Private islands are the maximum privacy expression. Whole-island bookings, single-villa retreats, no other guests. They are also among the most expensive hotel experiences possible.
Whole-island properties (full buyout)
Necker Island BVI (Richard Branson)
Private island, 30+ guests. From $50,000-$110,000 per night for full island. Famously celebrity-discreet.
Calivigny Island Grenada
13-bedroom private island, full-buyout only. Caribbean-discreet.
Mustique Island St Vincent (multiple villas)
Private island community with villa rentals. Royal-family connection.
Petit St Vincent
50-room resort that books as full property for groups of 50+.
COMO Parrot Cay TCI
Whole-island available for buyout. From $200,000+/night for full property.
North Island Seychelles
Whole-island reservation possible. From $150,000/night for full island.
Vamizi Island Mozambique
Whole-island private retreat, multi-villa.
Single-villa private retreats
Brando Tetiaroa (single villa)
Multiple privacy options at single-villa level. Marlon Brando's island.
Velaa Maldives (single overwater villa)
Single-villa privacy with hotel infrastructure.
Soneva Jani (single villa)
Maldivian privacy.
Six Senses Laamu (single villa)
Maldivian privacy at lower scale.
Boutique private island
Petit St Vincent
50-room resort — feels like a private island but is technically a hotel.
Cousine Island Seychelles
8-villa private island.
Mnemba Island Tanzania
10-room private retreat.
Frégate Island Seychelles
16-villa private island.
How buyout works
Whole-island reservations book 9-12 months ahead. 25% deposit at booking, 50% at six months, 25% at arrival. Detailed brief 60 days out.
Cost typically: $150,000-$300,000 per night for true private island, plus food/beverage/activities/staff.
Single-villa retreats: $5,000-$50,000 per night depending on property.
What's included
Most whole-island reservations include: all rooms, dedicated staff, all dining (set menus customised), basic activities (snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking). Excluded: spa treatments, charter excursions, premium beverages, gratuities.
Five rules
- Whole-island books 9-12 months out
- Use a luxury travel agent — they have buyout access
- The brief is the trip — invest 60 days out
- Insurance is non-negotiable
- Tip generously — staff handle a lot
For more, see the privacy pillar.
