Being able to own an island would be great, wouldn’t it? Imagine having the complete freedom to wander an island entirely in the nude with no-one around to blush aside from tropical fish. Well, what was once a pipe-dream only accessible to the likes of rugged and sun-burnt castaways like Robinson Crusoe and Richard Branson has now become a whole lot more easier. Sort of. You can rent one for a brief period of time using Airbnb.
Whilst you will have to concede ownership of your domain eventually (and walking around entirely nude will likely be frowned upon), these islands look to be the ideal holiday getaway for a few days of private paradise.
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1. Bird Island – Placencia, Belize
A private island on a beautiful atoll, Bird Island offers an excellent escape for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, as well as just general exploring.
A self-catered location with all the other comforts provided, this experience is best suited for those who are totally self-sufficient and aren’t afraid to spend some time on their own. Literally. It’s an island.
Perfect for a romantic get-away or for a small group of friends, Belize’s climate also means you won’t really have to worry about the weather ahead of booking. Something you will have to consider is when you do want to go, as bookings will have to be done well in advance. And when we say well in advance we’re talking booking your stay over a year ahead of time. That’s just how popular this little island is.
The island can accommodate up to six people comfortably with costs starting from Dhs 2,251 per night.
Book here.
2. Private Island in Hvaler – Vesterøy, Østfold, Norway
A small cottage on a 10,000 square metre Private Island in the adventurous archipelago of Hvaler, Norway might not be everyone’s exact idea of luxury. To be totally honest the island looks like it could easily be a part of the set of the next Wes Anderson film and we can completely understand anyone who’d prefer to holiday somewhere a bit more tropical. That being said, this location is ideal for anyone looking to go completely off-grid and properly seclude themselves in their surroundings. Able to house one family or four grown adults, the only vaguely luxurious amenity available is a 12v port available for charging your phone. Being an island and all, a motor boat is however available to help you traverse the waters.
Whilst Norway may not be everyone’s first port of call for the summer, it’s important to note that Hvaler in particular is the municipality with the highest number of sunny days per year in the whole of Norway. It’s also absolutely stunning.
This island accommodates up to 5 people with costs starting from Dhs 885 per night. Check-in during the hours of darkness is not recommended (no, seriously).
Book here.
3. Brother Island – El Nido, Philippines
The only exclusive private island for rent in El Nido, Brother Island places a friendly focus on Ecotourism and a family atmosphere. So much so that children under 12 can stay completely free of charge. With breakfast, lunch, and dinner all included and cooked fresh using local ingredients, Brother Island is great for truly experiencing what authentic island life is like in the Philippines.
Snorkeling gear and kayak rental is readily available to allow you to properly explore the island’s surroundings, although potential guests should probably be warned ahead of time that there is no air-conditioning and no TV. With no hope of catching up with Love Island you’ll simply have to suffice yourself with spending your precious time on an actual island instead. Shame.
Brother Island accommodates up to 12 people with costs starting from Dhs 1,124 per night.
Book here.
4. Tahiti Island – Granada, Nicaragua
Recently remodeled with a pool, 4 bedrooms with air conditioning, a TV, a fully equipped kitchen (including refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, cutlery, pans) furnished terraces, bathrooms with electric showers, and much more, this private island is stocked with just about everything you could ever want.
A 5-minute boat ride from the nearest port, you won’t find many better locations to experience the true beauty of Granada.
This island accommodates up to 10 people with costs starting from Dhs 776 per night.
Book here.
5. Hideaway Caye – Placencia, Stann Creek, Belize
Described as “nature’s best kept secret”, Hideaway Caye is an island that remains fairly untainted my man. Kept in its natural mangrove state with boardwalks winding throughout the property, you’re definitely going to want to take some snaps for the ‘gram on this island.
Nestled in the Pelican Cayes, which is part of South Water Caye marine reserve, you can enjoy a comfortable and scenic stay in this nook of nature via means of the residency’s breezy veranda and floor to ceiling windows. Guests also have access to kayaks, snorkeling gear and even fishing gear. Meals are included with your stay and consist of what the sea provides – with the more adventurous of you out there even having the option a go at catching your own dinner.
Make sure to pick your partner wisely though as this island only accommodates 2 people from Dhs 1,040 per night.
Book here.
6. Laurel Island – East Hampton, CT, United States
Laurel Island is a 5 acre Island situated on a quiet lake in Connecticut. You can rent the entire island all to yourself, however there are also cabins available to rent for smaller groups or people with not enough mates.
A perfect location to hold a retreat, reunion, or a simple group get-together, Laurel Island combines the privacy and peacefulness of an island with all the facilities you’d expect for a group so large. Accommodations include 5 private cottages and a large main lodge for gathering together the troops. Local catering is also available for group meals and will provide meals adaptable to different diets including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free.
The 5 acre island’s canopy trees, blueberry bushes, rocky outcrops and large grassy field provide numerous spaces for activities and events that lend themselves well for yoga, meditation, nature, wellness and other types of retreats.
Guests renting the entire Island will, unsurprisingly, have the entire Island to enjoy. For those who require a bit more adventure and a bit less R&R there are canoes, kayaks, and rowboats available to engage in a variety of nautical excursions. There’s even a volleyball court on hand to allow you to play out your deepest, darkest Top Gun fantasy.
We’d definitely recommend bringing the whole family along for the jaunt as this island can accommodate up to 36 people with prices starting from Dhs 946 per night.
Book here.
7. Ilha Grande – Brazil
A beautiful tropical property off the coast of Angra Dos Reis (situated 2 hours from Rio de Janeiro), Ilha Grande is an island that offers you quiet and complete privacy. A piece of real Brazil, you’ll find yourself surrounded here by a range of astonishing flora and fauna for you to fawn over.
A 15-20 minutes crossing by boat from the nearest main harbor, the Ilha Grande is just secluded enough to make you feel like you’re truly immersed in the heart of the rainforest. But not so secluded that you think you’re going to be mauled to death by a wild animal.
Kitted out with two wooden decks for to enjoy the sunrise and sunset, the Ilha Grande is pretty much exactly what you’d think of when you hear the word ‘picturesque’. Relaxation is the main aim of the Grande here. After all, what else would you expect from somewhere that’s got not-one but four hammocks?
The Ilha Grande accommodates up to 14 people from Dhs 6,031 per night.
Book here.
8. Big Bamboo Island – Coron, Philippines
You know those picture-perfect tropical paradises with the turquoise-blue waters, powdery-white sand beach and coconut trees spanning as far as the eye can see? Yeah, that’s pretty much what Big Bamboo Island is like. Offering some of the richest marine life in the region, your stay at this island promises to be one that’s not only good for your peace of mind but also your health.
Largely undiscovered by the plethora of the world’s uber-attractive instagrammers, the majority of this island’s raw beauty has been preserved and enhanced by the careful development of a gorgeous zero-carbon tropical villa.
Utilizing the very best local ingredients on offer, all the vegetables, citrus, herbs and even the poultry are grown locally to feed your body as well as your soul. And the best thing about Big Bamboo Island? It’s not only good for you but it’s also good for the planet. Operations on the island are 100% solar-powered, with huge rainwater collectors feeding a 100 cubic meter tank to provide you with the freshest water available. So don’t think of this as giving yourself a break, think of it as giving the earth a helping hand.
Accommodation is available for up to 15 people with costs starting from Dhs 4,994 per night.
Book here.
