If you have clients wanting exclusivity and privacy, a private island takeover is your ticket to success. Here are 10 high-end island resorts available to take over for a bespoke escape that’s far from ordinary.
From palatial overwater bungalows to islands where A-listers roam, we’ve found some of the world’s most extraordinary private island retreats.
Whether celebrating a special occasion, coordinating a multigenerational holiday or for a bucket list experience, these 10 island getaways present a new benchmark in ultra-luxury travel for your discerning clients.
Velaa Private Island, Maldives
Ideal for the luxury traveller who’s experienced it all, Velaa Private Island offers an ultra-deluxe escape in the Maldives’ Noonu Atoll.
All this opulence does come with a high price tag, but for A$1,500,000 (four nights minimum), the exclusive resort accommodates up to 134 of your family and friends across 47 villas, houses, and residences.
Beyond the pristine white sand beaches and seclusion, Velaa stands out for its extravagant offerings. These include a golf academy designed by Spanish Basque pro golfer José Maria Olazábal, underwater wine cellars, and the Maldives’ only private submarine.
Kokomo Private Island, Fiji
Kokomo Private Island delivers barefoot luxury with a polished edge on the fringe of the Great Astrolabe Reef in Fiji’s Kadavu Islands.
With 21 beachfront villas and five luxury residences, the island caters for up to 100 guests. Exclusive use of the island is available on application, starting from A$210,000 per night with a minimum three-night stay.
The appeal of Kokomo lies in its untouched beauty, curated indulgence, and the property’s focus on sustainability. Guests enjoy organic cuisine, with 20 percent of ingredients sourced from the island farm.
Activities suit adventure seekers, families, and honeymooners alike with waterfall hikes, cultural tours, and snorkelling and diving the Great Astrolabe Reef’s marine wonders.
Moskito Island, British Virgin Islands
Stay and play with the billionaires who frequent the British Virgin Islands with an exclusive buyout of Moskito Island. This luxurious paradise is set across 50 hectares and includes four private estates – The Point, The Oasis, The Village and Cape Stout – each with its own personality and style.
With a minimum four-night stay, rent Moskito Island from around A$37,000 per night. In-villa chef services and spa treatments are additional.
Alongside the four villas, guests enjoy three private beaches, lush botanical gardens, ample swimming pools, watersport equipment, and a dedicated team curating a personalised stay for the entire group.
Soneva Secret, Maldives
The latest addition to the Soneva portfolio, Soneva Secret offers ultra-bespoke travel in the untouched waters of the Maldives’ Makunudhoo Atoll.
The resort has 14 one- and two-bedroom overwater and island villas. Choose the lavish Crusoe Villa for the ultimate in luxury, the island’s feature property only accessible by boat.
Designed for travellers who value creativity, privacy and sustainability in equal measure, Soneva Secret is available for buyout from A$165,000 per night, including dining and speedboat airport transfers.
The round-the-clock care from the dedicated ‘barefoot guardians’ (butlers) and ‘barefoot chefs’ ensure personalised experiences that go beyond traditional luxury hospitality standards.
Lizard Island Resort, Queensland
Set on the northernmost tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island Resort offers unrivalled proximity to Australia’s most famous natural wonder.
Forty suites and villas accommodate up to 80 guests on the resort’s ‘Exclusively Yours’ programme from A$28,000 per night with a minimum three-night stay.
Guests enjoy all-inclusive dining with top-tier Australian wines and spirits, private beach picnics, and the chance to explore the world’s largest reef system directly from the island. The resort team works closely with guests to tailor activities from diving to spa treatments and more.
Turtle Island, Fiji
Offering a soulful beachside getaway, Turtle Island is an ideal destination for travellers who value authenticity as much as exclusivity. The resort – located at the top end of the Yasawas – has seen a recent surge in full island bookings, especially with friend groups celebrating milestone birthdays and extended family reunions.
Set on more than 200 hectares, the island has 14 handcrafted beachfront bures suitable for up to 28 guests. All-inclusive buyout rates start from A$45,000 per night with a minimum five-night stay.
Turtle Island’s 12 private beaches add to the away-from-it-all guest experience, and the island’s ties to the local community and authentic Fijian ceremonies leave no doubt where you are in the world. Guest activities include horse riding, watersports, sunset cruises, and traditional Fijian ceremonies.
Orpheus Island, Queensland
Orpheus Island offers an intimate experience on its 1,000-hectare island national park. Drawing inspiration from the island’s unspoiled wilderness, the property emphasises sustainability and a connection to nature, ensuring a tranquil stay.
Orpheus Island’s ‘Exclusive Use’ package allows for a full island buyout from A$35,950 per night. The resort can accommodate up to 28 guests across 14 luxurious rooms and suites. The rate includes all meals, beverages, and experiences like snorkelling, fishing, and guided island tours.
Nearby sister property Pelorus Private Island features a sprawling single luxury residence with five suites across 400 hectares of unspoiled wilderness.
COMO Cocoa Island, Maldives
COMO Cocoa Island presents wellness with minimalist chic in the turquoise waters of South Male’s atoll. The resort is only 40 minutes by speedboat from the international airport.
With 33 overwater villas inspired by local Dhoni fishing boats, the island accommodates up to 72 guests. The nightly takeover price tag includes meals, a private cocktail event, guided snorkelling, speedboat airport transfers, and more.
For clients looking for a wellness-first island buyout, COMO Cocoa Island tops the list. The resort’s rejuvenating spa rituals, invigorating yoga classes, and snorkelling straight from the deck contribute to a calm, restorative, and barefoot luxury stay.
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Song Saa offers a high-end regenerative escape in Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago. The resort features 24 thatched overwater or jungle villas catering for a maximum 48 guests. A select number of full island buyouts are available annually, starting from $38,000 per night.
For eco-conscious travellers, the resort’s contribution to marine conservation and local community development ensures a more meaningful stay without compromising on luxury. Tailored itineraries may include reef snorkelling and conservation, and cultural initiatives led by the resort’s dedicated team.
Tsowa Safari Island, Zimbabwe
Not all luxury island buyouts are surrounded by the ocean; Tsowa Safari Island offers a unique blend of luxury and wilderness within Zambezi National Park.
Accessible only by 4×4 and boat, the island provides an exclusive retreat for up to 16 guests. The resort’s eight river-facing luxury safari tents feature indoor and outdoor showers, private verandas, and Zambezi River views. Takeover prices start from $9,100 per night on a two-night mininum basis, plus park fees.
During their island stay, guests can immerse themselves in activities like guided game drives, national park walks, canoeing safaris, bird watching, and sunset river cruises. Be sure to add a Victoria Falls day trip to any exclusive stay.
