms overlooks the ocean — sea breezes and ceiling fans take the place of A/C and the mosquito-net canopy beds are there to ensure the bugs stay out. The sunset villa boasts two bedrooms and two bathrooms, complete with a private pool and balcony. All meals feature home-grown produce and locally caught seafood — private dinners are available upon request. During the day, take a boat to the nearby sandbar, go scuba diving or tag along on a local fishing expedition.
