The Best Private Islands Available to Charter

The Nautilus

Thiladhoo Island, Maldives

Thinking about where to escape to once lockdown lifts? Take a look at our wanderlust-inducing round up of luxury private islands for charter that we'd love to retreat to.

The Nautilus, Maldives

If you're hoping to celebrate a special birthday or destination wedding in complete privacy, head to The Nautilus resort on the totally isolated Maldivian island of Thiladhoo. Located in an eastern corner of the pristine Baa Atoll, The Nautilus is fringed by swaying palms and white-sand beaches, and has a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on its doorstep. Expect rustic-style over-water bungalows, four indulgent restaurants providing a diverse range of cuisines, and days spent swimming with whale sharks and manta rays during diving trips with the on-site marine biologist. The spa can organise bespoke wellness programmes for each guest and a private butler will ensure that your every need is met.

The Nautilus offers two exclusive buyout options: a group of up to 62 can book all 26 houses and residences, while smaller groups of up to 30 can chose to take over just 14 houses - but the island and all of its facilities will still be exclusively available to your party.

Buyout price: POA

How to get there: Just a 30-minute flight by sea plane will bring you from Malé International Airport to The Nautilus.

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Time + Tide Miavana

Nosy Ankao, Madagascar

Intrepid travellers hoping to get off the grid should head to the idyllic isle of Nosy Ankao, situated just off the coast of Madagascar. Home to the remotely located hotel Time + Tide Miavana, up to 40 guests can enjoy the islet and its 14 luxury villas (each one complete with a private plunge pool) all to themselves.

An eco resort that seamlessly blends into its surroundings, each villa at Time + Tide Miavana features semi-open architecture to welcome in the ocean breeze while rattan and seashell finishes fully embrace the island aesthetic. Guests will wake up to the sights and sounds of the Indian Ocean from their beach-facing accommodations, complemented by the calls of native lemurs which roam the island at will. From sunrise yoga to dolphin and whale watching, there's plenty of activities for guests to enjoy during their exclusive stay, and it's worth noting that the retreat is also an ideal base for those hoping to experience an African safari by land, air or sea - just ask for an itinerary to be put together for you.

Buyout price: A group of up to 40 guests can buy out the island in its entirety for a minimum stay of 7 nights at a price of £534,900, when booked through carrier.co.uk.

How to get there: Just a 30 minute helicopter ride will transport guests from Antsiranana Airport to the island of Nosy Ankao.

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Banwa Private Island

Palwan archipelago, Philippines

After a 10 year development, Banwa opened its shores in early 2019. Available only for exclusive use, the six-hectare island can host your nearest and dearest in a mixture of contemporary beachfront villas and garden residences, complete with private infinity pools and hot tub decks. Tailored service is the order of the day – from private Pilates to personalised meals using produce grown on the island’s own organic farm – but it’s Banwa’s natural beauty that makes it stand out.

Sitting within the marine protected area of Palawan archipelago, which is famed for its pristine habitats, the island’s perfect white sand beaches offer sea views across distant verdant mountains. Divers, swimmers and snorkelers will also be delighted with sightings of local wildlife including hawksbill turtles and black tip reef sharks, plus rare birds, such as the white collared kingfisher, may be spotted flying overhead.

Buyout price: Starting from $50,000 per night, up to 22 guests can make Banwa their own private paradise.

How to get there: Fly by private jet from Manila to either San Vicente or Puerto Princesa and then enjoy a short helicopter hop to the island.

Picture courtesy of Banwa Private Island

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Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Maldives

With a $1,000,000 price tag, Raffles' private island could give some of the world's most expensive charter superyachts a run for their money. For five days up to 70 guests can take over this oasis and enjoy Raffles' renowned butler service in complete privacy. While staying in the 21 luxurious villas that overlook the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, guests have exclusive access to the spa, gym and indulgent beachside restaurants during their stay.

This retreat is particularly appealing for dive enthusiasts who want to enjoy their own piece of paradise. Located among waters teeming with colourful marine life and unspoilt reefs, the resort boasts a world-class dive centre complete with an on-site marine biologist. If that still doesn't satisfy your wanderlust, a nearby deserted island can be transformed by the Raffles team to create an unparalleled event space during your stay – use it to experience a sunset concert hosted by a celebrity DJ or take in a champagne-and-stargazing session guided by a personal astronomer.

Buyout price: For a cool $1,000,000, elite travellers can charter the island resort for four nights and five days. The rate includes a 5% charitable donation to the Maldives’ Marine Center and the Olive Ridley Project, an NGO that works to protect sea turtles.

How to get there: Take an hour-long flight from Malé to Kaadedhdhoo, where you will be met by the Raffles team and whisked away to Meradhoo island via speedboat.

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Satellite Island

Tasmania, Australia

Originally bought by reclusive writer, poet and painter Ian Alstergren in the 1960s, Satellite Island is a rugged spot tucked into the south of Tasmania alongside Bruny Island. Wild and picturesque, this 34 hectare paradise is the perfect rural getaway. Guests can spend their days exploring the various walking trails around the island, head out into the surrounding waters atop kayaks to see the island from the sea or even go diving for abalone, urchin and mussels. Those who fancy exploring further afield can travel over to Bruny Island to visit the winery, take a private air tour or go on a nature safari.

Additionally, guests can go fishing in the afternoon before heading up to the top of the island for a bonfire while watching the sunset. The unspoilt nature of the island means that seafood is abundant - dinners can be expected to feature the day's catch of wild salmon or freshly shucked oysters paired with fine Tasmanian wine.

Buyout price: To hire the entire island exclusively, rates begin at $,1950 a night for two guests with a two night minimum stay. Extra guests are $300 per person per night.

How to get there: Cruise south from Hobart and anchor off the island, or moor up in Elizabeth Street Pier in Hobart and travel by private car or helicopter.

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Pictures courtesy of Facebook.com / @SatelliteIsland / @elisehassey / @markchewphotography.

Velaa Private Island

Noonu Atoll, Maldives

Nestled within the constellation of islands that form the Noonu Atoll in the Maldives, Velaa is a private island designed for those who want to be waited on hand and foot. The island maintains a ratio of eight staff to one guest, and each of the luxurious over-water bungalows are equipped with their own personal butler. Highlights of the island that can be enjoyed by guests include the indulgent spa - offering everything from a chardonnay body scrub to a green caviar facial - a private yacht for sunset cruises and even an on-site submarine for exploring the vibrant marine life around Velaa.

Buyout price: The buyout rate for Velaa starts from $1,000,000 (approximately £802,675) per night, with a minimum booking of 4 nights.

How to get there: Guests will be escorted by private limo from Malé International Airport to board a seaplane, which will arrive at Velaa after a 45 minute flight.

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Elang Island at Bawah Reserve

Anambas Islands, Indonesia

Environmentally-conscious luxury hunters have had high praise for the Bawah Reserve since it opened in the remote Anambas Islands back in 2018. But those seeking even greater privacy will soon be able to make use of the resort's private retreat, Elang Island, when it opens later this year. Its six sustainable lodges were penned by Singaporean designer Sim Boon Yang and were made using recycled natural materials as well as bamboo, driftwood and hand-cut stone. But the barefoot vibe doesn’t mean there is any skimping on luxury – each villa comes with private butler service. The emerald foliage-covered islet also boasts its own clubhouse – complete with a saltwater infinity pool – a private dining area, spa and beach.

Buyout price: The island can host up to 16 guests, with a buyout price starting From $21,000 per night.

How to get there: Bawah Reserve will organise a private seaplane to take you from Batam airport to Elang Island in 80 minutes.

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Picture courtesy of Bawah Reserve

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island

Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives

For an experience that combines the Maldives' natural beauty with unparalleled service, buyout the 15 over-water villas that make up Kudadoo Maldives Private Island. The exclusive retreat is the smaller and more exclusive sister branch to the neighbouring Hurawalhi Resort, famed for its underwater restaurant.

From scuba and fishing excursions, to ocean-facing spa treatments, the Kudadoo staff are on standby to organise experiences that will satisfy every one of their guests' whims. As an added bonus, the island's communal area, which houses the bar, restaurant, spa and gym, is both stylish and eco-friendly. Designed by Japanese-American architect Yuji Yamazaki, the interior is decorated with tropical orchids and elegant teak furniture, while the roof is covered in solar panels that power the entire resort.

Buyout price: Kudadoo can accommodate up to 34 guests, with buyout rates starting at $80,000 per night.

How to get there: Superyachts can sail the 80 nautical miles from Malé to reach Kudadoo, but the quicker alternative is a 45 minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport.

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Picture courtesy of Diego De Pol

Dolphin Island

Rakiraki, Fiji

A secluded spot in the South Pacific off the north coast of Fiji, Dolphin Island gives guests the chance to unwind in a stunning spot where you’re never too far from the sound of ocean waves. This private luxury wellness and fitness retreat is an ideal destination for those in need of a reset.

Up to eight guests can be hosted in traditional thatched-roof bungalows with elegant yet rustic interiors and open walls, perfect for watching the sunrise or falling asleep to the sound of the ocean. Spend your days diving, snorkelling and kayaking, or simply enjoy the treatments available, such as manicures, pedicures, body wraps and scrubs, facials and massages.

Buyout price: A minimum of two guests can have the island all to themselves from NZ$2,000 per person per night. A total of eight guests can buy out the island for NZ$1,500 per person per night.

How to get there: Travel by private superyacht helicopter or seaplane transfer from Nadi Airport.

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Picture courtesy of Facebook.com / Dolphin Island Fiji

Royal Belize

Belize

Set off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea lies Royal Belize, a beautiful and tiny island getaway only available to one party at a time. Up to 16 adults can lap up the stunning surroundings while shading themselves from the blazing sunshine beneath lofty palm trees. Get your wellness fix with a yoga class, or venture out onto the ocean atop a kayak, catamaran, paddle board or water skis. Royal Belize is also a five star PADI diving resort, where underwater explorers can enjoy trips to the second largest barrier reef in the world and the famous diving site of the Belize Blue Hole.

Buyout price: Prices start from $10,000 per night for an all-inclusive exclusive island rental for 10 travellers. For groups over 10, an additional $150 per person per night is added to the rate.

How to get there: Guests can arrive from Dangriga by 25-minute boat ride or by private helicopter from Belize International airport.

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Picture courtesy of Facebook.com / Royal Belize

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